In thread 107238 there was a debate about a replacement for the Garmin 276C GPS which first came onto the market around 10 years ago. I purchased a Montanta 650t in April to replace my aging 276C which has not died yet but is on the way. They now both sit on the dash in the Cruiser and I have had a few trips to see how they compare after learning how the Montana works.
In summary after being totally familiar with both units, a 276C updated to take SD cards and an up to dated GPS engine would be my first choice by a country mile.
The differences.
1. the 267C screen is bigger and easier to read.
2. The 276C has see through data fields against the Montana which blocks out the map.
3. The 276C is button operated as opposed to a touch screen which is more tactile especially on a bumpy track.
4. The Montana runs out of memory if the route you ask it to calculate is to long. This is a major annoyance as it cannot calculate a route from
my home in
Melbourne to the Riverina in NSW a distance of about 450 k's. While I know how to drive there I want to know my ETA and the distance to go, very frustrating.
5. When you save a track on the 276C it condenses the track to 300 points, whereas the Montana saves every point no matter how long the track. (The Montana has more memory)
6. Battery life is about 50% greater on a 276C
7. The Montana is lighter and easier to carry if you are walking.
8. The Montana holds all of my maps for the whole of Australia all of the time whereas with the 276C I have to load the maps for the States I am going too, not hard but a hassle.
9. The Montana drops the GPS signal from time to time for no apparent reason even though it has a clear view of the sky. Its is not for long, just annoying.
10. I purchased my Montana through GPSOZ who have been very helpful in assisting me to come to grips with the Montana.
Lastly would I recommend the Montana 650t as a replacement for the Garmin 276C? The answer is, while it is not ideal, I could not find any other choice. It is a bit like Microsoft, just when you have come to grips with one version of Windows they bring out a new a better (??????) version.