Garmin StreetPilot 2730 - GPS receiver

• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 8 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 9 stars

  The Garmin 2730 Performs well

  by george8211 on February 9, 2006

  Pros: Multi Media product, XM, MP3 & GPS in one unit, Easily moved to other vehicles

  Cons: Haven't found a tilt abililty... my dash is not a flat surface.

  Summary: I was waiting to see some reviews before I was going to purchase this unit... but I couldn't wait any longer. This is my first GPS unit and I'...

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  Summary: I was waiting to see some reviews before I was going to purchase this unit... but I couldn't wait any longer. This is my first GPS unit and I've only used it for 1 day as of this review.
  
  I purchased it from an Ebay reseller packaged "as" from Garmin. It contained everything I needed to fully utilize the product. *No long list of seporate add on purchases. *Except 2 AAA batteries for the remote.
  
  It can basically be pluged into the car and be used imediately. Once turned on it took about 5 minutes for the Units own setup. It took another 10 minutes to order an XM subscription over the phone, then about 10 minutes for the XM to become active and for the GPS to learn the XM signals.
  
  It was easy to enter locations by address and use the "Find Near" functions to get lists of near by restrants, gas stations, ect... select an item from the list, Press "Goto" button and your on your way. Very nice.
  
  I had a few issues until I completed the setup for my own needs. The defaults might not be best for your use. A key setup item is the "Avoid" settings. My first routes took me over unpaved roads and sides streets, when I could have driven down Main Street in my town. Changing the settings to "Avoid Unpaved Roads" and "Avoid Minor Roads" resolved this situation.
  
  Broadcasting the XM Radio and GPS voice commands through my car Stereo is abit trouble some. I live in a large Metro area and the FM stations are numerous. You need to select an unused station setting, then set the GPS to broadcast at that frequency... this is easy to set up. However, there are not many unused stations numbers in my area (so I would have this problem with any GPS with this feature). As I drive about 30 miles... I have to set a new FM station because my current setting becomes a used frequency as I drive into an area that a station is broadcasted on what I setup for my GPS/XM Radio. Perhaps, I'll find a station that this will be less of an issue with some experimenting. But surely this will be an issue as I drive across country.
  
  The Navigation function work very good, this should keep me on-time for meeting when traveling in unfamiliar cities. The auto re-route feature is great for missed turns or driving a little out of your way to stop at a store. It spoke the names of the streets with ease. If you have the "More Detail" setting on the Unit... it will provide you with the local names of major roads... versus the County or State Road number. In my case... M59 Rd is locally called Hall Rd. So in unfamilar territory, you might want to have the "Less Detail" setting on.
  
  The XM weather information does not just pop-up on the screen when you ask for it. You will be given the option of "Near You" or selecting from other major cities... Then you will have to wait for XM Weather to send the information. I had to wait about 2 minutes for the weather to appear. I've only tried this feature 2 times... I don't know if it will always be like this or not.
  
  I have not loaded any MP3s yet, nor have I used the Nav Traffic functions... Hopefully I can try those in the next day or two.
  
  I will update this review as I get some more experiance with this unit. Since this is the only review at this time, I decided to make it long and pack it with excess of information. If you have any questions please email me... and I will post more relevant requested information.

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  8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Terrific, nearly complete package

  by grhoades on March 7, 2006

  Pros: Wide array of features, compact size, color screen, no removable media or drives

  Cons: FM modulator is useless. Could use more points of interest data.

  Summary: I have owned and used a few different GPS models. The 2730 rides happily atop the triple-clamp of my Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, finding the way and providing accurate speed data, ...

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  Summary: I have owned and used a few different GPS models. The 2730 rides happily atop the triple-clamp of my Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, finding the way and providing accurate speed data, all while supplying fun commercial free XM music. This is an argument why Garmin should supply the trip planning software with the unit because it is a drag to do in a vehicle or on a motorcycle.
  
  The unit can quickly make the hop to any other car and keep working easily EXCEPT for the audio interface. If you lack a hardwire audio input to your stereo system you'll be stuck with an awful tape cassette interface. On the motorcycle that means a cable running down your sleeve to the unit which is hardly slick when FM helmet receivers are so light and inexpensive. Garmin should either provide useful signal strength or refrain from advertising this particular useless feature. In three different test scenarios and many different FM frequencies it wouldn't provide a clear signal from even 1 foot from an antenna. They should have scrapped the wireless remote and gotten the FM modulator right instead.....they would sell a lot more units and lower their tech support costs. Garmin tech support is very courteous and knowledgeable in my experience.
  
  It is great to be able to download my select favorite MP3 songs to the unit to supplement the XM content, but there isn't vast iPod amounts of storage and no removable 2 Gig CF possibility either. At least you can load it up for enough for a good night out or couple hour trip.
  
