Newbie here - please be gentle... :D

I've been a long time truck guy - currently driving a Chev 2500HD. Love the truck - got all the toys. Don't much love the mileage (12-13 if lucky...).

Buddy of mine has an 08 Accord. Nice ride. It's been 12 years since my primary vehicle was a car, and the 08 EX-L has my full attention. The one I'm about to pull the trigger on is black on black (fastest color, no?).

Can't say I see the value in the Navi system for an extra $2k tho. Instead, I'm looking at an aftermarket GPS that can handle my bluetooth phone, and pocket the $1500 or so for other goodies.

Appreciate comments on pros/cons to this approach, as well as any recommendations on the proper installation methods for an aftermarket unit.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback...

Resto (Rick)

i personally use a garmin 750. i think the 760 or 770 has the bluetooth, but it's a very reliable device.

Newbie here - please be gentle... :D

I've been a long time truck guy - currently driving a Chev 2500HD. Love the truck - got all the toys. Don't much love the mileage (12-13 if lucky...).

Buddy of mine has an 08 Accord. Nice ride. It's been 12 years since my primary vehicle was a car, and the 08 EX-L has my full attention. The one I'm about to pull the trigger on is black on black (fastest color, no?).

Can't say I see the value in the Navi system for an extra $2k tho. Instead, I'm looking at an aftermarket GPS that can handle my bluetooth phone, and pocket the $1500 or so for other goodies.

Appreciate comments on pros/cons to this approach, as well as any recommendations on the proper installation methods for an aftermarket unit.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback...

Resto (Rick)
i read a thread here where someone installed an aftermarket navi and it actually came out to similar to the 2K price

although, they did have a few more functions and stuff iirc

can't go wrong with garmin / tomtom... excellent GPSs and nowadays for $300 you can get a GPS with all the bells and whistles. where i work we sell GPSs for like $120 that do more than enough

Appreciate the feedback - thanks!

Do you have the 750 mounted to the dash/console? I've been looking at Pro-Clip mounts, but I'm a little concerned about the limited mount options.

Pro Clip Website (http://www.proclipusa.com)

How is the sound quality with phone calls?

Thanks again,
Rick

i read a thread here where someone installed an aftermarket navi and it actually came out to similar to the 2K price

although, they did have a few more functions and stuff iirc

can't go wrong with garmin / tomtom... excellent GPSs and nowadays for $300 you can get a GPS with all the bells and whistles. where i work we sell GPSs for like $120 that do more than enough


Appreciate the feedback. I've been looking at the Garmin 660/760 series. Don't really need the voice commands, although if it works it could be a good thing.

Curious - how good is the sound quality of the aftermarket handsfree? Is there any way to tie the GPS/phone into the speakers?

Thanks again,
Rick

Appreciate the feedback. I've been looking at the Garmin 660/760 series. Don't really need the voice commands, although if it works it could be a good thing.

Curious - how good is the sound quality of the aftermarket handsfree? Is there any way to tie the GPS/phone into the speakers?

Thanks again,
Rick
not sure about the speaker part but if you're worried about how this or how that will sound, here's a simple solution:

most electronic stores have

30 day return policy with package + receipt for a FULL refund
no restocking fee whatsoever

try out their entire line, see what you like, then return it, and buy on amazon for cheaper :D

Hi and good choice with black/black!

I agree about the nav, to have it stock and integrated is very nice, but I couldn't justify spending 2k on it.

Are you trying to buy a coupe or sedan?

Hi and good choice with black/black!

I agree about the nav, to have it stock and integrated is very nice, but I couldn't justify spending 2k on it.

Are you trying to buy a coupe or sedan?

Sedan. I wanted a coupe, but my bride thinks it will be easier for the dogs to get in and out of the 4-door... :D

Rick

there is alot more to the navi package on the accord than just the screen . you get alot of upgrades such as a different rear window with the gps antenna built in . hands free tele. auto head lights probobly some more . i think navi might be worth it . i used to think not though.

Newbie here - please be gentle... :D

I've been a long time truck guy - currently driving a Chev 2500HD. Love the truck - got all the toys. Don't much love the mileage (12-13 if lucky...).


Appreciate comments on pros/cons to this approach, as well as any recommendations on the proper installation methods for an aftermarket unit.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback...

