Considering NOT buying GARMIN...

So you've had great luck all these years with Garmin products but you got one bad unit and now you want to give up on the brand forever? Did you try to return it? They're warranted for a year.

returned. got full refund. costco is good like that.
the main problem is the nuvi -
1. is built like a plastic toy compared to my GPS V and 60CSX.
2. the on-off button is falling apart when its out of the box
3. the screen get smudged easily.
4. dust builds up at the corners and makes the screen less reliable.
5. its not waterproof
6. it dies randomly as evidenced by the numerous posts after the firmware updates and the blank screen is impossible to recover from. you cant remove the battery either. there is no physical reset switch.
in short, i dont really have confidence in garmins ability to build tank-like products *like my previous units from garmin* anymore.

Garmin may not the best for you. Let me know your other brand experience.

Did you buy a gps for travel and directions or listen to music come on now big deal not being able to listen to music with it at the same time as voice navagation turn your car radio on or put a cd in the car radio

I musta missed something. What does a GPS not working have to do with the music/cd remark?

I'm really a newbie (1 year) on Garmin, but my Streetpilot works great. I'd definitely have second thoughts about the purchase if the on/off button was falling off when I took it out of the box.

On the "Crafted with Pride in USA", I think that campaign failed in the 90's. EVERYTHING available for purchase is imported now.

Good luck and let us know what you find to replace it.

Zurk, I understand your frustration. Mine just died after 2 years. Supposedly from the antenna. But in 2 years.....??? It was never abused, always kept updated, and files were never messed with, either adding or deleting files on my own. Never had to call tech support about anything other than this problem and they offered to fix it for a grand sum of $150.
I found an independent source to replace the antenna for $50 with a guarantee. I'm going that route, and if that's not the problem.........then I too am getting a TomTom.

I'm sorry to hear about your problem with your new Nuvi. Did you buy a pig-in-a-poke or did you have a chance to look the unit over before you forked out the money?

Only you can decide why you bought a particular GPS. Did you buy a GPS to play music or as a replacement for a paper map? Only you can decide if you can't live without a GPS but what did you do before they were available?

I have a feeling that you are PO'd because you did something to hose up the firmware update and now you want to blame the unit. Call Garmin, tell them what you did and ask what you need to do to correct it.

Jack j

A friend of mine has a Tomtom. After he has seen how a Garmin works and how user friendly it is, he said he will never buy a tomtom again. He actually wants to sell his and buy my Nuvi 350.

i had a look at the unit in store and then bought it online. i have no complaints about the unit itself. it does MP3s and i keep my entire collection of 12G of MP3s on it without any complaints, it did bluetooth to my phone, it did FM traffic without any problems, it did europe+NA+mex+AUS+bluecharts, its big but ok to carry around.
perfect GPS, except for flimsy construction. as far as the updates go this is the fourth time i reflashed it with the webupdater. did the exact same thing i did the last 4 times. and it just stopped.
im looking at the nuvi 360 (smaller and looks sturdier - hopefully) which does everything the 760 does except for the FM transmitter. i'll also take a hard look at tomtom.
My Samsung also does everything other than traffic which is a big help...hopefully they introduce traffic for the GMXT series. FM TX i can live without if the speakers are good. my samsung is built like a tank (solid metal casing no flimsy crap) and runs garmin with more options than the nuvi (like search with radius display, speed on map, etc etc).

My daughter accidentally knocked my 760 out of my hand yesterday. It hit the wooden floor and the result is a cracked screen (The crack is actually in the touch-sensitive layer; the screen itself still works ok).

It seems the plastic case flexed enough to allow the screen to take the full force of the impact.

I have a Streetpilot C510 that survived being dropped on the driveway and a Nüvi 310 that accidentally got drop-kicked the entire length of a Marriot Hotel car park. Both of those survived!

