Garmin 2610 or 2820

[mwnahas]

Referbs available.
2610 for $210
2820 for $600

http://garmn.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/1764/Refurbished-Units-Homepage.html

Sreen size seems the same, but the 2820 is higher res.
Anybody seen the difference in the two is it work about $400 more?
Is 3D that much better than 2D?
I don't think I need the blue tooth.

On the surface the 2610 looks like the best bang for the buck.

I'd like to hear from people that have used one of the other or both.

thanks in advance

[bowlesj]

Well Mike, I would say get the 2720. Which is a 2820 without Satellite radio or MP3 or whatever extra crud it has. The 2720 is the same as the 2610 without the required SD disk. All map data can be installed on the 2720's internal memory. 2720's are about $300. Or, ask Joe for a good price on his 2720.:)

[cfell]

I have the 2610.. "obsolete" according to Garmin, but after 3 years, it is still rocking. The screen delaminated, so I carefully scraped the brittle layer off and used Novus #2 to polish it.. looks fine, works fine.. cost for "remanufacture/rebuild" $360... looks like the price is getting "right"!

[murray]

Between the three units 2610, 2720 and the 2820. The advantages the 2720 has vs the 2610 are negated. The 2720 requires more input steps than the 2610, less user friendly. Ebay has the 2610 refurb for about $180.
Now if expense is not a issue the 478 would be my next choice followed by the Zumo 550 with a 2610 back up.

[messenger13]

Mike,

I used my 2610 A LOT, then was upgraded to the 2720 (Thanks Garmin! :)) due to a delaminating screen. :o Now, I'm ready to upgrade to the Zumo 550 . . . simply due to the fact that I'm going Bluetooth this year.

The 2720's GUI is astronomically more functional than the 2610. Just the 3D views and the TTS (test-to-speech) features are worth the extra $$s.

We can meet for a special tour of all the features of my 2720, and I'll show you everything that it does that the out-dated 2610 does not do. And then you can hand me $350 and I'll give you your new 2720 with some extra goodies that you can't get anywhere else for it. :p PM me for an appointment (aka coffee!). :)

As for you current 2610 owners ... I don't blame you for keeping your 2610. They are good units, and upgrading is simply expensive. But the new GUI, 3D views, and TTS is really and truly "all that".

The 478 eh? FWIW, it does not do TTS, 3D views, MP3s, or Bluetooth. I think the Zumo 550 is probably the better choice for a motorcyclist, IF any of those things matter.

[VitesseLT]

My 2820 has worked out very well. I don't use the bluetooth feature quite as much as I expected I would, however, I use the music player, and particularly the XM, a lot more than I thought I would. Unit software and map upgrades have been seamless and quick. No screen problems. Although almost everyone has had good experiences with Garmin refurbs, you may now be able to find a new 2820 within about 50USD of the price noted above.

[jhsonderb]

2610 for $210
2820 for $600

On the surface the 2610 looks like the best bang for the buck.

I'd like to hear from people that have used one of the other or both.

thanks in advanceI've had both units. In addition to all the comments above one notable difference is that the 2610 has maps loaded on a compactflash card. You will need a 2 gig card to load all the maps on the 2610. The detail maps are loaded from the Mapsource software to the 2610's compact flash card. Hopefully, the detail maps and the Mapsource software are included with the unit that you are considering.

The 2820 has the map info preinstalled.

[mwnahas]

I've had both units. In addition to all the comments above one notable difference is that the 2610 has maps loaded on a compactflash card. You will need a 2 gig card to load all the maps on the 2610. The detail maps are loaded from the Mapsource software to the 2610's compact flash card. Hopefully, the detail maps and the Mapsource software are included with the unit that you are considering.

The 2820 has the map info preinstalled.

Still looking at both, 2610 and 2820 yes Mapsource and 1 yr factry warrenty included with options for extnd warrenty. I'll have to check with Garmin but I think I can upgrade to V8 and not have to pay the $75. The CF card I can get for as low as $20 for 2GB at Micro Center here. Since the 2820 has the map info preinstalled, how do you upgrade the maps? Can they be erased and a new set sent to the device?

