Garmin i-series storage/capacity?

[Mike S.]

I'm looking at the Garmin i5 and comparing it to the other models of this
series; and am confused about the differences other than type of display.

The specs say the i5 comes with a detailed US database pre-loaded; the
other models come with a DVD + unlock code, and a 128 MB transflash card.
From what I read, the supplied card certainly cannot hold all the data for
the continent; perhaps 1-3 states.

How, then, is the entire US database "pre-loaded" on the i5? Is it on
internal RAM (how much)? Is there additional room? Or does it come with a
larger transflash card which contains the database? Is that card
writeable, or is it a ROM card?

My major reason for considering the other models is the i2 with "high
contrast monochrome LCD" which might be more readable in bright sunlight -
since I do not see anywhere that the i5 comes with a transflective display
(THAT, to me, is the only way to make a color LCD totally legible in
bright sunlight).

I'd appreciate any clarifications/opinions - thanks.

[SamSez]

Post by Mike S.
I'm looking at the Garmin i5 and comparing it to the other models of
this series; and am confused about the differences other than type of
display.
The specs say the i5 comes with a detailed US database pre-loaded; the
other models come with a DVD + unlock code, and a 128 MB transflash
card. From what I read, the supplied card certainly cannot hold all
the data for the continent; perhaps 1-3 states.
How, then, is the entire US database "pre-loaded" on the i5? Is it on
internal RAM (how much)? Is there additional room? Or does it come
with a larger transflash card which contains the database? Is that
card writeable, or is it a ROM card?

More internal memory on the i5, but no DVD. I'd rather buy a bigger card
later and have the dvd...

Post by Mike S.
My major reason for considering the other models is the i2 with "high
contrast monochrome LCD" which might be more readable in bright
sunlight - since I do not see anywhere that the i5 comes with a
transflective display (THAT, to me, is the only way to make a color
LCD totally legible in bright sunlight).

Don't even think about it. The i2 display is bad in ALL lighthing.
Consider the i3 and buy a 512 card later -- if you find you really need
it -- 128 holds a lot. I was buying for my wife's car, and the i2 went
back the next day -- just because of the display. We have yet to find a
lighting situation where we can't read the i3 display.

Post by Mike S.
I'd appreciate any clarifications/opinions - thanks.

If we had it to do over again, I might consider the c320. There are
deals around pricing it nearly the same as the i3, but it adds a touch
screen display -- the one thing I miss on the i series [you can't scroll
the map around on the i series...]. The i series combination roll/push
button is also [imo] not quite as nice as a touch screen -- I often find
myself rolling it one click up or down when I try to push-select the item
at the current position.

[Papa]

The I5 has a slot for a transflash card, which is the same as a MicroSD
card. Unlike the I2 and I3 units, no transflash card comes with the I5
device. The map data is permanently installed (how, I don't know), so the I5
is ready to go right out of the box. If you want to add additional maps, or
if you need to do a map upgrade, you will have to buy a transflash card. I
think the maximum capacity transflash card that the I5 will accept is 256
MB.

Hope this helps.

[Mike S.]

Thanks for the responses, folks. I've done a little more searching and
found, buried in a review somewhere, that the i5 uses a 1" hard drive for
storing the pre-loaded database. Ugh ... moving parts in a device that
bounces during use. As I already have a "spare" micro-SD card from a
phone, I've pretty much decided now to go for the i3.

[Papa]

I don't think the fact that the I5 has a hard drive with moving parts would
be a disadvantage. I use a CD drive in my car all the time, and a laptop as
well, and haven't had a problem yet.

However, if you are using unpaved roads, or a motorcycle, maybe a unit with
moving parts would be a problem.

Post by Mike S.
Thanks for the responses, folks. I've done a little more searching and
found, buried in a review somewhere, that the i5 uses a 1" hard drive for
storing the pre-loaded database. Ugh ... moving parts in a device that
bounces during use. As I already have a "spare" micro-SD card from a
phone, I've pretty much decided now to go for the i3.

[SamSez]

Post by Mike S.
Thanks for the responses, folks. I've done a little more searching and
found, buried in a review somewhere, that the i5 uses a 1" hard drive for
storing the pre-loaded database. Ugh ... moving parts in a device that
bounces during use. As I already have a "spare" micro-SD card from a
phone, I've pretty much decided now to go for the i3.

I can't stress too much -- take a look at the c320 before you pop for the
i3. Touch-screen is a major advantage...

[Mike S.]

Post by SamSez

Post by Mike S.
Thanks for the responses, folks. I've done a little more searching and
found, buried in a review somewhere, that the i5 uses a 1" hard drive for
storing the pre-loaded database. Ugh ... moving parts in a device that
bounces during use. As I already have a "spare" micro-SD card from a
phone, I've pretty much decided now to go for the i3.

I can't stress too much -- take a look at the c320 before you pop for the
i3. Touch-screen is a major advantage...

I will keep that in mind .. thanks again.

[b***@abc.net]

I have had the i3 since November last year, its a great little unit, I have
used it throughout the UK and Ireland.
Our office has a 310 and it is too heavy for the window mount.

BillB

[Mike S.]

Post by b***@abc.net
I have had the i3 since November last year, its a great little unit, I have
used it throughout the UK and Ireland.
Our office has a 310 and it is too heavy for the window mount.

Thanks for the additional data point. I still lean towards the i3. I'm
wondering if there are any well-distributed chain stores in the US that
actually stock this for local pick-up. I am certainly no stranger to mail
order, but prefer the ability to see one in the flesh before purchase, not
to mention the "get it now" factor and ease of return if defective.

I've checked the web sites of CompUSA, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Staples
- essentially everything on Garmin's dealer list for my state - (NJ) and none
of them list **any** of the i-series.

[Paul]

I just got one and ordered it online. They weren't in the stores here in
Florida, either. Nevertheless, I really do like it. It does take a while
to enter addresses, but if they are frequent places you travel, they can be
stored as favorites. I found this rather extensive and accurate review
here: http://www.gpsinformation.org/i3/i3.html

Good luck!

Paul

Post by Mike S.

Post by b***@abc.net
I have had the i3 since November last year, its a great little unit, I have
used it throughout the UK and Ireland.
Our office has a 310 and it is too heavy for the window mount.

Thanks for the additional data point. I still lean towards the i3. I'm
wondering if there are any well-distributed chain stores in the US that
actually stock this for local pick-up. I am certainly no stranger to mail
order, but prefer the ability to see one in the flesh before purchase, not
to mention the "get it now" factor and ease of return if defective.
I've checked the web sites of CompUSA, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Staples
- essentially everything on Garmin's dealer list for my state - (NJ) and none
of them list **any** of the i-series.