Calling all GPS owners......

[faantjie]

.....of Garmin 2610 & Streetpilot III

I'm on the hunt for a GPS. I would like a TT Rider or Zumo but both are out of my price range. I've now decided on two (no longer in production) but still rated. I'm obviously looking for a good second hand purchase but before I buy I thought you might help me decide.

And the runners up are the 2610 & SP III.

I like the 2610 but I'm not sure if it really is worth the extra few bob compared to the SP III. I don't see the point in the remote on the 2610 but like the fact that it has a touch screen. The SP III looks like a tried and tested GPS but it's older than the 2610 so is there a noticable difference in functionality.

Which one would you go for?
Have you owned both and how do they compare?
Which one do you own and how would you rate it?
Would you recommend it and why?
What should I look out for when buying second hand? (Yes I know it has to switch on )
How much would you pay for either of the two considering it's in good repair and has all the gubbins with it?

Your comment would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

[GW_elder]

I have the 2820 , so reckon the 2610 is a better bet. Have used touchscreen with gloves no problem, have the remote but don't see the point honestly . Advertised in Buy&Sell here (same as LOOT in UK) for 300-350 euro - one advert even has motorcyle bracket for extra 50 euro. eBay UK price around £180-£200 ; also check out GSRider, those Beemer boys always selling toys (got my 2820 + lockable Touratech bracket from a Beemer guy here for 400 euro !!) . Make sure its got all the bits (car power lead/mount, mains power lead), find out if its registered at myGarmin , and get all Unlock codes and Map diskettes - depending on age you may get a free Map Upgrade. Do I really NEED one - probably not, but you shopuld never live your life on a NEED only basis, sometimes WANT should be enough

[Mabels Old Man]

Streetpilot III is really old with a restricted memory if I recall. The 2610, which I've got is cabable of taking an extra memory card to avoid continually loading maps. I've got a 2Gb in mine and with CN v9 I can get the maps for most of Europe on it.

[Mr NiceGuy]

Go for the 2610. It's faster and the touch screen is a godsend when you're in a rush. The 2610 uses compact flash for memory expansion which is a widely available and cheaper than SP3 memory.

I have seen second hand 2610's on ebay going for around £100. They are robust so you shouldn't have any problems with them. I dropped mine off the tank onto paving and it still works and remains waterproof.

The Tomtom isn't worth the outlay for what is bad design for motorcycle use. Just read some of the problems that Robster has had with his.

[Simon]

i have a SPIII and think its brilliant, but i agree that the 2610 is much faster in making a route as my wee bro has the 2610. The memroy is not an issue as i have the 265mB card and it fits the whole of the UK and Ireland on just over 160mB leaving plenty for other maps if i need it. The main reason2 i went for it over the 2610 was the price and that the 2610 doesn't have batteries so can be used of the bike or out of the car.

A recent problem i have found with SPIII is that you cannot make waypoints and a route on the computer and then download it. I checked with Garmin about this and they confirmed that you need to do it all manually on the unit. I don't know about the 2610 but i would guess that it is possible with it to down load it from the computer.

hope this helps

[Mr NiceGuy]

With the 2610 you can create waypoints at the touch of a button on route and then simply add them into your route and recaculate. The 2610 will also record your routes so if you have the unit switched on and riding along some nice roads that you came across by accident your trip has been recorded. The track can then be downloaded onto your PC where you view the route/ average speed/ distance/ altitude. This in turn can be used to create new routes. This can be turned off if required as it will record your average speed so could possibly be used to prosecute you.

The only thing that lets the 2610 down is that you cannot download speed cameras locations.

[Simon]

With the 2610 you can create waypoints at the touch of a button on route and then simply add them into your route and recaculate. The 2610 will also record your routes so if you have the unit switched on and riding along some nice roads that you came across by accident your trip has been recorded. The track can then be downloaded onto your PC where you view the route/ average speed/ distance/ altitude. This in turn can be used to create new routes. This can be turned off if required as it will record your average speed so could possibly be used to prosecute you.

The only thing that lets the 2610 down is that you cannot download speed cameras locations.

Pretty much the same with the SPIII. I've never tried downloading the route from the unit to the computer but i will try that.

[Maverick]

I would also go for the 2610 rather as it is a faster lighter unit. Got the SP111 which is fine for my needs but should of waited untill the 2610 came down in price

[Pigglet]

2610 is still kind of current technology, very similar to 2720 but without the full 7 digit postcode search. SPIII is quite old technology now.
I had a SPII before the 2610....... 2610 is much faster at locating sats, plotting and recalcing routes. Has a much better screen (easier to see in bright light), Much faster to navigate menu's. Easier to use menus...........
The list goes on.
GPSW were recently selling brand new 2650 (2610 with a dead reckoning facility) for £200 witha free up grade to CN V9. See if they've got any left.

[anton88]

got the sp III, and its fine for my needs - although you need to take an evening class to understand how ALL the functions work

I'm not using it day in day out, but if i was, then i'd probably look at something faster and easier to use.