  In spite of the flaws, this is one awesome GPS. It is hard to understand how anyone who travels much or drives for a living would do without something this useful, especially since it can hop around or even go indoors to supply unlimited XM radio entertainment. XM..if you are reading this you'd make more money and have more market penetration if you lowered the cost of the NAVTraffic/weather feed. You can't be selling much of your customer base this service. Why not cut the costs to 1/4 and sell 10 times as many of those subscriptions?
  
  Nevertheless, congratulations to Garmin and XM for the good sense to partner on the 2730 to deliver a comprehensive travel information and entertainment system.

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  6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 4 stars

  Overpriced for cumbersome design

  by lfrogg99 on January 11, 2007

  Pros: Very good GPS functionality, easy to update

  Cons: Short antenna lead, weak FM transmitter, one-of-a kind power connection

  Summary: I have owned the 2730 for over 6 months and although the GPS aspect is excellent the unit has definite drawbacks. This could be why the model has been discontinued. ...

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  Summary: I have owned the 2730 for over 6 months and although the GPS aspect is excellent the unit has definite drawbacks. This could be why the model has been discontinued. If you are thinking of purchasing one, the hockey-puck "antenna" is the actual radio so don't think you can get a smaller, stronger antenna with a longer cord. The FM transmitter is housed in the clunky cigarette adapter - you can't wire 12v directly because then you won't have sound. The power connection is an eight-contact slider connection probably only available from Garmin. If you are using the FM transmitter, prepare to be blasted out by passing motorists on the same FM channel. If you want to set it up at home and transmit XM satellite radio to your home stereo via FM - the signal is too weak. Since I spent over $900 I will make do with it for a few years but definitly would not recommend the Garmin 2730.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Spectacular Performance

  by kevinraymer on November 21, 2006

  Pros: Feature-Rich

  Cons: Power Adapter

  Summary: This is an essential vehicle tool. I've had mine since JAN 06 and never regretted buying it. I take it everywhere; mounted on my Ultra Classic Harley, the dash ...

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  Summary: This is an essential vehicle tool. I've had mine since JAN 06 and never regretted buying it. I take it everywhere; mounted on my Ultra Classic Harley, the dash of my cars; and never leave it behind on business travel in rental cars. Works everywhere flawlessly. XM Radio screen is a little awkward unless you are stopped, but otherwise works great also. I had to replace the power adapter once due to the radio-end of the cord separating. Be careful moving it around, especially if it's gotten hot on the dash. I'll never be without this away from home.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Greatest thing I have experienced!

  by gpna12 on March 5, 2007

  Pros: Accuracy, great maps on v.8, estimated time of arrival, excellent POI, MP3

  Cons: A little bulky, no external memory

  Summary: I spent a lot of time investigating GPS. Based on reviews I found just about on every site on Internet, I came to the conclusion that this is not the ...

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  Summary: I spent a lot of time investigating GPS. Based on reviews I found just about on every site on Internet, I came to the conclusion that this is not the GPS I want. For three reasons: Discontinued model, no back up battery, not loud enough build-in speaker at the cigarette lighter. Here are the facts.
  
  I do not know why Garmin discontinued this model, but I dare to say this gives you the opportunity to buy it at a good price. I have no clue what is the fuss about the back up battery. There must be some back-up battery because when I stop, I do not lose my programmed route. Besides, you can save your route in your favors (you can erase it later) and it doesn’t matter how many or how long of stops you make. I also don’t understand the sound issue. Yes it’s true that the attached speaker is small, but common folks…What happened to the FM antenna? I live in Chicago and I am able to find an FM frequency to tune in and listen through my car speakers. In doing this, not only the directions come loud and clear but the MP3 player (always on and interrupted by the change in direction only) sounds like any CD player that I know. I am sure if you live in a less populated area than Chicago, you can find dozen of unoccupied frequencies to tune in.
  
  As we are driving back from skiing in Wisconsin the other day with my son, tired as hell at 11:00 PM and not knowing where we are or where we are going, I put this thing on auto-pilot back home, and voila. We got back without having to wonder around, get lost, and having to crush at an expensive hotel. We both said…”what an investment!”
  
  I haven’t even tried the XM antenna yet. More to come…

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• 9 stars

  A "Cut Above the Rest"

  by pajd318 on March 5, 2007

  Pros: Integration with Live Traffic and Weather, Pronounce Street Names, NAVTEQ map data (easily updated via the Internet), multiple routes and waypoints, 6 million points of interest, storage capability

  Cons: a little heavier than most, not able to enter zip codes

  Summary: I spent a lot of time and effort researching various GPS units for automobile navigation, as I am a professional driver.
  
  While all of them do the basics, I looked
  
  ...

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  Summary: I spent a lot of time and effort researching various GPS units for automobile navigation, as I am a professional driver.
  
