Tracklog feature in Garmin NUVI units

Are you talking about the 'breadcrumb trail' (the blue line on the maps), or the track recording feature of the OS itself?

Hi Juggernaut. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify my posting.

I am referring to the "Trip Log", as it is called in my 750. Yes it is the blue line that is created as you drive, and its viewing can be either be shown or not shown when operating the GPS in map mode. Also, it can be downloaded into MapSource.

I would also like to add the 775t (refurbished) to the list of those being considered.

I only add the refurbished 765t and the 775t to units under consideration for their prices. $130.00 and $170.00 respectively. Makes them attractive.

TheVanman

If you need the Euro maps, the 775T is the one for you, and has 8 gigs of memory. The 765 is also great, but with 4 gigs.

I run FW v4.0. FW v3.8 was way better though. 3.9 sucked!

...on the firmware. No, I do not require Euro Maps at this time, but like both for their memory sizes over the 1490 which I have read has only 2gig and cannot display many lane assist intersections after a map update.

Question still stands, Do they both (765/775)have the "Trip Log" feature/capability?

Also, if you or anyone else knows if the 2360 and 2460 units have the "Trip Log" I would appreciate any and all comments.

Thanks!
TheVanman

Both of those 7x5's have it. If you don't need the Euro maps, back it up first, and then delete it from the unit. Just a hint for way more space...

I hadn't noticed that Garmin stopped quoting tracklogs in the specification before this thread. But it is a simple matter to load the manual and search for the term 'log' to check.

As far as I'm concerned tracklogs are a key component to any navigator I have owned or would consider - to know where I've been, when I was there and how fast I was going - it is a key to documenting and locating excellent roads and to determine where to put a way-point after the fact.

The feature allowed me to get out of a speeding ticket (though it does require a sympathetic judge, since the data doesn't meet the strict definition of evidence).

Garmin used to include the fact that a model had a track log AND how many points it would hold in memory as part of the specification, making it simple enough to determine. But the user manuals are online at their sites for reference.

I suppose I should just chalk this up as yet one more example of how Garmin has dumbed-down their products for the mass markets.

And as far as I'm concerned, the last of the reliable navigators were the Nuvi 7X0 series. Since the OP already has one, why bother changing unless they are causing problems? And even then, why not just buy another of the same?

I too was surprised that the spec sheet no longer displayed the trip log feature, and no longer displays internal memory amounts. I seem to remember they used to, but its been a few years.

I agree that it is a key component to ANY GPSr, not just hiking units like my 60CSx.

As stated in the OP, the reasons (or excuses) to upgrade are:
1) Traffic (Live in the city of Los Angeles...nothing further needs stating here...)
2) Lane Change Assist / Junction View

Other than that, I have no reason to upgrade and will NOT be retiring my 750 any time soon, but probably will be letting my wife take over one of the two units as her own at her choosing.

Additional question for 7x5 owners;
Do they have an external antenna port like the 750 has?

Either way, I think my mind is about made up on the 775t as a secondary GPSr. That is unless someone can come up with a compelling reason not to...

Thanks!
TheVanman

Thanks again for another tip.

The 775t has 8gig of memory, correct? As a 775t user, how much of that memory is used with and without the Euro Maps?

Just curious if when an update happens, how much the update will consume when a unit has that much extra space for maps, lane change assist info, junction view info, etc...?

Or with that much memory, is it a "moot point" to take out the Euro Maps?

Thanks!
TheVanman

I have 2 765T for my wife and daughter. With the latest firmware they have both been working flawlessly.

They do include -

- trip Logs, yes

- Lifetime traffic, yes, but it is only as good as your reception and they people that update the reporting. In Pittsburgh it is so so. But that would be the same for any GPS receiving the traffic in this area.

- Lane assist, works great, but that is part of the maps, not the GPS. Junction View is also a part of the maps and will change with each map update.

- 3D with buildings, I personally don't care for 3D but my wife and daughter both use this mode with buildings turned on and the highest detail and both have no problems running everything.

A good unit though it doesn't come with LM.

Any other questions you have about 765T just ask away.

Thanks Bear.

1) Does it have an external antenna port? Not that I use the one on my 750, but it is a nice feature and have thought about using it many times mostly in heavily wooded areas or on an airplane.

2) With all the current maps and updates, how much memory do you have left of the 4gb on the 765t?

Internal memory and Euro Maps are the only differences I see between the 765t and the 775t. I want to see if the extra internal 4gig is really needed since I always put my extras and music on an SD card anyway.

EDIT: I just don't want to fall into the 1490/1690 lack of memory trap....

