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Well I'll say this, you are ambitious for your first go at a GPS. Or, better described, in the example you are looking at, as an "automotive navigator".
What exactly is the intended purpose you had in mind for the Garmin ?
I happen to have a Garmin - but, it's a different model than the ones you've mentioned. I also have another GPS that is from a different manufacturer. So, I do have some experience with GPS and could help with some aspects of them.
However, I would not be able to assist with the refurb but, that does seem like a chunk of change to put on the table for a refurb piece of mobile electronics warrantee or not, it was return to the factory for some unknown and undisclosed reason.
As far as the automotive navagator features you are concerned about giving up, perhaps it would behoove you to address those questions to a more appropriate forum that deals with automotive accessories, rather than a board that focuses on fishing.
Certainly there would be some crossover with the GPS functions common to both the automotive navatation GPS and the marine or fishing GPS systems, and I am sure you could find people here willing to discuss many of those issues, but it seems that you might get better assistance by directing your inquirey toward those that are more aligned with the actual intended function of the device, taht being automotive navagation.
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Either one could make a great addition to your car. None of them has uploading capabilities to be able to add marine software though.
I'm sure that the factory refurbish may have been done to original specs but a it was aforementioned, for some reason it was returned.
Ultimately it is your cash being shelled out for the device, you know what you plan to use it for and you are the benefactor of the transaction.
So far, the general consenses is to kind of steer clear of refurbs. They broke for some reason.
Refurbs are like a box of chocolate. You never know what you are going to get.[cool]
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The main factor in helping you make your decision will be what you're using it for primarily. I personally have a Lowrance IFinder H20 and I love it. I use my GPS solely for marine navigation, however, it has extensive maps of US highway systems as well. It's easy to use and you can log in your own waypoints manually. It's compltetely sunlight readable and computer linkable. It's compatable with Navionics, hot maps, and US maps. It's water resistant and the batteries last forever. (seriously, i've got the same batteries in it that I originally put in it.) I replaced a hard mount Lowrance GPS with this one, I like the hand held much better.
As for the refurbed crap, leave it alone. Especially if you're planning on using it for marine navigation. When far outside the sight of land, navigating the ocean with compass and map isn't recomended for the beginner. So you need to be able to count on your electronics. Spend the money. I know when I take people out on my boat, even just my bass boat, i'm responsible for everyone on board, and I accept no less than the best quality equipment. [cool]
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[font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]As Fishhound said - why was the unit returned and then refurbished? Its okay to buy some things that have been refurbished but not a sophisticated product like a GPS.[/size][/green][/font]
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I don't know about the best, I don't think there is a best. All brands make a good GPS, I prefer the Ifinder H20 just because it's portable, easy to use, and there are so many upgrades and maps available. You can strap it in your boat, head to the gulfstream, then load your boat and slap it in the truck to guide you to the house. It's that easy.
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I wouldn't try launching a surface to air missile from an Ifinder H20, better save that for the HMMV[cool]
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I always get my products from Bass Pro. They have pretty good prices, and for no other reason, i've been shopping there for years and have always has great customer service. I'm all about great customer service.
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[cool][font "Poor Richard"][green][size 3]Wally's World has some good prices on GPS systems. Thats where I purchased mine. [on-line][/size][/green][/font]
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Thanks for all you feedback. I think I am close to making up my mind. I was thinking of getting from GPScity but the folks at getfeetwet.com was patients with me with some of my stupid questions. They were recommended by Garmin when I called them for some dealer information. I also heard some good things about that company from a Motorcycle forum. They have a free 2nd yr warranty offer that I like but I am not sure how I can take advantage of it if I need it on the second yr. Has anybody purchased from getfeetwet.com.
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]I am planning to buy my first GPS. I have been comparison shopping for a while and found a few sites that seem to be doing a good job with pricing and customer service. I am still 
and 
as to what to buy with all the various options. The folks at getfeetwet.com (quite helpful) have suggested the Garmin NUVI or 2720. I also saw that they had a factory refurbished Garmin 2610 unit for half the price. Any thoughts on these units? I like the price of the 2610 factory refurbished but I am not sure what I am giving up? Garmin gives 1 yr warranty on the refurb and looks like getfeetwet adds a 2nd yr to that. I was assured that they are as good as new. Has anybody purchased a Garmin Refurb?[cool][sly]
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