The Garmin 276C today?

[cshontz]

I was looking at Garmin's web site for Topo software for my 276C, and found Topo USA 2008. Great, they must've updated it recently. So I look at the compatibility list and no Garmin 276C! I was aghast!

I'm not that surprised that the 276C is almost obsolete, with the proprietary memory and all. But I guess I was rather hoping it wouldn't happen quite yet. GPSCity is showing limited quantities, giving me the distinct impression its being phased out.

I'm somewhat discouraged, because Garmin doesn't seem to show a replacement for the model. The automotive GPS units lack the utility. The hand-held units aren't as suited for dashboard use, and the marine units all seem to be ... well ... marine. Whats going on here, Garmin?

 

[xcmountain80]

The 276c was a primarily marine unit from the begining. If you were to look at the features they offer most of them are marine related. They replaced the 276 and the 376 with 278, 378, 478.

Aaron

 

[cshontz]

The 276c was a primarily marine unit from the begining. If you were to look at the features they offer most of them are marine related. They replaced the 276 and the 376 with 278, 378, 478.

Yup, I'm aware of that. In fact, I suspect the 276, 376, and 78's are all in the same boat. HAR! Garmin has been updating their whole chartplotter line, but not with any dual purpose units as far as I can tell ... at least not yet.

 

[xcmountain80]

Oh ok from what I read I thought you were confused and didn't think they replaced them at all.

Aaron

 

[BajaTaco]

I just completed another equipment comparison and review test (GPS units) for the Fall issue of Overland Journal, and I can tell you that the new Topo U.S. 2008 does indeed work on the GPSMap 276C. Good news is that no unlock code is required.

 

[cshontz]

I just completed another equipment comparison and review test (GPS units) for the Fall issue of Overland Journal, and I can tell you that the new Topo U.S. 2008 does indeed work on the GPSMap 276C. Good news is that no unlock code is required.

That's great to hear, Chris! Thank you for chiming in. I figured it might've been lacking in the display, memory, or CPU areas, especially since it looks like there's shading now (to some extent) in 2008.

 

[BajaTaco]

That's great to hear, Chris! Thank you for chiming in. I figured it might've been lacking in the display, memory, or CPU areas, especially since it looks like there's shading now (to some extent) in 2008.

I have comments on those points you bring up, but I better wait until the magazine comes out.

 

[jeffryscott]

I have comments on those points you bring up, but I better wait until the magazine comes out.

Can you divulge what other units were tested? Just curious :chowtime:

 

[outsidr]

Excuse the shameless commercial post, but, I have a 276c in stock if someone wants it. FYI...

 

[Ralphie]

I work at a GPS store in Anchorage, AK that sells Garmin recreational GPS equipment. The -76/-78 units are the equivalent of an axis point for marine, auto navigation and handhelds. They're designed to be transfered between your car and your boat (and if you really, really want to you can carry them around using the rechargeable battery). They didn't replace the 276's with 278's, they just added the option of built-in maps. (The -78 series come with g2 Bluecharts for all of the United States and City Navigator for North America. The -76 have only the basemap found in most handheld units.) I haven't heard any rumors of them being discontinued soon (but as was mentioned, Garmin is trying to get away from proprietary data cards).

Topo 2008 is compatible, but one caveat: the proprietary memory cards are uber expensive, and the 276C model won't hold a card larger than 512k (which is, I believe, the largest proprietary data card they make). With old Topo that was no big deal. For example, it used to be that all of Alaska took about 186mgs of memory. But now it's closer to 840mgs. That's a huge difference when you're looking at memory cards that run you approx. $40 for 16mgs (retail).

And while I haven't heard any rumors, I wouldn't be surprised if they modify that line to use SD cards eventually.

 

[TxRider]

I just completed another equipment comparison and review test (GPS units) for the Fall issue of Overland Journal, and I can tell you that the new Topo U.S. 2008 does indeed work on the GPSMap 276C. Good news is that no unlock code is required.

The question I have is does it use newer USGS data than the old topo set? The old topo set was based on pretty old maps, and it isn't so accurate out in the wilds for trails, tank locations and such anymore. It's good enough to always get you home, but only about 80% accurate on existing unmaintained roads and trails etc.