Thanks!
TheVanman

Win7 is reporting 1.44GB free of 3.71GB.

I seriously doubt the maps will grow that fast in size to render this too small anytime soon. It has full NA 2012.1 maps and JV files.

Note - I do place all custom POIs and pictures on the SD cards on both 765Ts. It handles all of the alerts I've loaded real well, TourGuide and along your route. I wish my zumo 660 worked as well.

Yeap it has the external antenna port on the rear though I've never used it myself.

The only thing that my wife and daughter both said is that it was a little hard to hear when using the hands free phone. It has connected with every phone so far and loads the phone books for them all. Neither my wife or daughter ever looked into the volume mixer to increase the media volume before they stopped using the phone bluetooth. There no law for hands free in PA so its kind of hard to train either of them about this when they could care less. I have increased it for them when they do leave the state.

So unless you need EU maps this GPS will work great!

The Nuvi 2450 has trip log.
Select the following:
Navigation
Automobile or Pedestrian
Trip Log

I have the Nuvi 750 and bought a new Nuvi 2450LM for $183 from Amazon.com

The only thing I can find on the 750 that I don't have on the 2450 is the mp3 player. There may be more but they are not things I use so I haven't found them yet.

I have found so much more on the 2450 than the 750. I do love the ecoRoute - At the Pump and fuel Economy, the larger screen, the folders that Favorites uses, the way trip planner keeps the way points.

For the difference in the money the 2450LM looks great because it already has LM and larger screen. It also has 4GB mem too.

I don't know anything about this GPS but price difference really makes it worth looking at.

765T does have MP3 player if that interests you.

You CAN get lifetime traffic on a 7X0 - you just need the appropriate receiver, which can be had (often for free) from anyone who may have lost (or retired) a compatible navigator.

No advertising on the 7X0 either.

I purchased the power cable with the integrated traffic receiver (GTM 20) for my 750. It came with lifetime traffic from NAVTEQ and was able to add Clear Channel lifetime traffic for an additional fee. While there is some overlap in which service is used, the device locks on to the 1st one it finds where both are in use (you can't select which one). If Clear or NAVTEQ is superior in the area where you are interested, you may want to obtain the version that is better for you. As I use mine cross country, I've been happy with both as some areas are covered by one and not the other. Overall, I've been pleased with the traffic data understanding that the service is not perfect.

The Euro maps are 1.37 gigs, so should the unit get sparse on storage (LOL!), you'll have a far more room for the NA maps. However, I still have over 3.5 gigs right now with the 2012.10 maps and full JCV file.

It appears that the GTM 20 requires replacement of the standard windshield mount on the 750. Is that true? My 750's mount has the power plug integrated.

What mount do you use?

Since the GTM 20 is still going for more than $80 on Amazon, and I also have to buy a new mount, that puts it towards the 765t in price and I do not get the Junction View, or JCV, as others are referring to it as.

Neat idea! Thank you very much for sharing that, as I hadn't given it any thought at all. Certainly worth looking at!

TheVanman

Thanks for the input. I see in the specs that it is traffic compatible. What does that mean? Does it mean that it has it, or does it have to be added later like with the 750?

Thanks!
TheVanman

The 2450LM has only life time maps but you can add the traffic cord. The 2460LMT has map and traffic and I think bluetooth. It is $299 on Amazon. As I don't use the bludtooth and have no need for the traffic now, maybe never, I went with the more reasonable priced one of $183. As I remember when I researched it that was the difference with the two units.

Edit: I do also remember that the 2460 has 8g, the 2450 has 4g. The 750 has 2g??.

It looks like either way I go here, I am a winner.
I may end up with the 765t, and put the $40 savings (price difference from the 775t) into lifetime maps. I will wait until around Thanksgiving to shop for LM specials.

That puts the 765t to about $210 with LM (currently at about $80), and I get Traffic, JCV, Trip Log, and retain the Media Player (which I do use on the 750 during every long road trip). As an added bonus, I already have a cache of regular 2gb and 4gb SD cards to use from my camera's.

NOW, the BIG question, will the refurb unit actually be a working unit or not....?

Thank you all for assisting me in making a very educated decision.

To many happy journeys...
TheVanman

You get all that with the 775T as well. It also uses standard SD cards. You'll pay $40 for an extra 4 gigs of memory.

From posts I've read here in the past, the refurb units are fine. The only questionable part they seemed to have discussed was battery life on the refurbs but I don't remember reading any posts about any having a bad one.

Depends on whether it's a factory refurb, or not. Factory is great. Third party? Not sure.