Resto (Rick)

Hey Rick, we have a lot in common; we both love our gas hog trucks and toys but can't afford the gas... In fact I would suspect many more will be joining this bandwagon in the coming months.

I just bought a 2008 Accord Sedan (kept the truck though) and love the Honda ride, but hate the factory stereo. I've been doing quite a bit of research on installing a new stereo and here is what I come up with. And thanks to a lot of folks on this forum that has helped me with do’s, don’ts, can and cant’s’

Schorshe is coming out with a new double DIN dash plate for the dual climate controls, I've seen pictures and it looks awesome. They will be available mid June. I plan on scoring one of these and I will dump the factory radio and install a Pioneer Z3 with an AudioControl Line Driver, an IPod, Bluetooth and Sirus radio controller.

I've read that 5-1/2" speakers fit in the front and 6 -3/4" fit in rear without major modifications so I plan on installing Polk Signatures respectivatley front and back.

I already started building two sub boxes (10-inch) in the trunk. I’m molding them to fit on left and right side panels and each will hold a Boston G510 10" in a sealed box. Also molding amp racks on each sub box to hold two Eclipse XA 1200 for the subs and one Eclipse XA 4200 for the Polk components.

I’m going to pull all the seats and carpeting out and Dynamating everything and everywhere. I have this same system with the exception of subs, I used 10 inch JBL, in my truck and the sound quality smokes. A friend just did a similar stereo upgrade in his new Camray and he used the Boston G10's. The bass is tight and snapy. I like the bass out of the Bostons much more then the JBL's.

Im taking pictures of this install as i go so I will post pictures this forum when im done, hopefully in next two weeks.

There is pretty much no limit what you can do with the new Accords. A few people have installed 6-1/2 or 6-3/4 inch speakers in front doors but i understand there is a lot of cutting and hacking to get them in. I hope you find somthing for your ride, I khow you will enjoy it.

Appreciate the feedback - thanks!

Do you have the 750 mounted to the dash/console? I've been looking at Pro-Clip mounts, but I'm a little concerned about the limited mount options.

Pro Clip Website (http://www.proclipusa.com)

How is the sound quality with phone calls?

Thanks again,
Rick

I'm a huge Garmin Nuvi fan, (I personally don't use one with the bluetooth because I have a separate BlueAnt HFK), (mine is the 650) BUT, Thanks a ton for the link to proclips, I see there's a specific mount for "my" sedan, and I'll be placing that on order post haste.

i used to have navi in both of my Si's, but once i realized how powerful an aftermarket GPS is (I run TomTom), i stopped spending the money on it. the aftermarket ones are so much more powerful, not to mention FREE updating, as opposed to having to buy a very expensive DVD from the OEM if you want updates on factory units. the only benefit to me in the honda navi system is the neat PC card slot for mp3's, and that ain't worth $2k to me.

Sedan. I wanted a coupe, but my bride thinks it will be easier for the dogs to get in and out of the 4-door... :D

Rick

Especially easy with Honda's 80° opening doors!!!!

I'm a huge Garmin Nuvi fan, (I personally don't use one with the bluetooth because I have a separate BlueAnt HFK), (mine is the 650) BUT, Thanks a ton for the link to proclips, I see there's a specific mount for "my" sedan, and I'll be placing that on order post haste.

NP TurboDave. I stumbled onto Proclip about 5 years ago when I was in Madison (long story and I'm not sure I remember all the details...). Anyway, I won't use a cell in my vehicle without them. I've had Motorola, LG, even a Samsung Pocket PC phone and all I had to change was the device holder. Most stable mount I've ever had (since college anyways...:biggrin:).

I'm kinda hijacking my own thread, but how is the BlueAnt working for you? If I don't go Honda, I'd be looking at BA and/or Parrot for my hands free option.

Thanks,
Rick

Hey Rick, we have a lot in common; we both love our gas hog trucks and toys but can't afford the gas... In fact I would suspect many more will be joining this bandwagon in the coming months.

I just bought a 2008 Accord Sedan (kept the truck though) and love the Honda ride, but hate the factory stereo. I've been doing quite a bit of research on installing a new stereo and here is what I come up with. And thanks to a lot of folks on this forum that has helped me with do’s, don’ts, can and cant’s’

Schorshe is coming out with a new double DIN dash plate for the dual climate controls, I've seen pictures and it looks awesome. They will be available mid June. I plan on scoring one of these and I will dump the factory radio and install a Pioneer Z3 with an AudioControl Line Driver, an IPod, Bluetooth and Sirus radio controller.

