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NuVi GPS, Display, and Mechanical Features

These compact  units (3.87" W x 2.91" H x 0.87" D) have the GPS antenna integral to the unit. The antenna flips out for navigation  and folds flat into the back of the unit for storage.  The unit is designed to snap into a small suction cup mount and attach to your windshield.   and  provide  visual and audio directions for navigating your vehicle on unfamiliar streets and roads.  Unfortunately  (for the kids), Garmin did not choose to put any games in this model.   The NuVi continues Garmin's marketing plan of "Market Specialization" which means to position various models for specific functionality and leave out specific features of interest to a specific group of users.  For example,  our "ideal" general purpose GPS receiver would have a color screen,  CF or SD card memory,  full marine and hiking feature set,  full car navigation capabilities and a rechargeable battery pack with external power capability.   Lets see how the NuVi fits these requirements.

The NuVi's screen is a high brightness and is very  daylight viewable WHEN the backlight  is turned ON.  The screen brightness and readability falls between the brighter SP26xx/27xx models and the c3xx models with less readable screens.  The NuVi has an adjustable brightness and audio level control and no contrast control is needed.   NuVi has no marine feature set and NO features for hiking or geocache activity are provided.  .  NuVi does have a rechargeable battery pack which will run the unit with backlight for several hours and it does have the capability of being run from external 12volt power (furnished voltage regulator/cigar plug cable required).  Note that the NuVi internal battery is charged anytime the unit is running on external 12volt power from either the 12volt power cable OR  by a USB connection to a laptop or other computer's USB connector (Computer must be ON to power or charge the NuVi).  Note: On my Dell 8200, plugging in the USB from NuVi with NuVi having low battery charge results in a "USB Port Overload" alarm on my laptop.  This does not seem to cause any problem except you cannot communicate with the NuVi until the battery is charged enough for the alarm to go away.)   The Lithium Ion battery  is sealed into the package and is not normally user serviceable.  The battery pack is NOT a "snap in" battery pack and replacement requires disassembly.

The features of the miniaturized NuVi make it a direct competitor to the Magellan RoadMate units and to the StreetPilot 26xx/27xx models.   Our Magellan RoadMate and Garmin StreetPilot  reviews can be found in the FEATURES section of our GPS INFORMATION WEBSITE.   As stated before, NuVi is NOT a direct competitor to the full featured hiking and marine oriented handheld units and it is NOT suited for geocache hunting..

Street priced at about $450 , (Check Latest Prices Here.) the NuVi, despite its compact size, is a high quality, full featured car navigator with MP3, Talking Book, and Automatic Traffic Information services.  When we drove our usual 600+ mile assorted city/suburban/rural route testing, we were very pleased to note that the NuVi provided the best overall routing score of any GPS tested to date.  It very slightly surpassed our previous high scoring SP26xx models by providing satisfactory routes in every one of our route generation tests.  While NuVi is not  one of the lowest priced Automatic Car Navigator units available, its small shirt pocket size along with excellent route generation capability and MP3 and Audio Books plus Automatic Traffic Information (optional) capability make it "Joe's Choice" Car navigator for 2005..

What about map loading and Map Memory?
NuVi comes "ready to operate" with pre-installed USA/Canada -or- Europe maps.  NuVi uses a  USB data interface for other map loading and data input/output and for loading MP3 and Audio Book files.    It has no standard NMEA input/output capability and it cannot be used to up/download waypoints, routes and tracks to MapSource by conventional MapSource methods  Instead, you can save waypoints in Garmin's GPX Waypoint format or Garmin's GPI Custom POI files by uploading to NuVi memory using special MapSource features or the new Garmin POI loader.  (See NuVi Manual page 51 and 54 for more details.)  The side USB port is also used to connect to the (optional) RDS Traffic Data Radio.  Just for reference, the NuVi 350  700meg user memory  will hold approximately the UK, France, Germany and a bit more in addition to the built in USA/Canada maps.  CitySelect or CityNavigator  maps (including Europe/South Africa/Australia/Middle East maps) are operable in NuVi.  As a rough planning guide, a rule of thumb for calculating storage card capacity is:  4  megabyte for every  million population.   

The USA coverage area for the NuVi's CityNavigator maps is the entire USA and ALL of  Canada.  NuVi allows a user to automatically route using both the built in maps and/or any other Garmin CitySelect or CityNavigator maps. As of December 2005,  Garmin is shipping the NuVi with its new CityNavigator 7 map system.  (CitySelect/CityNavigator automatic routing maps are only available for the USA, Europe, South Africa and Australia as of December 2005.  However, Garmin Licensees are providing maps for a dozen (plus) other areas such as Chile,   etc.)  Check Garmin's Cartography site for a list of countries and vendors to contact.  

Other maps compatible with NuVi  include: CityNavigator (Navteq Maps, the best GPS routable maps available in areas covered), MapSource MetroGuide USA  (MetroGuide 6 uses Navteq Maps.  Prior versions used Etak Maps, good maps but not quite as up to date as Navteq and only USA version 4.01 has autorouting capability within NuVi).   Roads & Recreation, USA Topo, and WorldMap CD ROMs also work with NuVi, but without automatic guidance.   Probably most other Garmin maps will load and operate,  but Garmin supports only the above.   

The NuVi is straightforward to use, and we think the manual is a lot better than average.  Still,  there is no substitute for a few hours of  "playing around" with the unit in consort with the manual for quick learning and  discovery of available features.  

