Garmin GPS - Suggestions for Nuvi 350 in Italy

Author

Suggestions for Nuvi 350 in Italy

2008-02-14, 10:33 pm

Hello,

My father-in-law is traveling form the US to Italy. He asked me if my Nuvi
350 could get maps for Italy and he could borrow the unit for his trip. The
Garmin website has maps available for $299.00. A new device is about the
same cost.

Any idea for good options? Should he buy a new device in Europe?, rent a
unit from the rent-a-car company? get a paper map? other manufacturer
suggestions that would include maps for both the US and Europe?

Thanks,

MC

Zeppo

2008-02-14, 10:33 pm

"mc" <mc@nospam.org> wrote in message news:t%4tj.2507$th.1918@trnddc05...
> Hello,
>
> My father-in-law is traveling form the US to Italy. He asked me if my
> Nuvi
> 350 could get maps for Italy and he could borrow the unit for his trip.
> The
> Garmin website has maps available for $299.00. A new device is about the
> same cost.
>
> Any idea for good options? Should he buy a new device in Europe?, rent a
> unit from the rent-a-car company? get a paper map? other manufacturer
> suggestions that would include maps for both the US and Europe?
>
> Thanks,
>
> MC

Does the 350 have an SD card slot?

We were able to pick up an SD card for our Nuvi 360 with Italy and Greece on
eBay for $150. We used it for 2 weeks in Italy in the fall and resold it on
eBay for $125 when we got back.

It worked great. Really gave us a sense of freedom being able to explore
without the fear of wasting hours trying to find our way around.

Jon

2008-02-14, 10:33 pm

"Zeppo" <zeppo_m@hotmail.org> wrote in message
news:ncCdnUN8J6uRQin
anZ2dnUVZ_tuonZ2d@co
mcast.com...
> "mc" <mc@nospam.org> wrote in message news:t%4tj.2507$th.1918@trnddc05...
the[color=darkred]
a[color=darkred]
>
> Does the 350 have an SD card slot?
>
> We were able to pick up an SD card for our Nuvi 360 with Italy and Greece
on
> eBay for $150. We used it for 2 weeks in Italy in the fall and resold it
on
> eBay for $125 when we got back.
>
> It worked great. Really gave us a sense of freedom being able to explore
> without the fear of wasting hours trying to find our way around.
>
> Jon
>
>

I didn't realize the maps came on SD. I do have an SD slot. I thought it
was a CD/DVD that would be loaded on the SD card. I know regular map
updates are associated with an internal number in the device and they come
on a CD/DVD.

Thanks

Jack Erbes

2008-02-14, 10:33 pm

mc wrote:

<snip>
> I didn't realize the maps came on SD. I do have an SD slot. I thought it
> was a CD/DVD that would be loaded on the SD card. I know regular map
> updates are associated with an internal number in the device and they come
> on a CD/DVD.
>

The mapping on Garmin's preloaded SD card is locked to the serial number
of the SD card you buy it on. That is what keeps you from making copies
of it, if it is not on that particular SD card the mapping will not work.

Buying the mapping on preloaded SD cards is generally a more expensive
way to buy the mapping. And, or course, you lose the option of being
able to have an install on a PC to use for planning.

But the example above of buying used and reselling is a good plan for a
one time, short term use.

Jack

Edwin Pawlowski

2008-02-14, 10:33 pm

"mc" <mc@nospam.org> wrote in message news:t%4tj.2507$th.1918@trnddc05...
> Hello,
>
> My father-in-law is traveling form the US to Italy. He asked me if my
> Nuvi
> 350 could get maps for Italy and he could borrow the unit for his trip.
> The
> Garmin website has maps available for $299.00. A new device is about the
> same cost.
>
> Any idea for good options? Should he buy a new device in Europe?, rent a
> unit from the rent-a-car company? get a paper map? other manufacturer
> suggestions that would include maps for both the US and Europe?
>

I'd consider buying a new unit with the map, considering cost. If your
family plans to travel there frequently, it is worthwhile to keep,
otherwise, sell it on Ebay when he returns. Or start a lend/lease deal.

I used a Hammond International Road Atlas that I bought at Barnes & Noble.
Roads in Italy are well marked and signs for the next town easily spotted
along the way. Even if he does take the Nuvi, the paper map is good for
planning. Rome and Naples can be a bit daunting, but other cities are quite
easy, IMO. The Autostrade is very well marked. Driving in Italy is an
adventure and is not for the timid. Hope he has fun.

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