Zurk,

I agree the newer models don't seem nearly as robust as the older models but suspect there's a reason. Customers asked for units they could easily take from their cars and put in a pocket, something light and also something simple to use. Garmin has provided all those things at some cost. The case isn't thick enough to provide much cushion to the screen, the screen is nearly flush with the front rather than being inset (protected) a little. None of that excuses shoddy switches or electronics that go 'poof' but stuff does occasionally happen and Garmin is as good as any, better than most with warranty adjustments.

The speaker in my 760 failed after just a month. Customer service had me mail it back, no questions asked and had a brand new one on its way back to me the same day they received the broken one (overnight shipping even).

My favorite GPS is still my old 2610. That puppy does 'everything' well and has options those who've only owned Nuvi's would be amazed at. The problem is there's a learning curve that, for many, was just too steep. The manual is, if I remember correctly somewhere beyond 40 pages thick and very detailed. Now there is no manual the Nuvi is so intuitive. It's also large and fairly heavy and it doesn't have an internal battery so most on this forum would reject it outright. But I digress.

My suggestion would be visit a big electronics store like Frys Electronics or Best Buy where there's a large selection of demo units on display. Play with them all and see if one suits you better than the other. If the GPS goes belly up during a trip you can always pick up a map at a local department store.

Cheers

I guess there is no perfect system. Last year I had to return 3 Tom Toms so I finally switched to Garmin. Everyone else I know that has a Tom Tom has not had a problem. Every basket of fruit has its rotten apples so you can't judge an entire Brand by One or two bad units.

I have owned 3 Nuvi's a 350, 750 & a 765. The 350 had to be returned due to faulty power switch (the person I sold it to has since sent back the unit for the same problem). My 750 has been sent back twice, the 1st time was during a trip lucky I was able to get by with my iPhone. So far my 765 is holding up but I do have some issues with it too, but am willing to give those a chance to come right after a few more updates

This certainly seems like a valid concern to me and one that a person should not be criticized for expressing.

I bought my nuvi last November, even though I previously owned an old Garmin GPS 38. Featurewise the 38 is lacking, but it seemed built like a brick. Cost me twice what my nuvi cost, and got only limited use for about 5 years. The reason that I stopped using it is because the screen degraded, lines on the small LCD screen just stopped working and the losses progressed rapidly. The reason that I mention this is that I wasn't alone in this problem, I know two other people who bought the same model hand held GPS, and between us we have three 38's that have failed with lost horizontal lines on the screens.

With Garmin building less rugged units now, ones dependent on a touch screen, numerous people having problems with the power switch (which does strike me as poorly designed), and a less protective case, there would seem valid reason to be concerned. I don't have a better option to offer, but it just might help if Garmin were to know there was some awareness of this issue in the user community.

This new unit designed for both auto and motorcycle use has a rugged waterproof case and sounds very close to what you are looking for.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=15000#

"Featuring a bright 4.3” touchscreen color display, the zūmo 660 puts all the information you need in an easy-to-read format as you travel down the road. The zūmo 660 also has a glove-friendly intuitive interface that makes entering information as easy as shifting gears. In addition, the wide sunlight-readable display makes for easy navigation — whether you’re riding during a bright day or a moonless night. And with a rugged waterproof case that resists fuel sprays and UV rays, the zūmo 660 was built for life on the road."

Customer support and product support are two things that I look at when making a choice in what to buy. I chose Garmin because (as of right now) you still get a hold of people in Olathe Kansas and they usually do fix a problem situation. As with all electronics some units are not as reliable as others.

I am running 2.6 on my nuvi because of all the software problems. I don't upgrade unless there is a problem i need fixed.

I have had very good success with my streetpilot c580. It is not very thin, but has survived a few stress tests....

I do think that the market (mio) and so forth has made demand for cheap price wise units. That leads to less reliable components and less rugged construction. The new zumo is designed to withstand the abuses of being exposed on a bike - but it comes at a cost. I have not seen one or ride a bike, so this is in theory.

I think that you might be happy with the 360, as for the most part folks have not seemed to have had as many software issues. Remember that it has a flip out antenna.

