Garmin Dezl 760 on Roehl National....upgrading from Garmin 465

Well I finally broke down a few weeks ago and dropped $399.99 plus tax at a loves in VA for a new Dezl 760. have a mail in rebate for $40 so real cash cost is about $380 out the door.

My first truck GPS was the Garmin nuvi 465, picked it up locally used on craigslist for $75 before I went to RDTC.

The 465 worked good for the most part. Had a few minor issues but nothing that got me into a really bad spot. I had no way to update the maps or software on the 465 so there were a number of places where I was driving through cornfields....lol 10 in wisconsin heading to Marshfield is a good example.

I think it was a good GPS to start with as I had trust issues with it and thus really had to pay attention to my route, street signs, and using the atlas and or google maps to get a mental picture of the route.

The 465 did a great job showing speed, keeping track of hours and miles driven, and giving me a good eta for where I was going, including time zone changes. It also was helpful for finding rest areas...if i needed to pee bad, or truckstops nearby.

Now that I have a connection cord I'm gonna try to update the thing (if I can do it for free) and keep it as a backup. Since adding the 760 I'm using the 465 in the secondary screen that shows speed, compass and time calculations and leaving the 760 on the map screen. I like the blue line that the 465 would draw for a week or two showing past travels...out of the box my 760 is not doing that. Maybe it's a setting i haven't figured out yet.

760 out of the box. Plug it in and go....set the truck size and you're rolling. It was very easy for me to move from the 465 as it's set up very similar.

As for the Roehl route, its close...much closer than the 465 was. I've also noticed that the 760 route is not broken up as much as the route on the 465. I also like the larger screen...i'm not getting younger. Some things i've noticed is that the traffic delay monitor on the 760 seems to be upgraded or more accurate. I had that sucker predict a delay, fairly accurately, down by greensboro NC. it also does a better job, in my opinion, of searching out addresses. One of the neat features that I like on it is that it shows elevation..not that it much matters but for one I think its a cool fact to know and there are still a few places that give the illusion of going uphill or downhill when it's the direct opposite. Initial opinion, well worth the money if you're always driving the truck into new and or unfamiliar territory. It seems to be a very good tool to use.

The 760 is in the process of getting a full map and software upgrade....this takes some time. Garmin.com was no problem getting onto or around in. usb connection to windows laptop simple. I will keep you posted with features or tips or issues when i can. If you're using the 760, feel free to help me out.

 

Thanks Skan...i will see if i can adjust it to leave me a trail. Nice when you're going to a new customer, makes it easy to find your way back out.

I did the full map update thing and it seems like it took a couple of hours but it is now done.

I have the verizon unlimited internet plan still so i got the garmin smartphone link. sorta cool you can look up an address on your phone and then ship it over to the dezl and it does work. no charge it appears for the basic services. it started by wanting to access my facebook...not to sure about that... now i have to find a mini usb cord for that old 465...it is not the same cord as the one for the 760

 

Well it's been a while since i last updated this. The 760 is performing well. I did change the setting so i have the little blue trail for a few days. I find this to be super cool for getting back out the same way i go in to new customers. The newer map seems to have most everything close, or at least a lot closer than the old garmin. There are still some places that are not quite right but more than close enough to figure it out.

Now that I'm training have enjoyed showing my trainees why they need to know where they are going as the gps will route you the wrong way. It won't necessarily not get you there safely, however, it will take you off from the route given.

Probably the nicest part to the gps is the time factoring. I know how to get my etas the hard way but it is so easy to compute your math in real time to know when you will arrive at your destination. The garmin 760 is doing well with that.

Can't compare it with the Rand since i've never used it. Would recommend the 760 based on reliability, ease of use...just remember you do need to know your route...just bust though the garmin route and it will auto correct to the prescribed route.