Depends on if you are a buyer of new cars or old cars.

Some people like to save money and buy something someone else has owned and it it fine.

I myself like to buy new. I keep a new car for ten years. I know what I am getting. I don't have to worry if they have hid something that is wrong with it. I also don't like the idea of someone haveing it and not knowing where it has been or what has been in it.

I am the same way about GPS unit. I like to know what I get is new and all the parts are new and is under warrenty. I like to keep it a long time and if it is used that is a part of it's life that I won't have.

I am a little strange aren't I???

it costs about $10-$20.00 to self install a new battery, and quite simple to do. You are still up $20-$30.00. I know, I bought a refurb 765T and had to replace the battery. I was thinking I would send it in but the postage was just about what the battery would be, besides, I'm like a kid, I didn't want to wait for thge turnaround.

I wish you could use the breadcrumb and see the trip but only at desired times. I don't actually want the breadcrumb to remain on the screen at all times, just when I want the overlay.

Does that make sense? It's either on or off, not in the background.

I feel the same way. Buy use and you are buying other people's problem.

My trip log can be on the screen or off the screen but it still tracks it.

Thanks for the update. As far as I have seen with the cable is that I have to mount the NUVI differently from the factory mount, that is if the 2450 is like the 750 where the power source runs thru the mount. Adds more $$'s for the mount and another $80 for the cable...Puts the final unit cost at about $290.00 depending on the cost of a new mount...Almost the price of a 2460.

Yes, the 750 has 2gb. There is a pretty exhaustive listing of NUVI's and their corresponding installed memory sizes located at:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/33586

Yes, I replaced the battery in my 750, after the first year it died. Cheap and Easy to do!

I dont mind doing it to the 765t if needed...

Oh, by the way I bought the 765t today for $129.00 on buy.com. It is already being shipped, free shipping too.

It was a painful decision between the two units. I have decided to go with the 765t, as it seems to have plenty of memory left over for full JCV files and future updates. I also can store additional maps on an SD card if needed.

Since I have now bought the 765t and has already shipped, I will go get my one time map update when it arrives and start shopping for LM's around ThanksGiving time using the $40 savings. I have seen them drop to about $50 about then.

Regarding the potential battery issue, I have already replaced the battery in my 750 and was so cheap and easy, so that isnt a biggy for me.

Pricing was the biggest issue, as the addition of another GPSr is more of a luxury than anything else. Anything much over $200-$220 total cost would have been a deal killer for me.

I will report back when I get the unit and run the snot out of it and see how it fares.

Thanks again for all your input!

TheVanman

Glad we could help with your decision. I would wait a little when you get it before doing the map update. It has been about 3 months and the next update will probably be released soon. I think you have something like 60 days to do the update once you register it.

The GTM20 replaces the cigarette lighter cable on the 750; i.e., one end plugs into the cigarette light and the other into the powered nuvi 750 base. The nuvi-side plug of the GTM20 fits where the nuvi 750's power cable goes--a simple swap.

I bought my GTM20 on eBay at a steep discount. I see that they still can sell for low prices--the green prices are the successful bids made by eBay buyers (although you'll need to check for S&H and add that to the green total):

http://completed.shop.ebay.com/i.html?rt=nc&LH_Complete=1&_n...

Remember that there will also be the lifetime subscription price (NAVTEQ or ClearChannel), another one-time charge to activate a GTM20, but that will give you traffic without ads.

As much as I like my 750 with GTM20, when it comes time to buy another, Lane Assist and Junction View are essential for me.

The GTM-20s that say 'lifetime' do not require a paid subscription if you live in an area where the Navteq service is available.

$37 shipped on eBay.

Good point for the newer GTM20s. The older ones like I have required the purchase of either NAVTEQ or ClearChannel traffic. But as you say, the newer GTM20s include free lifetime NAVTEQ.

I thought about that. I was going to post something about it but thought I would search the answer for when updates become available first.

So, now that you mention it....Is there a time schedule that Garmin runs on for the updates? Or are they kinda random and when they get around to it?

Maybe an update for the 750 at a later date. If they are as cheap as $40, that makes it much more attractive. I will make a bookmark of your link to investigate later....Thanks!

Ease off on the nested quotes. They make my eyes hurt!

Garmin releases a new update about every 3 months or so. They don't really announce it the day its released but someone from this site will pick up on it pretty quick when it is released and post it. I think they do their download first then post it to see if they beat everyone else on the download.

Anyway, just keep youe eyes on this site and you won't miss the release.

Congrats again on your new toy!