Daniel

Before I bought my Garmin I used TOMTOM's PDA software and actually enjoyed it. The one thing it did that no others do is it shows you the route after it calculates it and you can make it calculate a new one. YOu can do this several times until you get a satisfactory route.

I've also used a magellan a few times and was impressed with it also. I like the MAgellan's input features, such as shading Unnessisary characters (if you are entering a state and start with "A", the only letters you can pick after that are "L" and "R") and the fact that you enter the street name first then it gives you the possible house numbers.

All GPS's share some of the same issues. Street numbers are often off, strange routing choices, etc...

I'd prefer Magellan but those are some ugly mounts.

Ya know. The issue is even bigger than Garmin or Tom Tom. Be it a 50" LCD TV, Cell Phone or New Car. The old adage of "They Just Do Make Them Like They Did Before" still applies. Just too many lemons in the mix. Poor quality control and cheap parts. You just have to hope you don't get one of the lemons.

Buy a new one.....

Sorry - that is a bit unfair - make them GIVE you a new one and something might get done about quality control (be it GPS, TV, or whatever).

Outsourcing labor and using cheaper parts to increase profits is commonplace nowadays...unfortunately!

So you borked it during the update. Your best bet would have been to CALL Garmin and talk to them. They're quite reasonable and, if they can't tell you how to get it going again, they'll send you a new unit.

Sounds like you just got angry and returned it. Best of luck.

Sorry to hear about your experience zurk, but such is the nature of electronics.

So far my nuvi is working ok (knock on wood), but I have been frustrated with other electronics I have purchased that don't work out of the box, or brick soon after getting them.

If you read reviews on Amazon, etc., you will find users that have received a defective unit with any of the main brands.

Usually if electronics are going to fail, they fail when new or soon after purchase.

I do have standards though. Awhile back I purchased an RCA DVD player when upconversion was new (paid a lot) It failed right after the measly 90 day warranty was up and we barely used it. Have not considered an RCA or Thomson product since then. After that purchased a Magnavox (Funai) upconverting player for $29. It has gotten a lot more use and lasted a lot longer. I'm just praying our new PS3 for playing Blu-Ray lasts a long time.

Any way good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide and how it works out.

I'm still using my Garmin iQue M5 after 5 years. It has been to the cold Reno's winter, the hot Las Vegas' dessert, the humid Tahiti and a few trips to the floor of the car and still going strong. Sad to hear you have bad experience on the newer unit.

Anyone that thinks they may have issues with screen scratches should check out Zagg, Inc. (do a google search; not hard to find)

I bought a screen protector for my Nuvi, eTrex, and iPod from them within the last year. They are fantastic and virtually indestructable! They're easy to install and worth every penny if you like to keep your unit in good shape.

The thing about scratches is that if there is a problem the unit should come with a screen protector on it when you open the box.
As for TomTom, I just bought a 720 since I wanted a larger screen, and the OS is the pits compared to Nuvi. You don't just enter an address, unless I'm missing something (other than my marbles) you have to go through a bunch of extra steps to put it in. When I bought my 350 a couple years back, I was up and running when I left Circuit City's parking lot, and if there was a manual I didn't read it, nor have I ever had to. With the rapid fall in the price of GPS's over the last few years, I can see why Garmin had to cheapen the units-nobody spends $400 for a small screen GPS any more.
One REALLY annoying thing about the Garmin though-it told me last week my maps were over a year old and suggested I update them. I know they are old, and I really don't appreciate the hard sell.

