Garmin Nuvi - Breaking Down the Product Line

Garmin nuvi navigation is a brand within Garmin's "on the road" product division. How confusing is an entire "on the road" product division? The Garmin nuvi brand represents over 30 different products alone! This is not a bad thing though. This means there is a product for every possible use on land, off-road and even out on the water. Typical uses may be for automotive navigation, a personal assistant on the go, use for your motorcycle, hiking, touring, on a boat or in your big rig. Access maps for the United States, all of North America or go international.

Depending on whom you ask the Garmin nuvi navigation lineup is separated into over 8 different series. Each series is separated from each other by their list of features, style and technical upgrades. The divergence between personal handheld gps units resembles a similar divergence in big screen televisions. The more desirable products are generally wider, brighter and sleeker than the rest and Garmin nuvi gps units are no different. Prices vary from 200 to 1000 dollars.

Garmin Nuvi 200 Series

The nuvi 200 series gps systems are entry level personal gps units designed to be used in your car or around town. The upgrades that separate each model in the series revolve around the included map coverage (either USA or North America), the addition of a wide screen display, and the ability to speak street names. The suggested retail prices range from 200 - 400, but you can easily find them a little cheaper at Amazon.com or any other electronics retailer.

Garmin Nuvi 205 Series

Garmin 205 series was recently released in August of 2008. At first glance the Garmin 200 and 205 series seem to be identical in form and function, but the added features in the 205 series are way better for the same price. Turn-by-turn directions, Bluetooth capable, traffic compatible, and the "where am I?" feature set the 205 series apart in the affordable gps class.

Garmin Nuvi 300 Series

Garmin nuvi navigation systems used to include the 300 series but according to Garmin's website they have been discontinued. I will mention them here because you can still find them in the marketplace at great discounts! The nuvi 300 series acts as your international navigator, translator, entertainer and tour guide. They have a slue of upgrades that include Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free calls (required in some states), 2-D and 3-D maps, custom points of interest (POI) and the ability to add traffic alerts to steer you home. These products are a great value for Christmas and represent an upgrade from Garmin's 200 series gps units.

Garmin Nuvi 500 Series

The Garmin nuvi 500 and 550 represent all of Garmin's 500 series. These two models offer all of the same traffic, voice and map features of the 205 series. The upgrades are designed for a rugged existence for the go anywhere do anything type. Both models are waterproof (I have seen them used while completely submerged) and include multi-mode navigation ready for you to drive, hike, bike or boat. My favorite feature is the ability to travel off-road! The 500 series products are ironically enough . . . around 500 bucks MSRP.

Garmin Nuvi 700 and 705 Series

The Garmin nuvi 700 and 705 series is Garmin's entry into advanced personal automotive navigation systems. All 700 and 705 series nuvi's are wide and sleek, have sunlight-readable displays, and options like route planning and an emergency locator. Bluetooth compatible for hands-free calling, mp3 player, pre-loaded street maps for Europe and North America, local and custom points of interest (POI) are just a few of the over 20 included features. With MSN direct services, the nuvi 700 and 705 series becomes a virtual travel assistant, with the ability to update traffic, news and weather in real-time.

Garmin Nuvi 800 Series

Whereas the nuvi 700 series has virtually all of Garmin's available automotive features, the nuvi 800 series has all of that . . . plus "voice activation". Choose menus and commands hands-free and get that pimped out look for your car with its huge screen and ultra thin display. It is the thinnest automotive gps in the nuvi lineup. Both the Garmin nuvi 850 and the Garmin nuvi 880 come with an MSN direct receiver and 3 months free service, as well as, the suction mount, remote, USB cable, and quick start manual. These are the type of units you see professionally mounted in luxury cars.

Garmin Nuvi 5000

The Garmin nuvi 5000 is dedicated to a life on the road. Perfectly designed for RV and truck drivers it comes equipped with the largest display (5.2 inch display) of all Garmin nuvi products. The navigation capabilities of the nuvi 5000 are the real reason this unit is great for the dedicated traveler. This model comes preloaded with City Navigator NT street maps, a million points of interest (POI) and up to 3000 programmable favorite locations. The nuvi 5000 can keep your interest during a long pit stop with Garmin games, jpeg picture viewer, and mp3 player. The wireless FM transmitter allows you to here voice prompts, mp3 and audio books through your car stereo. You can even hook it up to a rear view camera to assist you with safely backing up your rig. This is the best choice of all Garmin nuvi gps systems for dedicated use in your car.

Summary

If you have heard the buzz about Garmin nuvi products, I hope this was able to clear the muddy waters that comprise the over 30 different Garmin nuvi products. Your choice really depends on your lifestyle and necessary features. The advanced navigation systems are great for frequent travelers, professional drivers or sleek automotive upgrades while the remaining Garmin nuvi systems offer anything for the person on the go, off-road or in traffic, at home or abroad. The Garmin nuvi products have something for everyone and they are still the industry leader for ease of use and style.

Steve Ohrmund is a freelance writer and outdoorsman who writes product reviews for outdoor products. http://www.garminnuvinavigation.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Ohrmund

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