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Cellular forums Home > Archive > Garmin GPS > September 2007 > which nuvi: 350, 360, or 650, or 660
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| Author |
which nuvi: 350, 360, or 650, or 660
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| Andrew Hamilton 2007-09-10, 4:33 am |
| I'm trying to decide among one of these four nuvis.
I'm attracted to the greater width of the 6xx series, but I'm not sure
how practical or useful that is in real-life situations. A store
clerk told me that when you're driving, the most important thing is
clear turn-by-turn directions. He also said that the larger 6xx
series is harder to carry around and use in pedestrian mode.
Are there any real advantages to the larger screen? Sharper images?
Is the glare factor the same with both screens?
I'm not sure how much I would use the real-time traffic delay
information.
Thanks in advance.
--AH
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| Dallas 2007-09-10, 4:33 am |
| Andrew Hamilton wrote:
> I'm trying to decide among one of these four nuvis.
I've been there! :-)
> I'm attracted to the greater width of the 6xx series, but I'm not sure
> how practical or useful that is in real-life situations. A store
> clerk told me that when you're driving, the most important thing is
> clear turn-by-turn directions. He also said that the larger 6xx
> series is harder to carry around and use in pedestrian mode.
I'd agree. Plus, I haven't found pedestrian mode to be much use, at
least on the (very) few times I've tried it so far. It doesn't seem able
to accurately locate me or my destination. I WAS under a bridge, so I'll
have to try again elsewhere -- just haven't had time to do so yet.
> Are there any real advantages to the larger screen? Sharper images?
> Is the glare factor the same with both screens?
I didn't see much difference, but the price difference was so huge that
I really wasn't considering the 6x
> I'm not sure how much I would use the real-time traffic delay
> information.
It's not available here in Vancouver BC, Canada, so that was a non-issue
for me.
--
Cheers, Dallas
(All outgoing and incoming mail is virus-scanned with AVG AntiVirus)
| |
| Ardita Wilson 2007-09-10, 4:33 am |
| On Sun, 09 Sep 2007 20:33:18 -0700, Andrew Hamilton wrote:
> He also said that the larger 6xx
> series is harder to carry around and use in pedestrian mode.
One problem with the larger nuvi that I have is that it falls off its mount
a lot. I suspect the smaller nuvi uses the same mount and doesn't fall off
as much. Others can let you know if my experience is more general. But keep
it in mind.
Also it's a pain to hide every single time you stop, so, again, the smaller
nuvi will be a bit easier to hide from the thieves.
The real-time traffic is mostly bogus. If you believe it all the time,
you'll end up rerouting yourself unnecessarily very many times. I don't
trust it so I wait for the traffic to REALLY back up and by then, it's too
late. But, if I trusted it and it was wrong (which it is most of the time
in my locale), then I wasted time on a detour that wasn't needed. I would
NEVER pay for the traffic.
Plus, the traffic increases the size of the cigarette lighter plug by a
mile. The thing is huuuuuuuuge. Another reason to skip it.
The FM transmitter capability is a great idea but such a lousy
implementation that, at least in my car, it's totally useless. There's
enough static to drown a whale on every channel. It's horrible. So, don't
buy a more expensive nuvi for the FM transmitter!
On the other hand, the bluetooth is usable. Barely useable, but usable.
Lots of road noise (I guess it might depend on the car) gets to the
listener, and remember, the darn thing is two feet in front of you so it's
hard to hear, but it's still usable. If you do conference calls in the car
a lot, then go for it. But, I find myself using the earbud and diabling the
bluetooth way more often than not. The only time the bluetooth is useful is
for the automatic dialing to stores and restaurants in your POI - that
feature is real nice - in your POI list. Otherwise, I prefer the earbud
which gives much clearer sound both ways, which is what it's supposed to
do.
My recommendation is to go for the smaller nuvis (350/360), give up on the
FM transmitter but go for the bluetooth (360) if you call a lot and don't
already have an earbud. Otherwise, go with the 350.
Ardita
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| Alan Biddle 2007-09-10, 4:33 am |
| Ardita,
Something is wrong if your 650 is falling off the mount. Two I am
aware of personally are rock solid. My own is doing fine after 6
months and about 10,000 miles.
--
Alan
| |
| Ardita Wilson 2007-09-10, 4:33 am |
| On Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:29:23 GMT, Alan Biddle wrote:
> Ardita,
>
> Something is wrong if your 650 is falling off the mount. Two I am
> aware of personally are rock solid. My own is doing fine after 6
> months and about 10,000 miles.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm OK. Well, that means something is wrong with mine then.
