How well does the 296 work in automotive mode? Does it give voice prompt? Do you have to download additonal info each time you want to use it an different city?
Dan, I am running my 296 in auto mode on the Goldwing. You can do your "Street Maps" data in a couple of ways. The base data is there and not bad, but by adding a 1GB card, I believe you can download the US in total. I bought a 256K card to go with the 128 that came with the car kit. The 128K card holds Wash/Oregon/Idaho plus portions of Montana and Utah (for a trip I was planning). The unit has several modes, including a street level view that is fun, but not very funtional. It has a map, then data, and route pages as well as a compass page too. Yes, it does give voice prompts, but it can become annoying if you deviate from the stated route. ("Turn right in 100', (missed turn) recalculating, Okay stupid, take another RIGHT...you know, the right side....hold up your right hand...NO YOUR OTHER RIGHT HAND....RECALCULATING) Okay...maybe not that bad.
What I find most useful is a very complete data base of points of interest. What lunch at an IHop. Type in Ihop and it will give you a list of Ihops a mile long, the direction and distance. Just pick and go. Visual instructions are also displayed when navigating too.
I love it quite frankly (you can even display aviation info on the auto maps, such as airports and airspace.)
