When do the new Garmin models typically get released?

Your question had me thinking for a few minutes. I know that they often announce at certain trade shows, for example Consumer Electronics Show, but you specifically mentioned when they are released. To be honest with you, from my perspective Garmin has released a number of models throughout the year. I gather that you are focusing on automobile units since you mention the Nuvi 660 and 765T. I suppose the most recently released one that has been discussed here is the Garmin Nuvi 1690 https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=64339 although with a suggested retail price of $ 499.99 that might be more than you had in mind. There has been some discussion of the Garmin Nuvi 1820 and Garmin Nuvi 1860, but I doubt that they will be released during 2009. Frankly, if I were you , I would focus on what features you need, then determine which unit most closely matched what you want, and then start looking at Black Friday ads online a few days before Thanksgiving. Also, keep in mind that Cyber Monday prices are also quite competitive. Once you determine what you want, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday not so far away, you should be able to get a pretty good price.

In my experience, new models come out immediately after I purchase the current model.

Yea that's the usual schedule for most of us.

They seem to just dribble out after an announcement at one of the big trade shows. An example is the 1xxx series this year. The 12xx was on store shelves, then the 13xx followed by the 14xx and now the 16xx are out and we wait for the 18xx.

I have a nüvi 760 and I just can't see any real point to "upgrading". Every time I think about getting a new unit and go online to compare features it seems that the ONLY thing I'd really like that I don't already have is the lane assist feature. They just haven't come out with a unit that offers me a compelling reason to swap my trusty 760 for something else.

100 percent.

I agree with you but have you considered voice activated? That would be my next move.

I would like the lane assist and the voice recognition. However, I just can not justify the cost for a new unit to get the features yet. I preprogram everywhere I am going and would not get that much from Voice on the Fly. Also, there is much complaining about any new Garmin units not preforming well...... we have all read the complaints. Guess I will wait some more!!

I have purchased both a C580 and a 760 after they had been replaced with a new product and the price was reduced. In both cases, the purchase was in May. I have not followed the exact announce date, but based on experience, the old product reaches is lowest "dump price" around June 1st.

I remember that date, as I purchased a refurb near the end of May. It was defective and had to return it - for full credit. When I then purchased the replacement in mid-June, the price had gone up some. So I checked again the next year and the old price goes up in June.

Garmin, like most companies, will not make changes before Christmas to keep the price up for Christmas sales. For Garmin, it looks like a product line is replaced every Spring.