The NuVi provides automated guidance on a par with the very best  of the GPS units we have previously tested.  It is relatively quick to compute a route.    Five to fifteen seconds is typical.  Route Quality is rated "very good"  and NuVi  routinely gives routing "the same as I would have chosen".  Sometimes the route generated is "just OK", but after all, these devices are just machines and they are operating without the local traffic knowledge an individual user has. The downside for NuVi as compared to the $3000 models is that many of the more expensive models have some sort of "dead reckoning" capability to permit navigation to continue for short intervals when signals are lost. Such signal loss can happen in "city canyons" such as NYC, Chicago, LA, and London where high rise buildings can block the satellite signals.  In fact, NuVi/2610/2620/2720 and other Garmin models do have "poor man's dead reckoning" in that when signal is lost, the GPS assumes you continued on your last heading and speed for up to 30 seconds.  The  "real dead reckoning" capability is available in the Garmin StreetPilot 2650/2660 and in a few other units such as the VDO Dayton MS5000.  The 2650/2660 will require a connection to the automobile speedometer output and backup light to be able to function in dead reckoning mode.  Without these inputs, it will function same as the NuVi/2610. 

The SP2610 that we normally use to benchmark route generation quality has a feature that allows the user to select options such as "quick", "better", and "best" routing.  These take increasingly longer compute times.  The NuVi has no such selection like other late Garmin units.  But.. The NuVi (in our experiments) generates as good and occasionally better routes than does the SP2610.  We are very pleased to note this as, in our opinion, the major job of a GPS Car Navigator is to generate good routes from A to B.  .   With NuVi,  the calculation of a 400 mile route  usually takes about 10 seconds.  This compares to up to half a minute with the SP2610.   One trial route from Atlanta to an address in Los Angeles took about  half a minute with the SP2610 and about 15 seconds with the NuVi  which is an improvement.  Off Route, reroute recalculation typically takes a few seconds and it (generally) tries to take you back as quickly as possible to your ORIGINAL route.  It does this  the first THREE times it goes "off route, recalculating".  On the fourth "off route" it figures out you are serious about not going back to the original route and does a complete recalculate which on a local (25 mile) route usually takes just a few seconds.  (SP-III ver 2.50 is using this same algorithm and it seems to be confusing some folks, but I personally like the speed so much I am willing to put up with the first three reroutes not necessarily taking you the optimum route.  If you do not like the "partial reroute" offered, you can always press the ROUTE key and then press "recalculate".)

The NuVi does not permit the download of ROUTES from MapSource to the GPS for execution.  You CANNOT download a series of waypoints and then integrate these into a route since only ONE VIA is permitted.    Frankly,  using the PC is not the thing you will USUALLY want to do as the NuVi is much easier and more convenient to use as compared with generating routes on the PC and then  having to download routes to the GPS navigator.   The NuVi uses a USB connection for user map and data loading for music, talking books, images, etc. 

NMEA 0183 data I/O  is NOT available on the NuVi.

Note: As of this date, NO OTHER map products (from alternative vendors) can be uploaded into Garmin GPS receivers except those offered by Garmin and Garmin LICENSEES for the purpose.  (See Garmin Website's Cartography section for a full list of map offerings.)  This same proprietary relationship exists for other vendor's consumer GPS products as well.

This NuVi is designed expressly for automobile use  and lack of off road or marine features make it generally unsuitable for hiking, or boating use.   There IS an OFFROAD setting in the routing preferences if you want the unit to give you an "as the crow flies" view of the path from A to B.  This would be usable as an indication of which way to travel if you were out hiking but the NuVi really is NOT designed for hiking, marine use.

The NuVi kit contains:
NuVi GPS with built-into-the-case speaker,  12volt cigar plug power cable, USB data cable (for memory and data load), windshield suction cup and mounting bracket,  quick start manual (Download detailed manual from HERE.), glue down dash plate for dash if needed,  padded pocket holster for Nuvi, and a coupon for two free audio books and an an audio bonus program. An AC power module is included  There are no mapping CDs as maps are pre-loaded.   I am not a big fan of  windshield suction cup mounts but the assembly furnished with NuVi  is a) serviceable, b) lightweight, c) folds and packs up "small",  and we can find no problems in using it.  Adjusting the Garmin windshield mount is a bit tedious and unclipping/reclipping the NuVi into the mount can be difficult until you master the technique.

Like all modern car navigators,  NuVi gets rid of almost ALL of the bad effects of GPS measurement error that bother many people.  When you use  NuVi with CN7, NuVi will "lock" your vehicle track to roads as long as you  travel on the road.  (This feature does not operate with MapSource R&R, USA Topo, or WorldMap among others.)  Automatically generated routes using CitySelect or CityNavigator maps "rubber band" to the roads in the route. Once in a great while, you may find an isolated road segment where the map is so far off that road lock will jump off the road, but it is rare.   

Another useful feature with CS/CN maps is that (when not in guidance mode) all approaching cross street names are displayed prior to arrival.   Note that MetroGuide 6.x maps are really not too useful in a NuVi as they do not offer automatic route generation.

Guidance Information Display

We found the NuVi audio and visual guidance directions very satisfactory. NuVi automatically varies its "turn here" warning time to give you more warning time at high speed than at lower speed. A typical audio/visual sequence would go something like this:

AUTOZOOM zooms the screen in and out automatically as you approach waypoints and turns so you always have time to make decisions.  The data windows (center top, lower right, and lower left screen)   show details of the turn and distance to the turn as you approach.

Route selections for CAR/Motorcycle, Pedestrian, Bicycle, TRUCK, BUS, Taxi  or EMERGENCY vehicles are provided so you can be properly routed depending on your vehicle type.  Avoidance selection include: U-Turns, highways, unpaved roads, toll roads, carpool lanes,  and traffic.  

