[NorwoodD]

Hello all,

I just registered- this is my first post. Just picked up my 2nd LT (08 Blue). Had a Canyon Red 00 and sold it a while back (because of a move... to Miami. I wasn't finding riding enjoyable down there).

My question is about a 2620- I can get one for $100.00. I guess I would like to know if this unit will do everything I need a GPS to do without problems. I know it doesn't have xm or mp3 storage- I have both of those items, so I suppose I can do without. Just can't see spending $500-$600 or more for a gps.

Thanks!

 

[jzeiler]

The 2620 is the same as the 2610 except it has a mini hard drive for map storage instead of a CF card. It is a good GPS, I still have my 2610 but went for the brighter, 3D, and text to speech of the 2720. There was some speculation that the HD would not hold up under Motorcycle vibrations but I have not seen a documented failure.

 

[NorwoodD]

Thanks John,

I made a few calls after posting and found a 2720 at a pawn shop. Went in, took a look and talked them down to $100. Now I'm updating the software. Also ordered the mount from MegaGPS- it'll be here tomorrow. Shipping cost more than the mount... but want to mount it up before this weekend's ride.

I should have remembered all the "little incidental costs" that add up with the K12, but somehow I conveniently forgot!

I should be pretty well set now.

Thanks again.

Norwood
08 Biarritz Blue K1200LT (unnamed)
NC

 

[mwnahas]

What John said! :thumb:

But a hard drive will fail, not a question of if but when. But for a $100 its a good deal and its disposable. At that price you could buy two and keep a spare. Then again you may want to consider a more recent GPS that would be supported longer by Garmin with updates and maps. Oh but here is another point. The hard drive is a finite amount of space and is loaded with non user data. If you had the 2610 you could get different CF cards or bigger CF cards.

Some info from the Garmin site to consider.

"Q. Is the StreetPilot 2620 just a StreetPilot 2610 with a GS MagicStor CF hard drive?
A. While the StreetPilot 2620 and StreetPilot 2610 have the same look and firmware update package, their internal hardware is different and the firmware behaves differently. Additionally, the hard drive shipped in the StreetPilot 2620 has specially enhanced firmware that makes it better suited for our application. The standard GS MagicStor or other hard drive available through normal retail distribution does not have these enhancements and, hence, may cause interference and will not work reliably with Garmin's StreetPilot 2610 or 2620. Use of hard drives that are not approved by Garmin may cause damage to the drive or the unit and, hence, void the warranty.


Q. Is there currently extra space on the StreetPilot 2620's hard drive for additional maps?
A. Yes. The amount of space available for additional maps will depend upon the version of City Navigator that is loaded to your StreetPilot 2620. City Navigator version 5.00 will leave approximately 500 MB and version 6.00 will leave approximately 300 MB available. The preloaded mapset cannot be overwritten using MapSource. MapSource will only load maps to the remaining space on the hard drive. This amount of space is subject to change as updates occur to the preloaded database."

If it were me I'd spend a few more bucks on a 2610 or a 2720.

 

[NorwoodD]

Re: Another GPS question- 2620 NOW: Mapsource HELP please!

Thanks Mike,

Actually, what I picked up for $100.00 is the 2720. Great deal, I think. The only problem I'm having now is trying to learn how to make routes on the pc and transfer them to the unit. I was able to download Mapsource, but the map is very bare (doesn't show all the roads).

So, to hijack my own thread- is there anyone with a 27xx who can tell me how to update the Mapsource map? Do I need to buy the software or new maps? And, can I upload routes from Mapsource to the unit? Garmin said yes, when I called them.

Thanks.

 

[ArthurKnowles]

If you have the program (Mapsource) you can download the maps on your GPS to it. Whatever is on your GPS can be downloaded from what I recall. I have never had to do it since I buy the upgrades and download (repalce the maps on the GPS) then load mapsource with the new maps on my PC.

I have a 2720 & Navigator III (2820). All use the current City Navigator 2009 maps I bought at TVNAV.COM. Price is $60 plus S&H. I recommend you stop by there and buy a set. Not only will it upgrade your GPS, but will give you a leagal copy of the software and maps on your PC. I also suggest you register your GPS with Garmin.

 

[NorwoodD]

Arthur,

Thank you!!! I have Mapsource v8 preloaded. The Garmin customer service rep mentioned picking up the 09 version.

I'm beginning to understand. This site is great- it's already saving me money and headaches.

 

[wjhanna]

The 2620 is the same as the 2610 except it has a mini hard drive for map storage instead of a CF card. It is a good GPS, I still have my 2610 but went for the brighter, 3D, and text to speech of the 2720. There was some speculation that the HD would not hold up under Motorcycle vibrations but I have not seen a documented failure.

Did the same. My 2720 has held up perfectly. The 2610 was equally as reliable on the LT. I used the BMW mount through the maplight. I've used this setup on my '01, '04 and '05 LT's.
I'm just putting the finishing touches on our route for an annual spring ride with 10 buddies. They just follow me! I've honed it every year, now enter the routes as 2008 Day 1, 2008 Day 2, etc. Every gas and rest stop is in the gps. I've found that the guys taking water pills usually require an early in the day emergency stop, sometimes as early as 1/2 hour to 45 minutes into the morning, that I couldn't plan for! :rotf:
You won't regret the 2620 and at $100, it's a steal!
Just some added info- City Nav 2009 seems to have been made available on the Garmin website for download or to purchase the DVD. I made my purchase a few minutes ago. I think this must just have come online in the last hour or so. I've been checking periodically over the last couple of days and the site said it would be back up shortly and, as of an hour ago, it seems to be . The download seems pretty huge and even on roadrunner it's time consuming.