Comparing old and new units, and muddling through the model series

 

Hello, all. I'd bought my first Garmin (and first GPS) in Spring 2004, preparing for a cross-country road trip. It was a StreetPilot 2620 and boy, did that come in handy while wandering the country.

But the car I bought in 2006 had a navigation system built-in; it wasn't nearly as good as the Garmin--see
http://homepage.mac.com/scott_r/nav.htm
for my critical comparison--but... well, the convenience of a built in is hard to beat. I did buy an eTrex Vista C for geocaching, but the 2620 was mainly used if I had do drive someone else in their car on a longish trip.

Anyway, I just bought a nuvi 350, refurb from RadioShack. Partly as a sub for the 2620 (while in others' cars) and partly for walking around the streets on a strange city.

I've only used it a few times, but I'm struck but how different it is from the 2620. In quite a few good ways, but... what, exactly, do the different model series *mean*? I'm overall pleased with the 350 (the pedestrian use is killer, for me), but what is the difference between the nuvi series: is each hundred series meant for somewhat different tasks (other than being more feature-laden)--that is, not the model numbers that share the same first number. And how about compared to the StreetPilots? Are they basically now more advanced versions of my 2620? Why would someone buy a StreetPilot rather than a nuvi?

I'd asked a Garmin rep this, and it was pretty clear he really didn't know.

First off

I am not an authority, and Garmin has too many units to keep track of.

StreetPilots are bigger and not flat. They have mostly been discontinued for several years (c3x0, c5x0) for the whole nuvi lineup. I have a c580 and it has never once failed me. They are less prone to software problems than the nuvi.

The nuvi 350 is old, discontinued for at least a couple year probably. But I think it is (software wise) one of the more reliable nuvi units. The antenna hinge caused some problems. It was one of the "original" nuvi's I think.

Then we had the 200, xx5 is newer add a w for big screen. Then the 700 series. Add a T for the latest revision. There have been several software problems along the way.

I have not been keeping up on the new models as they are really not much different than the old ones I have. A faster processor, lane assist for some and different traffic options are the only real benefits for me. But none of the units I have ever bought have needed replacing yet.

The reason I would get a streetpilot over a nuvi is reliability. The nuvi has some feature sets that are nice, but a streetpilot still gets you from a to b.

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Garmin StreetPilot c580 & Nuvi 760 - Member 32160 - Traveling in Kansas

.

There really is no logic behind the Nuvi model numbering. The best thing you can do is go to the Garmin website and compare four or five models against each other.

And don't be fooled into thinking the higher numbered models are better than the lower number models. Lately Garmin has been removing basic features (like map details) from their newer models.

Older Unit - Nuvi 350

I have to say that my Nuvi 350 has been a champ. I have new maps on it and it has never failed. My 7xx series is another story. I think that Garmin is kicked into high gear marketing now and just produces too many models instead of a really solid offering of a few great units. I do not want a MP3 Player, Photo Viewer and 3-D buildings. Just a reliable GPS to get me from Point to Point.

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JG - Nuvi 2460

Like My 360

I've had a Nuvi 360 for about 2 years now, really like it. It's been reliable and dependable--never had a single problem with it. I recently upgraded to a 765T because our state is adopting the hands-free cell phone laws the first of the year, and the speakerphone on the 360 is pretty weak--I also have a hard time hearing the voice commands.

The 765 has a bigger screen, two built in mics for speakerphone, and it's one of the few models that will take an external microphone for really good call quality.

Still, the 360 is a nice unit!!

NP

--
In times of profound change, the learners will inherit the earth while the "learned" find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists...

I'm sorry . . .

GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

There really is no logic behind the Nuvi model numbering. The best thing you can do is go to the Garmin website and compare four or five models against each other.

And don't be fooled into thinking the higher numbered models are better than the lower number models. Lately Garmin has been removing basic features (like map details) from their newer models.

. . . you don't REALLY believe that they use random numbers for their models, do you?

The majority of users just want to enter an address and listen to the directions, so they can pretty much buy any model; Others have constraints imposed by their requirements.