CityNavigator now features about six million (USA) "points of interest".  These include: Food and drink, Lodging, Attractions, Entertainment, Shopping, Services, Transportation, and Emergency and Government. In our area,  there were a few restaurants we had not known about and a  few  prominent ones  are missing. Some restaurants that have been closed for several years are still listed.  (Perfection will always escape us as to perfect maps and POIs!)   Despite many obvious updates and additions,  the restaurant listing (still) appears to be about 2 years old.  Listed "Attractions" include theme parks, museums, schools, parks and such.  The listings were quite satisfactory though the placement of a particular restaurant or gas  station might vary plus or minus a few hundred  feet (sometimes more) from the actual location.  This feature could be very handy in a strange city.  Do not be overly surprised at imperfections such as your favorite restaurant being missing or some restaurant that is out of business for 5 years still being in the POI list.  The POIs come from a multitude of data sources and it is simply impossible to insure accuracy with the resources available for the task.

The user can give the GPS a Street Address or Street Intersection or select one of the, for instance, Restaurants in the accessory map data base module and it will LOCATE this address or location automatically and plot it on the map screen. ( Phone numbers as well as street addresses are normally provided for Restaurants, Hotels and other POI.)  The NuVi can then automatically create a "turn-by-turn" route to this destination from wherever you are. This is a very useful feature and it has worked very well in our tests. Be prepared for a few well known items (such as my local library) to be missing from the "attractions" list. Still, if you are unfamiliar with an area, what IS included will be quite useful.

The NuVi has a new SiRF (brand) GPS signal receiver.  It is definitely the most sensitive I have tested to this time.  It is able to 100% of the time achieve lock inside my two story home.  Other receivers would intermittently operate and lock, but this one locks quickly whenever it is turned on and (so far) has never lost lock in the house.  No other receiver we have tested had this sensitivity.  We note that normally lock is achieved in maybe 15 seconds.  But from a cold start after being off overnight, lock may take a minute or two unless you wait for lock before you drive off in your car.  Normally, this is a non-problem.

Does the NuVi have enough map and accessory memory?
Well.. I think so.  The Nuvi 350 has storage for all USA and Canada maps which (my guess) takes up about 1.2 gigabytes or so.  Then it has 700 megs of  user memory for more maps, music, or audio books.  If this is not enough, you can add an optional SD memory card which is now available up to 2GBytes for about $100.  We think just the built in memory will be enough for most users.. At least for starters!
 

  What are the Technical Specifications of the NuVi GPS?  (From Garmin)

• High-sensitivity integrated 12 channel GPS receiver by SiRF (Note: The sensitivity of this receiver is one of the best we have tested.)
• WAAS/EGNOS enabled
• Flip-up antenna—includes MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection
• Preloaded with City Navigator NT v.7—includes detailed maps of U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico (no downloading required)
• Travel Kit includes Language Guide, MP3 player, audible book player, picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters, and calculator
• SD memory card expansion slot
• Powerful built-in speaker
• Traffic alerts with optional GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver* (Note: NOT compatible with GXM-30)
• Text-to-Speech — unit prompts you to “Turn right on Main St” instead of “Turn right in 500 feet”
• Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings
• Offers a three dimensional mapping perspective, or 2-D overhead view, Track UP or North UP
• Display: 2.8” W x 2.1” H (3.5” diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; bright, TFT display, 64K colors, with white backlight and touch screen (Note: This particular screen is almost not readable without the backlight on.  With the backlight on, it is very readable under all normal conditions including bright sunlight.  It does wash out a bit in brightest sun, but it is still readable.  
• Unit dimensions: 3.87" W x 2.91" H x 0.87" D (98.3 mm x 73.9 mm x 22.1 mm)—fits easily in a pocket or purse
• Weight: 5.1 ounces (144.6 grams)
• Built-in lithium ion battery
• Between 4-8 hours of battery life, depending on use
• Includes 12-volt power adapter cable for external power while in your vehicle
• Includes suction cup mount that allows for easy adjustment and quick release
• Simplified PC connectivity, similar to a digital camera, using USB Mass Storage with access to either the SD card slot or to the unit’s internal memory directly from your PC desktop.
• With the POI loader program (available for free from www.garmin.com), users can set up proximity alerts for school zones, safety cameras, and more.
• Favorite Addresses Storage:  500 with (up to) 10 character name and graphic symbol (Autorouting does not use these waypoints.)  Autonumbers each waypoint but allows users to change waypoint name.
  
• Track log:  NuVi does not support a tracklog feature.
• Trip Information Page: Single resettable odometer, plus nine NON  user programmable windows for display of the following:  Overall Average m/h, Moving Average m/h, Maximum Speed, Total Trip Time, Moving time, Stopped time, Odometer, Speed Readout, and a cardinal direction of motion indicator v.z.(E).  There is a reset button for the entire trip computer and a separate button to reset max speed.
  
• Acquisition times: Warm: Approximately 15 seconds, Cold: Approximately 45 seconds, AutoLocate: Approximately 2 minutes  These times are typical, We did sometimes notice acquisition times of several minutes when acquiring satellites while moving in a car with the built in antenna.  This is not unusual.
  
• Update rate: 1/second, continuous
• Position Accuracy: Position: < 15 meters (49feet), 95% typical with clear sky view and good DOP,  about 4 meters or better with WAAS and clear sky view and good DOP.  These typical numbers are not very useful since you cannot readout lon/lat directly on the NuVi.  Neither can you input a location as a lon/lat, only as an address or by "pointing" the cursor at a location and saving the location as a favorite.
  
• Velocity accuracy: 0.05 meter/sec (.035mph) steady state
• Dynamics: 6g’s
• Interfaces: USB (ver 1.1,  No RS232 serial port.)  The NuVi software is only compatible with IBM type PC units.
  
• Antenna: Built in GPS antenna with external MCX-type connector jack.  Accepts 2.5 volt external amplified antennas.  Tested fine with Garmin amplified antennas and with TriM MM-II.  Should work with any external antenna which works on 2.5 volts.
  
