Garmin iQue M3 with MapSource Europe

[ctang101]

I am interested in getting a GPS for use in the US as well as for my driving trip in Europe this summer. After some research on the net, I am kind of leaning towards Garmin iQue M3 and the MapSOurce City Select/City Navigator Europe. A few questions.

1. Has anyone used the M3 with the Europe map? Any comments?
2. Can the M3 go into simulation mode, like the C320, so that I can test it out here in the States before I bring it over to Europe?
3. For downloading map to the GPS, can I simply transfer the map file to a SD card using my computer and then plug the card into the GPS unit to work? Or do I have to use the USB cable and transfer directly from the PC to the M3?
4. I have read that each unlock code for the City Select/City Navigator software can only works with 2 Garmin GPS devices. But if I can download the map data to a SD card from my PC, I can, in theory, duplicate the files onto 10 different SD cards and use them on 10 different Garmin GPS. Is that true?

Thanks for any info.

CTang101

[civex]

I haven't used the M3 with European maps. I'm not sure what you mean by simulation; I do not have a C320. The M3 will show you the route it has chosen as if you are driving it; I think that is what you mean.

The people at Garmin recommend transferring maps directly from your computer to the SD card, and this is what I have always done. When I put the card in the M3, the song playing application starts up, though, and asks me what I want to play.

I have no idea on unlock codes.

[ctang101]

civex, are you saying you download the map into the SD card from you PC thru the SD slot/SD card reader and then plug the SD card into the M3? Not that I will do it, but if you plug the same SD card into another M3, would it work?
I am still debating between the M3 and C320. Can you tell me what you like and don't like about the M3?
Thanks.

ctang101

[civex]

I have only one M3. I use an SD card reader with my computer. The card reader is unrelated to the M3. I transfer files using Garmin's program from the computer to the SD card in the card reader, then I move the SD card to the M3. Whether the card would work in another M3 or other device is unknown to me.

The M3 is basically a 'get me from here to there' device. It does road navigation well enough for my needs. It does not come with software that does POI, waypoints, and the like. My suggestion is to visit amazon.com, search for the iQue M3, and read the reviews - people there have both the M3 and M5 and compare. Maybe someone also has the C320, if you are lucky.