I've read that 5-1/2" speakers fit in the front and 6 -3/4" fit in rear without major modifications so I plan on installing Polk Signatures respectivatley front and back.

I already started building two sub boxes (10-inch) in the trunk. I’m molding them to fit on left and right side panels and each will hold a Boston G510 10" in a sealed box. Also molding amp racks on each sub box to hold two Eclipse XA 1200 for the subs and one Eclipse XA 4200 for the Polk components.

I’m going to pull all the seats and carpeting out and Dynamating everything and everywhere. I have this same system with the exception of subs, I used 10 inch JBL, in my truck and the sound quality smokes. A friend just did a similar stereo upgrade in his new Camray and he used the Boston G10's. The bass is tight and snapy. I like the bass out of the Bostons much more then the JBL's.

Im taking pictures of this install as i go so I will post pictures this forum when im done, hopefully in next two weeks.

There is pretty much no limit what you can do with the new Accords. A few people have installed 6-1/2 or 6-3/4 inch speakers in front doors but i understand there is a lot of cutting and hacking to get them in. I hope you find somthing for your ride, I khow you will enjoy it.

Kirkelli,

Yep - I'll hate to give up the big rig, but I don't really use it for it's intended purpose. Last time I hauled anything of note was prolly a year ago. With the Accord, I'll save about $230/month in gas alone.

I won't be modding my stereo setup in this one tho... This Accord will be leased to my company. So any mods I do will be portable ones in case I decide to get a 2011 when the lease is up.

Anyway - would love to see pics of your setup when you're done. I'll keep an eye out for them.

Thanks,
Rick

i used to have navi in both of my Si's, but once i realized how powerful an aftermarket GPS is (I run TomTom), i stopped spending the money on it. the aftermarket ones are so much more powerful, not to mention FREE updating, as opposed to having to buy a very expensive DVD from the OEM if you want updates on factory units. the only benefit to me in the honda navi system is the neat PC card slot for mp3's, and that ain't worth $2k to me.

I dont think garmins have free updates for life, only 1 year i belive, is tomtom different?

NP TurboDave. I stumbled onto Proclip about 5 years ago when I was in Madison (long story and I'm not sure I remember all the details...). Anyway, I won't use a cell in my vehicle without them. I've had Motorola, LG, even a Samsung Pocket PC phone and all I had to change was the device holder. Most stable mount I've ever had (since college anyways...:biggrin:).

I'm kinda hijacking my own thread, but how is the BlueAnt working for you? If I don't go Honda, I'd be looking at BA and/or Parrot for my hands free option.

Thanks,
Rick

The BA has worked out pretty good. Hangs on my visor when I need it (long highway trips, which I haven't taken yet). I usually use my BT earpiece for commuting. Don't know anything about the Parrot, although I hear good things about it.

The Garmin nuvi 760 was the #1 rated unit in Consumer Reports last month. I have one, and I just ordered another one for my wife. Costco has them on sale for $349 right now, which is a ridiculously good deal. I paid something like $469 for mine.

The 760 comes with the GTM 20 traffic adapter and a free 3 month traffic subscription. After that, it's $60/yr. I decided to go with the MSN Direct adapter, which combines traffic with weather, movie showtimes, etc. The adapter for that is about $100, and it costs $50/yr, though you get a free year with the adapter.

One thing that I don't really get is this - the nuvi 760 and 780 are identical except for the adapter that comes with it (the 780 comes with the MSN Direct adapter). The GTM 20 costs ~$200, while, as I mentioned, the MSN Direct adapter costs ~$100. Yet the 780 costs more than the 760.

I dont think garmins have free updates for life, only 1 year i belive, is tomtom different?

tomtom is free updates (when you sync with your computer it updates whatever needs updating automatically, and new maps files come out periodically) as well as the mapshare program where you can download corrections other people make to maps, not to mention uploading your own corrections. it also lets you decide what to download based on reliability of the information. pretty handy stuff. between having the honda systems over two plus years and the tomtom now for just shy of one year... the aftermarket unit wins, hands down. way more accurate, knew lots of things honda didn't, and has a huge community for making POI's and things like that.

