Comparison - Nuvi low cost models vs. high cost models

 

Hi everyone,

I've got a question regarding Garmin Nuvi low cost model such as the Nuvi 200W which is price about $120 vs other Nuvi models which cost about $500 or more.
The high cost models, besides all other whistles and bells such as the MP3 player, FM traffic receiver, XM radio etc.....

My question is does the low ends Nuvi models' engine which receive the satellite, guidance system, calculate route, accuracy, how does that compare to the expensive models ? Does the more expensive Nuvi models perform more better as for as GPS guidance and accuracy to get from point A to point B ?

Thank you in advance

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Simply put, the expensive models do not perform better than the cheaper models in regard to GPS guidance and accuracy. All Nuvi models use the same mapset and apparently the same routing engine.

Some people will say the newer models have a faster processor, but that doesn't improve the GPS guidance or accuracy. It just means the unit will calculate the route a couple of seconds faster than older Nuvi models.

Gadget Guy is Right

The only other difference is as you stated - more bells and whistles. If all you want is to be navigated from point a to point b, the cheaper one is great. If you want/need traffic and Bluetooth and other goodies the only way to get them is to cough up more money.

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John Every Day Above Ground is a Good Day! Nuvi 360,660 and 780

High Cost vs. Low Cost

The low cost models generally performs as well as the high cost models. However newer models with a better processor will perform better than the older models.

The xx5 models should perform better than the xx0 models as they are newer.

A good comparison chart of features is at: http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/gps_comparisons/garmin-nuvi-c...

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grush wrote:

The low cost models generally performs as well as the high cost models. However newer models with a better processor will perform better than the older models.

The xx5 models should perform better than the xx0 models as they are newer.

Newer doesn't necessarily mean better. The OP asked specifically about guidance and accuracy.

Can you provide any source that the newer models provide better guidance or accuracy then the older models.

Gadget Guy

GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

Newer doesn't necessarily mean better. The OP asked specifically about guidance and accuracy.

Can you provide any source that the newer models provide better guidance or accuracy then the older models.

That's true that newer doesn't necessarily mean better, but if you look at the hierarchy of Garmin units that have been introduced over the years the newer the model generally the better performance.

Guidance and accuracy should be the same if the older model has the same maps, but he was also inquiring about route calculations, etc. where the newer models are definitely better.

Thoughts...

To answer the question that the original poster requested some feedback, pick the higher models for their added features such as bluetooth, traffic, text to speach, more maps, etc. Find out what is important for you, talk to friends who have units, figure out your budget, determine how much everyday use you anticipate...and make a good choice.

One thing i have learned is the price of the nuvi's drop substantially over a single year from the initial offering to the beginning of a new product cycle. New models, better prices, more features, and wanting to upgrade every couple of years is addicting!

Speed and performance ARE important

While the old and new units may have the same or at least close to the same accuracy, the performance differences can be very substantial. Getting a turn guidance several seconds AFTER you have passed the turn or having it take so long to recalculate that you go another block out of your way are some things that we are used to with the older units. This might not be the case with the newer units. And that kind of difference is not something that is easily shown on a product brochure or comparison listing.

The lower number Nuvis are

The lower number Nuvis are the more general/basic GPS with little bells and whistles, while the higher number models have everything you need or would enjoy other then just navigating around. I was checking out the 760 model in the $250 price range and almost settled and then realized the models ending with a XX5 were the newer model that offered the Hotfix to calculate routes faster. I got the 265W model for $230 that also includes traffic for life. If I got a cheaper model I would have to pay if I wanted the traffic service. I found out that the faster and easier the unit is at calculating and using then the less danger you could be in when either missing your turn or playing with the unit because you hit the wrong thing.

The most useful feature...

I think, is the next-turn arrow which is available only in the newer models. That's the one thing on the GPS that gets probably 95% of my attention while I'm driving. While Bluetooth and mp3 are less important to me, I would gladly spend a little more to get a newer model just for this arrow.

Next turn arrow...

ifse wrote:

I think, is the next-turn arrow which is available only in the newer models. That's the one thing on the GPS that gets probably 95% of my attention while I'm driving. While Bluetooth and mp3 are less important to me, I would gladly spend a little more to get a newer model just for this arrow.

I agree about the value of the next turn arrow.

Prior to purchasing my 765T, I had borrowed a 760 for a trip, to determine if I really wanted a GPS.

Loved that 760, and was pretty sure I wanted that model.

As I researched my purchase, I discovered the next turn arrow and Lane Assist on the new 765T, so I went with it.

While I would have been fine with the 760, as it is a great unit, I am happy that I have the next turn arrow and Lane Assist on my 765T.

arrow (Lane Assist has not "popped up" all that often as I drive around the metro Pittsburgh area. I anticipate that I will see it more during my upcoming trip to South Carolina over the Christmas holiday, as I will be almost exclusively on interstates. From my research, and the reviews that I read, I was aware that the Lane Assist screen didn't appear very often. But I purchased the feature anyway, figuring that it will be used more with future map updates.)

arrow (in addition, I was "wowed" by the 3D building feature on the 765T. While this also may be of greater use in future map offerings, at the moment it is of very little use, at least in an area that I am already very familiar with)

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— (Garmin nuvi 765T) — "people who say money can't buy happiness, don't know where to shop"

Low vs. High end

When I looked over the features, I noticed that some (maybe most) of the low end units (200 series) required that the power cord be plugged directly into the side of the unit, as opposed to being plugged into the docking cradle - thus requiring one to plug/unplug the power cable each time the GPS is mounted or removed from the cradle. Not a big issue if it is to remain docked all the time, but for me, since I have heard that GPS units have high theft appeal, I prefer to remove it when not in the car. The convenience of not having to worry with the plug was an issue worth paying extra for.

