Some mounting issues...

You can separate the 2689 from it's mount in 2 ways.

1 - Hold on to the suction cup base or bean bag, whichever you're using, and gently pull on the unit until the G ball pops out of it's socket. (the part that allows the unit to swivel)

2 - Press the plastic tab on the circular plate thingie as you call it, until it releases from the GPS.

In either case, since the unit does not have a powered mount, be careful not to put too much strain on the USB cable connector or socket on the GPS housing. The socket is soldered directly to the circuit board and is easily damaged. Its always a good idea to unplug it first before removing the unit. The powered mount issue was discussed in your earlier post:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/45289

My experience with the 2689 is limited but I found you can use voice command to bring up POI's if you first put them in your "Recently Found" folder. You do this by simply viewing the POI. This can be awkward however if you need to access a large number of POI's using voice command.

There may be a way to access POI's or "Saved Favorites" directly using voice command but I never discovered the process. Perhaps another poster can offer a method.

In any case, good luck with your new Nuvi!

Yeah, I figured out the dismount "Thingie", it actually is quite nice.

I wonder however has anyone used a magnet type of mount like the "STEELIE" where you attach a cup shaped magnet to the back of the device and attach it to a rounded ball like system on the dash?

Would the magnet do any harm?

Garmin actually uses a magnetic mount in the popular Nuvi 3597. There are strong magnets located in the mount and the GPS case. Its a clever system that works very well.

I doubt the Steelie would cause a problem with your 2689. I've been using the RAM version of the Steelie for a few years now on several different GPSr's without an issue.

The only problem I see with the Steelie is it will require some cobbling to fasten the cup to the GPS mount. I like the RAM system because they make different adapters that let you screw the parts together.

OK, I will be looking into the steelie again...

Since I am returning the 2689LMT for a refund, AND getting another one to cross ship, I went ahead and ordered an extra clip thingie for the back of the GPS.

I plan to Dremel off all of the extra stuff and leave a flat plate where I can mount the steelie magnet on that plate with the quick mount still intact.

That way nothing gets mounted directly to the GPS, I can use it in another vesicle as Garmin intended, and use the steelie mount in my main car, like I want.

Sound Good? If this works out the way I think, I will post a thread about it as a mounting option. Now to figure out how to post images in here, LOL!!!

Working with a separate mount piece is definitely the smart thing to do. That way, you don't alter the GPS or original mount at all. If it doesn't work out, all you did was ruin a relatively inexpensive plastic part.

I've altered cell phone mounts in a similar way with good results.

Too bad about having to return your 2689. This is one of the few problems I've heard about with Garmin refurbs.

Yeah, actually this is the first time I have EVER wanted to return a refurb for any reason.

And hey, I could keep it as is, but ya know, I think it should 100%, not just a weak 98%... LOL!

By the way the extra mount thingie was almost ten bucks, but like you said, it will be easy peasie and very inexpensive in the long run!

Yeah, actually this is the first time I have EVER wanted to return a refurb for any reason.

And hey, I could keep it as is, but ya know, I think it should 100%, not just a weak 98%... LOL!

By the way the extra mount thingie was almost ten bucks, but like you said, it will be easy peasie and very inexpensive in the long run!

You can always post pictures to another site and link to them like others have done.

Some great info here