According to the Garmin blurb, the Streetpilot III can only read up to 128MB cards . Although the 256MB cards will work, you cannot take advantage of the extra storage space and you may not be able to read some of your data.
I've not tried the bigger (256MB and above) cards on my SP III so cannot confirm this 100% but if the Garmin blurb is correct, you will be wasting your cash if you buy the larger capacity card for this model. ( Unless of course you got it very very cheap).

Garmin states that only 16, 32, 64 and 128MB cards are recommended for the Streetpilot III.

I've seen Garmin branded, 128MB data cards on eBay from £40 upwards and Unbranded compatible cards from around £30 which is quite reasonable considering the cost new from Garmin.

There is also an outfit in the US of A. who regularly advertise Garmin accessories on eBay for quite reasonable money. ( due partly to the favourable £/$ exchange rate), including Motorcycle mounts. (Hard to find at reasonable cost)

While I'm on the subject of eBay ( again!!!) I've also spotted a lot of Mapsource maps for the Streetpilot III. If you have this Model, you will need Mapsource City Navigator V5 ( and /or V6/V7 upgrade) or the latest V8 or V9. The City Navigater V9 NT DVD is not recommended for the Streetpilot III.

Remember, you will need V5 already installed for the v6 or V7 upgrades to work ( also the unlock codes), although contrary to what is being put about, you do not need to access the Garmin site to unlock these versions if you have the correct unlock code!!

If you buy a StreetPilot III second hand, there is a free firmware upgrade available on the Garmin site. If you are not sure if you need it or not, go to the Main menu on your GPS, and select "System Info". A Window will pop up giving the unit ID and software version. The latest version is 2.80. If you have this, you don't need to download the upgrade.

Another handy tip, if you have a Garmin GPS but don't have the correct AC power adaptor ( or adapter?) but happen to own a car battery booster pack with a cigarette lighter socket, you can run your GPS indoors by plugging it into the boost starter. Works a treat and you can play with your Streetpilot indoors all day without killing the 6 AA internal batteries.

Anybody got any handy Streetpilot III tips I don't know about, I'd be happy to hear them.

Happy Garmination!

__________________
If you never make mistakes, you ain't trying..

If you're looking at a streetpilot 3 and thinking you'll end up needing another memory card then you be better off paying a little more for the newer 2610. They're down to about £100 now on ebay and use normal camera memory cards - you can get 1Gb for £10 these days.
I've owned both models in the past, and unless you're really on a budget then the 2610 is superior in almost every respect. The 2 biggest problems of the older model (it's SLOW, and only takes Garmin memory) have been solved on the 2610. Both models are so cheap now that it makes little sense to go with the streetpilot 3, especially if you're going to be spending another £40 on memory for it.

As I stated in my post I have a 256mb card in my SP111, and it works, I can confirm this 100% I am running 'City Navigator Version 9' with the latest updates, and on my 256mb card I have all of the UK and Ireland (Republic and North) plus bits of the French, Belgian and Dutch coastline and it all works fine
One for sale here Garmin Mapsource Data Card 256mb on eBay, also, GPS Accessories, GPS, Consumer Electronics (end time 30-Jan-08 12:56:32 GMT)
I should have Tiny (ed) that link, it's massive


Trophymick

This looks like another case of reality clashing with Garmin's "recommendations". I've heard of other instances where users have successfuly used something or other where Garmin states that it is not recommended or it may not work or may damage the unit.
As I stated in my post, I cannot gaurantee the information since I didn't test it ( A diplomatic disclaimer to avoid egg on face!! )
I quite agree that a 248MB card would certainly add a great deal to the functionality ( is that a word?) of the SPIII. The last thing I need to do is to drag a laptop around with me so I can upload maps and save tracks etc.
I can't help but wonder what else you can use ( or do) that Garmin says you can't.

One thing I did do was to get some high capacity (2500mAh) NMH re-chargeable batteries to replace the Duracells. Although I have not had them long enough to run any comparisons, I'm quite confident that, at the very least, I will save a few bob in the long term. Although I normally use my SPIII connected to a power supply, there are times when it is switched on with only battery power. Normal AA's (including Duracells) don't last very long at all. My first set died within a few days. Lets see if the new ones fare any better. At least I won't have to bin them once they are discharged.
Regards.
B2V

__________________
If you never make mistakes, you ain't trying..

I use a Garmin 256 Mb card in my SP III - no problems. It has been waterproof. drop proof and so far idiot proof.

__________________
.. no gods .. precious few heroes ...

Hey, i also purchased a original 256mb memory module from garmin and my streetpilot does not recognize it, it keeps saying "reading module".
I heard it has something to do with the firmware.
What version of firmware do you have on your streetpilot III, i have 2.80 on it?

Thanks