  While all of them do the basics, I looked for a GPS device that had features that went beyond that, such as integration with live traffic and weather with detour and auto-recalculation, ability to create, save, and navigate multiple routes with multiple waypoints (points in between the start and destination), text-to-voice (pronounce street names), NAVTEQ map data (the most accurate on the market and easily updated via the Internet for free), 6 million points of interest (gas stations, hotels, airports, grocery stores, banks, etc.), WAAS/EGNOS (more precise satellite triangulation and location), storage capability of custom POI's, audio-out jack (I can listen without disturbing passengers), easy menu navigation while driving, find POI's (e.g. gas stations, etc.) while still navigating a route, save favorite locations, auto-dimming, auto-switch to night screen, high-resolution display; etc., many statistics such as estimated time of arrival, distance to arrival, arrival time, average speed, etc.
  
  Many of these features you cannot assume you will find in less expensive/less capable units. I have had passengers tell me that my unit out-did the built-in navigation systems in their fancy cars.
  
  I have had the unit now for about three months. My experience with the unit has been excellent. At first, I tested it against many known and familiar routes. While it may not give you the absolute best route based on "insider knowledge" of roads, traffic conditions, it performed very well. Actually, there have been times when I have learned better ways to go from it.
  
  On a couple of occasions where I experienced bad traffic conditions due to a serious accident ahead or bad weather, the unit notified me ahead of time of the traffic problem. It presented a detour button on the screen, which I pressed, and decided to follow, though not being familiar with the area in which I was driving. It performed beautifully and a lot better than I could have ever done without it. It also produces both a listing of major roads and their conditions as well as a traffic map, which I can select to present either the conditions near me or the conditions near my destination. Conditions are indicated by red, green, and yellow colors. This is in addition to allowing me to listen to constantly-repeated, real-time traffic conditions through selected XM radio stations for major metropolitan areas. Since it is all done via satellite, I don't even have to be anywhere close to a city to receive broadcasts about it.
  
  It is very quick on processing -- finding places, recalculating; etc. I found it to be extremely user-friendly with easy navigation between menus and features. I like having the hard buttons to quickly get to the most commonly used features.
  
  While the unit is a little heavier than most other GPS devices, it has not been cumbersome to move from vehicle to vehicle. I like having the ability to plug it in to an A/C outlet than having to deal with batteries. Also, it comes with its own beanbag mount.
  
  The XM radio audio output can be selected to play either through the external speaker that is part of the auto adapter or through the car radio by selecting an unused FM frequency. All depending on the car I am in and its radio tuner, the output could be anything from garbled to clear.
  
  There are other features that are nice to have such as the included USB interface and the built-in hard drive (instead of the just a slot for a memory card)that can be used to store and play MP3 music files, audio books, and custom POI tours downloaded from the Internet. The output through my stereo headset is actually very good. It also comes with a remote control that makes it easier than having to reach the unit on the dashboard.
  
  Not only has the unit performed well, but Garmin has been the best on support whether it be to answer technical questions via the telephone or the Internet, update map data and software, and repair (the unit accidently slipped off my dash once and the screen broke--my fault). Garmin's support really makes this unit the best it can be and separates it from other brands. I highly recommend the Garmin StreetPilot 2730.
  
  At first, I was resistant to paying so much for a GPS. However, I found that it was worth paying a little extra for a lot more capability than found in other GPS devices. Also, many accessories were automatically included for which you would have to pay extra with other units.
  
  I found the best deal on buy.com and had a very good purchasing experience with them.

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• 2 stars

  Poor operation from inception and no customer service

  by Eileen Corrado on September 8, 2006

  Pros: helpful when it works

  Cons: not reliable and poor customer service

  Summary: My unit has not functioned properly since I purchased it for almost $900. The unit will not reset the satellites, so once you stop for gas Etc. the satellites disappear ...

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  Summary: My unit has not functioned properly since I purchased it for almost $900. The unit will not reset the satellites, so once you stop for gas Etc. the satellites disappear and may never reset themselves..a big problem on a long trip. Even worse, GARMIN has a pitifull service number, you call and each of the 2 times I could wait, I was on line for one hour before they pick up and then no one will give me an authorization to return the product. Wow, what a scam that one can spend so much for a deluxe unit and have it not work and no one will help.

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  0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 4 stars

  Overpriced basic unit with no advantage over competitors

  by tokki1 on March 15, 2006

  Pros: All-in-one (Navigation, XM, MP3)

  Cons: Too much lag in recognizing roads, FM Transmitter is very weak, many streets not recognized

  Summary: After much debate and review, chose this unit due to all-in-one features. In hindsight, should have gone with Lowrance iWay and purchased separate XM receiver. This is a very overpriced ...

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  Summary: After much debate and review, chose this unit due to all-in-one features. In hindsight, should have gone with Lowrance iWay and purchased separate XM receiver. This is a very overpriced unit considering its weaknesses.

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  1 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.

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