memory card

Welcome to the forum.

As to your new unit, having a memory card in it is not required at this point. Your unit comes with enough internal memory to update maps and software for the next several years but there are some things you can do to increase the amount of usable space.

First off, we all recommend new users (or those new to Garmin) follow the LEARN tab and do the beginner exercises. These will walk you through a series of operations allowing you to familiarize yourself with the unit as well as point out a lot of unneeded files found on units as shipped (like extra voices, help files, keyboard layouts etc.).

Also included are the steps needed to do a complete backup of your unit so you are able to restore in case of a major failure.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions, the only dumb ones are those not asked.

Years ago when I purchased our first Garmin, I too was obsessed with what size card can I upgrade to and how much memory will I need, etc. I've come to realize we never even approach close to maxing out the space available.

http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/garmin.gps/index.html#your...

Welcome! I love my Garmin and the information on this site. Above site has Garmin user trick and was created by 'a guy with wayyyyy too much time on his hands.' It's got great site - enjoy.

As for the memory card, I'll put POIs on it and remove unneeded files from the main Garmin directory.

Welcome to the site.

We usually recommend the following.

There is a "Learn" button in the upper right of this page next to "red light cameras" that takes you to a Getting Started page. It is worthwhile visiting this page.

To make navigation easy, most browsers provide the following option. When you want to follow a link - but still keep your current page open - you can hold down the "Ctrl" key as you left-click on a link. That action will open a new "Tab" in your browser up on the "Tab" bar. When you then left-click on that new "Tab", you will follow the link - leaving the "Tab" you are now reading open and available to click on and return here.

So, using the "Learn" link, you might try the "Ctrl" - left-click sequence and then return here. You can return by either "X-ing" out of the "Getting Started" page (using the "X" on the "Tab" itself) or just left-clicking on the "Tab" for the page you are on right now.

Note that the Learn Button will give you access to two valuable reference pages -
the "Index" to all of the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and the Glossary of Terms and Links.

Since you are new here, I encourage you to go through a couple of the Tutorials.

The first link makes sure the settings on your computer are such that you can do more advanced POI loading.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/30393

The next link helps you make a backup of your GPS by attaching it to your computer. (NEVER do anything to your GPS until you have a backup). It also assures that you put your (newer) unit into a state where you can see all of the folders there.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/30394

Let us know how we can help you enjoy your GPS.