Hello, I'm a GPS newbie.

cman1721 · 06-26-2008, 8:36 AM

I got my first GPS last week, a Garmin c340. Although I have not used it for a road trip yet, I have used it around my home just to get used to it. Have several trips planned in the next several months and will use the GPS extensively. I have several quick questions:

Can I get some advice in a non-windshield mount?
Is the 2009 map update worthwhile?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Max · 07-01-2008, 8:08 AM

Welcome to the site cman

Did you buy the unit new? If so you might be able to get an update for it from Garmins site (gratis). If not, then yes I would recommend updating it as the maps on the 340 are likely not current since that unit was discontinued awhile ago.

For a non-windshield mount, I have been pleased with Arkon.
I am in the process of trying out one of their dash friction mounts, the GN112 on my Nuvi 200w and it's nice:
</title><html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <title>Weighted Friction Style Dash Mount | Friction Dash Mount | Friction GPS Bean Bag Mount

The best feature hands down (that no one else has done) is that instead of it being a round bag, it's a U shape. This permits me to have the bag on my dash and to lay the unit almost flush with the level of my dash - rather than have the bulge of the bag under it. It also includes a safety tether which is pretty nice as well. Im definitely a fan

cman1721 · 07-01-2008, 9:12 AM

Thanks for the response, Max.

I bought the c340 refurbished. It had the 2008 version of the maps when I got it, but I well.

After having the Garmin windshield mount come off, I got a Garmin friction dash mount made for the StreetPilot series and it seems to be working well, so far.

I am also looking for advice on using MapSource to create a custom route. Any advice out there?

Thanks in advance

Max · 07-01-2008, 12:59 PM

Gotcha...as long as it has the 08 version then you're fine. I typically don't upgrade inside of 2 years anyways unless someone else is buying

(aka Garmin).

The Garmin friction dash mount is definitely ok, one of mine I've had for a few years and it really doesen't like sticking to the dash anymore. The younger of the two is still ok, I just like the fact that the center mount of those units is universal. I have a mount for my Nuvi's and streetpilot that works for them (handy). The Arkon has gotten me to start looking for a decent suction mount for my old 2720 though I have to admit...it's that much of an improvement...but I think you'll be ok for a few years

As for the custom routes, try starting a new thread if you don't find one that suits your needs...you're likely to garner some addtional interest that way

. I'm sure there are a few folks here that can help you though (myself included).

06-26-2008, 8:36 AM	#1
cman1721 Join Date: Jun 26 2008 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 3	Hello, I'm a GPS newbie. I got my first GPS last week, a Garmin c340. Although I have not used it for a road trip yet, I have used it around my home just to get used to it. Have several trips planned in the next several months and will use the GPS extensively. I have several quick questions: Can I get some advice in a non-windshield mount? Is the 2009 map update worthwhile? Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

07-01-2008, 8:08 AM	#2
Max 'tis the season for seat time Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 876 Blog Entries: 2	Re: Hello, I'm a GPS newbie. Welcome to the site cman Did you buy the unit new? If so you might be able to get an update for it from Garmins site (gratis). If not, then yes I would recommend updating it as the maps on the 340 are likely not current since that unit was discontinued awhile ago. For a non-windshield mount, I have been pleased with Arkon. I am in the process of trying out one of their dash friction mounts, the GN112 on my Nuvi 200w and it's nice: </title><html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <title>Weighted Friction Style Dash Mount \| Friction Dash Mount \| Friction GPS Bean Bag Mount The best feature hands down (that no one else has done) is that instead of it being a round bag, it's a U shape. This permits me to have the bag on my dash and to lay the unit almost flush with the level of my dash - rather than have the bulge of the bag under it. It also includes a safety tether which is pretty nice as well. Im definitely a fan __________________ Nothing free is good, nothing good is free.

07-01-2008, 9:12 AM	#3
cman1721 Join Date: Jun 26 2008 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 3	Re: Hello, I'm a GPS newbie. Thanks for the response, Max. I bought the c340 refurbished. It had the 2008 version of the maps when I got it, but I well. After having the Garmin windshield mount come off, I got a Garmin friction dash mount made for the StreetPilot series and it seems to be working well, so far. I am also looking for advice on using MapSource to create a custom route. Any advice out there? Thanks in advance

07-01-2008, 12:59 PM	#4
Max 'tis the season for seat time Join Date: Dec 28 2006 Location: Near Boston, Ma. Posts: 876 Blog Entries: 2	Re: Hello, I'm a GPS newbie. Gotcha...as long as it has the 08 version then you're fine. I typically don't upgrade inside of 2 years anyways unless someone else is buying (aka Garmin). The Garmin friction dash mount is definitely ok, one of mine I've had for a few years and it really doesen't like sticking to the dash anymore. The younger of the two is still ok, I just like the fact that the center mount of those units is universal. I have a mount for my Nuvi's and streetpilot that works for them (handy). The Arkon has gotten me to start looking for a decent suction mount for my old 2720 though I have to admit...it's that much of an improvement...but I think you'll be ok for a few years As for the custom routes, try starting a new thread if you don't find one that suits your needs...you're likely to garner some addtional interest that way . I'm sure there are a few folks here that can help you though (myself included). __________________ Nothing free is good, nothing good is free.

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