I have 3 Garmins and 1 MIO (part of PDA) The Garmin is a great unit as GPS goes! It all depends on the user. Garmin gives you a choice of units for the purpose that you plan to use. I have 2 hand held ones for Canoeing and they are rugged and water proof. One of them even floats. Then I have the Nuvi 750 (wish I would have spent the extra and got the 760) which I use as my car navigation. I have learned from the PDA that a screen protector is great especially if you use a stylus or fingers with long nails. So you see . . . . it depends on how you plan to use the GPS that should dictate which one to get. If you plan to go to England a TOM TOM will probably be better than Garmin but here, I would say they all have their short comings. One thing to remember!!!! You can't use a windshield window mount in Florida - It's against the law! So wnen you select your GPS check out possible mountings like dash, side window or possible external antennae.

with all you've gone through, BUY ANOTHER BRAND! I would think that decision would be a no brainer...remember though, the grass is always greener...good luck, you may have a better experiance this time with your new brand!

i had my nuvi until it was stolen. i guess if it breaks its a good thing. but i loved my 660 until thieves got it.

ive used a tomtom and yea.. nuvi spanks it.

I've found all GPS brands getting cheaper in quality over the years. The problem is Garmin units and their maps/routing work best for North America. Tom Tom works best in Europe.

If American companies like Garmin would stop selling out American jobs they wouldn't need to rely on offshore contract manufacturing. In case you've never toured a Chinese electronics factory, it's not that they're cheap, it's the contract drafted by the cheap American that states use cheap plastic parts so we can save money.

"Garmin is a global company with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. At these facilities, we carry out various stages of product development, from initial concept to shelf-ready unit. Our business structure is based on performing all design, manufacturing, warehouse and marketing processes in-house..."

http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/facilities.html


Actually, aren't they a Cayman Islands company?
http://www.alacrastore.com/company-snapshot/Garmin_Ltd-21062...

So all the profits that are made from hard working Americans are being channeled to off shore banks. And in todays fiscal emergency for the USA, we have companies like Garmin doing banking off shore in their Corprate accounts.

And this takes me back to the Post I made about a year ago, Is Garmin The all American Company, and gosh did I take a hit on that topic.

So those that ask Why I have it out for Garmin? well I actually think since they started off shore manufacturing they also started manufacturing a much crappier product.

Incorporated in the Caymans, their main subsidiary in Taiwan. Here are the reasons why (In Garmin's own words, quoting from their filing to the Securities Exchange Commision):

And not just that, they actually are a Taiwanese venture (source of most of their founding capital), their manufacturing has always been in Taiwan:

Yet, they market themselves very differently.

You can read the above and the entire transcript of Garmin's S-1 Form filing to the SEC at http://www.hoovers.com/free/co/secdoc.xhtml?ID=102264&ipage=...

Krieger.

I'm reminded of my first auto gps unit. It was like the old bag phones. Had a large bag for the hard drive and a clip on module for the screen and controls. Can't remember the model number but it cost about 2K. Just ordered a new nuvi 885t for $699 (yes I'm guilty as well, purchased from an online non brick and mortar shop to save another $100). I'm amazed at the tech in this little form factor. The quality is not up to the older units. However, think what Garmin would need to charge for such quality in any consumer unit today. But the more important question who would pay the up charge for such quality? We as consumers need to shoulder some of the responsibility for the fix we are in.

I haven't been in a Scab Walmart since it was reported that they use undocumented Russian labor for maintenance crews and got busted, then did it again.
And I don't plan on shopping in a store that imports almost it's entire inventory from China and then hire 95% of the work force from the minimum wage pool.

Thanks for the info, I stand corrected. Gotta love companies incorporated in tax/legal havens who market themselves as good ol' Dorothy and Toto from Kansas. I still remember a few years ago their Nuvi models shipped with Garmin's Kansas address in the Favorites, sneaky ...

Yeah, that's why I'm quick to defend the Chinese manufacturing process - it's not like those workers want to be paid pennies. The contract was probably setup by the same Wall Street investment banker types who are still collecting their big bonus under the table while asking for a bailout ... don't get me started on that

No need to apologize for wanting to save money! Cost of manufacturing has gone down but Garmin want you to keep believing that R&D costs are so high that if they don't use plastic the average consumer would never be able to afford it. They read the Nike marketing manual - shoes have to cost $200 because of the intricacies in building expensive "air bubbles" in your shoe! Oh, wait, but our shoes only cost $1.56 to manufacture in 3rd world countries.

