NUVI 2460

... reading the manual

http://static.garmin.com/pumac/nuvi_2200_2300_2400_EN_OM.pdf

Why does it seem easier to log onto your computer, do a search for a help web site, log into that and ask a question to which you have to repeat the procedure rather than look at the information packed with the device?

Maybe because the Owners Manual is not included with the purchased device and likely because many or most folks buying a Garmin device assume the Quick Start 'manual' included with the device is all that's available?

Rogerrobeck: I also have a 2460. The mini USB connector on the cradle should be used with your vehicle and the Garmin power or power/traffic cable that came with the unit. Some/most/all Garmin devices have problems using this for device updates so use the cradle's mini USB for power (and traffic) when in your vehicle and the vehicle's 'cigarette lighter' socket.

The left bottom socket is a micro USB port and it is the one to use for software and map updates. It can also be used for charging but with lower power charging devices or a computer USB socket, a full charge could easily take more than overnight to work.

The left side 'socket' is where you'd insert a SD card if and when you want to add more storage. It is not used to power or update the 2460.

Since you say (I think) that you see nothing on the screen, I assume your nuvi battery is dead or near dead. If so and if charging indoors with a computer or AC charger, try leaving it plugged into the bottom micro USB port for a good 24 hours, then see what happens.

If using a vehicle and Garmin 'cigarette lighter' power or power/traffic cord and connecting to the cradle's mini USB port, a dead nuvi battery may recharge in an hour or a few hours assuming you've checked that the vehicle's socket is powered (check the vehicle's fuse and if the charger has a LED light, check that it's on). If the charger has a light that's not lit, either the vehicle's socket is not powered (blown fuse or only powered when the vehicle's key is turned on) or there may be an internal fuse in your Garmin charger that's blown and you'd need to open up the Garmin charger to look for and replace a blown fuse).

Craig, I don't know. When I or my wife (we are both in our 70's) want to find more information about some new device we acquired, we usually end up perusing the manufacturer's web site rather looking for a crowd-sourced discussion forum.

In any event, my question/remark was more rhetorical than a seeking of information. I'm just amazed at the number of people that seek opinions rather than empirical information.

There is a little connector on the bottom of the unit that is the same connector type used on an Android phone. Charge the Garmin through that connector via an AC adapter (charging by a PC USB port takes longer).

I am one of those people that when buying something new, I read the user manual, check the company web site for additional information and do a general search for user forums, reviews, questions and comments about the product. I almost always do this before making the purchase, but also just before I start using it. My experience has been that the most valuable, useful and complete information has been on user forums. But you do have to be careful because you can also find misinformation. Usually if you can determine from the forum dialog that a forum user is a long time member and well respected by other members, you can almost always trust what you read. Just my opinion.

While I will read the manual for a new device, I often find I get more out of user experience via forums & reviews. Sometimes a manual can leave you scratching your head whereas a video or description in layman's terms found on a forum click right away.

For instance, when new to GPS, I searched a few forums for opinions and information about GPS in general. I learned which unit I wanted and a few tips and tricks to make using it easier that weren't in the manual. I searched motorcycle forums when looking to add a GPS to my bike, again user experience much more helpful than depending on advertisements.

I eventually found out about the factory while searching for unrelated info, what a blessing that has been.

So while reading the manual can give you basic info about a product, user experience is more useful for me.