Buying Garmin nüvi 765/765T 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Pro's: screen is very nice, very accurate and efficient routing, bluetooth works well

Con's: Touch screen is could be better

I just got this unit in and so far I really like it. The screen is a nice resolution and looks very rich, and the maps look advanced. So far, not one road has been misrepresented in the places i've traveled with it. It routes very well, giving you the most efficient and easy route. It also handles missed turns very well. The GPS connected with my phone and uploaded my contacts in no time (I have an LG Glimmer from Alltel- now Verizon). The call quality was pretty decent, but it was kinda hard to hear through the internal speaker. The FM Transmitter works good enough if you can find a truly uninhabited FM station. When I used it, I could hear it pretty well with minimal static. That being said, I haven't tried to use it in a big city yet, so I'm not sure if my use with the FM transmitter is an accurate test of how it will work with other people. I haven't been able to see the lane assistance or junction view yet because I have traveled with it in areas where lane assistance really wouldn't be needed (like country roads and single lane highways). Text to speech is is pretty good, but you cannot rely on it too much. I have also not been able to use the traffic feature yet, but from reading other reviews, it looks like it can be a help sometimes. One complaint I have is that the touch screen is not very accurate and you really have to press to get it to register. I think on a high-end product like this, Garmin should have made sure that the touch screen worked well. But all-in-all, it's a great GPS because it performs the basic functions of a GPS very well due to the fact the its routing engine is great. I would buy this again.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 765/765T 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic.

Cheap Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

I am very pleased with my purchase. I've made purchases since then through amazon and am pleased with my purchases. Thanks for your good service and keep up the good work.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 205W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator.

Cheapest Garmin nüvi 295W Wi-Fi Portable GPS Navigator

Just finished my first few hours with the 295W.

Just received the 295W today to replace the 755T that was unfortunately stolen. I was thinking about waiting for the 3790T or 3760T, but needed something before that becomes available.

** UNIT DIMENSIONS / FEEL / RESPONSE **
First impressions of the 295W are pretty good. Good fit and finish, has the right heft to it to where it does not have a "toy" feel. Fit and finish is nicer than the 755T I had. All functions process more quickly than the 755T did, and the touch screen is much more responsive. On my old unit, either the processor bogged down a bit, or the screen sensitivity was not quite there, but it did not respond like the 295W does. Scrolling with the touch screen is nice both in the menus, and in map view mode.

** ROUTING / DIRECTIONS **
The routing seemed faster than the 755T. I will miss the lane assist when I travel to larger cities like L.A. and Atlanta, but for the vast amount of time, it won't be a big deal. I did purposely take some wrong turns to check the rerouting capabilities, and found that to be very quick.

That said, it did have one hiccup already. ( i.e.- when chose Lowe's from the POI list, it showed it in two different directions, same address, 5 miles apart. There is only one Lowe's in my town, and it is not a divided highway or anything).


** UPLOADS **
I have not yet updated the map. It seems strange to have JUST released the unit, and the website suggests there is an updated map set available? I am going to see if I can figure out the version, and when the last one was released. Since I can upload over 60 days from initial use, I may wait a bit.

That said, I did upload some of the extra voices and vehicles that you can get from the Garmin site. It was quick, and seems to be just fine. ( By the way, I did have the problem upload with my prior 755T that made it a brick, and I had to send back and forth with Garmin.)

** WEB / WIRELESS **
Set up with my wireless network. Security settings were easy. The auto download weather is a neat feature, but I don't see myself carrying this around every day in and out of the house the way I probably would with GarminPhone. The Google Local Search worked well though. The pre-loaded POIs were very good I thought, but there were a couple places I figured it wouldn't know, and it didn't. Connected through the web though, it found them in 5 seconds, and then they were added to the unit saved places.


** OVERALL FIRST IMPRESSION **
After being used to the larger 755T screen, this seems a little bit small. Seems like I can't just glance as quickly at it as the prior unit, but maybe that will change with some time. The spoken directions seem a little bit clearer than the 755 was The response of the unit is very good in my opinion. Not sure how much I will really use the wireless, but I can see it handy traveling when I head to the hotel and might be looking for all the food options locally that the bas POI may not have, etc....


I am headed on a couple hundred mile drive over the next weekend and will see what other opinions arise. I know it's an initial review, but at least I don't have any buyer's remorse at this point. I may still wind up with a 7300 series after those arrive, and put this in the other vehicle, but we'll see.

**As for the packaging issues mentioned by the first poster, (who may just have wanted to be the first poster, since it certainly was not a PRODUCT review), I can say that while everything did arrive in fine shape, the stuff did just kind of seem tossed in the box. I felt it actually cheapened the Garmin brand to send it this way.
Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 295W Wi-Fi Portable GPS Navigator.

