Different routes coming and going

My 650 does a similar thing with the route to my son's house. The way home is closer to a freeway which it routes me to, so I have assumed the logic has it trying to go to a freeway if one is close.

On the way there, the freeway closest freeway is two hours away. On the way back home, the freeway is less than five minutes away.

I tried Google Maps and it does the same thing, btw. Try it and see if it has the same logic as the GPS.

I see that all the time on my 660. Don't know why, but the route also changes depending on where I route from. For instance, when we go to our boat, it will pick one route from the house. However if I drive 1/4 mile along that route and then say go to the boat, it will pick a totally different route. It's just a tool and needs to be used in that vein.

That's normal. Usually has to do with things like the number of right turns involved, etc. A right turn typically takes less time than a left turn.

You're right, of course. It's just a tool and I shouldn't expect it to be 100% accurate. Guess it's the programmer in me.

Bingo! That makes sense and it fits. Thanx!

From what I have read, regarding the formulas used by most GPS devices, they avoid having you make left turns whenever possible. I sometimes have been guided several blocks out of my way by my Nuvi 650 just so I do not have to make a left turn.
It is just something you have to adjust to.
JeffSh
Garmin Nuvi 650 Owner (One month)

The route calculations seem to be good and will get you where you want to go, but are not always the best.

For example, I'll be playing in Mapsource and have it calculate a route from A to B. Then, I'll force it to go a certain way - sometimes I have a shorter route and sometimes I find a faster route.

I think the algorithims will improve over time - for example, I would like to see a bit of AI built into this device. If I can take a short cut using a county road, but it saves 2 miles and is 5 min quicker - that would be a very good choice for me. Taking four extra turns to save 50 ft or 10 seconds is not a good trade-off.

Yeah, I agree. Guess I'm expecting too much from it. I've also noticed that, if a highway has both north and southbound exits (cloverleaf), it'll have me take the first exit and turn left (no left turn allowed!) instead of taking the second exit.

I've only had it for a week. Guess I need to be less critical...