Thanks.
| |
| Elmo P. Shagnasty 2007-09-10, 7:33 am |
| In article < bhe9e3pb5eeq9fb4beug
lfl3708cv46ihe@4ax.com>,
Andrew Hamilton < Ahamilton90900@yahoo
.com> wrote:
> I'm attracted to the greater width of the 6xx series, but I'm not sure
> how practical or useful that is in real-life situations. A store
> clerk told me that when you're driving, the most important thing is
> clear turn-by-turn directions. He also said that the larger 6xx
> series is harder to carry around and use in pedestrian mode.
I believe he's right.
I use Garmin's Bluetooth GPS antenna that broadcasts coordinates to my
HP iPaq PDA, which is loaded with the current version 4 beta Garmin
software--the software that looks and works just like what's on the Nuvi.
I use it in portrait mode, even though my HX4700 can go landscape. I've
tried it landscape, and don't see any advantages. The narrow width of
the portrait orientation is simply not an issue. I agree about the turn
by turn directions being much more important.
Based on that, were I to buy a Nuvi, I wouldn't consider widescreen as
any kind of benefit. Of more benefit would be the smaller size overall,
both for carrying around and for stowing away.
Everybody thinks he needs widescreen simply because the TV industry
needed to sell more TVs and changed to that format. Well, that's just
not the case. Wide isn't better. Better is better.
| |
| Jack Erbes 2007-09-10, 7:33 am |
| Ardita Wilson wrote:
> On Sun, 09 Sep 2007 20:33:18 -0700, Andrew Hamilton wrote:
>
>
> One problem with the larger nuvi that I have is that it falls off its mount
> a lot. I suspect the smaller nuvi uses the same mount and doesn't fall off
> as much. Others can let you know if my experience is more general. But keep
> it in mind.
Is the nuvi detaching itself from the mount or the mount falling off the
windshield suction or dash adhesive mount? I use the bean bag mount for
my older (much heavier) StreetPilot 2610 and think it is hard to beat.
It has a non-skid layer on the bottom and has never moved an inch (or
25.4mm) in everyday driving.
> Also it's a pain to hide every single time you stop, so, again, the smaller
> nuvi will be a bit easier to hide from the thieves.
And when it is time to hide my 2610 I simply pick it up, bean bag mount
and all, unplug the power adapter/speaker, and put it in a small camera
bag I bought. The bag either gets stuffed out of sight on the floor, or
stored in the underfloor storage in the back of my Dodge Durango.
I leave no clues as to the presence of the GPS receiver if I want it to
be that way.
> The real-time traffic is mostly bogus. If you believe it all the time,
> you'll end up rerouting yourself unnecessarily very many times. I don't
> trust it so I wait for the traffic to REALLY back up and by then, it's too
> late. But, if I trusted it and it was wrong (which it is most of the time
> in my locale), then I wasted time on a detour that wasn't needed. I would
> NEVER pay for the traffic.
>
> Plus, the traffic increases the size of the cigarette lighter plug by a
> mile. The thing is huuuuuuuuge. Another reason to skip it.
That is because the receiver is built into that plug. Also the cable
acts as the antenna for the receiver. You can buy an optional power
cable that does not act as a receiver. That and the bean bag (aka
portable friction) mount and other accessories are listed here:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=400
Shop them from the Internet and eBay sellers first for better prices though.
> The FM transmitter capability is a great idea but such a lousy
> implementation that, at least in my car, it's totally useless. There's
> enough static to drown a whale on every channel. It's horrible. So, don't
> buy a more expensive nuvi for the FM transmitter!
Are you mostly driving in one of the major metropolitan areas that
support that feature? Because it is otherwise of little or no use.
> On the other hand, the bluetooth is usable. Barely useable, but usable.
> Lots of road noise (I guess it might depend on the car) gets to the
> listener, and remember, the darn thing is two feet in front of you so it's
> hard to hear, but it's still usable. If you do conference calls in the car
> a lot, then go for it. But, I find myself using the earbud and diabling the
> bluetooth way more often than not. The only time the bluetooth is useful is
> for the automatic dialing to stores and restaurants in your POI - that
> feature is real nice - in your POI list. Otherwise, I prefer the earbud
> which gives much clearer sound both ways, which is what it's supposed to
> do.
> My recommendation is to go for the smaller nuvis (350/360), give up on the
> FM transmitter but go for the bluetooth (360) if you call a lot and don't
> already have an earbud. Otherwise, go with the 350.
The last two paragraphs sure sound like an honest and candid appraisal
from a real world user to me. And good advice. Most of the online
reviews are shallow or ignorant at best, many border on more than
dishonest attempts to pump the sales.