• Case: Rugged; but NOT waterproof, cannot be safely operated in wet environments
  
• Temp. range: 5°F to 158°F (–15°C to 70°C)
• Data storage: Indefinite; no memory battery required
• Map storage: Complete  USA/Canada CityNavigator 7 maps plus 700 megs for user files plus SD card slot for additional memory. 
  

Specific Questions Answered: 

• Does the NuVi have automatic daylight savings time? Yes, it works in the USA and a few international areas.  Daylight saving time rules  in most of the rest of the world are too "flexible" to make it practical to include all areas at this time.
• Can the NuVi use Garmin's new Custom POI (Point of Interest) loader software to load my special POIs such as speed traps or other special locations.  Yes.

• What is the battery life?  Garmin suggests that the unit should get about 4 to 8 hours continuous running with normal use. I find this a little optimistic.  My numbers for various test conditions have ranged from 3 to 6 hours.  Obviously, if you leave the backlight on continuously, you will get a lot less battery life.  I could drive about for around 5 hours with car navigation working and "normal" 15 second backlight timeout before the battery was exhausted.  The screen is really not viewable without the backlight but the unit can operate and do automatic guidance with the backlight off and it will turn on the display light and begin speaking whenever guidance information is needed.  This will conserve battery life.  The display ON time is adjustable and the display stays on all the time when the unit is run on 12vdc power.  
• Is the color screen viewable in sunlight? Yes. if the backlight is ON.  NuVi has a highly readable screen in sunlight sitting on a car's dash when the backlight is ON.   Naturally, Direct sunlight washes it out a bit,  but if it is in your car on the dash, it is quite satisfactory in all conditions we tested it in.  If your screen is in DIRECT sunlight, you may need a glare shield to shade the unit for best visibility in all conditions. (Motorcyclists note: The NuVi is NOT waterproof.)  With the backlight OFF, I judge the NuVi display not usable in sunlight unless you position the screen in a very favorable position.   We found the screens of the Vista Color, GPS-60C, and the G-76C to be much more readable in  sun with the backlight OFF than is the NuVi.  We understand the NuVi uses a different screen as compared with the others.
  
• Does NuVi have a trip computer like the earlier SP's? Yes but with fewer features. None of the parameter windows are user selectable.
• Is the NuVi Screen as easy to read in sunlight as the StreetPilot 2610/2620/2720/2730?   No, not quite. However NuVi's screen is very readable in bright sunlight, dark and all in between.  We had no problems with screen readability.
  
• Where is the speaker for the audio output? It is mounted on the rear lower half of the enclosure.  There is also an audio plug for connecting the audio output to external devices.  This unit is NOT suitable for exposed motorcycle use as it is not waterproof.
  
• Is there enough audio volume available to use NuVi in a noisy truck? In a <normal> car, we judge the volume will always be ample. Audio is fine in a Ford F-150 truck and we think it will work OK for a fairly noisy truck as well, but you can always connect an external audio amp and speaker or even earphones. 
• Is there a MUTE switch for the audio?  Answer:  Yes. You push MENU then ADJUST (or just momentarily press the power button) and the audio and brightness page appears.  The MUTE key is on that page.
• Are the contrast and brightness adjustable? Yes, there are about 10 brightness steps.  No contrast control is provided or needed.  The available viewing angle of this new display is slightly above 60 degrees (+/- 30) so both the driver and passenger can usually view the screen at the same time (if the unit is placed in the middle of the dash and forward). 
  
• Is the CityNavigator Map System included? Yes.  and it is pre-installed.  The USA/Canada NuVi kit includes "all region unlocked and pre-installed" for the USA and Canada.   However, NuVi does not have CDROM copies of CN7-NT.  Note: Garmin tells us that the  CN7-NT maps are (almost) exactly like the regular CN7 maps except for using an improved technique to compress the maps so they will fit into smaller map storage.  The POIs are apparently slightly different.  We found them better than CN7 but one NuVi owner said that in his area they were less detailed.
  
• Will my old SP (or SP-III) cable work with NuVi? No.  The connectors are different and a USB type power cable with cigar socket plug comes with NuVi.
• Does NuVi come with a dash mount? Yes. A portable suction cup mount is provided.  As noted above, we consider it quite serviceable. We used the mount in several cars and a pickup truck and it seems robust and serviceable.
  
• Is <my> street shown on the new  (or CityNavigator 7) maps? Garmin has their MapViewer working so you can check for your area.
• If I deviate from the calculated route, what happens? NuVi will automatically recalculate a new route to your destination without operator intervention.  You can elect "silent" recalculation OR you can elect to be advised when a route recalculation occurs.  The lady sounds just a tiny bit frustrated when she has to say: RE--Calculating....  Some software guy has a well tuned sense of humor! 
  
• Can I "TrackBack" on a tracklog with NuVi? No.  The NuVi does not support tracklogs or trackback. 
  
• How many waypoints can be in an automatically generated route? I am not sure. I  have tried cross continent routes from Atlanta to Los Angeles and they work fine.  Waypoints created by automatic routing do not reduce the 500-available user waypoints.  User waypoints (called favorites) can be used to initiate an automatic route and/or add  (just ONE)"Via" to a route. 
  
• Can I operate StreetAtlas 9 or 2003 externally with a PC and using NuVi for the Position  data? No.  NuVi does not have NMEA output. 
  
• How do I upload SA8 Maps (or DRG, or TravRoute or whatever) into NuVi?  You can't. No way. Can't do it. Only Garmin maps (Also see the Garmin Cartography site for a list of Garmin protocol licensees whose maps are NuVi compatible.)  can be uploaded into NuVi. Neither can you use MapSource to display your position on a laptop computer running MapSource.  MapSource and the Custom POI loader can only be used to upload waypoint information by special techniques.  (See manual.)
• NuVi is supposed to have Proximity Waypoints for use with Speed Cameras and other special waypoints.  How do I make this feature work?  You must download Garmin's Custom POI loader software from their website.  When you install this feature,  Proximity Waypoints will be activated.  See Manual for more details.
  