M.

re: Next Turn Arrow-Jim8650

Thanks for the review of these features.

I have not been able to try the lane assist or 3D building view, as I live in a rural area.

Am hoping to take a trip to a big city soon and try them out.

As far as recalculating, etc., the 7x5 series certainly calculates and recalculates routes very quickly.

255W or 265WT

255W or 265WT? Should I bypass buying the 265WT and its Bluetooth feature and just make sure my cellphone's speaker phone is on and the phone flipped open? That way, I would be hands free while talking and driving?

Not a big fan of Bluetooth

withashout wrote:

255W or 265WT? Should I bypass buying the 265WT and its Bluetooth feature and just make sure my cellphone's speaker phone is on and the phone flipped open? That way, I would be hands free while talking and driving?

drains the cell phone battery much quicker

and so far, I have not been all that impressed with sound quality regarding Bluetooth and nuvis, even while piping the sound through my car stereo.

but I guess I will have to make do with it as it will be the law everywhere soon.

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— (Garmin nuvi 765T) — "people who say money can't buy happiness, don't know where to shop"

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jim8650 wrote:

but I guess I will have to make do with it as it will be the law everywhere soon.

I find the easiest and safest solution is to simply not use the phone while driving, something which I will continue to do. Driving is my #1 priority while driving.

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nuvi 760, nuvi 765T, nuvi 855, nuvi 3790LMT, nuvi 3490LMT - SoCal area

I'm shocked

DorkusNimrod wrote:
jim8650 wrote:

but I guess I will have to make do with it as it will be the law everywhere soon.

I find the easiest and safest solution is to simply not use the phone while driving, something which I will continue to do. Driving is my #1 priority while driving.

I'm shocked that there is still someone else in the world who thinks as I do. I actually managed to live for more than 55 years without a cell phone at all... I can sure survive long enough to get to my destination or to a place where I can pull over before using it when I'm in the car... especially when driving in traffic. rolleyes

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Rick - Nüvi 260 - eTrex Summit HC

Cell Phone

rapriebe wrote:
DorkusNimrod wrote:
jim8650 wrote:

but I guess I will have to make do with it as it will be the law everywhere soon.

I find the easiest and safest solution is to simply not use the phone while driving, something which I will continue to do. Driving is my #1 priority while driving.

I'm shocked that there is still someone else in the world who thinks as I do. I actually managed to live for more than 55 years without a cell phone at all... I can sure survive long enough to get to my destination or to a place where I can pull over before using it when I'm in the car... especially when driving in traffic. rolleyes

You are not alone! I am sure that many more members would agree with you. I think that is why Garmin has so many models with and without bluetooth. Because of this issue and that are close in price.ex 255W vs 265T for you to choose.

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Paul..... Nuvi 765T

I've never been a fan of

I've never been a fan of buying the best/highest technology because in some way it's disposable. If you really want a certain feature then you may have to buy a higher end product. But for my money, I opt for the cheapest that will do what I need it too.

Hi everyone,Thank you for

Hi everyone,

Thank you for all your comments. I currently own the Nuvi 200w and it has the latest firmware version 4.6 which I think is the same firmware version for some others model such as 260w and I compare the user interface on the 200w to be looking exactly as the other models such as 260w.

On the 200w it also has the next turn arrow with the distance until next turn and the destination route is highlighted in pink.

I have a feeling that the

I have a feeling that the high-end models and the low end models have almost the same insides with the lower-end models being crippled by software, combined with perhaps a little destructive manipulation of some of the circuitry inside to make sure that people can't hack the cheaper units and re-enable the crippled features.

Other than different sized screens, installed memory, and things like that, I bet they are very close and built on the same boards.

The actual cost difference to produce a high-end Nuvi and the lower-end ones is probably less than $25 in parts and more quality-control/labor.

This is how IBM used to build it's large servers. The low-end model was the same box as the high-end unit for the most part. All the expensive features were enabled by tech support and could be "upgraded" (for a hefty fee) by them with very little effort.

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Ride the World

Hi-end models

Garmins that are priced at a modest price $200.00 and under do not require Vaseline from Garmin like the higher priced units do.

Stay at $200. or less and you won't be sorry 6 months from now. and a certain body part won't ache either.

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Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

high cost becomes low cost

If you want the features of a higher cost model, and can wait a year, then you can have those features at a low cost. Love technology, cheaper, smaller and better in the future.

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___________________ Garmin 2455, 855, Oregon 550t

This is a very good review site with Garmin's lower and higher

This is a very comprehensive & independent review site and has a number of reviews of Garmin's lower and higher priced new models with pro's, con's and a conclusion with each review. You are more likely to get better advice that is not tainted by what someone else prefers to spend or owns themselves.

http://www.gpsmagazine.com/reviews.php

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Garmin Drive Smart 55 - Samsung Note 10 Smartphone with Google Maps & HERE Apps

That is the single most important feature..........

ifse wrote:

I think, is the next-turn arrow which is available only in the newer models. That's the one thing on the GPS that gets probably 95% of my attention while I'm driving. While Bluetooth and mp3 are less important to me, I would gladly spend a little more to get a newer model just for this arrow.

........for any GPS. The whole point is that you get assistance and can anticipate while driving.
They still do not have it on the 760, but I noticed that instead of saying Turn on main street, the bar reads, Turn right on main street.
That helps.