Garmin 176C best value for in-car use
Written: Oct 05 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Intuitive menus, beautiful large color display, waterproof, durable, great for boat or car!
Cons: Base price expensive, optional $99.00 map software mandatory, battery life is poor.
The Bottom Line: For in-car dashboard use or boat use, this unit is the best overall value.
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| robm3's Full Review: Garmin GPSMAP 176C GPS Receiver |
After months of research on the best GPS for in-car use, I landed on the Garmin StreetPilotIII or perhaps the Garmin GPS V. However, I did not have $1100 (base price plus optional "street level" software). As I searched for a cheaper way to have a moving color map GPS on my dashboard, I discovered that the Garmin 176C marine unit could be reconfigured to perform like the Garmin StreetPilot (less the talking audio feature) for considerably less money. Better still is that the 176C has a larger, higher definition LCD display than the StreetPilot. Indeed, the Garmin 176C performs superbly, and has a look and feel that is of commercial quality. The case is durable and strong with rubber gripping. The buttons are not too small and evenly spaced, which is important when driving a car and trying to manipulate the GPS. The menus are easy to navigate, and allow each screen to be customized to the individual user. Most importantly, the unit keeps me driving safely because of its large, easy to see LCD screen. With the Garmin 176C on the dashboard of my Toyota Camry, I can easily see the street level maps without squinting or taking my eyes off the road. I loathe the newer autos that are available with built-in GPS units mounted in the lower center console. This creates a dangerous situation because it forces the driver to take their eyes completely off the road. Yes, I know, drivers should never stare at a GPS while driving, but give me a break! A "moving map" GPS is just that.. for use while you are moving. I could have saved money and got a free paper map at the State Welcome Center if I wanted to look at a map in a parked car! The Garmin 176C performs equally well on my pontoon boat. It takes on plenty of vibration, water and direct sunlight and performs flawlessly. The Garmin 176C comes out of the box with a base map of the USA, but you will want to purchase optional maps available on CD-ROM that have detailed street level and waterways information. For $99, I bought the Metroguide USA CD-ROM that includes a 16 meg data card and permits street level mapping. I also like boat and fish, so I also bought the Waterways CD_ROM for $79. My only negative comment against the Garmin 176C is that the battery life (4 double A's)is very disappointing. I often need to activate the backlighting when the sunshine creates a glare on the screen, as well as nighttime operation, and that backlight just eats those batteries. This unit would not be suitable for backpacking or hiking! Overall, I feel like I have the best GPS for my particular needs, at a great price. I would recommend the Garmin 176C to any serious boater or road traveler.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
robm3
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Reviews written: 3
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