While this is my first GPS, I’ve used hundreds of software packages since I bought my first computer in ’74. Ease of use and an intuitive interface is always helpful, especially in a GPS that is used on the go. The Garmin 760 is so easy to use I barely needed the manual.
It’s powerful too. We needed to find a Whole Foods while in the car. I pulled over, typed in “Whole Foods”, it found six in the area, and we choose the closest one. The screen is big, so you can easily watch the map. It has audio prompts, and the pronunciation is understandable. It even pronounced “El Camino Real” correctly.
It stores the most recent 50 locations, and you can easily save them to Favorites, like I did with Whole Foods.
It can list stores, gas stations, points of interest, etc. wherever you are, and has the phone number too. You just touch to call because it has Bluetooth and easily syncs to cell phones. Thus, it also acts as a hands-free speakerphone (and the audio can also be sent to an unused FM channel.)
Amazon has it highly discounted for $370. The maps are $70 a year. Other than that, there are no extra charges, unless you want add-ons like real time traffic, etc.
Impressive, indeed. We recently moved to the S.F. Bay Area, and it’s been a huge help in getting around and finding places.
So many coincidences here, I had to comment…
I, too, live in the SF area and have just purchased the 760 from Amazon after a long run with Pocket CoPilot (PDA based SW). High end PDA died (HP sucks… they won’t even consider fixing it).
As for ease of use, relative to CoPilot, the simplicity is stunning. I gave it to my wife yesterday and she ran with it without one phone call… ‘nuf said.
Going further on suggestions, I highly recommend the Bracketron Nav-Mat
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U5TUWE
Sandbag dash mount that holds the GPS _perfectly_. Cheap enough to buy 1 for each car and then just move the GPS from car to car. Being that its not fixed, you can stow it under the front seat so as not to give any would be GPS theives any ideas. Multi car scenario requires an additional mount, but that’s easily found on Amazon as well. Whole package about 25 bucks per additional car.
There it is…
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I got the Garmin sandbag holder from Amazon. The one you mention looks good too (and it cheaper.)
Generally though, I just use the suction cup holder and stick it in a cup holder in the center console.
Yes, the 760 is amazingly easy to use.