Mine has the same issue. Since I'd never think of hand-holding the thing anyway it wasn't a big deal (it's always plugged into the car on the dash).

 The place it did effect me though is in hooking to the computer.  The separate memory card reader (USB) can be used to load maps to the memory card.  But if you want to load routes, waypoints, or other information (anything besides maps) all of that goes to the unit's internal memory and the unit has to be turned on in order to talk to it.  I was bummed for a while, but found a way around it.  It looks like Dutch has a cable that will power the unit from 110V AC outlet while you're plugged into the computer so you're all set there.

 I've had one of these since they first came out....well maybe not very first, as I paid about $600, not $1000, but I've had it for 3+ years now I think.  It's all hard wired into the G, talks through dash speakers, etc.  I love it.  One of the things I like best is the ability to use those topo maps in there.  They don't auto-route, or even allow you to plot routes automatically on the PC, but when the citynavigator doesn't show the road you want, the topo often does and you can follow it that way.

You're getting a heck of a lot of value here for $275.  I've thought about updating to a unit with a larger screen, but this one is working fine for me, and I even see now where Ram makes a magnifying screen that mounts in front of the GPS if you want.....been meaning to try one of those.....But I haven't upgraded because this unit does everything so well in the combination of features I really use, and nothing on the market even today is better for my needs.  One way that a newer unit might be better would be if it came with mapping SW that was more up to date with regard to gas stations and such that it knows about.  The "find fuel" feature is one I've used a few times, but have to admit that it didn't know about some stations that were around.  Though of course, nothing will be berfect since new stations, hotels, etc are going up every day.

 In short, a highly recommended unit and a great value for the asking price.  And the way Dutch takes care of his stuff, you won't know it from new out of the box.

 -Dave G.

Thanks for the info, Dutch.  I don't think I've ever updated the map sw.  I've done the firmware updates they offered for the unit (the OPTION to recalc on off-route was a major blessing to me), but never updated my maps.  How's that for silly!

 Thanks again!

-Dave G.