• How do I download screen images from the NuVi?  Garmin has a new feature in NuVi called "PictureIt".  This selection is located in the DISPLAY options page.  Press "PictureIt" On.  Then you "tap" the power key and whatever is on the screen at that moment is saved as a numbered *.bmp image in the NuVi internal memory folder \pictureit\*.bmp.    You then attach a computer to the NuVi's USB port and download the file(s) from the NuVi's pseudo disk drive. 
  
• What is the "pedestrian" mode routing option in NuVi and how does it work?  NuVi's "pedestrian" mode gives routing for times when you are walking with NuVi.  I had an opportunity to use this feature in a QUEST model  in Interlaken, Switzerland where there are many "pedestrian only" bridges and walkways.  It did its job perfectly and directed me along the pedestrian only routes when appropriate.  
  
• Can I use my NuVi on my private airplane?  Well.. Yes,  but it really is not designed for aviation use and will not give you the usual guidance information needed for aviation use.   If you like having your airplane routed point to point, the offroad mode will do that but you must put in a destination address and street name. 
  
• Does the NuVi allow entry of route preferences? Yes. Options are: Faster Time, Shorter Distance, Off Road (turns off road lock and allows GOTO for straight line routing), Avoid U-turns, Avoid Toll Road, Avoid Highways, Avoid Unpaved Roads,Carpool Lanes, and Traffic. Also, Calculate routes for CAR or TRUCK or BUS, Motorcycle, Taxi, Delivery Vehicles, Bicycle, Pedestrian, Taxi, or EMERGENCY vehicle.  
  
• Exactly how do you figure out how many "turns" can be in one route? Garmin says: There is not a limit to the number of turns per se.   Along a route -- there are several types of points that are "dropped".  The first being via points. The second are "guidance points" - where a user basically has to make a decision on which way to go (keep left, etc.), and the third are "nodes". Nodes are dropped along a route every time a road classification, name change, turn, etc.... There are a max of 1200 "nodes". If you are creating a route along an interstate, there won't be very many "nodes" dropped, because all the attributes of the road stay the same (for the most part). But, once you begin adding in lots of via points, where the detail of the map gets very complex, then there are more and more "nodes" dropped.  "Nodes" are not seen by the user.  Basically, they do show up if a person were writing third party software and sucks out the Position data, but that is the only place a user would see it. 
  
• Can I buy a NuVi in the USA (to save euros) and then use it in Europe (or Australia) using CityNavigator maps. Yes. But a USA purchased unit will have a USA/Canada mapset and details for Europe (such as it is) will be essentially not useful. The reverse is also true. If you are in Europe with a USA system, this means you will have to load maps from CityNavigator or CitySelect for your entire journey if you want autorouting all the way. This all works just fine.   It is possible to install MapSource World Map as an underlay in conjunction with European CN6 for higher detail roads if you have a USA NuVi and want to take a trip in Europe.   But of course, WorldMap does not do autorouting.
  
• What about MetroGuide Europe?  Australia?  Can I use it for Autorouting in Europe same as MetroGuide USA 4 can be used for Autorouting in the USA? No. MetroGuide Europe has autorouting capability but ONLY in the PC. MetroGuide Australia is not able to autoroute on either the PC or in a Car Navigator GPS. The initial edition of MetroGuide USA4 was  equipped with autoroute capability because (at that time) CityNavigator USA did not have complete USA map coverage. The latest MetroGuide USA (5 and up) does not offer autorouting on the GPS, only on the PC.  Now CN7 has full USA and Canada map coverage as does CN Europe for covered European states. CN Australia does not have full country coverage.  See Garmin's website for coverage maps and for maps for Chile, South Africa and a dozen other areas by Garmin Licensees. 
  
• Can I add VIAs to influence NuVi to do a route "my way"? Answer: Yes. You can (presently) add just ONE in the NuVi.   You can select Vias from Waypoints, Stored Addresses,  POIs, etc. 
  
• I want a GPS for use in my Car, for Hiking, for OFFROAD driving, and for MARINE use. Will NuVi do the job for me? No! We do not recommend the NuVi for any of your proposed applications EXCEPT for Car Navigation ON ROADS which NuVi is optimized for and where its performance is quite good. For Offroad driving, the unit provides few guidance directions.  The same is true for Hiking and for Marine use.  In general there is no GPS which is optimized for all your proposed applications, but the Garmin GPS-V or the GPS-60C/GPS-76C and the Magellan Meridian and Sportrak Pro are about the best compromises I know of in a stand alone GPS unit. Reviews of all these units are available HERE.
• Does the NuVi have a DETOUR FEATURE to reroute you around road work and other obstructions?  Yes.  You can select various distance values and the NuVi will leave your current route at the first opportunity and take you the "best available" alternate route for your selected detour distance and then compute an optimum reroute for the remainder of your journey. If you are using the GTM-10 system (and if the local government has timely information and if the area has RDS traffic radio service) then the NuVi can automatically route you around traffic.  See our GTM-10 review HERE.
• Which of the mounts for older Garmin units will the NuVi fit?  None. The mount, cables and mechanical arrangements used by NuVi are different from any prior Garmin unit.
  
