Just Bought a GPS........

[DVDDave]

and I am real dumb when it comes to a GPS as I never had one.

Best Buy has the GARMIN 255WT on sale today and tomorrow only for $79.99....I have read some mixed reviews about it. I probably won't even use it that often, maybe a few times a year...those would be the times that I would print out a mapquest...I travel a lot and know most of the east coast....

If I do use it, i am going to find a way to velcro it to the cubby area at the top of the center stack and try to sneak the power plug thru my non existant atari gauges....I would love to change out the center stack for the one that holds a GPS but I can not justify the cost as I probably won't use it to much...

Anyway, can this unit be left in the car and power down it self ??? Also, Can you put your own picture on it as your "start up" picture ?????

Thanks for answering my dumb questions, Dave

[rmcrom]

I have the 265WT and leave it connected all the time (using CP's GPS trim kit).

The unit will power itself down if you plug it into a switched source like the cigarette lighter. Once the car shuts off power to the cigarette lighter the GPS will show a message saying that power has been lost and asking you if you wan't to keep the unit on. If you don't select Yes or No on the GPS it will turn off by itself after 30 seconds.

You can use a custom start up image. I use an image of the Pontiac logo on mine. However, with a custom start up image the Garmin logo is still briefly displayed on the screen. You can also use a custom model for the car that shows up on the map of the GPS. I forgot what the site is called, but there is one that has a model of a dark grey G8.

[DRCUSTOMPARTS]

Dave I have the 265WT which is just like the 255WT except it has Bluetooth, so I can talk on my cell phone hands free. I really like it and it does power down since the cubby hole power outlet goes off with the key. I loaded a G8 startup picture that I downloaded from the link below and resized it using the Garmin program in the link below it. I used the one in post #11 and there's a few other's on the page if you don't like that one. I paid $99 for the 265WT so $79 is a good price for the 255WT.

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25137&highlight=gps+startup

http://garmin.gps-data-team.com/splash_screen.php

[DVDDave]

thanks guys, i am on my way to pick it up right now. i ordered fir in store pick up it early this morning as i thought they would sell out and it is now sold out. i didn't need the bluetooth so i guess there is no difference between your and mine Don ??? Where did you placed it ?? I am contemplating getting the whole center stack kit, just can't justify the expense.....

Merry day after X Mas !!!!

[DRCUSTOMPARTS]

Other than Bluetooth they are both the same. I have mine on the windshield right above the center stack, that way I can use it on my motorcycle with a handlebar mount.