Garmin Ecoroute HD This product looks really cool. I've read the pre-release press. Here's the deal (as I understand it). There's a gizmo that you hook up to your OBD-II (obd-2) port on your car's on-board computer. the gizmo has a bluetooth connection that sends telemetric data to your bluetooth compatible Garmin NUVI GPS receiver. This allows you to have readouts of real time fuel flow, engine timing, acceleration, etc. It also lets you read (at least some) engine fault codes that would otherwise take a trip to the dealer. The catch: my Nuvi 265WT that I purchased last year isn't a supported model. - From those of you in the know - are there any UNOFFICIALLY supported models? Maybe we can start a write-in campaign for Garmin to issue a software update to let us use the Ecoroute. Garmin Ecoroute HD This product looks really cool. I've read the pre-release press. Here's the deal (as I understand it). There's a gizmo that you hook up to your OBD-II (obd-2) port... » Read More Garmin Ecoroute HD This product looks really cool. I've read the pre-release press. Here's the deal (as I understand it). There's a gizmo that you hook up to your OBD-II (obd-2) port on your car's on-board computer. the gizmo has a bluetooth connection that sends telemetric data to your bluetooth compatible Garmin NUVI GPS receiver. This allows you to have readouts of real time fuel flow, engine timing, acceleration, etc. It also lets you read (at least some) engine fault codes that would otherwise take a trip to the dealer. The catch: my Nuvi 265WT that I purchased last year isn't a supported model. - From those of you in the know - are there any UNOFFICIALLY supported models? Maybe we can start a write-in campaign for Garmin to issue a software update to let us use the Ecoroute. « Show Less
21205
Well I'm sure it would take more than a software update to make your device compatible, you need to have bluetooth on your device. From what I have read you can use this with a smart-phone that has blue-tooth as well.
1405839
According to Garmin's website, the following devices are compatable:nüLink!™ 1695 nüvi® 1260T nüvi® 1370T nüvi® 1390LMT nüvi® 1390T nüvi® 1490LMT nüvi® 1490T nüvi® 1690
837275
Hey MelissaS, I've been researching the Garmin GPS's for a couple of weeks and can tell you the differences I've seen. The 255W has a few of "new" features in their 2x5 line but the two that I've seen people the most happy with in the reviews I've read are the satellite "hotfix" and the faster processor. The "hotfix" is supposed to speed up satellite acquisition immensely by having the unit remember where it was turned off last so it can calculate where the satellites should be when you turn it back on and from what I've read it works like a charm. The faster processor will speed up things like map drawing and looking up points of interest which people have really seemed to also notice in their reviews. The big drawback of the 255 and 255w is the text to speech voice quality (this is the voice that pronounces street names). Apparently the voice quality isn't as good on the 255 line as it is in the previous products due to the voice engine Garmin has used in this model...most people I've read say they can live with it but some bring it back due to the quality. I would goto a store and try both side by side to see if you can live with the quality. I did that today and was able to understand what the 255w was saying even in a busy store but still think I'll wait for the 265WT in October. Hope that helps!
6190
How about the 885 without MSN Direct, and adding the GTM 20, which gives Navtec fm traffic? That's what I'm considering doing. Might want to call Garmin to see if this option will give you what you want. If you do, would you report back?Yes. 855 is the one i mean. Sorry for the confusion.
1754657
I have all Garmin electronics on my boat and it has been reliable for many years. If Garmin advertises that the device has a G force detector and a working GPS to not only time stamp the device but with a location than their device has it. I do not understand how other non branded devices can be trusted. I bought it for security reasons and so I wanted a reliable brand.
1861760
I believe that there is software that comes with the unit that allows you to interface with it, but most of the interaction is done with the PC- like an external drive. If you need just a decent basic standalone obd2 device this works fine. I returned it because I did not like the logging feature. I keep my bluetooth obd2 scantool, which I got from amazon for 22bucks or so, got the paid version of the Touchscan app for 10bucks, I think and that combo works very well. There are several laptop based usb ob2 scan tools that you can find as well
1962655
It's free, but no where near as good as Google's traffic on your cell phone. Garmin relies of FM signals to get traffic data. Reception is spotty. For example, if you drive from NY to Boston, only about 1/2 the route is covered.