So the 2610 is slower, less resolution, no 3d. I found (only) a few 2720 and 30 refurbs in the pipe line, but hadn't consided those. There are more 2820 refurbs but it might be more than what I'm looking for then again the potential of seeing construction and knowing the weather is something to consider. Why did Garmin discontinue these in favor or the Zumo?

[mwnahas]

My 2820 has worked out very well. I don't use the bluetooth feature quite as much as I expected I would, however, I use the music player, and particularly the XM, a lot more than I thought I would. Unit software and map upgrades have been seamless and quick. No screen problems. Although almost everyone has had good experiences with Garmin refurbs, you may now be able to find a new 2820 within about 50USD of the price noted above.

I have a refurb quest, so I don't have a problem with refurbs. Places I've looked at are selling new 2820s for nearly $1000 :eek:

[mwnahas]

Mike,

I used my 2610 A LOT, then was upgraded to the 2720 (Thanks Garmin! :)) due to a delaminating screen. :o Now, I'm ready to upgrade to the Zumo 550 . . . simply due to the fact that I'm going Bluetooth this year.

The 2720's GUI is astronomically more functional than the 2610. Just the 3D views and the TTS (test-to-speech) features are worth the extra $$s.

We can meet for a special tour of all the features of my 2720, and I'll show you everything that it does that the out-dated 2610 does not do. And then you can hand me $350 and I'll give you your new 2720 with some extra goodies that you can't get anywhere else for it. :p PM me for an appointment (aka coffee!). :)

As for you current 2610 owners ... I don't blame you for keeping your 2610. They are good units, and upgrading is simply expensive. But the new GUI, 3D views, and TTS is really and truly "all that".

The 478 eh? FWIW, it does not do TTS, 3D views, MP3s, or Bluetooth. I think the Zumo 550 is probably the better choice for a motorcyclist, IF any of those things matter.

Joe, ya, would like to get with you and discuss over coffee or Guinness and wings even :D Not saying I'll bite on you offer though.

[dwfindley]

When I bought my 08 LT I went for the BMW Navagator III option (not sure what this is equivalent Garmin #). Regardless the screen is too small for these aging eyes. I would have preferred the Zumo or Nuvi. I wonder if I could somehow swap the Zumo in the built in harness/bracket? I doubt it.

[jhsonderb]

...Since the 2820 has the map info preinstalled, how do you upgrade the maps? Can they be erased and a new set sent to the device?
...It's a fairly easy process to upgrade the maps on a 2820. You connect your GPS to your computer via USB and insert the DVD into your computer. The software guides you through the process. It takes a fair amount of time, maybe an hour and a half or so if I recall correctly.

[messenger13]

Joe, ya, would like to get with you and discuss over coffee or Guinness and wings even :D Not saying I'll bite on you offer though.No strings attached Michael. Just tryin' to help out. :)

[wilbar00c]

You could also consider the 2730. My understanding is that it is the same as the 2820 except it does not have blue tooth. It is also does all that the 2720 does as Joe pointed out, but Garmin added XM on the 2730. Since the 2730 is discontinued there are some new old stock units out there in the $400-600 range. It listed for $1300 in Mar 05. Could be bought for $700 in May of 06. Text-To-Speech with NT display is what the Zumo is based on. The 2730 has it!!!