Newbie here - please be gentle... :D

I've been a long time truck guy - currently driving a Chev 2500HD. Love the truck - got all the toys. Don't much love the mileage (12-13 if lucky...).

Buddy of mine has an 08 Accord. Nice ride. It's been 12 years since my primary vehicle was a car, and the 08 EX-L has my full attention. The one I'm about to pull the trigger on is black on black (fastest color, no?).

Can't say I see the value in the Navi system for an extra $2k tho. Instead, I'm looking at an aftermarket GPS that can handle my bluetooth phone, and pocket the $1500 or so for other goodies.

Appreciate comments on pros/cons to this approach, as well as any recommendations on the proper installation methods for an aftermarket unit.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback...

Resto (Rick)

I made a similar decision on my '08 EX-L and bought a Garmin Nuvi 760 on Amazon for $439 rather than pay for the factory Navi. For installation, I used ProClip's Accord pillar mount and ran the Garmin's power cable under the dash, where I installed an extra cigarette lighter plug out of sight. One reason I really like Garmin is its "quick release" cradle that allows you to plug the power cable directly into the GPS cradle and not the unit itself.

As for functionality, the aftermarket units will definitely outperform and outfeature Honda's built-in GPS, but the drawback is that (1) They will never look as good as the fully-intergrated OEM unit; (2) If you live in a high theft area (like I do), you have to take the aftermarket unit out of the car each and every time you exit the vehicle or it will likely get stolen. There is something to be said for the latter, and that's why I don't use Garmin's Bluetooth - I need my Bluetooth to always be there, so I opted for Honda's accessory Bluetooth HFL (expensive, even on the internet, but nicely simple and reliable). From my limited experience, though, the Gamin Bluetooth works quite well and you can add an optional microphone for better performance. As for the speaker, the built-in is plenty loud and clear, but there is a jack for an external speaker on the unit, which I suppose you could run to the Accord's aux-in jack if you wanted to hear it over the car speakers (but you wouldn't get the auto-muting feature of the built-in Navi).

If Bluetooth over the car speakers is your thing, you also might want to consider going for a Parrot handsfree system and harness from parrotkits.com. I've never used one, but people seem to like them and they will route the audio over your stereo with auto-muting.

Or, as already suggested, you could combine the whole shootin match in a double-din aftermarket DVD multimedia system with Navi, which would blow away pretty much all of the aftermarket and factory options. Of course, then you're talking about a lot more than $400 or $500, but it would be pretty cool.

The Garmin nuvi 760 was the #1 rated unit in Consumer Reports last month. I have one, and I just ordered another one for my wife. Costco has them on sale for $349 right now, which is a ridiculously good deal. I paid something like $469 for mine.

The 760 comes with the GTM 20 traffic adapter and a free 3 month traffic subscription. After that, it's $60/yr. I decided to go with the MSN Direct adapter, which combines traffic with weather, movie showtimes, etc. The adapter for that is about $100, and it costs $50/yr, though you get a free year with the adapter.

One thing that I don't really get is this - the nuvi 760 and 780 are identical except for the adapter that comes with it (the 780 comes with the MSN Direct adapter). The GTM 20 costs ~$200, while, as I mentioned, the MSN Direct adapter costs ~$100. Yet the 780 costs more than the 760.

The 780 also includes 3-months of free MSN Direct.

The 780 also includes 3-months of free MSN Direct.

The 760 comes with 3 free months of FM traffic, though, which costs more than MSN Direct service. I really must be missing something, because I don't understand why 7-series GPS + $200 FM traffic adapter + $15 worth of a traffic subscription costs more than 7-series GPS + $100 MSN Direct adapter + $12.50 of MSN Direct service. If there was some other difference between the GPS unit itself, sure, but there isn't. With the latest firmware update, it doesn't even identify the specific model, just as a 7-series.

Hell, it costs less to do what I did - buy a 760 and the MSN Direct adapter (which comes with a year of MSN Direct rather than the 3 months you get with the 780) - than to buy the 780, and you can either sell or give away the GTM20.

I have a black EX-L coupe...damn that thing looks sweet after a wash/wax job with the tires all glossed out, but man it is a PITA to keep her looking like that...you could make keeping this car looking good a weekly job...when I was in my early 20's, i didn't mind having to wash my car every week or so, but now that I am 38, it cuts into my PS3 Rockband time :)...

