Great deal on Garmin GPSMAP 492

[NautiDuck]

I wont mention the online store name because that would violate the forum rules. I have had my eye on a Garmin GPSMAP 492 chartplotter for a while and checking prices. This unit, preloaded with Bluechart g2 for the entire US coasts, sells for around $650 or more at most online sites. It has a 5" diagonal screen and seems well suited for small-mid size boats. Anyway, a site I found via Google just (today) had a major price drop to $450 for the internal antenna version and $10 more for external antenna. There is $10 two day air shipping. The 492 is being replaced in the model line-up but the new unit has no additional functionality. Even the Garmin online factory store still wants more than $740 for the 492!If you have been thinking about a chartplotter this is a very good deal. Just use google and search for "GPSMAP 492" and check out the sites. You'll find it.

 

[Rob Hessenius]

492c

There are differences with Garmin "new" units;!1st- The can use the G2 Vision Chips. 2nd- They have a better LCD screen and a better TFT film. 3rd- They can accept XM or Sirius weather downloads. Rob Hessenius

 

[chris miller]

GPSMAP 492

can you email as to the website you found the reduced price of the "GPSMAP 492" on. Thank youChris crm58@juno.com

 

[NautiDuck]

Good deal Joe

That is a good deal Joe. Did it come with maps? Getting a super deal from a Marine store in the West is not an everyday event. ;-)Rob, the 540 which replaced the 492c does not come with g2 Vision data built in, it has the same g2 as the 492, you have to buy the g2 Vision cards for extra $$. Same thing for the weather service, you need to pay every month for that. It would be interesting to know what the actual difference is between g2 cards and g2 Vision cards. Personally, I think Garmin and others are looking to make the big bucks off their data cards and that is why the steady stream of updated models each year. Things are changing so fast in the GPS world that I suspect a couple of years from now you'll be able to buy a 10" unit for under $1k fully loaded with maps.Chris, I sent you the URL.

 

[Big Joe]

MAPS

Randy, Yeah the deal was a total fluke. As for maps, yeah. But I am not able to tell you what exactly. The unit is still in the box and I am at work now so I cannot check it. A winter project. The installation is waiting for the temperature here in LA. to get up to 90 degrees so we can brave leaving our slips comfortably. It's not just them back east sailors that are suffering Randy. Damn winters.I like to see all the fancy giant screen GPS mapper/ depth /fish finder combo systems who's arrival forces down the cost of very capable technology to the within the reach of the average Big Joe like me.Regards, Big Joe.

 

[Rob Hessenius]

492 vs 540

Randy- Yes- youre right in that these are added costs to the units, but still cabable. One thing that I did notice is that you can pan and perform functions while in the 3D mode. It seems as if you can customize tour data fields better on your given pages. Rob

 

[kd4ao13295]

498c

The Garmin 498c is also priced very well and provides an excellent depth instrument for those that need one. I installed this unit on my C250WK using the shoot thru the hull technique and it works great.

 

[ScottCocoaBeach]

Why not wait for newer models

http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap440/Here is the new model that is coming out, they don't show the pricing on the version that includes the sounder but retail price on this one is only $642.85. They generally sell for less than the price on Garmins website. These new units have newer features and great screens and are priced less than many are selling for even at clearance prices at West Marine.Check out Garmins website for detailed info on their 2007 line. I saw the new fishfinder at West Marine and the screen looked great!

 

[NautiDuck]

New units drive down costs of older models

Scott, the 440 has a 4" screen while the 492 has a 5" screen. The replacement for the 492 is the 540 which costs a couple of hundred more. I work in the IT business. A primary principle in IT is that the cost for technology continues to decrease and that the introduction of newer technology drops the price of the current technology swiftly. Another principle is that vendors will add bells and whistles as well as legitimate features that keep the new technology as pricey and profitable as possible.I am uncertain as to the value of 3D, satellite imagery and fish eye views on a 5" screen. What I want is ready access to depths, hazards and tide information and a clear indication that I am where I want to be. If I want a photo-view of where I am, I will just look around. I have books that are full of photos and diagrams of the marinas I may visit. It is all a matter of personal preference and budget. If you can wait and not need the latest bells and whistles then you can save $. On the other hand if you are a techy and want the latest then I understand that too! It's a wonderful world for us sailors!