Garmin 276c vs. Garmin V

[Guaglione]

Ok, so I'm looking at two different GPS units, The Garmin 276c ($$$$$) and the Garmin V (not nearly as many $$$). The only reason I am drawn to the 276 is because, as a Mac user, I will have limited ability to upload info to my GPS. I have read all the threads about using Virtual PC on my Mac, but I have two limiting factors: One, I am a compu-idiot, and two, I already tried to load it and it just would not work ( see limit one).
So, if I go with the cheaper V unit, I will probably at some point end up springing for a cheap PC laptop, which will end up making my out of pocket expense about the same. With the 276, my upfront costs are higher, but I can just get a bigger memory card, and load all the maps I need for 95% of the travelling I'll be doing.

So, anybody care to ponitificate on the difference between the two units, and share any GPS wisdom with a GPS N00B?? (and really, if you are going to tell me that I can make VPC work on my Mac, don't. I tried it, and couldn't get it to work. If I had more time and computer experience, maybe, but I'd rather be riding my motorcycle than be stuck inside fiddling with UBS cords.)

Thanks.

[rdcyclist]

I can't speak to the VPC issue but the difference between the Garmin V and the 276 is pretty much night and day. MUCH better screen, faster processor, better controls, etc. The V is like 5 years old and the 276 is just over one. It's just a newer design and in the highly competitive GPS market, nobody stands still.

[Guaglione]

Ah, so the V is roman numeral for 5. Got it.

Is the 276 fairly easy to use?

[RedRyder]

There is also the Garmin 76C and 76CS, both with 115MB internal memory, same size screen as the V. More money than the V, but less than the 276.

[BMZZZ]

Originally Posted by Guaglione

Ah, so the V is roman numeral for 5. Got it.

Is the 276 fairly easy to use?

Had my 276C for 14,000 mi this summer. Garmin replaced faulty antenna promptly. It takes several hours to get the full potential out of this GPS. But, the manual does a great job in explanation. I'm very pleased with it and found it accurate and easy to use while operating bike. It's basically getting out and using it. Also has a simulator function so you can set at home and practice the functions as if in actual use.

Hope this helps.

[BurnieM]

Yes the GPSmap 276C is a MUCH better unit than the GPS V; bright screen, much faster processor, memory, voice prompts, navigation features etc
Like apples and oranges.

The GPSmap 76C (with 115 MB mapping memory) may be a good compromise if you want color screen, handheld size, modern features and to reduce cost a bit.

[Guaglione]

Originally Posted by BurnieM

Yes the GPSmap 276C is a MUCH better unit than the GPS V; bright screen, much faster processor, memory, voice prompts, navigation features etc
Like apples and oranges.

The GPSmap 76C (with 115 MB mapping memory) may be a good compromise if you want color screen, handheld size, modern features and to reduce cost a bit.

Does the 76c use memory cards? The idea with the 276 is to get a few cards, load them up on a friends PC and then not have to deal with it for a while. After talking to the folks at Touratech, the 276 seemed like the best road, but I would love to spend a little less.

[dyvking]

Originally Posted by Guaglione

So, if I go with the cheaper V unit, I will probably at some point end up springing for a cheap PC laptop, which will end up making my out of pocket expense about the same. With the 276, my upfront costs are higher, but I can just get a bigger memory card, and load all the maps I need for 95% of the travelling I'll be doing.
Thanks.

I'm a Mac dude too. While VPC on the Mac has been made to work with older serial-type GPS units, the 276C and similar USB-based devices seem to be another story. The 276C is way ahead of the V in readability, plus it's waterproof, along with a host of other features.

One can find a reasonably priced used PC box for $200.00 that will be fine for handling the mapping software and uploads to your GPS. For a few bucks more you can get a KVM switch that allows you to use your Mac keyboard/video monitor/mouse (K/V/M...get it?) on the PC with just the push of a button.

[Guaglione]

Originally Posted by dyvking

I'm a Mac dude too. While VPC on the Mac has been made to work with older serial-type GPS units, the 276C and similar USB-based devices seem to be another story. The 276C is way ahead of the V in readability, plus it's waterproof, along with a host of other features.

One can find a reasonably priced used PC box for $200.00 that will be fine for handling the mapping software and uploads to your GPS. For a few bucks more you can get a KVM switch that allows you to use your Mac keyboard/video monitor/mouse (K/V/M...get it?) on the PC with just the push of a button.

Boy, so far the V has only the $$$ going for it. Thanks, for the advice. I'm really leaving towards the 276. Now if I could only find someone to buy my K75.....