Another GPS Question

[Curious in CT]

I've pretty much decided on the Garmin 2730. I found one new, unbundled, meaning it has all the features except the XM radio. And another, factory reconditioned, with XM for the same price.

Is there any reason I should avoid the reconditioned unit?

I should mention that the XM radio is not a feature I care about, but I might consider using it if I had the reciever.

Unbundled

Reconditioned

 

[Geezer]

You'll like the 2730. I bought a 2720 just before they were discontinued and I love it. Personally, I never buy reconditioned unless it is priced a lot llower than new. No matter what the warranty, reconditioned is used. Since the 2730 and 2720 have been discontinued for a while, if you can find a new one it should be priced very attractively. If not, look at a newer model.

 

[wfooshee]

You'll like the 2730. I bought a 2720 just before they were discontinued and I love it. Personally, I never buy reconditioned unless it is priced a lot llower than new. No matter what the warranty, reconditioned is used. Since the 2730 and 2720 have been discontinued for a while, if you can find a new one it should be priced very attractively. If not, look at a newer model.

In my work (computers) most reconditioned is DOA equipment. Might not have ever been delivered (failed during tech setup), or maybe it was delivered and immediately failed. New system board, new drive, new power supply, whatever. Machine is technically used, but in all respects indistiguishable from brand new. I'd have no problem with reconditioned.

 

[Lake Powell]

I do not have any background with either the 2720 or 2730, I do have the Zumo and I love it. Bike Effects have them and offer a discount to fellow forum members, and great service from a FJR rider.

 

[twodogs]

Also, sometimes discontinued models are sold as "reconditioned" even though they are new. Something about not harming sales of the successor model.

 

[otrfjr]

I purchased a refurbed model for half the price of a new Garmin of the same model and have been perfectly happy with it & have had no issues.

 

[Checkswrecks]

We purchase refurb all the time.

Quality-wise, they work or don't, same as new.

Cost-wise, refurb should cost less.

Watch the warranty, as many refurb items have less.

Bob

 

[TheAxeman]

I have the 2730 that I bought new with the XM radio including Nav Traffic and weather. I love the unit but just recently had to send it back to Garmin to be serviced because of a screen fogging condition. They took about 10 days to "fix" the unit and I still have the problem. :angry:

I'm kind of pissed off that I will now either have to send it back or live with it. If you are buying a reconditioned 27XX it wouldn't surprise me if the reason for the reconditioning was the fogging problem as some others beside me have experienced.

You could always go with the non bundled package and buy the XM antenna from KAITSDAD if he still has it. It may work out for you cheaper in the long run.

 

[kaitsdad]

I have the 2730 that I bought new with the XM radio including Nav Traffic and weather. I love the unit but just recently had to send it back to Garmin to be serviced because of a screen fogging condition. They took about 10 days to "fix" the unit and I still have the problem. :angry: I'm kind of pissed off that I will now either have to send it back or live with it. If you are buying a reconditioned 27XX it wouldn't surprise me if the reason for the reconditioning was the fogging problem as some others beside me have experienced.

You could always go with the non bundled package and buy the XM antenna from KAITSDAD if he still has it. It may work out for you cheaper in the long run.

Wow! Bumped into my handle here ! AXE, the antenna is sold, but thanks for mentioning it.

First, I would question - 'unbundled' as that's not the way the unit was designed to be sold. In fact, I've never heard of that term being used regarding a GPS before. Makes you wonder what happened to the GXM30 antenna that was supposed to be with the unit.

I have two 2730's - The first I bought when it was a current production unit - the second I recently purchased from TNav systems -TNav clicky TNav is biker friendly, and handles all of the Garmin accessories at discount. And they communicate very well. I heard about them via the LDRider list.

That GXM30 antenna I recently sold was from the second unit - so, if you take the new price from TNav - $550.00 - and subtract out the price I sold the antenna for, I have a second, brand new unit for less money.

The GXM antenna's sell frequently on Ebay in the 180.00 to 220.00 range as they work with any XM enabled Garmin GPS - not just the 27XX series.

 

[Geezer]

I have the 2730 that I bought new with the XM radio including Nav Traffic and weather. I love the unit but just recently had to send it back to Garmin to be serviced because of a screen fogging condition. They took about 10 days to "fix" the unit and I still have the problem. :angry: I'm kind of pissed off that I will now either have to send it back or live with it. If you are buying a reconditioned 27XX it wouldn't surprise me if the reason for the reconditioning was the fogging problem as some others beside me have experienced.

You could always go with the non bundled package and buy the XM antenna from KAITSDAD if he still has it. It may work out for you cheaper in the long run.

A bit of a hijack here, but regarding the fogging on the 27xx models, I found that when I was swapping the unit between the bike and cage I had no fogging issues. When I leave it on the bike for a long time it fogs some. I think the motorcycle mount blocks the vents in the unit so it can't 'breathe' and moisture doesn't have a chance to get out.

 

[frayne]

Bought a refurbished Garman Quest about three months ago, no problems, cheaper price and a year warrenty.

 

[squeezer]

My first GPS was a recon Garmin handheld. Never had a problem with it.

 

[bramfrank]

1. If you purchase a unit refurbished by Garmin, it will be what they call 'NOH' (Newly OverHauled). The unit will be packaged in new retail packaging and come with full accessories.

The only clue to tip the purchaser that a factory refurbished unit is a refurb is a small sticker on the box.

The warranty is the same, the support is the same and the housing is brand new.

Buy refurbed if the savings merit it - but make sure it is a factory refurbished unit if you want that warranty (which you do).

2. While these units have no vents (they are IPX-7 rated water resistant) the 26/27/28 series fogging issues are due to the fact that the do 'breathe' a bit during heating/cooling of the case to equalise pressure - for some reason they can 'inhale' moist air which will condense. The 276 series, the quest and the Zumo don;t seem to suffer the same issues.

I'd personally be slightly more ceoncrned about touchscreen failures and aging of the fluorescent tube over time (the others I mentioned use LEDs)