I've used a Garmin for a few years now but constantly have a problem with the unit starting up, I'm often at the destination (if I know the way) before It even starts up, is this a Garmin problem or the same with all GPS devices, VERY frustrating to the point of trying Tom Tom or other??

Please describe the problem. Will it not turn on? Does it take a long time to lock on to the satellites?

I know the oldest NuVi units (gray squarish ones) had problems with the power button wearing out. Is this what you are referring to?

Also, I definitely know that my newer 3790T locks on to satellites much faster than my older 350 or 680 NuVis did. It always helps to NOT turn the unit on until you are out of the parking garage, and if the last used location was close by it will find the connection faster than if it was thousands of miles away. Even if thousands of miles away, however, if it has been turned on and locked onto a signal recently it will connect faster than if it has been turned off for a month.

My strategy is to turn it on and let it lock onto a signal while in the rental car bus. It then will lock on to signals within ten seconds for the rest of my trip.

Which Garmin do you have?

http://www.gpsinformation.net/main/slowlock.htm

http://www.gpsinformation.net/main/gpslock.htm

I certainly learned a lot from these posts. Thank you!

If you wonder why a smartphone can get a location fix so much quicker than a GPS-only device, you can find the answer here.

I'm planning on buying the SD card for spain for my Garmin nuvi 360. Is this Garmin too old to lock into a signal? The sd card is only 30 dollars where the car rental GPS is $25 USD per day. Am I better of renting a wifi hotspot and either using my phone or iPad in car. Help please.......will my old nuvi work in the hills in the small white villages in Spain?

It will work as well as anything new. Don't worry.

Added: If you're in the hills, a standalone GPS will be better than something which relies on a terrestrial data connection, like a phone or hotspot.

I also have the same problem but my problem is with the v-cool window coating. This coating is kind of metallic and also prevents the GPS signals from the Garmin. So I placed the Garmin near the edge where the v-cool has a gap with the frame and it is better.

This REALLY frustrated me when I first got my Garmin. Now, when I fly to the city in which I will rent my car, I boot up the Garmin as soon as I get there. I keep it plugged in and next to a window in my hotel room. I learned that once you find the signal, even if the unit subsequently is turned off or loses a signal, it is easier to locate it again. At least that was my experience.