Laptop GPS World

I am considering buying the new Garmin 850. I have had the Garmin 2610 for 3 years + and have been very happy with it.

Can anyone tell me what features the new 850 does NOT have that I may miss from my use of the 2610 ?

Thanks for the help.

Mike Flannigan

I had an SPIII and was considering the 750. After your post I looked at the 850 (not available here yet) and that's what I want!!
Voice navigation; I wonder if it will work in my noisy truck.
I also note a removable battery.
Can't think of one thing you'll miss except possibly a remote antenna connection if you are using one.
Also note that Garmin's policy is maps can only be licensed to one device now. The NT version wouldn't work with the 2610 anyway.
Terry

tcassidy:

Thanks for your opinion. I didn't know about the lack of outside antenna, although that's not very important to me. I also didn't know about the "maps can only be licensed to one unit now".

Thanks again.

Mike Flannigan

I found the SPIII preferred an external antenna. It also allowed for more flexible mounting. I don't like windshield mounting as it is another distance to have to focus on; I prefer a dash mount. The Garmin site makes no mention of an external antenna port, however it does list mcx antennas as accessories so maybe there is a connector.
The "one device rule" doesn't affect how many computers you can have the mapping program on, only how many devices (GPS receivers) you can load it on. If you had another NT capable device and wanted to update its maps, you would have to pay for another license.
Terry

Terry:

Thanks for clarifying the Map Source thing. I use it often and have it installed on both computers, but only have the one 2610. I do have the antenna with an extender so I can use it inside. I only use it occasionally. I prefer the bean bag mount so that it is closer as you said.

I considered buying the 7200 for the screen size, but I think I would like to have the 850 for the physical size and weight factor as I carry into motels when we travel. I'm waiting for the manual to be posted so I can find out if it will work with the bean bag mount. If it does, I'm pretty sure I'll go for it.

Thanks,

Mike Flannigan

I do not think the nuvi series is beanbag friendly as it is upright and light specifically for windshield mount. Maybe someone with experience with these units could comment (Marvin?). The bean bag mount never worked for me anyway. The device was always relocating itself.

I thought the 7200 was overpriced. I tried a UMPC (also overpriced but it is a real computer) with a 7" screen and found it took up too much real estate no matter where I placed it. I am also truly disappointed with the built-in antenna.
The 7200 appears to be replaced by the 5000 with a 5.2" screen and more pixels for the same price as the 850. Sounds like another possible winner for my crappy eyesight.
I presently use a 4" VGA PDA and it doesn't block too many guages in my truck. The nuvi aspect ratio sounds just right but I want an external antenna connector

Terry:

Thanks again for the info. The 5000 would be great for me except it does not have a remote, which I find very handy while driving.

Thanks,

Mike & Flannigan

tcassidy:

I'm pretty sure the 850 does take an external antenna. The "accessories" section on Garmin's site lists the GA27c. I have that antenna which I use with my 2610. I'm going to wait for Garmin to offer the manual and verify.
Regards,
Mike Flannigan