Jack
| |
| Jack Erbes 2007-09-10, 7:33 am |
| Ardita Wilson wrote:
> On Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:29:23 GMT, Alan Biddle wrote:
>
>
> Hmmmmmmmmmmmm OK. Well, that means something is wrong with mine then.
> Thanks.
Call Garmin 1 800 800 1020 - if it is still under warranty they will fix
it or replace it. It usually takes about two weeks to get one back in
hand from the date you mail it in.
Jack
| |
|
| Alan Biddle <APBIDDLE@UNITED.NET> wrote:
> Ardita,
>
> Something is wrong if your 650 is falling off the mount. Two I am
> aware of personally are rock solid. My own is doing fine after 6
> months and about 10,000 miles.
No need to post the same problem more than once, just post ONCE then wait
for people to sleep, eat, breath then to figure out how to help etc..
| |
|
|
>
>
"Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
news:elmop-B4E83F. 06311310092007@nntp1
.usenetserver.com...
> In article < bhe9e3pb5eeq9fb4beug
lfl3708cv46ihe@4ax.com>,
> Andrew Hamilton < Ahamilton90900@yahoo
.com> wrote:
>
Snip
>
> I use it in portrait mode, even though my HX4700 can go landscape. I've
> tried it landscape, and don't see any advantages. The narrow width of
> the portrait orientation is simply not an issue. I agree about the turn
> by turn directions being much more important.
>
Love the 4700, pity it's discontinued now.
Bluetooth can be handy in many ways, not the least is the ability to use it
with third party mapping solutions on laptop or PDA.
Scanned maps for navigational, land management uses, fishing zones or
treasure maps :-) open up a whole new dimension for GPS.
You may not need it now but being able to scan in a national parks map
complete with trails and ameneties can make a camping holiday a breeze.
So by combining your everyday navigation GPS with a $20 Dell X30 or similar
and Ozi explorer you get an all terrain or offshore GPS.
Now I wonder if with an RV you could hook up the autopilot from Ozi explorer
using the laptop and have a truly relaxing holiday. I should try it crossing
the Nullarbor in Oz. Set a proximity alarm for 2km from the next corner and
relax for an hour or 5 on each straight. A Simpson's episode comes to mind.
--
Brad Leyden
6° 43.5816' S 146° 59.3097' E WGS84
Forecast for tomorrow, heavy showers overnight with a fine day.
Temps: min 24ēCO max 32ēCO
Bet I'm right for where I am, Could you say the same without changing it
daily?
To mail spam is really hot but please reply to thread so all may benefit (or
laugh at my mistakes)
| |
| Hagrid Macintosh 2007-09-10, 10:33 pm |
| 650
--
hmm
"Brad" <bradleyden@spammail.com> wrote in message
news:fc4u06$kaf$2@ai
oe.org...
>
>
> "Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
> news:elmop-B4E83F. 06311310092007@nntp1
.usenetserver.com...
> Snip
>
> Love the 4700, pity it's discontinued now.
> Bluetooth can be handy in many ways, not the least is the ability to use
> it with third party mapping solutions on laptop or PDA.
> Scanned maps for navigational, land management uses, fishing zones or
> treasure maps :-) open up a whole new dimension for GPS.
> You may not need it now but being able to scan in a national parks map
> complete with trails and ameneties can make a camping holiday a breeze.
> So by combining your everyday navigation GPS with a $20 Dell X30 or
> similar and Ozi explorer you get an all terrain or offshore GPS.
> Now I wonder if with an RV you could hook up the autopilot from Ozi
> explorer using the laptop and have a truly relaxing holiday. I should try
> it crossing the Nullarbor in Oz. Set a proximity alarm for 2km from the
> next corner and relax for an hour or 5 on each straight. A Simpson's
> episode comes to mind.
>
> --
> Brad Leyden
> 6° 43.5816' S 146° 59.3097' E WGS84
> Forecast for tomorrow, heavy showers overnight with a fine day.
> Temps: min 24ēCO max 32ēCO
> Bet I'm right for where I am, Could you say the same without changing it
> daily?
> To mail spam is really hot but please reply to thread so all may benefit
> (or laugh at my mistakes)
>
| |
| Edwin Pawlowski 2007-09-10, 10:33 pm |
|
"Andrew Hamilton" < Ahamilton90900@yahoo
.com> wrote in message
news:bhe9e3pb5eeq9fb
4beuglfl3708cv46ihe@
4ax.com...
> I'm trying to decide among one of these four nuvis.
>
> I'm attracted to the greater width of the 6xx series, but I'm not sure
> how practical or useful that is in real-life situations.