What follows is the basic decoding ring for Garmin navigators - there's more, but I'm only willing to type so much at 7 in ther morning when I need to get moving;

The basic numbering scheme used by Garmin in the nuvi series is quite simply decoded;

The first digit(s) represent(s) the 'series'. The generic packaging of a unit is the first digit; 2xx are budget devices, 3xx the baseline, 4XX are trucker units, 5XX are weatherproof devices, 6XX are widescreen units with foldout antennas, 7XX are advanced versions of the 6XX with built in antennas and some advanced features over the 600, 8XX have speech recognition. Numbers greater than 999 are from Garmin's most recent releases in the Nuvi family.

The 600 series don't do external routing - other series don't have track logs or perhaps don't support multiple destinations;

It is a relatively simple feature matrix, though, as suggested, it is best to use Garmin's web site to get the detils, assuming that you know what the features do and whether you want or really need them.

The 2XX do not have quick-release mounts that incorporate power, for example. Having an integrated quick-release is imperative for me so I don't need to mess with the unit when I get out of my car.

The second digit is the model within the series and loosely defines the specifics of whether the unit has Bluetooth (5 if not, 6, 7 or 8 if yes) and whether is has traffic or MSN - 5 if none, 6 if Traffic, 7 if the unit comes with US/Euro mapping and 8 if MSN Direct. Euro versions and series specifics may specify regional mapping and so on, but this is intended by me for US readers.

The third is sort-of a version definer; '0' is the original Nuvi and 5 is the later version with some 'advanced' features not available in the earlier units. An example is lane assist with, or witout junction view.

Then there are the suffxes;

W indicates that a unit, which may be available with 3:4 or widecreen displayes is indeed the widescreen version. T tells the user that the device's traffic receiver comes with a lifetime subscription.

So, a Nuvi 265WT would be a baseline unit from the 200 series (with all that this implies, including the clunky power connector that is separate from the mount) which is equipped with Bluetooth and a lifetime traffic receiver and is from the more recent product releases in that series.

The 12xx/13xx, 14xx series isn't much different, though we now have a '9' in the middle digit that provides celluler-based internet connectivity, which is what Garmin is replacing the MSN Direct.

Indeed, Garmin has been reducing on screen map detail starting the the XX5 models, which to me is truly offensive.

Those who've never owned a navigator may not see this as an issue, but if you are an explorer type, having street details when zoomed out to 1.2 km is absolutely essential;

The reality is that if they don't put it back along with upcoming cross-street information, another casualty starting with the XX5, my 760T (which is, I suppose what my 780 became when I plugged in the lifetime traffic receiver) and my Zumo 660 will be my very last Garmins.

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Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

THANKS

GREAT EXPLINATION

Great info.

This is good information to all of us. Thanks.

.

jcg4550 wrote:

I have to say that my Nuvi 350 has been a champ. I have new maps on it and it has never failed. My 7xx series is another story. I think that Garmin is kicked into high gear marketing now and just produces too many models instead of a really solid offering of a few great units. I do not want a MP3 Player, Photo Viewer and 3-D buildings. Just a reliable GPS to get me from Point to Point.

I agree my 350 has been great no problems and it does all i need it to do with my lifetime updates it'll be a looong time before i upgrade.

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Garmin nuvi 350 Lifetime Map Updates NT 2018.10

Great Information bramfrank

Thanks for the time you must have spent to put together such a detailed explanation.

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Nuvi 350

I have had a 350 from day one and have never had a problem with it. I have updated the maps to 2010 and have thousands of custom POI's installed and working.
You should get many years of service from it and no need for any of the other models unless you want more bells and whistles!

Garmin Explained

Wow! That information is great and really gives us an overview of what Garmin has been up to over the years. I too agree that the reduced map detail is offensive. I for one want as much detail as possible. Thanks for the report.

PS: The firmware updates. Wow! They are getting as frequent as MS.

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JG - Nuvi 2460

Nuvi reliability?

dkeane wrote:

They are less prone to software problems than the nuvi.

The reason I would get a streetpilot over a nuvi is reliability. The nuvi has some feature sets that are nice, but a streetpilot still gets you from a to b.

Would you be so kind to point us to some data and or examples of reliability issues with Nuvis? Perhaps the issues you've had are with your Nuvi? I've had my 200 for 2 years and it has performed flawlessly. And my 255W is only a few months old, but it also preforms without issue.

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Chuck - Nuvi 200, Nuvi 255W

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Doc_Brown wrote:

Would you be so kind to point us to some data and or examples of reliability issues with Nuvis?