This is gonna be my last black car I own....gonna stick with dark grays from now on...

Highly recommend the Garmin. I have a 750, but the 760 has Bluetooth and you can get from Amazon for $349 right now with free shipping and no tax. That is a great deal. I plan to pick one up for my EX-L as well (I too decided 2k was nuts for GPS).

The 2 or 3 Bluetooth Navis I've seen ALL had FM internal interface for the Navi and Bluetooth (88.1, 88.3 or 88.5, I believe), so you can hear both thru your car's speakers. Don't expect to see that on the box, so look for a website (or owner's manual, or ask) that lists all features; odds are it'll have it. Don't expect CD quality sound, but it should be clear enough, as it'd only be voice. Good luck.
JC

The 760 comes with 3 free months of FM traffic, though, which costs more than MSN Direct service. I really must be missing something, because I don't understand why 7-series GPS + $200 FM traffic adapter + $15 worth of a traffic subscription costs more than 7-series GPS + $100 MSN Direct adapter + $12.50 of MSN Direct service. If there was some other difference between the GPS unit itself, sure, but there isn't. With the latest firmware update, it doesn't even identify the specific model, just as a 7-series.

Hell, it costs less to do what I did - buy a 760 and the MSN Direct adapter (which comes with a year of MSN Direct rather than the 3 months you get with the 780) - than to buy the 780, and you can either sell or give away the GTM20.

Now I'm confused... I thought the Garmins came with the adapters built into the lighter plug... no additional adapter necessary.

From what I understand, the only difference is that the 780 has the capability (out-of-the-box) to use MSN Direct, while the 760 only has FM Traffic. So, if you wanted MSN Direct with a 760, you'd end up spending more because you would need to buy a MSN Direct adapter PLUS the fee.

Also, MSN Direct service costs $49.95/yr or $129.95 (one-time). FM Traffic costs $60/yr.

EDIT: Ok, after some research, here's what I found...

The 760 comes with the FM Traffic receiver built-in. The 780 comes with the MSN Direct receiver built-in. Both come with a 3-month free subscription to their respective services. If you want to get MSN Direct on a 760, you would need to purchase an MSN Direct receiver, which costs $124.99 and includes 1-yr of service. If you want to get FM Traffic on a 780, you would need to purchase an FM Traffic receiver, which costs $214.27 (not sure if that includes any service).

If you want to get a Garmin 7-series with both MSN Direct and FM Traffic, you are absolutely correct... you would spend less money getting the 760 and purchasing an MSN Direct adapter. That's a big IF... because most people don't want/need both services (MSN Direct gets traffic updates from Traffic.com).

If you want MSN Direct, just get the 780. If you want FM Traffic, just get the 760. Period.

Best Buy did have a deal for Garmin 780 for $599 and if you have Reward Zone coupon for 12% off you can get that unit for 527.12. But now they have the Garmin 760 for $427 which I think is a ok deal if you don't want to get it online.

I had the 760 and didn't like the external speaker on it, it sounded muffed and the 780 sounded a lot clearer.

The MSN Direct is really sweet, get weather, traffic on the fly, upcoming weather warning in the area that you are driving too, and news if you are bored waiting in the car. Movies shows and times, gas prices, and the list goes on. The FM traffic was nice but $60 /yrs compare to $129 for lifetime seem like a better deal and you get more then just traffic, just my two cents.


Does anyone have a how to install a extra lighter plug and how to hide the wire behind the dash?

Thank you in advance.

Best Buy did have a deal for Garmin 780 for $599 and if you have Reward Zone coupon for 12% off you can get that unit for 527.12. But now they have the Garmin 760 for $427 which I think is a ok deal if you don't want to get it online.

I had the 760 and didn't like the external speaker on it, it sounded muffed and the 780 sounded a lot clearer.

The MSN Direct is really sweet, get weather, traffic on the fly, upcoming weather warning in the area that you are driving too, and news if you are bored waiting in the car. Movies shows and times, gas prices, and the list goes on. The FM traffic was nice but $60 /yrs compare to $129 for lifetime seem like a better deal and you get more then just traffic, just my two cents.


Does anyone have a how to install a extra lighter plug and how to hide the wire behind the dash?