Discount Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

This is my favorite GPS.
Specially for the price. It is refurbished, but it came with the newest maps. Just needed to update the software when I registered & Im good to go. you still get the Free map update in 60 days anyway.
The 255W has better software update for the GUI, has a better TTS voice (sounds more like a person - samantha) and has a louder volume.
I also had the Garmin 780, but the GUI software lacks some info on the display and functionality, and the voices sound more like a computer.
If you dont need to save routes, the 255W is basically the same (less the extra features of external speaker, blutooth, FM transmitter & the traffic thing... none of which I have wanted/needed to use)
The coolest thing about the 780 (why I bought one) is the power cord plugs into the wwindow clip, not the unit. So when you un-clip it, you can just throw it in your pocket & go without having to unplug the unit. Unplugging the unit is no big deal, but if you unplug it & plug it in several times a day for a while, i'm sure it will break sonner than later - its just a mini USB, and unfortunately in todays society, you cant just leave it in your car because someone will break in to steal it.
Despite that, I sold my 780 for a 255W. Once you use a 255W for a while, and then use a 780, you will feel like you have an older model with old software & voices... the 255W operates like a newer model.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished).

Low Price Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition

We really like having this garmin and found that it was very user friendly and easy to figure out (which was a good thing as the instructions were very limited). Everything seemed pretty intuitive. As with any navigational system, there are limitations in that it doesn't always give the best route. It is great to have the points of interest as we are able to find out what restaurants are coming up on our route and how far they are, etc. The same is true for gas stations or other points of interest.

It is nice to have the voice recognition on this and one of the reasons why we purchased this model rather than a lower model.

Also, it is fun to download other voices and icons from the garmin website. They have holiday themed ones (sled for christmas with elf voice) as well as other regular ones so you don't have to get bored with the same one all of the time.

It is also useful to know that you can buy a lifetime map update for about $100 that gives you free maps for the life of the product. If you plan on updating the unit for 2 years, it pays for itself. Depending on your amount of travel you might not find this beneficial. My sister didn't update hers at all for the first 2 years. For me, I tend to prefer to make sure i get the most up to date maps.

A surprising feature that i loved that didn't anticipate is the speed limit notifications next to your current speed. I have been frustrated traveling many times and not knowing what the speed limit it. This was accurate about 98% of the time and when it was off it erred on the side of saying the speed limit was slower than it was (i'm guessing the limit had been changed recently as it only happened in one town). I would rather mistakenly drive slower than faster as i don't want a speeding ticket.

Another great thing that i love is the estimated arrival time that changes based on your speed, stops, etc.

I would highly recommend this unit or other units that also have voice recognition. voice recognition helps tremendously if you are the only one in the car because you don't have to look at the screen and navigate from one thing to the next. when more than 1 person is in the car, it is useful to have the 2nd person operate the garmin as opposed to the voice recognition (in my opinion).Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition.

Save Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Its a good product. Worth my money. Even though sometimes I gotta wait 30 seconds to a minute, it works. Better than TOMTOM or Megellan. I got it on sale for 119$ back in November 2009.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator.

Lowest Price Garmin nüvi 285W/285WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

The Nuvi 285W compares extremely well with my first love, the Nuvi 350. I drove around for a day with both running at once. With a crisper, larger, and more visible screen, the 285W is a definite jump up. The 285 also is better at getting GPS signals faster even without the antenna flap of the 350. The 285 refreshes the vehicle on the screen much more smoothly. The wider screen shows the side streets and directions way better.
The volume, navigation, speed of turning on, and directions are almost exactly the same. The voice directions are easier to understand, the directions are spoken faster, and the diction is better. The voice is lacking in inflection and is less appealing than "Jane" which I miss. Pressing the screen is a tad harder. The menu is more streamlined and easier to navigate but one thing has changed (Custom Points of Interest are buried under tools-Extras rather than under POI- go figure). I also found out that I EXCEEDED the number of POI when I downloaded some Custom POI and went over the 1000 mark. The new unit looks much better. It has a slippery on/off switch compared to the 350 button.
Updating the unit over the internet is as easy as the 350 but still pokes along at a slow USB speed. Bluetooth and MSN Direct I have not tried and I may not ever bother to turn on but they are there. The price is so much less than the 350 that it is embarrassing to compare the two. Overall verdict? Buy without hesitation if it is your 1st GPS. If you are replacing a 350, do not bother unless Bluetooth is needed or you fall in love with the terrific new wide display.
With a second car came a need for a 2nd GPS. I could not even drive the other car home from NH without cursing about where the next damn gas station was. 3 exits later, finally found a gas station! I can no longer go without a GPS in my car than I could live without the internet.
Smart phone? Not quite there yet and having to fumble mounting the thing, plugging it in, and pulling up the app is way too much hassle for everyday driving. Stick with a dedicated unit that is left set up in the car.
UPDATE: Like a poster before me, my unit suddenly went blank while I was arriving at my destination. It rebooted twice before coming back on without any intervention on my part. Battery was full. Acted like the power switch was suddenly turned off and then while it was 1st rebooting, the power switch was turned off again. Close as I can come to duplicating the issue. So far just the one reboot. If the reboot does not occur again, I will bump this back up to 5 stars.
UPDATE 2: Apparently Garmin or someone objected to the Amazon post about this reboot issue (or my "solution" about maps) and it was removed. Just google "Garmin Nuvi rebooting" to see some of the posts, even on the Garmin site. Sorry if I was the one who had the post removed.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 285W/285WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic.

