I made the mistake of buying it because it was on sale. Had I done a little research I would have known it was on sale because the S version was out already. As for performance, I have nothing to compare it to, and have been very happy with it. I would like to have the extra memory and other features the S model has but, all in all it does the job. I hook it up to my laptop and use it to get around during business travel. Right now I use it with Microsoft Streets & Trips 2002 (Because I already owned it) and its been spot on but Streets does not cross off directions as you complete waypoints on the route. It does track the roads pretty well and the GPS MAP 76 has a little better map built in on it in the Delaware area. Streets is up to date on 2001 but went backwards on 2002 version. (Section around Dover is pre-2001 and out of date but up to date on 2001 version of MS S & T, go figure) Anyway, I use the GPS MAP76 on my bike too and it has a great trip computer. I like the NAV feature but like i said this is my first.