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I would like to have the option to increase the size of the font, but that is not available to the extent I need for motorcycle use. Garmin has to be the best GPS available. Software was easy to install on my GPS. Rugged and reliable, if just a little over price; but then you are paying for the Garmin name. It is the only one I buy, and this is my fifth unit. It is fast to aquire satellite data, and will position you within feet of where you are.
So, plan on spending another $25 for that. From there you can analyze your trip - it even interfaces with google maps to provide a real-life view of your excursion. I use my 276C exclusively for boating, and it performs admirably. Overall, I am very pleased - setup was a breeze, never a problem with position refresh, battery life is good, data is accurate, signal strength is fantastic in my boating area, and I really like the fact that nearly every screen is customizable. From this, you are able to upload your trips to the computer. I wasn't expecting much in the marine base map department going into the purchase, but for those that are expecting this, plan to pony up an additional $150 for a (proprietary) data card which gives you the detail you'll need to navigate the waters safely. Given the unit is marketed as "portable", why Garmin opted to not include one is a mystery to me.
One other feature I enjoy is the mapsource software that came with the unit. To enable this feature, you'll need Garmins analog scanner (GSD-21) and a suitable transponder.
For starters, the marine base map is garbage for those who boat offshore or cruise the coast. another $20.One of the more powerful feature I plan to utilize in the near future is the sonar function.
Once you figure out how to navigate the menu screens, you can take advantage of some very powerful options which you would only expect to see on higher end GPS models. If you plan on using this GPS for boating I would recommend the display cover.
Pretty cool stuff. However, in order to take advantage of the 276C's many IMPORTANT features you should plan on spending (quite) a few more $$$.
Also, the absence of a 12v adaptor is a real miss.
I only use it on the water so I cannot speak to its automotive prowess but I am a very satisfied customer.Great accuracy (to 10 feet without WAAS) in Bermuda and charts are good.Thanks Garmin. Another excellent product from Garmin.
Naturally it was non functional but I sent it in to Garmin and they sent me a new one for the $250 "repair" fee (including shipping). I could see it down there but it took me several dives to collect it. (To be fair, I should add that I also have a bigger, fancier RayMarine chartplotter/radar display unit at the helm, but I prefer my 276C for all uses except autohelm).Without question it is the best product out there for how I use it.Oh, about 3 years ago I lost the unit overboard in Catalina in about 20' of water.
I race and cruise sailboats from my home port in Southern California but have used also it many times in Mexico, the East Coast, the UK and The Netherlands. I have a chip so I can navigate the ports of Baja and Southern Mexico and it works seamlessly and A-OK. I've been using my 276C since they came out.
I still have paper charts on board but rarely use them other than to see the big picture. Took about a week. It is a remarkably functional and reliable unit.
I've also used it occasionally for land based travel and though this is not my primary interest, I have been quite satisfied.
"Just follow the Lady's directions."I bought an additional 256 mb memory card which allows detailed maps for about three Northwest States. The voice feature of the 276C can be turned down (or off), however I found it to be preferable, especially for city driving as one does not have to look at the display at all. I would recommend, instead, a 512 mb memory card (not available when I bought mine) so that more detailed data could be stored. This is a superb product. I previously owned a Garmin CarPilot; the operational procedures of the 276C are similar and very convenient and easily understood.
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