Garmin 4.3-Inch Carrying Case [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging] Decide Now

Seems to be of good quality. Little snug at first. Looks like it will last a while. Get more detail about Garmin 4.3-Inch Carrying Case [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging].

Amazon.com $50 Gift Card (0109) Right now

How can you go wrong with a gift card. My son buys from Amazon often so I knew he'd appreciate it.Get more detail about Amazon.com $50 Gift Card (0109).

Garmin nüvi 755/755T 4.3 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Order Now

Garmin Nuvi 755T is a good GPS except its touch screen.

I read about touch screen issues before I bought this product, but I ignored thinking it could be some user fault. I was wrong. The product indeed suffers from touch screen issues.

I often had to press screen multiple times to make my selection work and also often it clicks wrong positon that is well over 1-2 inches apart from the actual positon I pressed (touched). It wasn't screen calibration issue at all as this problem wasn't fixed after screen calibration. It looks like it is issue with the touch screen hardware itself not the software.

It was extremely frustrating when entering street names. I realized mistypo and had to press erase button and of course pressing erase button would type another wrong character instead of erasing one.

I am not sure if this is really an issue for all units, but it seems many people complain about this based on postings on other internet forums. Other Nuvi 7x5 series seem to have the same issues.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 755/755T 4.3 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic.

Garmin nüvi 265/265T 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Buy Now

This is the 2nd GPS I've purchased. It has a lot more cool features than the Tom Tom 130. I especially like the free traffic service, which comes in very handy. That's one of the main reasons I use it, even when I'm driving to areas in Seattle where I don't need directions. I didn't think that having the street names called out would make that much of a difference, but that really seems like a necessity now with a GPS.

The only issues I've had with it were in the beginning. For some reason the voice would get all wacky and distorted and I would have to turn it off and reset it. But that mysteriously stopped happening. I also don't like the cumbersome wire that hangs down to the power outlet, which is required for the traffice service.

Overall, I'd say it's a great buy.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 265/265T 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic.

Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor Get it now!

I'm a big and long time fan of Garmin fitness equipment. I have 2 Forerunner 305's, an Edge 305 and a 310XT. I love' em all. I love both forms of heartrate straps. I'm very happy with the new version of Garmin Connect that is a great free service. Garmin is also excellent with customer service.

On the other hand this cadence device is the worst piece of Garmin equipment I have ever experienced. I bought two as I can move the Edge 305 between bikes. Set up is not all that difficult. The problem is keeping the things working. The longest I've been able to get one to work is a month and I've had two for going on two years.

Lately even with new batteries I can get the green light that checks to make sure that the magnet on the crank arm is making magenetic contact with the unit to flash when the bike is in the stand but not when I'm actually riding the bike. Keep in mind you use 2032's and those batteries get expensive to switch out every month. I could see if only one was having issues but both are and so I'm thinking design issues are at play.

The only thing I can say positive about this unit is that since it has worked so rarely that I have developed my own sense of cadence so I really don't need it. On the other hand I'm a gearhead (just in case you couldn't tell) and it drives me nuts that I've paid good money for these things and they simply don't work worth a damn.

Save your money and take a pass until Garmin redesigns this unit.Get more detail about Garmin GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Bike Sensor.

TomTom GPS Dashboard Mount for TomTom GPS Navigators Best Quality

I purchased this to mount my new 740 Go Live during my business travels. Unfortunately Tom Tom's effort is not as flexible as my Garman dash mount was. Tom Tom's mount slides all over the dashboard! Tom Tom does supply one adhesive hook set up that attaches to the dash and hooks to mount keeping it from sliding off the dash. I put this in my daily driver. Ugh, when I'm on travel I need the Tom Tom in my rental car!! Unfortunately I end up playing dash hockey trying to keep the mount on the dashboard. This unit should be more flexible allowing it to contour to the many different car dash configurations. Get more detail about TomTom GPS Dashboard Mount for TomTom GPS Navigators.

Garmin nüvi 1390/1390T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Immediately

The GPS seems to be a good product with one big fault- documentation. The 8 page booklet that comes with the GPS only gives set-up instructions, not a detailed how to. I called Garmin was was told that they have "gone green" , they don't include instructions, and I should download from the website. I looked at the website and found that the instructions ran more than 50 pages so Garmin is transferring their costs to me. After calling back and raising hell, they agreed to mail me the instructions. A poor way to run a railroad.

Otherwise the GPS is what I was looking for.Get more detail about Garmin nüvi 1390/1390T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic.