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: Great All-Purpose GPS
Summary: 4 Stars
I had a 276c, and I had the Mapsource software package, with Bluechart, and the street detail maps for the US that I would have to select and download to the unit, and I liked that just fine. I had that so long that the maps started getting out of date. I lost this unit and decided to get the 478c, intrigued by the XM Weather features.
The 478c has all the charts and all the streets already loaded into it, so no more having to manage the maps and running out of space on the flash memory stick of the old unit I had. Also, it worked with the Mapsource software I had, so I could download all those waypoints and routes to the new 478c.
I bit the bullet and bought the XM antenna for it, and signed up for the basic weather service package, and, went ahead and subscribed to the music service too. I never realized how much I would LOVE having the ability to use the 478c as a satellite radio receiver. I'm sure there's fancier receivers out there, but I am happy to have one device that does that and the navigation and the weather.
The monthly weather subscription is more expensive than I care for. The basic wasn't enough... it provided a Doppler RADAR summary, and NOT real-time Doppler, and it was frequently WRONG. I upgraded to see if that would be any better, and it is... it updates every 5 minutes or so, and that works. I'd really like to get the top-of-the line weather service that gives a satellite mosaic so you can tell where it's supposed to be cloudy and where it isn't going to be cloudy, but that's just too expensive for me. I'm not a pro mariner and I work indoors most of the time, so I just can't justify the cost. I have a hard enough time justifying the cost of the middle-of-the-road service that I have.
On the whole I really like it a lot.
My advice is this: if you're willing to spend the additional $200 - $275 for the XM antenna, and the additional $30 - $50 a month for the weather and XM Radio, this is a great device.
If not, and you're not a country-wide traveller, save some $$$ and get the 276c, or, whatever their most basic street and marine device Garmin currently has.
I DEFINITELY prefer Garmin over other GPS brands.
Digital camera Review: Great GPS for road/trail trips
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the Garmin 478 in Feb. 2009 - What a great GPS unit. It sits permanently mounted to the dash of my Land Rover. The mapping software in co-ordination with the GPS satellites is right on. For Road trips -- this unit is perfect with all of it's up to date POI's. If you are so inclined to venture off road... or off the beaten track; this unit drops "bread crumbs" so you can re-trace your trail back to civilization... which is always a good thing. I would recommend the Garmin GPS 478 to my friends... and have in fact recommended it already to my brothers.Digital camera Review: Just what the doctor ordered
Summary: 5 Stars
I had been looking for a new GPS device. As I have a car and a boat, the Garmin 478 was the answer. I just had to search for the right price. I found it, and bought the device I wanted.
Digital camera Review: LOWEST PRICE
Summary: 5 Stars
lowest price and fast shipping, best deal out there! The unit is ready to go out of the box and the preprogrammed G2 Coastal Maps are helpful on the water. With only a few connectors from the hardware store I piggy back wired it to the existing fish finder. All wiring and mounts are included, very happy with the purchase!Digital camera Review: More praise for the Garmin 478
Summary: 4 Stars
I agree completely with the other reviews. I can't imagine navigating the shallow coastal Florida waters without a unit like this. It had more useful functions than I had anticipated. The instruction manual could be better for a user new to Garmin. Once you learn how to use it it's wonderful. The shopping and restaurant menu is somewhat incomplete and/or out of date. An update would be helpful