403921
your garmin can be programmed as a car or truck or rv you can build your profile while traveling to have features like traffic, poi's, your gps will also log driving hours and fuel consumption just fun things to play with if traveling in a car. I use it for a 65 foot truck and trailer that hauls cars, I honestly other than user error the garmin has been super dependable. and it has bluetooth that works in a quiet car phenomenally, and it is also voice activated. hope this helps\
590889
Actually this unfortunately didn't work for me. However it did work by replacing the GCD file with an older version. It seems that with my Nuvi 360 the latest Bluetooth software (version 3.1) is still causing the freezing issue. I called up garmin and a representative gave me the same instructions, with old bluetooth GCD versions attached. For me only version 2.4 worked. So if you are having trouble, ring up Garmin and ask for version 2.4.
883585
It has a Garmin GPS receiver and mapping software that has to be updated about once a month and it includes Sat radio for WX if you buy that option. This is a very good piece of gear but it's getting a little long in the tooth. Some other non TSOd GPS and Glass cockpit stuff has surpassed it. I sold this gizmo with my Bonanza a year ago and I now have a Vans RV12 with a Danon Skyview system in it. That is much more capable than the Garmin 796. If you only need a handheld, however, the 796 is probably the "top of the line" but you will pay for that.....probably can find a GPS that is cheaper and easier to operate by looking around. I have not done that because of my new airplane and the Skyview system in it. It has a Garmin GPS receiver and mapping software that has to be updated about once a month and it includes Sat radio for WX if you buy that option. This is a very good piece of gear but it's getting a little long in the tooth. Some other non TSOd GPS and Glass cockpit stuff has surpassed it. I sold this gizmo with my Bonanza a year ago and I now have a Vans RV12 with a Danon Skyview system in it. That is much more capable than the Garmin 796. If you only need a handheld, however, the 796 is probably the "top of the line" but you will pay for that.....probably can find a GPS that... » Read More It has a Garmin GPS receiver and mapping software that has to be updated about once a month and it includes Sat radio for WX if you buy that option. This is a very good piece of gear but it's getting a little long in the tooth. Some other non TSOd GPS and Glass cockpit stuff has surpassed it. I sold this gizmo with my Bonanza a year ago and I now have a Vans RV12 with a Danon Skyview system in it. That is much more capable than the Garmin 796. If you only need a handheld, however, the 796 is probably the "top of the line" but you will pay for that.....probably can find a GPS that is cheaper and easier to operate by looking around. I have not done that because of my new airplane and the Skyview system in it. « Show Less
432186
While the 265t comes with a free (ad supported) traffic receiver / charger (GTM 20), it isn't MSN. You will indeed need to purchase the MSN traffic receiver / charger (GDB 55). The cost is approx. 95 bucks, but includes a one-year subscription (you can buy it on Amazon). Make sure MSN supports your area (check the map on the Nuvi 265t page). Your Nuvi will come with a suction-cup mount and the FM traffic receiver / charger. What it "may not" come with is a USB cable (similar to those on a digital camera or computer peripherals -- std USB on one end and a mini USB on the other). You will need this type of cable in order to register the unit and to perform firmware updates (free) or map updates (not free, but you have a 60-day window to get a free update -- if there is one). Please check with Garmin to see if they include this cable (several basic units do not come with this). As far as the bundle is concerned, it looks like a pretty good deal (it's only about 10 bucks more than what the 265t is going for). Now the beanbag mount isn't as nice as the Garmin product (about 25 bucks, and you just snap your unit's mounting cradle onto the ball arm), but it may work okay (you'll need to use your unit's suction-cup mount to attach it to this type of beanbag mount).
524339
Just (recently) bought the 335T and I have had no problem acquiring satellite signal with this unit. In fact, that was one of my prime motivations to switch from my old Garmin Nuvi 350. I was having a lot of problems with just that issue. My two major complaints about the TomTom vs. the Garmin are: (1) You can't spell out a specific point of interest) like a Chili's restaraunt, for instance, which you can do with the Garmin. This was a MAJOR plus with my old unit and I used it all the time. Of course, it's possible that I just haven't firgured out how to do it yet, because, (2) the TomTom has very poor user documentation. I'm going to have to go online to try and figure some of the functionality out.
1837535
I'm going to say no. I'm in the same boat and was wondering the same thing. It looks like this item only reads some codes, gives some vehicle data, but that's about it. You can't send commands through it (release EPB) or re-program existing functionality (needle sweep on start) of the vehicle. I'll be sticking with the more expensive one out there and know I have something that works. Charge people who want to use it to cover my cost.
