650 vs 350

That's the "toughest" question I've ever seen on this forum:

- For the same $$$, should I buy an unit with a larger, brighter, better resolution display or not??? not to mention the firmware's reliability... well, I'm still thinking about

So I am guessing your say that is a stupid question. I found that the Nuvi 350 right now is 299.99 at circuit city and if I go to BestBuy I can get it for $269.99 with their 110% price match, and costco has the 650 for 299.99. So really there is about a 30 price difference. I have a 350 already and like it a lot have no issue at all with it. Just not sure which to get my wife.

I have a 350 and a 750. There are a couple of things that I like better about the 350 even though the 750 is the updated Nuvi. The support guy I talked to at Garmin said that the 650 was more like the 350, just a bigger screen. I do like the bigger screen on the 750.

I apologize, delevine73, I'm not making any kind of judgements! my point was: for the same price, it's obviously 650 all the way!
You can make a very thorough side-by-side comparaison between the 350 & 650 models on Garmin's website.

Now you're mentioning a $30 difference! looks like a different story then... keep in mind that the 650, even with a much better display, is NOT coming with the AC charger & carrying case; let's say you may use the 350's existing charger but you'll definitely need a case for the 650... making the $30 difference upping to ~$50 (if using Garmin's OEM case - 010-10823-01).
Definitely your call! but again, if money's no object, go with the 650... for a little variety, at least

I would get the 650, then tell her that it is probably too complicated for her to use and give her the 350 (so that she won't get soooooo frustrated ) and keep the 650 for myself.

It's a no brainer....get the 650 at Costco and you will be able to see a dramatic difference in the screen sizes...any problems at a later date you can return it no questions asked. Try that at Circuit City or Best Buy...Consider it as a $30 insurance policy and you are getting a better unit....

i had the 350 for a year bought it at costco and just returned and got the 650 no case sucked but the software in the unit and the screen blow away the 350

I think the 350 would be a better choice if your wife is a non techie. Otherwise, get the 650.

I don't see the advantage of the 6xx series over the 3xx series.

Yes the screen is bigger - but it's not used for anything, other than to show you "Points of No Interest" , to the left and right of your route.

And it's quite a lot bigger - thus negating the primary advantage the Nüvi has over the StreetPilot range.

Now, the 7xx does at least add some more functionality, to offset its size disadvantage.

Me ... I still want a Zümo!

: )

OK, let's say in this case, size doesn't matter... how about quality then?
- QVGA color antiglare TFT with white backlight - 320 x 240 pixels
vs
- WQVGA color TFT with white backlight - 480 x 272 pixels

Now, if a bigger sized, a better quality display doesn't sound too appealing... can't imagine what else would.

I ordered the 650 from Costco, I have a 340. I want to keep the 650 for me and give the 350 to my 23 yr. old daughter for Christmas. I know this sounds bad, but I have the box, and I just upgraded the maps to 2008, and she wouldn't appreciate the 650 like I would.

I need someone to absolve my guilt. (I went to a Catholic grade school with nuns.)

It's a gift. She's 23. Give her the 350 and keep the 650 for yourself. She's getting a great unit.

It's the thought that counts. You'd be giving your daughter something she could use while traveling to make sure she always knows the way, and may even help to keep her safe.

Well if I could use that display in Portrait mode, you've got my attention!!

Otherwise, an extra 32 vertical pixels, and a unit that's now too long to fit in my pocket, doesn't really excite. Maybe if I could configure the information displayed at the edges of the display, I could be persuaded.

Maybe if I saw the display side-by-side with the 3xx, the quality would wow me. But I doubt it would tip the balance, in the same way that the StreetPilot's superior sound quality can't. In both case, the result is a unit that is too big, without any 'must-have' technical functionality.

Let's not forget that, ultimately, a GPSr is a tool, not a toy, getting us from point A to point B!
So, to get the job done right, we need the most reliable, trustworthy tools.
On my side, I've always gave the best to my kids, if only for my peace of mind.
Even being 23 and 30 years old, they're still "kids" to me! and I have a better night sleep knowing that I did the best I could.

That is how I justified buying myself the 650, my son had an i3 and liked it but always borrowed ny 330 when he went on a trip to Columbus....so He got the 330 and I got a nuvi 650..the i3 may go into my wifes car..

hmmmm thanks for the feedback not sure what to do... size might matter and i dont think she will care for the bigger one when it comes to screen size..... and i use it to get from a to b and not to see whats on the route as i go....

I keep the Nuvi 350/370 for travel. I like the size - it fits in a shirt or jacket pocket, or the leg pocket of "cargo pants". It also fits easily into a Blackberry pouch to be worn on a belt.

Around town, I personally prefer the larger screen size of my 6xx/7xx.

And additionally:
As far as traffic receivers go (if a receiver is important to you), each style has negatives - the GTM12 available for the 3xx series is awkward to mount with the "suction cups" that do not conveniently mount to anything. The receiver connects to the usb port.

The GTM 20 TMC traffic receiver for the 6xx/7xx series is in the power cord, but connects only to the mount via 18 pin flat plug.

Size matters - standard vs wide-screen GPS navigation:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2007/12/gps-wide-scree...

If we cannot trust even Consumer Reports' reviews... anything goes then!

Size doesn't always matter!!!!! Who in the heck would want to carry a 6xx GPSr around on their belt vs a 350 (size of a blackberry).

Besides, asians made them...but that doesn't mean that ALL of them HAVE to be SMALL...rofl

You should have your knuckles wacked with a ruler you bad bad person!!

who would have thought this little question would have so many thoughts....wow...

I agree with FPichon. When traveling, I too like the idea that my 350 can fit into my shirt pocket. Often, we will pull it out to discuss travel plans over business lunch or dinner.

Give your daughter the 650 with the option of trading with her for the 350. That way you can use your charm to convince her the 350 is better.

I am giving my two adult sons 650's for Christmas that I purchased from Costco. I have had my 350 for about three months now and have no interest in getting a larger unit. I agree with asianfire on that point. My eyesight isn't the greatest but the 350 is more than clear enough for these "old" eyes.

I agree, i like the 350 cuz it's compact. try carrying a brick around...

I got a 350 and am quite happy with it. I'll probably keep it until the 9xx series come out.

By then... maybe they'll drive the car for me. Ha.

I do like the thought of true 3-D maps and routings...

I really don't get these shirt pocket comments. My 750 (same size as the 6xx line) fits just fine in a shirt pocket and I get a heck of a lot more screen to look at. It weighs 1.1 ounces more than a 350 and is 1.01 inches longer. I can't imagine that extra inch would over-stress the average pocket size since the width is the same. Added to this is it actually works while in my pocket because the antenna doesn't have to flip out.

I just wanted to say something to point out that opinions vary.

get the 650, i just got mine and i love it

Does the wide screen have a larger font size? That would make a difference for me.

Otherwise, I like the size of the 200, same as a 350 with no antenna. It's a little smaller than my wallet and fits in my jean's side pocket.

I enjoyed my 650, but after experiencing Bluetooth and caller ID on my 660, I will never go back!!!!