I see TomTom changed a lot since their bulky 5" screen box. I still feel happy with my Garmin so far. But, I really like to see someone can try out other brands and share the experience.

Check this out if you want to do a bunch of reading. http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08778.pdf

The essence is, as of 2007 there were 732 companies registered on the U.S. stock exchange (not necessarily positioning themselves as U.S. firms) that were, technically, Cayman Island companies rather than U.S. firms. It's all about taxes and millions saved simply by opening a small office offshore and claiming it's your headquarters. It doesn't mean there's actually staff there and for sure nothing needs be manufactured there. On the other hand, those millions saved quite likely pay salaries domestically. If Congress really wanted to shut the 'tax dodge' down it could.

I've only owned Garmin but if you feel the way you do change and see what the other brand is like. I had a friend that had a Magellan and it died after a year. He bought my old 330. He likes it and has nothing bad to say about Garmin. Another friend has a Magellan that he has had for several years and that's all he likes. Another friend bought a TomTom from Walmart and he likes it. Choices like anything are tough like cars houses or anything you buy. Good Luck

I had a quick skim through this - and it reminded me of something I'd forgotten:

"The Cayman Islands is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean Sea"

Therefore: Garmin is actually British

The added cost of quality is very small. If you consider the income of happy, repeat customers, then it is really a profit. Making the case stronger would cost a little more for thicker plastic. Setting the screen in a shock mount and recessing it a little would not cost any more. The management philosophy today is to maximize profits, not ensure the survival of the cooperation.

Jack j

um, i dont know if you guys realized but.. heads up that as good as the nuvi 660 is.. there are nuvi models 5 times updated and they are selling for less than $300. C.R.A.Z.Y. i got my nuvi for almost $700.

I finally got round to ringing Garmin about this. An unhelpful (not to mention altogether unfriendly) Garmin employee told me that they wouldn't cover it under warranty, but would perform a repair for a mere $175 (rough conversion from GBP).
(He tried to make a big deal of the fact that it would be a reconditioned unit with a year's warranty. I pointed out their warranty appears to have no value at all...).

A quote from an independent repair company in the UK was even higher!

Since I was fairly unimpressed with the 760 in the first place, I'm not about to spend another $175 on having it repaired. However, I've been experimenting with a smaller LCD panel (from a scrap Streetpilot); it turns out that the Touch-sensor part just unclips - it would be a trivial repair if I can source the new component. I'm now busily scouring eBay, for a 'spares-or-repair' 6xx or 7xx series Nüvi!

Phil, Call them again, a different garmin CSR can make all the difference in the world, hell you got nothing to loose.

Bob

Phil - did you read this node? http://www.poi-factory.com/node/20390

Daniel

Phil - this person does GPS repairs http://www.sharc.net/gps_LCD_repair.htm

He doesn't list 7xx models, but it wouldn't hurt to contact him to see if he could offer assistance. His rates are very reasonable. According to his fee schedule you could get the touchscreen replaced for like 10 pounds. (weak US dollar joke!)

doh - I see that dkeane beat me to the punch.

Aside from the obvious differences between the wide and the 3.5 inch units, I'm wondering how different the various nuvis are hardware wise. While the 200/205 seem to have less flash memory, the rest of the nuvi's I've seen seem to be very similar in hardware. I would expect that any nuvi might be cannibalized for spare parts if the screen size were right. Although it seems crazy to buy a new Nuvi just to take it apart for parts, it would be even a poorer choice to give Garmin $175 for a repair and a refurb unit when some nuvi's sell for much less. I bought a 250 last November for under $100 (BF sale), and if one went that route they would also get a new battery and a pile of spare parts if something else went wrong.

I have not purchased ONE thing that included a screen protector and I don't expect to. Any screen on any piece of equipment can be easily scratched, that's what keeps the screen protector people in business.

Thanks - I've emailed him.