Just wondering if its anywhere near as good as the 478?

I would like to know as well, and can it be intergrated into the dash instead of a temp mount?

Yes, it can be flush mounted.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=51792&ra=true

The only issue I have is that the screen is not easy to read in the sun; spectacular indoors or in the shade. I strongly suggest you take it outside before you buy it. I have other Garmins that are fine in the sunlight; not this one.

I like the unit, I have it mounted with a ram mount and it is veiwable in the sun, flush mounted it would be tuff to see in the sun.
functionality and the size is great.

http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts...1/Default.aspx