Thank you in advance.

Some people find that MSN Direct traffic updates aren't as accurate as FM Traffic, but I think it will vary by location.

With the 780, they only give you 3-months free. With the 680 (previous gen), you get a whole year. I think the main difference between the 680 and 780 is the ability to have multidestination routes. Otherwise, they are very similar.

Does anyone have a how to install a extra lighter plug and how to hide the wire behind the dash?

Thank you in advance.

Get a 12VDC female hardwire receptacle (at Radioshack for $6.99, http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062272&cp=2032056.2818117.2818328&pg=2&parentPage=family). You can then either: (1) Wire the extra receptable to the driver's side fusebox using an "Add-A-Circuit" type product (http://www.radarbusters.com/radar-detector-accessories/other-accessories/addacircuit.cfm); or (2) Pull the center console trim panel to gain access to the cigarette lighter plug and use vampire clips (available at most hardware stores) to attach the new female receptacle to the existing cigarette lighter wiring. If you need to locate the driver's fusebox or need to know how to pull the center console trim, check out Honda's Bluetooth HFL instructions (http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/8thgenaccsedan/handsfreelink.pdf). As for hiding the wires under the dash, I just pulled the lower dash cover on the driver's side, under the steering wheel, and used cable ties to tie the wires down to whatever was convenient and mount the female receptable itself to the metal bracket under the steering wheel. I then plugged in the Garmin's power cable and ran it behind the driver's door weatherstripping (it just snaps in and out) to the dash, where I have the ProClip pillar mount.

If you want to get a Garmin 7-series with both MSN Direct and FM Traffic, you are absolutely correct... you would spend less money getting the 760 and purchasing an MSN Direct adapter. That's a big IF... because most people don't want/need both services (MSN Direct gets traffic updates from Traffic.com).

You can't use both services together, as the receivers are contained in the power adapter. They're not built into the units themselves. Check out the Garmin page for each unit, and look at "what's in the box."

And you're right about the price. Going by MSRP, it's $18 more to buy the 760 and the adapter - $642.84 + $124.99 vs. $749.99. Since Costco is running a sale on the 760 ($349), though, it's considerably cheaper, and I can eBay the GTM20 that comes with it. I could've sworn that there was a bigger price gap between the 760 and 780 when I bought my 760, though.

Get a 12VDC female hardwire receptacle (at Radioshack for $6.99, http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062272&cp=2032056.2818117.2818328&pg=2&parentPage=family). You can then either: (1) Wire the extra receptable to the driver's side fusebox using an "Add-A-Circuit" type product (http://www.radarbusters.com/radar-detector-accessories/other-accessories/addacircuit.cfm); or (2) Pull the center console trim panel to gain access to the cigarette lighter plug and use vampire clips (available at most hardware stores) to attach the new female receptacle to the existing cigarette lighter wiring. If you need to locate the driver's fusebox or need to know how to pull the center console trim, check out Honda's Bluetooth HFL instructions (http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/8thgenaccsedan/handsfreelink.pdf). As for hiding the wires under the dash, I just pulled the lower dash cover on the driver's side, under the steering wheel, and used cable ties to tie the wires down to whatever was convenient and mount the female receptable itself to the metal bracket under the steering wheel. I then plugged in the Garmin's power cable and ran it behind the driver's door weatherstripping (it just snaps in and out) to the dash, where I have the ProClip pillar mount.

Thank you for the how to's.

You can't use both services together, as the receivers are contained in the power adapter. They're not built into the units themselves. Check out the Garmin page for each unit, and look at "what's in the box."

And you're right about the price. Going by MSRP, it's $18 more to buy the 760 and the adapter - $642.84 + $124.99 vs. $749.99. Since Costco is running a sale on the 760 ($349), though, it's considerably cheaper, and I can eBay the GTM20 that comes with it. I could've sworn that there was a bigger price gap between the 760 and 780 when I bought my 760, though.

I think you can use both services... just not at the same time.
If you want to switch services, you could just switch power adapters. In any case, as I said before, who would really want to have both services.

Amazon has the 780 for $529.31, the 760 for $359.97 and the MSN Direct adapter for $105.53. That makes the price difference $63.81 in favor of your idea... plus you get 1 yr of service vs. 3 months.

You've convinced me! :thmsup: