BizJetGuy

It turns out that GPS might not actually be unobtanium for me now.

As usual, I've started researching ad naseum through the many available units and I'm seriously considering the Streetpilot 2730. Per the specs, it's got everything I'm looking for: GPS functions, of course, but also being weatherproof, able to switch relatively easily between bike and car, the ability to play MP3's, path to XM and the FM transmitter that allows me to put music and GPS directions over my antique car stereo.

I considered the Zumo 550 but it's a little price restrictive at this point. It seems to have most all the features of the 2730 but uses Bluetooth instead of FM transmitting. I have no use for BT since I have no interest at all in using my cell phone while on the bike and my existing car stereo is not BT equipped to pair up for directions.

I know the 2730 is discontinued but man, the price is right. One can be had from Amazon for under $400 while the Zumo is north of $600. Yes, there is the added expense on the 2730 of the bike mount but I have the feeling that this unit would suit my needs better than the 550.

So, after that diatribe, does anyone have experience with the 2730? I know our fearless leader has a 2720 and SSG replaced his 2720 with the OEM version of the 550 and the reviews of the 2720 looks pretty solid. I'm guessing that the 2730 is a 2720 with extra features

Any thoughts? Am I headed down a wrong path by getting a discontinued unit?

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ND4SPD

I've had a 2720 for a while now and wouldn't hesitate to get a 2730. I bought mine after it was discontinued also, which was no big deal. Do it.

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BizJetGuy

Any negative to getting a refurbished unit?

Also, is anyone aware of the mp3 capacity on these things? I don't need to put my whole collection on there but I would like to pack at least 10-15 hours of tracks on it.

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SomeStrangeGuy

I wouldn't say replaced...I'd say augmented

I actually like the navigation and reroutes better on the 2720, it doesen't mind thinking a little longer sometimes and I've realized thats because it's coming up with something better than the 550 about 70% of the time.

The 2730 is still a really decent unit IMO with no replacement (well the 2820 is nice but I dont think has FM out). I really enjoy the left side controls on the 550 though, the 2720 just bugs me sometimes.

All that said, the 2720 is on my bike more than the 550. The 2730 would work just as well if not better

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SomeStrangeGuy

Refurbs hold the same on a factory warranty (1 year) and should be eligible for any map upgrades from Garmin at the time of registering the unit (fyi). The first two Garmin's I ever owned 2610 and 2720 were refurbs and I didn't have any issues.

Not familiar with the MP3 side of it at all though, I stuck a 4gb sd in my Zumo and found myself still sitting there with my ipod on cause my brain likes having two separate sets of controls.

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BizJetGuy

Excellent info, gents!

Is there any hassle-factor to removing the 2720 from the bike when parking someplace not so secure? I would assume the 2730 is the same mount.

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ND4SPD

You need a RAM mount. RAM Mount System

I use one in the car also and it takes all of about 20 seconds to remove it from its mounting location.

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SomeStrangeGuy

Ditto, I have a ram mount (6$ cradle) and a Touratech MVG mount (200$) and there is not that much more value in having a locking expensive cradle sitting there...I still take it in.

20 seconds is excessive if you're just popping the unit out of the mount, its about 5 seconds if you leave the ram mount present. Speaking of a bike...

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CBR929RE

2720 doesn't have the mp3, XM or FM transmitter. the XM traffic thing I know can be added as an external piece but otherwise they are the same as far as I know. the 2730 was still available when I bought my 2720 and I figured I don't need those extra features so I went with the discontinued, refurbed for less money.

that's the mount I have. add the HB1 to mount to the handle bar and a suction cup mount for the car/truck windshield plus a 3 inch arm and I just swap back and forth. of course you don't need the suction cup if you're just gonna use the bean bag dash mount in the car.

only problem I've had with the cradle is its marking up the GPS. no big deal because its almost always in the cradle except when it in the bike trunk.

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