Comparison of Garmin GPSMAP 276C and StreetPilot 2610
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Version 0.9
CycoActive comments
in green |
GPSMAP 276C |
StreetPilot 2610 |
Mapping and GPS Functions |
Receiver |
12 channel |
12 channel |
WAAS capability |
Yes |
Yes |
Number of Waypoints |
3,000 |
500 |
Waypoint Icons |
Yes |
Yes |
Number of Routes /
Number of Waypoints per route |
50 / 300 |
50 stored (Automatically calculated with turn-by-turn instructions) |
# of Track Log Points |
10,000 |
2,000 |
TracBack Mode |
Yes |
No |
There are several points here. Certainly, all the numbers are bigger on the 276 side, but there is a functional difference as well.
The Track Log on a 2610 can be turned on and off, cleared and you can see what percentage of space you've used. It rolls over automatically. Quoting the manual, "Once the log is full, new track points replace the oldest track points. The beginning of the track contains the earliest point while the end contains the most recent ones."
On the 276C, the operation of the Track Log is completely configurable. You can save them, name them, use them as routes and transfer them to your PC with appropriate software.
The 276C can navigate a saved track; it's called TracBack, The 2610 doesn't have this function, so you can't 'follow your trail' back to where you started. |
Basemap |
America's Autoroute |
America's Autoroute |
Map Storage |
Garmin Data Cards
256 MB current largest size
(Fall of '04) |
CompactFlash memory cards
Type 1 & Type 2 compatible |
Additional map options |
Nearly all MapSource products |
City Navigator included, as well as
nearly all MapSource products |
The StreetPilot comes with a full unlocked version of City Navigator and a 128M CompactFlash (CF) card. The 276C comes ala carte. You pick the accessories and software you want.
We all wish we could just put a 2G CF card in our 276C, load all the maps and be on our way. Maybe someday the inexpensive memory will be available for the 276C. This is where the 2610 really shines. It comes with a 128M CF card and can use nearly any size card available. 1G and 2G CF cards are very inexpensive nowadays. A 2G card will store _all_ of City Navigator and still have over 500M of free space for other map data. Even with recent price reductions for Garmin data cards, CF is a much less expensive format. The 276C only uses the Garmin Data Cards. They are available up to 256M in size. |
Audible Alarms |
Anchor: Yes
Arrival: Yes
Clock: Yes
Off Course: Yes
DGPS: Yes
Accuracy: Yes |
Yes (with voice prompts) |
Area Calculation |
Yes |
No |
Display Features |
Display Size (W x H) |
3 x 2.2 inches |
3.3 x 1.7 inches |
Display Type |
256 level Color TFT |
256 color LCD / Touch Screen |
Pixels (W x H) |
480 x 320
153,600 total pixels |
305 x 160
48,800 total pixels |
Screen Orientation |
Horizontal |
Horizontal |
Backlit Display |
Multi-level adjustable |
Automatic Dimming |
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the differences here. The 276C display is unmatched and the specs back that up. The 276C display is larger, has over 3 times the number of pixels, has a much higher resolution and is fully readable in direct sunlight. You'll want a sunshade for your 2610. |
Physical & Electrical Features |
Standard GPS Antenna |
Detachable |
Built-in Patch |
Battery Life |
Up to 15 HR |
N/A |
Unit Weight |
13.6 oz. |
.93 lbs. (14.88 oz.) |
Waterproof Standard |
IPX7 |
IPX7 |
Unit Size (H x W x D) |
3.2 x 5.7 x 1.9 |
3.2 x 5.6 x 2.0 |
Interfaces |
Serial & USB |
USB |
Remote Control |
No |
Yes |
Ext. Ant. Hookup |
Yes - BNC |
Yes - MCX |
Voltage Range |
11 - 35 |
12 - 24 |
These GPSs are nearly the same size, with only a small difference in total volume. Both allow external antennas, both will operate from 12v power and there are a wide variety of mounts to choose from.
Both are very water resistant so you can use them on your bike in bad weather without worry. That IPX7 standard says these will survive a meter underwater for 30 minutes. That should keep it working even in the worst downpours. Be sure to clean and dry it off as soon as you get a chance. Corrosion is always the enemy of electronics.
The biggest difference is the battery - or rather the lack of one in the 2610. This is not a GPS to carry around while you explore the outback. There are portable 12v power supplies available, but they are bulky. The 276C battery charges automatically when powered externally and will operate from 5 to 15 hours depending on display backlight use. You can buy a spare, too. |
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