• Can I operate the NuVi with my gloves on? In the rain? In the rain with gloves on? PLEASE do not operate NuVi in the rain!  You will be sorry!  But you can operate the touchscreen with reasonably thin gloves on.   But those  touchscreen buttons MAY be a challenge depending on what gloves you use.
• Will the NuVi operate properly with an XM Radio in the car?  Answer: Generally Yes.  It is known to work OK with "aftermarket" Sony and Delphi SkyFi XM radios as well as all of the OEM XM radios we have heard about.  The only problem reported to us has been with the  XM ROADY Delphi radio.  Delphi tells us that this early production incompatibility  has been fixed in new production and any older units will be exchanged at no cost to the user during the warranty period.  I have a six month old Roady XM and it works fine with NuVi.
• What is the difference between the  SP-2610 and the NuVi?  Answer:  The NuVi is basically a miniaturized, reduced feature, larger map memory version of the SP-2610.  It is actually more akin to a QUEST 2 on steroids as far as features and appearance are concerned.
• Is there a MotorCycle mount for the NuVi?  NO!  Do not operate the NuVi in a weather exposed environment as it is not waterproof.

The trip computer works similarly to other late model car navigators.  With NuVi, you will notice that  when you come to a stop, the estimated times do not go to infinity, but hold a realistic value. The GPS calculates estimated times based upon road classes in your Route and modifies the estimation by your actual speeds on the various road classes. It also computes the actual road distance between turns (waypoints) instead of using straight line distances.  The results give fairly accurate estimated time to various points, even when using different road classes, like traveling on the freeway, and then exiting later on some local roads. Your estimates will not only be based upon your current highway speed, but by the combination of speeds you are using, or will be using on the various road classes.  We note that the NuVi was within 12 minutes on one 580 mile highway drive we made after it "learned" our driving speed habits.  Usually it slightly underestimates the time principally as a result of unexpected traffic congestion which randomly occurs.

The NuVi does NOT have the standard Garmin HOST mode which allows  the upload/download of waypoints, routes, tracks, etc., You cannot  use the GPS for position tracking on an external computer. The  external power/data cable is different from other Garmin GPS equipment including StreetPilot models.

CityNavigator's  Find-an-Address feature includes: Recent Finds,  Cities,  Exits, Addresses,  Intersections, Points of Interest, Food,  Lodging, Services,  Entertainment, Attractions, Shopping, Transportation,  Emergency and Government and Waypoints.  However,  some  of  the locations  of restaurants, hotels, etc. are misplaced by considerable distances.  Since the data is at least a year old,  some businesses are "missing" but overall the data is quite accurate and useful.

When not routing,  a "Driving Status" line on the Map display indicates such information  as "Driving South on Roswell  Road  to Sandy Springs".  This can be quite useful in cities where you don't exactly know which street you are on. Also as you are driving, the name of each approaching side street is displayed allowing finding side streets in the dark.

Brightness on the NuVi does not automatically adjust for ambient light conditions like the SP26xx models.  However, the screen brightness is changed for night driving and brightness was acceptable night and day.   Automatic changeover from night to day mode as needed is provided.

Datums- The NuVi uses the standard WGS-84map datums but this is not very important  to the user since you cannot read out lon/lat anyway.

Many dozens of  ICONS are available in the NuVi to identify user waypoints and mark routes.   Icons include airport, bank, boat ramp, car, dam, post office, and a host of others.

Street pricing of the NuVi is about US $450 or less and includes: NuVi GPS unit, speaker/power cable, Pre-Installed CityNavigator 7-NT, Suction cup mobile mount,  USB data interface and cable,  AC 12vdc PSU for automobile use,  quick reference guide and other documentation. The complete manual is downloadable from the Garmin website.   Check latest prices HERE.

Features and Operation

The NuVi has a direct and easy to use routing system. The user:

• Enters an address, an intersection, select a restaurant, hotel, or other Point of Interest using the rocker switch and keys for data entry.
 

• selects ROUTE to it
  
 

• NuVi automatically generates a route to your destination and cues the user with both audio and visual directions.

 The NuVi operates from  external power in the range of 10 to 24 volts DC or from its internal LiOn battery.  Battery life on our unit was about 3 to 6 hours of normal use on battery.  The NuVi uses FLASH memory internally and has no memory backup battery.    The LED backlit display lighting has a rated design life of 100,000 hours.  The NuVi shuts down when power is removed and (uniquely for Garmin handheld equipment) turns back ON when external power is restored. (Assuming the power was ON when the external power failed.)

A special Power/Speaker cable is supplied with NuVi. The  data/power cable used is NOT the same as any prior Garmin cable connector. You will need the (industry standard USB type used for cameras and other portable equipment)  USB DATA cable (furnished)  to load maps into your NuVi and/or to upload/download waypoints to your PC computer.  There is NO capability with the NuVi for a standard RS-232 serial cable.  

The external antenna connector, a MCX coax jack,  is located on the right edge of the unit's antenna.  The MCX  jack is powered (nominal 2.7 volts no load in our unit) and has a current limit rated at 25 ma  to protect the unit from shorts on the antenna cable. The normal "flip out" antenna is an integral part of the unit and is not removable.   The Garmin GA-27C (Garmin part number 010-10052-05) amplified antenna, some from  Tri-M, and other 2.7 volt rated antennas  work with the NuVi.  We believe most  3 volt antennas will work as well.

The NuVi does not support NMEA-0183,  DHCP or RTCM.   Garmin has included connectivity for its Custom POI program and for the ability to access the 700meg user memory and the SD card memory as USB hard drives.  There are no other connectivity options as far as we can tell.

Operating temperature range is specified as -15C to +70C.   The maximum altitude rating is 60,000ft and speed maximum is 999 mph.

Feature Details:=============================================================

 

• The MAP SCREEN  includes the MAP, plus (depending on operating mode),  Current location and road, current speed display,  arrival time, time to next turn, and Next Turn display. These are user selectable (to some extent) which items are displayed.   At TURNS when in POPUP mode, the map image on the left side of the screen will show details of the direction and angle of the coming turn.  Distance to the turn is indicated in a window on the right side of the screen.
  