There was a major issue a few months back regarding the 7x5, 8x5 and zumo 660...see:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/23332

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

Issues limited to specific models...

DorkusNimrod wrote:
Doc_Brown wrote:

Would you be so kind to point us to some data and or examples of reliability issues with Nuvis?

There was a major issue a few months back regarding the 7x5, 8x5 and zumo 660...see:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/23332

I guess that's my point. dkeane is suggesting that the entire Nuvi line is suspect, when that's not really the case. OF course he has a 7xx, so I certainly understand his viewpoint. However, someone new to GPSes might be led to believe that all Nuvi models aren't good.

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Chuck - Nuvi 200, Nuvi 255W

So Garmin Has Issues??

"someone new to GPSes might be led to believe that all Nuvi models aren't good."

I can see how a person would think that. We just bought our first GPS, a 765T, and after reading this post and the link posted above I'm a little apprehensive. But I have faith in Garmin.
I'll bet Garmin is buring the midnight oil trying fix the issues.

I work with sensitive electroincs and know all too well how components and programming can go sour. My employer manufactures and builds some very complex systems. Some things work right the first time and others take a while to iron out the bugs. But if the fixes cause more problems than it had, then part of the problem is poor testing before releasing the fix. I know this well too.
Problems like that can cause a major loss in sales, loss of confidance, or put a company out of business.

That may be

Doc_Brown wrote:
dkeane wrote:

They are less prone to software problems than the nuvi.

The reason I would get a streetpilot over a nuvi is reliability. The nuvi has some feature sets that are nice, but a streetpilot still gets you from a to b.

Would you be so kind to point us to some data and or examples of reliability issues with Nuvis? Perhaps the issues you've had are with your Nuvi? I've had my 200 for 2 years and it has performed flawlessly. And my 255W is only a few months old, but it also preforms without issue.

I like my nuvi, a 760 that I am running on 2.6 for a reason. It has on 2 occasions been "dead" and would not turn on by the switch, cradle or usb cord. After leaving it plugged in for a while then holding the power switch for several seconds it has come back. I also have a c330, c550, c580 and 200 in addition to the 760. My grandparents use the 200 and have not had any issues that I know of.

You are correct that I probably should have been clearer in my statements. The original question was between the Streetpilot and Nuvi lineup as a whole. Why would one buy a streetpilot over a nuvi. As a whole, in my personal experience, I have never had a hardware or software failure on any of my 3 streetpilots. I have had what I consider to be software issues on my nuvi, and if you look at other threads, I am not the only one. Maybe it is only the 700 series with problems, and since that is the one I own pay more attention.

I do not think that a 200 series unit would satisfy a user coming from a sp 2620. The 200 series work well for A to B travel, but don't offer many more features.

We also have users of 350's and 660's at work and they have been ok. Some people have had antenna switch problems on those units though.

If the OP has more specific questions about features they want in a nuvi or a particular model, then we can be more specific in help.

Daniel

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Garmin StreetPilot c580 & Nuvi 760 - Member 32160 - Traveling in Kansas

Specifics

It's difficult to list specifics, mainly as it's been a while since I used the 2620 in any depth. Since getting the Nuvi 350, though, I've had the "wait, can't it do this..." experience a few times. E.g., seemingly not being able to create a route (that is, designation a start as well as an end point).

I'd been thinking back to that link I posted,
http://homepage.mac.com/scott_r/nav.htm
and how much of it still applied to the 350, and to other (newer or higher-end) Garmin units.

How about customizing the appearance? The 350, despite its higher-res screen seems to allow less of that than the 2620 did (and don't get me started about the lack of a QWERTY option, which the 2620 had).

I too am soured

bramfrank wrote:
GadgetGuy2008 wrote:

. . . The reality is that if they don't put it back along with upcoming cross-street information, another casualty starting with the XX5, my 760T (which is, I suppose what my 780 became when I plugged in the lifetime traffic receiver) and my Zumo 660 will be my very last Garmins.

I have a 760 with lifetime maps and traffic and I too am very soured by Garmin's latest product releases. I am going to hold on to my 760 as long as I can or until Garmin starts listening to thier customers' again and releasing products that people want.

--
JRoz -- DriveSmart 55 & Traffic

wrong quote...

