Garmin GPSMAP 276c Pros & Cons

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 14:18

ThreadID: 25068 Views:3093 Replies:1 FollowUps:5

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Pluto

I will presently be shopping for my first mapping GPS unit and I’m interested in any feedback from anyone that has used the Garmin GPSMAP 276c.

What have you found are its pros & cons?
Has the unit performed reliably?
Are there any features you found surprising?
Were there any installation or operation issues?

Thanks in advance for your help.

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Reply By: KiwiAngler - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 15:36

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 15:36

I have a total of 9 gps units, all Garmin, that I have aquired and then updated over the years.

I have recently (last month or so) purchased the 276C and am very happy with it.

Pros
SD Card
Voice directions
Auto routing
colour screen
large (ish) screen - compared to my other units
data cable is USB
good mounting unit
many good features
easy and intuitive to use.

Cons
None yet.

Installation
I chose to hardwire to car and run external speaker
comes with cig lighter power with built in mic - so if I want to take unit out and run in another car I still have power and voice.

Reliability
Absolutely no issues - garmin rarely does.

Surprising features
Knows when sunrise and sunset is due and changes screen lighting to suit
has topo style page when in 'goto' mode if you want
can have up to 8 different datas showing on screen if want
can 'un clutter' map if required - unclutter means remove all street names etc if you want.

all in all damn fine unit as far as I am concerned

AnswerID: 122140

Follow Up By: Pluto - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 15:55

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 15:55

Thanks KiwiAngler.

How have you found using it when off road?

FollowupID: 377301

Follow Up By: KiwiAngler - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 17:06

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 17:06

Not sure what you mean :-)

FollowupID: 377317

Follow Up By: Pluto - Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 17:17

Tuesday, Jul 26, 2005 at 17:17

The unit has two navigation modes. Automotive mode gives you turn by turn navigation, which won't work off road.

Have you used the "Nautical" ie. manual navigation mode for off road navigation? What is it like to use in this mode?

Another question I haven't been able to find an answer to is: Can the 276c output standard NMEA in both modes?

FollowupID: 377319