I was so surprised on how many addresses and waypoints are built in this amazing device. All markers, buoys and harbors I have needed were all already in the device system. Even both restaurant addresses where I have gone to in Chicago were already found in it.

The big number of page layouts that the device has are so great. It allows you even to customize every single page as well, so this makes it easily for you to monitor many things across a few pages or you can squeeze it all into only one page by choosing a multi-column layout. Now I don’t need to even look at my compass anymore as it updates the pages so frequently.

The XM Weather feature which I use both on my boat and motorcycle is absolutely outstanding. It is an advanced device and thus there is no other units such as Nuvi or Zumo can do everything that the 478 unit can do.

The new Garmin 640 is aimed to be a new upgrade for Garmin GPSmap 478 GPS Receiver, however do not be fooled into buying the 640 which is XM only combined with Marine mode, not Automotive mode because 640 is obviously a major downgrade in its functionality than 478. Also, the critically vital Tracks Routing /Saving function which the 478 has has been removed from the 640. Therefore the 478 undoubtedly rocks!

I was originally considering to use other devices of the same kind, but I am so glad that I came across this device because of its comprehensive functionality that I couldn’t find in other devices. I purchased my unit from Amazon but before that I checked many websites to compare the prices and Amazon certainly had the best price which I think is the best deal out there you will come across and in just a few days after placing my order they shipped it to me with their super saver free shipping.

The Garmin GPSmap 478 GPS Receiver in particular comes with a number of factors which make it a great choice. It measures a mere 5.7 inches X 1.9 inch X 3.2 inches and weighs 6.6 pounds. It is also featured with a combination chart plotter preloaded with the city navigator Nt of detailed street and directional maps of the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada as well as that the Marine detail charts of the coastlines of the United States, Hawaii and Alaska. It is WAAS enabled and uses the elements of the New Bluechart G2 Technology and has a 12 parallel channel GPS receiver. The screen is about 3.8 inches and has and adjustable LED backlight, featured with a 480 X 320, 256 color TFT. As the screen is actually of high resolution, it can be easily read even in the sun light. This Garmin GPSmap 478 GPS Receiver comes with a feature wherein the information is rather simple and easy to read as well as the capability to provide sonar and weather readings by means of using plug in data cards; this way it is easy to encode newer and more detailed maps in certain places one would wish to thread without having to upload it from a computer.

This also has the capability to be able to read storm cells, wind speeds, surface temperature and even forecasts. The great thing about this product is that the preloaded data within for the maps is actually loaded with detailed landmarks not only of street names but of establishments such as hotels, parks, marinas, tourist spots or attractions, gas stations, hospitals, restaurants, etc. One may think how it will be possible to get a GPS receiver from a vehicle to a boat; well, this product comes designed to be used both on land as well as on sea water and is featured with marine mounts and automotive kits to make it extra easy to transfer from one vehicle to a boat and back to a car again.

Apart from the navigational features for this Garmin GPSmap 478 GPS Receiver, there is also another feature which is also greatly beneficial; it comes with a GXM 30 antenna which provides on the option to be able to receive XM satellite radios of about a hundred and fifty and more channels of great commercial-free music, talk and entertainment programming as well as news and sports broadcasts. This way, one will be able to know their exact location and directions to their destination while still being able to get great radio feeds to provide greater relaxation and stress free trips.

Upon purchasing the Garmin GPSmap 478 GPS Receiver, one will anticipate to find the GPSMAP 478 chart plotter, the Trip and Way point Manager, a USB and or PC interface cable, marine mount, automotive kit or the universal friction mount, power and or data cable, a 12 volt adapter cable with speaker, protective cover, quick reference guide, AC charger and of course, the owner’s manual inside the packaging. One must not forget that the GPSMAP has already been preloaded with the full coverage of the City Navigator NT of North America as well as the G2 technology which is the preloaded US and marine maps for more efficient travels as well as that of ease of use.