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.