1722182
I just bought the Garmin 255 and found out it has no maps downloaded.I thought it would be ready to go out of the box.It was a re-furbished unit,but I was under the impression it had everything ready for business.Was I wrong in my assumption?silverado_03
65793
All Garmin units come with a power cable that plugs into your cigarette lighter, which will charge the Nuvi while you drive. What Garmin doesn't provide for this particular unit is a USB cable. You will need this cable to register and download any firmware updates (free) or map updates (not free). One can also charge the Nuvi via this cable through your computer, if you wish. Any standard USB cable (std A connector on one end, mini B on the other) that comes with most digital cameras or computer peripherals will work. If you don't have one, you will need to purchase it. I often drive without the cable plugged into the cigarette lighter port (on short trips), just because I don't like the cable hanging down. On any trips over several hours, I keep it plugged in. Garmin has upgraded the 2x0 series with some of the features found on the 2x5 series, but since there is still old stock out there, you may not receive an updated unit (chances are you will). Don't worry though, the 260 is a solid GPS even without some of the refinements.
1012510
Sygic works very nicely on the VTAB. However, a program called Navigon which uses Garmin maps is supposedly closing in on sygic as Garmin actually bought the company. What this will eventually mean for the program is up in the air, bt as it stands, it seems Navigon has considerably more to offer, but I have not used it as I no longer own the VTAB. I would check out both, but they do cost money, and you may find it in your interest to simply buy a dedicated handheld/portable GPS unit instead, especially if you geocache. (a treasure hunt using GPS to locate spots where other GPS users have placed a container with do-dads, toys, and what have you, good way to kill an otherwise boring day) Sygic works very nicely on the VTAB. However, a program called Navigon which uses Garmin maps is supposedly closing in on sygic as Garmin actually bought the company. What this will eventually mean for the program is up in the air, bt as it stands, it seems Navigon has considerably more to offer, but I have not used it as I no longer own the VTAB. I would check out both, but they do cost money, and you may find it in your interest to simply buy a dedicated handheld/portable GPS unit instead, especially if you geocache. (a treasure hunt using GPS to locate spots where other GPS users have... » Read More Sygic works very nicely on the VTAB. However, a program called Navigon which uses Garmin maps is supposedly closing in on sygic as Garmin actually bought the company. What this will eventually mean for the program is up in the air, bt as it stands, it seems Navigon has considerably more to offer, but I have not used it as I no longer own the VTAB. I would check out both, but they do cost money, and you may find it in your interest to simply buy a dedicated handheld/portable GPS unit instead, especially if you geocache. (a treasure hunt using GPS to locate spots where other GPS users have placed a container with do-dads, toys, and what have you, good way to kill an otherwise boring day) « Show Less
1234149
GOOD NEWS! And THANKS for the update, A. Cox. TomTom - clearly - has "heeded the call"! (In my own defense, my experience with TomTom is over three weeks old, and a LOT can happen in that time.)I also agree - to a large extent - with Cox: side by side, I'd probably pick the TomTom over the Nuvi. However, I have not experienced the problems Cox identifies. My decision to go with the Nuvi was based largely upon TomTom's position of mid-December. And - for me - the SD card feature of the Nuvi gives it an edge over the TomTom. But like I said, that is a completely subjective preference. I am going to see if I can't edit or delete my previous post! GOOD NEWS! And THANKS for the update, A. Cox. TomTom - clearly - has "heeded the call"! (In my own defense, my experience with TomTom is over three weeks old, and a LOT can happen in that time.)I also agree - to a large extent - with Cox: side by side, I'd probably pick the TomTom over the Nuvi. However, I have not experienced the problems Cox identifies. My decision to go with the Nuvi was based largely upon TomTom's position of mid-December. And - for me - the SD card feature of the Nuvi gives it an edge over the TomTom. But like I said, that is a completely... » Read More GOOD NEWS! And THANKS for the update, A. Cox. TomTom - clearly - has "heeded the call"! (In my own defense, my experience with TomTom is over three weeks old, and a LOT can happen in that time.)I also agree - to a large extent - with Cox: side by side, I'd probably pick the TomTom over the Nuvi. However, I have not experienced the problems Cox identifies. My decision to go with the Nuvi was based largely upon TomTom's position of mid-December. And - for me - the SD card feature of the Nuvi gives it an edge over the TomTom. But like I said, that is a completely subjective preference. I am going to see if I can't edit or delete my previous post! « Show Less
376614
Thanks, Valdvogel...you gave me just the info I needed. Of course, the first inclination is to purchase an expensive NUVI, but it's good to know that an earlier hand-held works even better! We already have a GPS (Staples brand) that works great for road directions, but it uses wrong coordinates for geo-caching. It's just too difficult to"translate" the coordinates for every cache! Thanks again!