Garmin GPSmap 478 GPS Receiver by Garmin
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List Price: Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin GPSmap 478 GPS Receiver
Digital camera Review: Garmin 478 GPSMap
Summary: 4 Stars
The 478 is my first GPS unit. My primary use of it is for making tracks in the desert of Qatar over dunes to the Inland Sea. My secondary use is for finding new locations and checking better routes around town in Doha. Thus far the software and mapping functions have worked well, with the exception of the tracking function putting me in the Persian Gulf rather than in the desert while I was still on land. Downloading the Middle East maps and transferring my choices to the 478 was easy. I've moved maps, tracks and waypoints back and forth between my laptop and the 478 with ease several times. So far I'm happy with the 478 unit and the software to download onto my computer.
As per other reviews of this GPS, the auto power cord / speaker is a piece of junk. The first time I tried to remove the plug from the back of the 478 unit it came apart in my fingers. It is most disappointing for such an expensive unit to come with such poor quality connections.
I look forward to using the marine mode, and may try it with my track in the desert for better definition.
Overall it's an excellent unit, but Garmin need to improve the quality of the plugs and cords which accompany it.
Digital camera Review: Garmin 478 Versatility Exceeds Expectations
Summary: 4 Stars
I chose the Garmin 478 chartplotter because I needed a portable unit for my truck and bayboat. Navagating though Louisiana coastal marshes with its maize of cuts and islands is quite challenging.Before going on the water, I made navagational waypoints through established canals and bays easily.There is a good variety of icons you can use for specific routes and then use different ones,labeling for fishing spots along the area. You can zoom to a 2' accuracy which shows movement when anchored.
Just a personal preference, I chose not to hard wire the unit on the boat since the battery provides 7-9hrs of charge depending on screen brightness-more than enough time for a day venture. I did buy an extra battery for $21 to provide extra power if needed. You could easily use the charger with the 12v system onboard-but because of water and rain issues-didn't want that extra concern.
The coastal maps show only natural lakes-ponds and canals(bayous).Man made oilfield canals and accesses are not shown .So in some instances, your route will be highlighted through land areas.
Disadvantage: In remote areas of the marsh the unit WILL loose satellite
communication if the WAAS is enabled. In the marsh there is no cover like trees to inhibit the signal.Having it mounted on the console,in my humble opinion should not affect the signal either. I use the WAAS system for vehicle navagation. It's probably better to use the marine system when on the water. That can be changed easily when flipping to the setup menu.( the jury it still out on that issue)
If the unit had some type of touch screen (like the Nuvi's) would help "dragging" new way points for marine navagation. But considering the price -the lack of that feature-"you get what you pay for".
Other features: You can set several tide stations to view -sunrise/sunset data. I don't subscibe to the XM system. I get weather and warnings off my VHF system. On the "automotive side" you get voice prompts and directions like the nuvi's.
Overall: I gave the unit a strong 4 out of 5 considering its cost and wide use. I have used magellan and Lowrance units in the past. Garmin seems to be more user friendly. I'd recommend sitting down before hand and learning the unit before venturing out into the great unknown sipping a cold one and watching another episode of "Lost".
Digital camera Review: Garmin GPSMAP 478
Summary: 5 Stars
Fantastic. Easy to use both on and off the water. The auto-zoom is wonderful when driving. Worth every penny.Digital camera Review: Garmin GPSMAP 478 review
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this product for equal use on my boat and in my car. Over all, I would say that it has met my expectations.
PRO:
1. Contains detailed coastal charts and street maps for the United States and Canada.
2. The screen resolution is very good for its size. The screen is large enough to see will driving or on the boat, but the unit is small enough to be portable.
3. The unit come with just about all the accessories one might ask for.
Con:
1. An external antenna is recommended for use in boat a car and inside a boat. Satellite aquisition can be a problem with out a clear view of the sky. I have seen other gps units that did a better job with the built in antenna.
2. The XM receiver option should include traffic information. The receiver has the capability, but the 478's software does not include this cababilty. I would have thought that it would have been a no brainer to have this feature. Certainly, this would have made this one of the most desirable units on the market.
3. The removable memory otion uses a propretary card. The use of SD or mini SD cards would have been a real plus. Garmin's cards are expensive and do not as large a capacity as commonly available types of cards.
4. The G2 charts do not include pictures of harbors, landmarks, etc. To get this cabability, it is necessary to buy the same charts on preprogrammed cards. Bathymetric display is not supported.
Digital camera Review: Garmin GPSmap 478
Summary: 5 Stars
Outstanding product! Kit contains everything you need for boating and automobile usage and its user friendly converting easily from water to street applications. Large screen with great backlighting making it easy to see while on the water in poor lighting and weather conditions. I am also impressed with how long the battery lasts even with the backlight on maximum intensity. Before purchasing I had read about the poor quality of the 12 volt adaptor but haven't had any issues with my unit.