[VitesseLT]

I have a refurb quest, so I don't have a problem with refurbs. Places I've looked at are selling new 2820s for nearly $1000 :eek:

Here's a 650USD source - normal disclaimers ... no affiliations, etc.:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Garmin-StreetPilot-2820-GPS-Navigational-System/2161245/product.html

[mwnahas]

Here's a 650USD source - normal disclaimers ... no affiliations, etc.:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Garmin-StreetPilot-2820-GPS-Navigational-System/2161245/product.html

unfortunalty sold out, out of stock :(

[mwnahas]

No strings attached Michael. Just tryin' to help out. :)

I'll try and find out whats going on then, maybe we can arrange something.
catch u L8r

[VitesseLT]

unfortunalty sold out, out of stock :(

Bummer ... hate it when that happens; check back often with them or ask someone else to price match them (might not be very inclined to do that when competitor is out of stock, but it never hurts to ask.) BTW, I saw at least a few others below 699. Google it for other sources; shouldn't be difficult to put a new one on your scoot by this weekend.

[mwnahas]

Well Mike, I would say get the 2720. Which is a 2820 without Satellite radio or MP3 or whatever extra crud it has. The 2720 is the same as the 2610 without the required SD disk. All map data can be installed on the 2720's internal memory. 2720's are about $300. Or, ask Joe for a good price on his 2720.:)

Took your advise and got the 2720. Spent a bit more than $300 plus had to buy extras like breakfast. :p
The 2610 uses a CF card BTW.
The 2720 is a very nice upgrade from my Quest and I really like that 3d view.

Thanks

[bowlesj]

The 2610 uses a CF card BTW.
I never can keep all the technical stuff in recall, but you got the idea:)

The 2720 is a very nice upgrade from my Quest and I really like that 3d view.
Thanks

Glad you solved your dilemma Mike. Hope you enjoy the new unit. You didn't pay Joe's asking price did you?;)

I'm getting ready to recommend a 2720 to an 85 year old female friend in Minnesota. She saw ours and loved it. Probably get her a refurb and drop ship to her address.

See you around,

[messenger13]

Hope you enjoy the new unit. You didn't pay Joe's asking price did you?;)He beat me up on the price like a red-headed stepchild. :(

Naw... I think we're both happy. Now if only my 2820 would just GET HERE already.http://s3.amazonaws.com/advrider/knary.gif

[Lynn_Keen]

He beat me up on the price like a red-headed stepchild. :(

Naw... I think we're both happy. Now if only my 2820 would just GET HERE already.http://s3.amazonaws.com/advrider/knary.gif
Earlier you said your gett'n a ZOMZ 550 and now it's a 2820. So which is it? Inquiring minds want to know!
By the way, I'm very happy with my 2820 which I'm pleased to remind you I got new in the box for $550 a year ago. :~)

Cheers

[messenger13]

Earlier you said your gett'n a ZOMZ 550 and now it's a 2820. So which is it? Inquiring minds want to know!
By the way, I'm very happy with my 2820 which I'm pleased to remind you I got new in the box for $550 a year ago. :~)I sold my 2720 to Michael (mwnahas), and I bought an almost new 2820 off of eBay. Should be here tomorrow (I hope I hope). You should've known I'd end up with the 2820. I want to be just like you someday ... IF I grow up. :D

[Lynn_Keen]

I want to be just like you someday ... IF I grow up. :D
Don't ever grow up my friend. I luv ya just the way ya are!!

[dmatson]

I have a 2610, 2730 and a 2820 and i like the 2820 the best. According to garmin there is a lot of difference between the 2730 and the 2820. I called and talked to a tech and when I asked the diff between my 2730 and 2820 he said the screen was better and the computer guts are much better in the 2820. I love the weather feature on the 2820 you can see it on the map and it is accurate to, it has been a nice feature when i am deciding to put the rain gear on. The only problems i have had with the 2610 is the screen fogs up when in direct sunlite. I call garmin they say send it in and they send me a refurbed one.

[KeVRod_TX]

Just had a mail that 2820 is currently on closeout at Aerostich for $699

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Garmin-StreetPilot-2820-Bluetooth-p-19132.html

[messenger13]

Just had a mail that 2820 is currently on closeout at Aerostich for $699

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Garmin-StreetPilot-2820-Bluetooth-p-19132.html
I got that too. At that price point, I think the Zumo 550 is the better deal. They're under $700 all over eBay.

My http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/images/smiles/twocents_smilie.gif