It seems like it would be nice, but the reality in use is, you focus on a
smal portion of the screen whee the road and your next turn is. If you want
to look at a map of Iowa, pull out hte road atlas and do it right.
If you don't have any other bluetooth cpability, that may be nice to have.
I use an ear bud that was $50.
Traffic reports depends on where you travel. For me, it would not be worth
the extra cost of the unit and the subscription. It is regional, so if you
live in Boston but travel to Chicago or LA often, you won't help you there.
I've never fondled the 6xx so I don't know how it is size wise, but my 350
easily slips into my pocket when I take it out of the car. I NEVER leave it
in place to tempt anyone.
| |
| Wayne R. 2007-09-11, 7:33 am |
| On Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:25:48 +1000, "Brad" <bradleyden@spammail.com>
wrote (with clarity & insight):
>Brad Leyden
>6° 43.5816' S 146° 59.3097' E WGS84
>Forecast for tomorrow, heavy showers overnight with a fine day.
>Temps: min 24ēCO max 32ēCO
>Bet I'm right for where I am, Could you say the same without changing it
>daily?
Gotta ask: What are you doing there? Don't hear much from that part of
the planet and would love to know more...
| |
| Crabman 2007-09-11, 10:33 pm |
| Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
..
>
>
> I've never fondled the 6xx so I don't know how it is size wise, but my 350
> easily slips into my pocket
And fondle it easily
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Clay
| |
|
|
>
>
"Wayne R." <wruffner@KomKast.net> wrote in message
news:7pvce3ddrsu7nae
8sscd27djrg6ca0t7r6@
4ax.com...
> On Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:25:48 +1000, "Brad" <bradleyden@spammail.com>
> wrote (with clarity & insight):
>
>
> Gotta ask: What are you doing there? Don't hear much from that part of
> the planet and would love to know more...
I work as a manager of a Spring, suspension and truck parts shop. The roads
here are , well, kind of like the moon surface with craters rather than
potholes so the trucks that service over half the population break, often,
and I supply replacement parts.
Do heaps of fishing as there are giant Yellowfin and billfish 15min from
harbour.
Spend long weekends in villages either at Madang (like last weekend) or
Kundiawa (Easter). Use the GPS when on the boat and for keeping tracks (Damn
forgot to last weekend) when going to some remote places. Ozi explorer and
Google earth make for good viewing after a weekend away, just wish they
would upgrade a bit more topography for PNG.
My boss has a 60' steel hulled boat that does charters so I sometimes get to
be deckhand for those trips. Nothing like having a guest catch their first
fish and it be a 4' Wahoo or Mackerel, puts a smile on their dial and they
don't taste bad on the BBQ either. I will be doing some maintenance on his
little boat (the 25 footer) in exchange for using it so that should open up
some big game opportunities.
Overall life here is harsh and most people here are subsistence. When you
buy PNG made coffee it will not be from large plantations but rather from
individual farmers in villagers that have a hundred or so trees and rely on
those for the cash to buy medicine, kerosene and other store goods. Other
than being about the only true organically grown 100% Arabica coffee in the
world it helps sustain the communities that have no other source of income.
Instead of giving money to aid organisations in donations that use up to 90%
of the donation for administration and other expenses, go out and try some
of the best coffee in the world and feel the fulfilment that can only be
gained by supporting some of the worlds poorest communities. Read the label
and if it says PNG Grown you have made a difference to the people that are
willing to work hard to make their lives better. Should I have a pic of an
under nourished kid here. Honestly it tastes good too. (Yes boss I put in a
speal for your coffee)
Now how can I fit an add for artefacts in here. That's half the reason for
the boat is to go into remote regions and collect local artefacts such as
carvings. motoring for a week up the mighty Sepik river to see the remote
villages and purchase from the carvings and handcrafts that are truly
amazing. Penis goards made to measure, skull racks (perhaps they could be
made to measure too) and all PNG curiosities are available. MasterCard and
Visa accepted :-)
--
Brad Leyden
6° 43.5816' S 146° 59.3097' E WGS84
Forecast for tomorrow, heavy showers overnight with a fine day.
Temps: min 24ēC max 32ēC
Bet I'm right for where I am, Could you say the same without changing it
daily?
To mail spam is really hot but please reply to thread so all may benefit (or
laugh at my mistakes)
| |
| Wayne R. 2007-09-20, 7:33 am |
| Thanks for taking the time to respond. PNG Grown coffee will be in our
grinder soon - thanks for the recommendation. Closet's full of
suitable penis gourds though, but I'll keep you in mind, thanks!
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