schmidtj

I had a 4GB Micro SD Card so I inserted it into my new 1490T. The meger manual that comes with the 1490T really doesn't say exactly what the 1490T will use the card for. I determined through trial and error that if I put images on the card they will display in the Picture viewer. I believe map updates can go on the card but what other things can the SD card be used for. Somehow I thought maybe routes, favorites, screen shots could go there but don't see any option to direct data to the card from within the 1490T's menus. It also seems the 1490T writes data to the card via the USB connection very slowly. It's as if it's a USB 1.0. Is it? Any insight appreciated. I really like the 1490T now that I've had a week to play with it. Too bad the manual is next to useless.

HumVee

You will write data to your microSD card much faster using a media reader attached to your computer, instead of using it through the GPS unit. The flash card can be used to store supplemental maps (topographical maps, road maps of regions that you purchased that didn't come bundled with your 1490T, etc.), custom voices, custom vehicle icons, MP3 files (which wouldn't do you any good on your 1490T, since it doesn't have an MP3 player) plus the pictures you already mentioned....

schmidtj

Thanks again HumVee.
If the Garmin Manual had only mentioned this it would have saved us both time and effort.

HumVee

No worries, schmidtj. I think we're all in agreement that GPS manuals could use more depth!

malam

I have the same unit. You`ll get lots of help (and info) on this forum - the guys here are great.

imsingh1211

I am in a fix....which Garmin to buy? 855? 1490t? 265WT? Please help! Thanks and God bless!

HumVee

imsingh1211, there are a large number of GPS units available, from a number of GPS manufacturers. I see that you are looking at Garmin, and are stymied (as are many people) by the sheer number of offerings from Garmin.

The easiest way to narrow down which models might be ideal for you is to build a list of criteria that you might find important. For example, do you want to be able to build and save routes on your device for future use (like vacation planning), or do you only care about hopping in the car and pulling up an address or point of interest? What activities do you want to be able to do with a GPS device? Is screen size important? Does it need to be weatherproof? What parts of the world do you want to be able to travel to? Do you care about extra features, such as Bluetooth synching with cell phones, music players, traffic updates, etc.? Is there a price limit for what you're willing to spend?

imsingh1211

Thanks a ton, HumVee...my aim is to jump in to the car and drive where I need to....1. my better half is inclined towards the 265 WT from Costco ($170/-)....do you think Costco would take it back, say after 2 years, if something goes wrong with it? 2. Or is it worth it to buy the 855 ($176/-) from Walmart with a 3 year extended service plan ($29/-)......would I be without a GPS for many days if it were to need repair/service?.....3. or 855 from Compusa for $199/-, with two years replacement ($45/-)? Thanks much in advance, and God bless! P. S. Sorry for so many questions....but i have read on this forum that Costco is the best, but I do NOT know if they would take something back so far down the road....Thanks again, and GBU!

HumVee

I don't think any of the retailers would take something back that was years old. Whether you have to have your GPS shipped to a repair facility or whether you can just bring it back to the retailer would all depend on the wording of the extended warranty contract.

As to which Garmin GPS to get, the nüvi 265WT or the nüvi 855, you can compare their features on Garmin's website:

• The 265WT has Bluetooth, ecoRoute (supposedly calculates a more fuel-efficient route) and FM Traffic condition updates (Lifetime subscription, ad supported).
• The 855 has Routes (10), Voice-activated navigation, Lane assist with junction view, Garmin Locate (helps you find your way back to your car), MP3 & audio book player and a headphone jack.
• Both have speed limit indicators, and a host of other features (see the chart).
• They both have the same screen size.

If you don't care about any of those features, then just get the less expensive unit. Rather than purchase the extended warranties out of the stores, you might see what your credit card company's policy is. Many of them (including American Express) offer an additional 1 year warranty extension on electronic items purchsed with them. Two years is pretty good - especially if you don't have to pay any extra for it. If you decide to go with a store policy, do some research on how successful customers have been in getting things done under those extended policies. I've had some pretty bad experiences - but it hasn't been with any of the listed stores. I hope that advice helps. If you have any questions, please post them here. I will be out of communication for the next week (taking my family to Disneyland) starting tomorrow but there's lots of knowledgeable people here who would be happy to give their opinion!

imsingh1211

Thank you so much, HumVee! Have a relaxing, restful...and fruitful vacation! The missus went to Costco today and plumped for the 265WT....however, it does not have a feature (maybe two) that I like immensely (as does she...) being able to choose whether one wants the faster route, off highway, shorter distance etc. I am sure she'll go back, down the road, and take advantage of Costco's awesome return/exchange policy and get something else. In addition, the 265 WT's cord/car charger etc. is different...I think that one needs to connect it to the unit, rather than to just the mount. All of you are 'lodes' of knowledge and info that we wouldbe at a great loss without! god bless you all, and thanks again, HumVee!