garmin gps 498c question

[MacLarty]

I am looking to purchase a gpsmap 498c with the internal antenna, but was concerned that maybe I would end up needing the external antenna.

Is there an input for an external antenna on a unit that also has an internal antenna?

I could go look at one in a store, but that would mean going 100miles to find one.

Thanks for any input.

Also feel free to let me know what your opinions/reviews of the unit are.

[Abter1]

I have an external antenna on my 498c, but only because I already had a GPS antenna on my boat. If you are going to mount the 498c someplace with reasonable access to the sky, you really should be fine. A canvas top and frame would certainly be no problem, and I sincerely doubt if a fiberglass top and frame would be a problem if the GPS has good sight access to the windshield and side windows (if any). I am very impressed with how fast the 498c logs into the satellite network, and how many its find. If you are going to do a built-in installation of some sort that might call for an external antenna.

Now if only it didn't have that stupid "our lawyers made us write this" splash screen that comes on when you power up!!

[tydog]

I had this exact unit. I loved the unit but would not buy it again with the internal antenna. The internal antenna was nice and very convinient but I think you have more options with the external antenna. I had a center console with no top so the unit worked great, never had a problem with it on my old CC. Sold my CC and bought a walk around with a hard top. Tried putting the unit in the electronics box and it did not work well. Spotty reception. Moved it under the windshield and it worked fine, I guess because it only had glass the go through and the top did not hang over the windshield. I really did not want it under the windshield so I sold it. Also, you cannot flush mount the unit with the internal antenna. There is absolutely no input for an antenna on the unit with the internal antenna. As far as performance, I loved the unit. It had everything I needed and has the entire US maps built into it. Very easy to use and set up. Now the prices on the unit are great, look around I've seen them as low as $450 new and $$395 used. I am looking for another one with an external antenna for my walk around and I am going to pair it up with a Furuno 620 fish finder. The 492c is the same unit as the 498c with no fish finder, which also means no temp. gauge. I like the 498c better because you get a fish finder and a few more features for a few more bucks. The 498c is a great unit, I highly recommend it. For what they go for today, I do not know of a better unit. The only thing I wished the unit had is a touch screen, but not a big deal. I still have a DVD that tells you how to use the unit, if you end up buying one b-mail me and I'll burn you a copy.

[tydog]

Arthur

Found a picture of the back of my old unit. The one plug you see is for power and for the transducer on the 498c with the internal antenna. The knob you see on the top is the interanll antenna

Hope this helps