Which Garmin GPS Unit is Right for You?

All About Garmin Nuvi Navigation

Garmin nuvi navigation represents one of over 35 different gps systems meant for use in your car or on the go. With over 35 products dedicated for automotive use, things can get a bit confusing. I have to admit that this high number of products is overkill for me too but Garmin is committed to delivering a gps for everyone's needs and price point. The Garmin nuvi lineup provides this to the consumer. This article will help you sift through the options to help you easily choose a nuvi system that is right for you. Typical uses may be for your car, as a personal assistant, use on a motorcycle, hiking, touring, on the water or in your big rig. You can obtain maps for the United States, all of North America and/or Europe.

There are over 8 different series comprising the Garmin nuvi line. Each is separated from the other by their of features, styling and upgrades. Upgrades could include more extensive map regions, bluetooth capabilities, speech recognition and voice narrated turn-by-turn directions to name a few. To me the progression in price is similar to other electronics. The thinner, lighter, sleeker the product the higher the price tag that will come with it. This is true of Garmin nuvi systems. Prices vary from 200 to 1000 dollars.

The garmin 200 series are considered entry level personal gps units. Their main purpose is to be used in a car or around town for directions. Out of seven models, each model in the series is different based on the inclusion of greater map coverage (either USA or North America), a widescreen display, and voice narrated turn-by-turn directions. The suggested retail prices range up to 400 dollars, but you can certainly get them for less.

If you are interested in an entry level gps system for directions around town I would look at the Garmin 205 series. These are a recent release and represent a takeoff from the 200 series lineup. The Garmin 200 and 205 series seem to be identical, but the added features in the 205 series are much better at the same price point. Turn-by-turn directions, Bluetooth capable, traffic compatible, and the "where am I?" features all come standard.

Garmin nuvi navigation systems also include the 300 series but they have been recently discontinued by Garmin. You can still find them however, and they are available for well under 200 dollars these days. The nuvi 300 gps systems are touted to be international navigators, translators, entertainers and tour guides. Many upgrades include Bluetooth compatibility, 3-D maps, programmable points of interest (POI) and traffic alerts to steer you home. These products are a great value for Christmas and if you were thinking of a 200 series gps, I would just try to pick up one of these for less. The Garmin nuvi 350 is the most popular by far.

If you are the type of person who is constantly on the go or a weekend warrior who likes tracking your hiking, or sailing expeditions. Then the Garmin 500 series represents you well. These gps models offer traffic, voice and map features standard but they are also built to be rugged and service your off-road mapping needs. Both models are totally waterproof and include multi-mode navigation for adventures on land, or at see, on road or off. I like to use this model because of its versatility! These models will cost up to 500 dollars.

Up till now we have discussed Garmin's entry level and utility gps systems. The nuvi 700 and 800 series are meant for advanced navigators of the road at home and abroad. These gps systems are wide and sleek, have bright displays that can be viewed in full sunlight, as well as, a bivy of features like emergency locators, route planning, pre-loaded maps, millions of points of interest (POI) and much, much . . . much more! There are over 20 features and options loaded inside. In essence, the advanced navigation systems will look fantastic in your car or your pocket and they will act as virtual assistants to get you around town or around the world!

The Garmin nuvi 700 series is Garmin's entry into advanced personal automotive navigation systems. All 700 series nuvi's are wide and sleek, have sunlight-readable displays, and options like route planning and an emergency locator. Bluetooth compatible for hands-free calling, mp3 player, pre-loaded street maps for Europe and North America, local and custom points of interest (POI) are just a few of the over 20 included features. With MSN direct services, the nuvi 700 series becomes a virtual travel assistant, with the ability to update traffic, news and weather in real-time. The main difference between Garmin nuvi 700 and 800 series gps systems is that the Garmin nuvi 800 models can reckognize speech. Meaning complete hands free use as you navigate menus and use voice commands. Especially helpful in hands free states like California.

The Garmin 700 and 800 series gps systems are the luxury class in form and function but the Garmin 5000 is definately the working man's gps. It has the largest display of all Garmin nuvi products and is meant to be a dedicated automotive gps unit. These products are great for in your RV or Truck. Real tech heads can connect the gps with a camera to assist with safely backing up a large vehicle or truck. They can especially useful for professional salesmen or professional drivers. The navigation features are the other reason this unit is valuable to the dedicated traveler. Nuvi 5000 comes with City Navigator NT street maps, a million POI and up to 3000 programmable favorites. A few added extras include Garmin games, jpeg picture viewer, and mp3 player. The wireless FM transmitter broadcasts voice prompts, mp3 and audio through your car stereo system. Hands down, this is the best unit for a dedicated automotive user, especially at a price of 500 dollars.

Well if you read this far and your head isn't spinning, you must have a handle on this whole Garmin nuvi thing for now. Just remember to determine what your used will be before hand. Each unit is seperated by its list of functions and options. If you just need it to get around town and save gas by not getting lost, you wil probably be fine with the entry level models. You can add features or get downloads to upgrade for international travel if you want to use it while on vacation. If your uses require a sleeker design and more professional look with upgrades like voice commands and bluetooth for hands free calling, then you will be better served with an advanced system.