Just for the record, GadgetGuy2008 didn't write what is quoted above...bramfrank did.

BTW, I'm soured as well... shock

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

fixed - Thanks DorkusNimrod

bramfrank wrote:

. . . The reality is that if they don't put it back along with upcoming cross-street information, another casualty starting with the XX5, my 760T (which is, I suppose what my 780 became when I plugged in the lifetime traffic receiver) and my Zumo 660 will be my very last Garmins.

I have a 760 with lifetime maps and traffic and I too am very soured by Garmin's latest product releases. I am going to hold on to my 760 as long as I can or until Garmin starts listening to thier customers' again and releasing products that people want.

--
JRoz -- DriveSmart 55 & Traffic

I got three nuvi's the

I got three nuvi's the 205,250,760 i like the three obviously some features set them apart, the downside to the 205 is it's internal memory. i can't belive garmin cheap out, at the very least they could off gave the 205 1.2gb of internal ram instead of 997mb not even the 2009 maps fit on there in order to get it going i had to get and sd card which are fairly cheap but that's not the point. i would off like to have the latest maps install on the internal memory.

Traffic feature

I got a 760 as well with 2010.30 maps, how does the traffic feature work? do you need to subscribe to garmin to get live updates for traffic, or is it a one time fee, per year sort speak?

jrozsnaki wrote:
bramfrank wrote:

. . . The reality is that if they don't put it back along with upcoming cross-street information, another casualty starting with the XX5, my 760T (which is, I suppose what my 780 became when I plugged in the lifetime traffic receiver) and my Zumo 660 will be my very last Garmins.

I have a 760 with lifetime maps and traffic and I too am very soured by Garmin's latest product releases. I am going to hold on to my 760 as long as I can or until Garmin starts listening to thier customers' again and releasing products that people want.

thanks bramfrank...

Great concise explanation of the nuvi line - maybe this can be pasted as a FAQ?

My nuvi 360 and 750 have performed like champs a couple/few years. Only selfish gripe is that I don't care for the flip out attenna on the 360 (hence the purchase of the 750) and the 750 menu is not as 'simple' as the 360 - but I adjusted! I also intentionally went for the 750 (rather than 760+) because I realized I don't need the MP3 player (iPod better) or the bluetooth (speaker on my Verizon phone is fine)....

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non-native nutmegger

nuvi Reliability

Doc_Brown wrote:
dkeane wrote:

They are less prone to software problems than the nuvi.

The reason I would get a streetpilot over a nuvi is reliability. The nuvi has some feature sets that are nice, but a streetpilot still gets you from a to b.

Would you be so kind to point us to some data and or examples of reliability issues with Nuvis? Perhaps the issues you've had are with your Nuvi? I've had my 200 for 2 years and it has performed flawlessly. And my 255W is only a few months old, but it also preforms without issue.

One of the problems I have seen mentioned is that the nuvi 350 has a weak power switch that I think was fixed in later models. I have never had a problem with mine so far.

@oso10

The maps fit in the 205. You will notice differences between the 760 and the 205's display of the same area.

Traffic requires the addition of a traffic receiver. Check Garmin Accessories for the correct model.

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ɐ‾nsǝɹ Just one click away from the end of the Internet

RE: Traffic feature

oso10 wrote:

I got a 760 as well with 2010.30 maps, how does the traffic feature work? do you need to subscribe to garmin to get live updates for traffic, or is it a one time fee, per year sort speak?

jrozsnaki wrote:
bramfrank wrote:

. . . The reality is that if they don't put it back along with upcoming cross-street information, another casualty starting with the XX5, my 760T (which is, I suppose what my 780 became when I plugged in the lifetime traffic receiver) and my Zumo 660 will be my very last Garmins.

I have a 760 with lifetime maps and traffic and I too am very soured by Garmin's latest product releases. I am going to hold on to my 760 as long as I can or until Garmin starts listening to thier customers' again and releasing products that people want.

oso10,

With the integrated power cord and FM Traffic receiver that initially came with the 760, you subscribe to the Clear Channel Premium Service and pay the one time fee of $60.00.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=268&pID=36805

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JRoz -- DriveSmart 55 & Traffic

Nuvi 760T No problems

I am in year three with my 760 and have had no problems. It has worked so well I bought a second one last year and no problems with it either.

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Beechcreek