 

• A moving map display is provided to plot your course over ground.   Outside of Canada, Mexico and the USA, base maps (on the USA models)  are generally MUCH less detailed. Waypoints saved in the  machine are displayed on the moving map page as they come within range of the map scale selected.  The map screen has zoom and scales from 120 feet (1/2 inch) to about 800 miles (half inch).  You can use the (+)/(-) buttons on the upper right and left  to ZOOM the screen in or out.  To PAN in any direction as desired press the screen and slide your finger in the desired direction.  You will notice that in Europe and elsewhere outside the Western Hemisphere, (on the USA model) there are NO ROADS shown on the very austere political boundary maps.  Automatic routing voice commands continue during panning if you are executing a route.
  
 

• Route  destination  points can also be generated from user waypoints (known in the NuVi as FAVORITES), city waypoints, points of interest, street addresses and street/road intersections. There appear to be 5 layers of map  detail in the street level CityNavigator NT  maps.  This compares with 7 layers in the older CityNavigator 7 maps used in SP2610.
 

• The map display may be set to north up, or current track up or you can use the 3D mode.  The 3D mode seems to have less distortion than earlier 3D map displays we have used and it was comfortable to work with.  The map system allows five selections of Map Detail from LEAST to MOST.  This is useful for selecting your own level of "map clutter" that you are comfortable with.  On  the NuVi, user waypoints can have one of dozens of symbols such as boat,  house, gas pump, etc. When you are  moving,  an "arrow" pointer shows your position and  direction. Map accuracy is superb on the CityNavigator 7-NT maps in the Atlanta area.
 

• The automatic guidance system TOUCHSCREEN USER INTERFACE is very convenient and quick to use.  You can typically enter and address and set up a new route in perhaps 30 seconds after a bit of practice.
 

• A simulator feature provides display of simulated motion for test of mapping software, data gathering simulations and such. However, the simulator can only follow established routes and cannot just be set up to travel in some user selected direction. This seems OK since the NuVi is designed to facilitate automated automobile navigation which requires the input of a route.
  
 

• A screen back lighting timer feature is provided in NuVi.  The timer can be set to turn off the display light (when in battery mode) in 15, 30, 60, 120 seconds or NEVER. If turned ON, the light stays on when the NuVi is powered externally.  Also, when the unit is operating on battery OR on DC power, if the unit is OFF and power is applied, the NuVi automatically turns ON.
  
 

• A  screen arrow and distance to go number that pops up to show  approaching next turn can be selected as a display option.
  
 

• When the unit is powered ON, a Garmin introductory screen comes on followed by a screen warning  not to enter information while driving, then after a timeout, you go to the map display page.  You must manually press the MAP button to  get to the navigation screens.  Otherwise you will be "stuck" on the "WHERE TO?" screen. You CAN press the OK button a couple of times to speed up getting to the Where To? screen if you wish.  The unit is defaulted to the "No data entry while moving" mode (which is a good idea), but this can be disabled with a setup option.
 

• Satellites-in-View display screen> Tap the signal strength bar in the upper left corner of the "Where To" screen to display the NuVi's Satelliteacquisition page.    Two or fewer signal bars indicate there is no lock but the unit is acquiring.  If the lower bars are RED it indicates that no sats are being tracked.  If GREEN satellites are being tracked  Three bars indicate a marginal lock which may/may not be enough to navigate.  Typically 4 bars will indicate a good quality lock, but the device is normally looking for at least 5 and this is indicated by 5 green bars.  The ESTIMATED tracking accuracy is displayed at the top of the Satellite View page.  Altitude and speed are also displayed on this Satellite View page.. 
  
 

• Waypoints may be named with a ten character name plus a symbol (boat ramp,  gas pump,  house,  etc.) which may be selected from a library of 117 symbols. 
  
 

• The NuVi has NO track log system whatsoever.  It does NOT have a "cookie trail" feature showing where you have been.
  
 

• The NuVi has WAAS/EGNOS, but does it support DGPS.  NuVi locks you to the nearest ROAD (in on-road navigation mode) and this is very desirable  (since maps are more imperfect than the GPS signal accuracy) for road navigation purposes. 
  


• External  I/O signal modes available are NONE.   No NMEA output is available.  You cannot download tracklogs as there are none.  You can only use the USB data connection to upload/download MAPS, Music, Audio Books, Images, and Waypoints (If you use the special Garmin Waypoint loader software.)  NuVi does NOT support normal MapSource Waypoint, Track, Route upload/download features. 
  
 

• Proximity waypoints ARE provided in the NuVi.  You must use the special Garmin Custom POI loader software to activate this feature.

•  North reference adjustment is NOT provided, only  "true" north reference is default.   (There is no Magnetic  North  heading  reference selection)
  
  

• When navigating a ROUTE, the pointer points along the road in the correct direction of travel. This happens EVEN IF the road is curvy and makes many changes in direction.   As each turn is approached, the NuVi delivers  a verbal warning  and (unless POPUP turn guidance is selected) a special POINTER automatically indicates the proper turn direction and the command line switches to the next waypoint (turn) in the route list. There is no concept of "reversed route" in NuVi  Each automatically generated route is from "where you are now" to a fixed destination. Each destination you want to travel  to (on road)  is selected from one of: user waypoints (favorites), POI, addresses, street intersections, etc.
 

• The NuVi has ZOOM in/out  buttons (-/+) near the top left/right of the map screen.   Zoom permits easy expansion or contraction of the map display as needed.
  
   

• Waypoint MARK  is NOT available in the NuVi by conventional means. However, there is a workaround.  To mark a waypoint you would need to have the antenna out, then touch the map and  at the bottom of the screen you will see a Save button.  Whenever you first touch the screen the arrow will not go to where you touched but stays over your then current position.  Therefore, you can mark your current location this way by then pressing the SAVE key.  After you touch the screen a SECOND time,  you can placethe arrow anywhere else you want and mark a waypoint at other places by pressing SAVE.. 
  

