messenger13

So I adhere to the belief that if a jerk wants to take something, he's going to take it. Not much you can do about it. I also believe that most jerks that steal, steal to sell what they have stolen. They don't keep the stuff, they just want to "off it" and make a few bucks to support their drinking or drug addiction.

With that in mind, I've devised a plan to get my Garmin 2820 back if this were to happen.

Here's the way I see it going down:

• The junkie rips my GPS off my bike when I'm inside a gas station buying a Gatorade and some Beef Jerky. Yea it sucks ... but life goes on.
• The junkie then sells the GPS for $20 to an opportunistic stranger on the street.
• The new owner of my GPS then goes home and gets online to shop for a power cord for their new GPS.
• The power cord arrives and all is good. He or she gets into their car, plugs in the GPS and they fire it up. Oh they are so excited! ............ (Now checkout the attachment to see the Splash Screen.)

And they get the privilege of seeing that Splash Screen each and every time they fire up MY GPS. (At least until they figure out how to change it.) If they are a good Samaritan, I'll eventually get my GPS back. If they are not, at least I get the satisfaction knowing that I tried. And sometimes, that's all you can do. Maybe it would work ... maybe it wouldn't. But at least I tried.

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dav

Kind of a fatalistic attitude, but it does have the redeeming feature of at least some possibility of getting the GPS back. Other than a sticker on the inside of the case with the same contact info, I can't think of a better solution.

Garmin does at least have "Garmin Lock" that automatically unlocks if the GPS is turned on at home, or if you know the code. With that activated, and the device registered in your name, Garmin will not sell maps or accessories to anyone for that unit.

Actually, you might add Garmin contact info. If the device were sent to them anonymously, they contact the registered owner to arrange return.

Andy

Not only will Garmin not sell them any maps or accessories, but without that pin number, the device is useless. And Garmin won't reset it for you.

messenger13

The 2820 does not have 'Garmin Lock'.

FWIW, after consulting with a group of friends I have edited my original version. I like version 2 a lot better.

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Keith

I'd rather keep mine locked up, and just replace it if it were ever stolen, instead of having to look at that screen each time it boots.

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messenger13

Then again ... you ride a Honda.


Oh lighten up! I've owned 7 of them. And I currently have 2 Honda quads.

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- Joe

Max

Sweet, now not only do I have your GPS, but now I can call you and tell you about it
People buying things off crackheads usually != moral person.

If you register it with Garmin and report it jacked, I believe they don't service the unit any longer or sell unlocks for it (for maps, etc).

messenger13

And that's just another way I can get my GPS back. Go ahead and call! Tracking you down from there just got a whole lot easier.


I'm already all over that.


Hey ... I'm not saying that my plan is fool-proof. But at least it's worth a shot. I guess I don't like giving up without a fight.

Click here for my final version.

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Max

Just thought I'd let you know that I like your approach but I was too lazy to edit it, so if you start getting phonecalls about a Garmin 2720 - drop me a PM please

messenger13

No problem. I'm here to serve.

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- Joe