• The NuVi is NOT rated submersible or even rain resistant.  The rating is IEC-529, IPX(0).  This means in English: Don't let your NuVi get wet or you will be sorry!
 

• You can FIND waypoints by NAME by using the SPELL key on the Favorites page.  You can also access the "most recently used" destinations in  WhereTo>MyLocations>Recent Selections.
 

• The NuVi display can only be operated in the HORIZONTAL display mode which is in keeping with its design an automotive GPS mapping receiver.

I have tested the NuVi on  roads and highways of North Georgia and Atlanta including several interstate trips.   Our NuVi has worked properly at all times as far as we could tell..  Generally, tracking worked well but as is normal, we occasionally lost lock momentarily in cities and in deep mountain valleys.  

The NuVi performed on a par with other GPS units in every test for lock stability,  multipath performance, re-lock after an underpass, and ability to suddenly change direction without loss of lock. The NuVi laid down smooth tracks on our highway maps during all tests.  No gaps, jumps, etc. (The NuVi  has data smoothing like the SP-III.)  NuVi's GPS receiver sensitivity was  the best we have reviewed.

We note that all Garmin GPS  models including the NuVi have a form of "dead reckoning" for moments when signal dropouts occur. For instance, if the NuVi is tracking along and just before a sharp turn you invert it and block its antenna, it will continue to track straight for about 30 seconds.  It also provides a very good data smoothing filter to throw out random fixes that are way off track. This results in an exceptionally smooth track on a moving map display.    Even with this filter,  there was no overshoot apparent during quick stops, sharp turns, and similar maneuvers when normal continuous tracking was taking place.

NuVi performance under tree cover and city canyon conditions was about the same as the earlier SPs, G-V, G-II+, G-12XL,  and we rate that as very good.  We do note that "occasionally" NuVi will lose lock on heavily tree covered streets.  

We found the display controls easy to learn and use.  The overall NuVi system is quite comprehensive and suitable for car navigator use.  What the average user has to work with on a day-by-day basis is very simple to understand and manipulate.   The menu system and arrangement is generally quite intuitive and easy to learn to use.  

Since the NuVi  exhibited essentially identical tracking performance with other Garmin units in our tests,  we did not perform the extensive field trials we made with the G-12XL,  EE, and others.  For more information on tracking results with our testing of the G-12XL, and the G-II+, etc., see our reviews at: http://gpsinformation.net

Summary

Our overall impressions are that the NuVi (and QUEST) are a new generation of  pocket sized, low cost Automobile Navigation System. While it is not the least expensive of the truly automatic self contained address-to-address car navigation systems (SP2610/20, iQue 3600, G-60C and some other PDA based systems may be less expensive), we consider the NuVi to be "very good"  in its class of Car Navigators.   At about US$450, (Check Latest Prices Here.) we think the NuVi is a great product for the money.  

*Problems and Quirks noted in using  the NuVi?
1) The suction cup mount furnished with the NuVi is much improved as compared with Quest's mount.  It can still be difficult to get in and out of the mount UNTIL you do it a few times and learn that it really does just POP off the ball and socket joint.  You can also press the release leaver under the bottom of the mount and rock it off if your mount is not attached too low on the windscreen.  In any case, the mount  is very serviceable and we had no problems with the suction cup letting loose in 4 weeks of testing in half a dozen vehicles. 
2)  As with other Garmin Car Navigators,  entering street names can be a problem.  You might know a street name as AC Lewis Road, Ac Lewis Road, or A C Lewis Road  or Baywater or Bay Water or Baewater and the spelling may/may not match the local convention.   The user MUST spell it like the Garmin/Navteq database or the address cannot be found.   This can lead to not being able to find a street that you know is there.  Navteq tells us that their convention is to run initials together and use caps, so you might try that if you get stumped with a street name with initials.  For a street address with a highway number, try just the number such as 32 (not HWY32).    Just put in the MAJOR parts of the street name.  That is key in  PACES instead of Paces Ferry or West Paces Ferry Road and you may be pleasantly surprised.  
3) POIs are often in listed in "groups".  There may be several groups of restaurants by the same name (different franchises I am guessing) and you do not readily know in which group the closest store can be found. 
4) POI groups are incomplete (though they are VERY VERY  helpful).  As examples: I find that some post offices and libraries in my local area are not included, but MOST are.  In Zurich, the Transit Information sent me to the Hertz repair garage instead of the car return office.   (They fixed the Dairy Queen location problem I previously complained about!)
5)  On occasion, we see the router generate less than optimum routes such as taking a busy numbered federal highway instead of a nearby freeway.  This is a problem with the Navteq map priorities and is true of other Navteq equipped units as well.  Overall,  the NuVi performs as well and often better than other Car Navigators we have used.  Navteq tells me that MAP PROBLEMS WILL be looked at if users will go to http://update.navteq.com/ and fill out the report form.  Lets ALL do it!     Overall, I must say that every edition is better than the one before as to routing problems.

NuVi is a convenient that generates about the best routes of any unit we have used including our "old standby" the SP26xx models.  It is not the least expensive, but overall it performs very well.     NuVi is  ideal for a portable unit for a traveler.  The only missing feature for traveling salesman types is the multiple VIA input with a solution to the "traveling salesman" multistop problem. For that feature, the SP26xx and SP27xx models are preferred.   I really have no problems with the functionality of the NuVi or its performance in almost 2000 miles of driving during the four weeks of evaluation.

If anyone has any additions, Questions,  suggestions,  error corrections other comments, please feel free to Email.

Joe Mehaffey

Notes: