Garmin nuvi 200
Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: GPS, navigation, cheap | Themes: Digital Entertainment
5. Garmin nuvi 200
Garmin is a household name in navigation, and the nuvi line allows for upscale features in an affordable package. The nuvi 200 brings the best of both worlds together for the everyday user, at a price of around $135. Slick and portable, the nuvi 200 looks good, but can it outperform the competition?
Setup: 5
The Garmin nuvi 200 comes with a manual, car mount, software disc, USB cable, and car charger.
Documentation for the nuvi 200 consists of a small pamphlet-type getting-started guide, which includes a few basic tips and suggestions for using the unit right out of the box. With so many features available on this model, however, it would have been nice to also include a complete, physical user manual in the box (the included disc contains an electronic version of the complete manual, along with software update information). The nuvi 200 was a piece of cake to take out on its first trip, with just a few button presses required to get started. With a simple “Where to?” or “View Map?” screen upon startup, it is equipped to guide any user through their first navigation.
Functionality: 5
The Garmin is by far the sleekest unit of the group, with a non-glare screen that gives you all the info you need with just a glance. Arrival time and turn-by-turn prompts are easy to read and always available, and the “Menu” is clearly marked as such (instead of as a cryptic symbol like other units tend to use).
As impressive as the navigational features are, the extras are what makes this unit shine. With a built-in digital picture viewer (compatible with JPEG image files) and a world travel clock for viewing times anywhere, this GPS is almost entertaining. The unit includes spoken turn-by-turn directions, but it does not speak street names--which is almost not an issue, as the directions and map views are clearly visible from any view. Drivers with an eye on the road can easily enlarge the maps by pressing the “+” button (and likewise the “–“ button for zooming out). The touchscreen is the most responsive of the units we tested; and even with all the features the unit includes, the screen isn’t cluttered--making the screen the highlight of the unit.
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I have used this unit, honestly I hate it. I was entering an address and everytime I would press a key (for example, T) a different character would get selected across the screen. ??? I calibrated the screen 2 times, still did it. The mount it comes with is VERY slimsy and is not strong by any means. Everytime you press a button it moves the entire unit and it shakes. The unit also took about 20 minutes to acquire a satellite, while my Nuvi took 20 seconds. Save your money and buy a Garmin, or comparable TomTom. I don't like TomTom either, but would rather have one ANY day over the Goodyear.
Lastly, if you really want a deal look at the Nokia 500. Amazing features for the price. Mapping for all over the world, text to speech, etc.
I own a Mio DigiWalker 300x (or something like it) and was very impressed with the interface and functionality (even if I never used the MP3 player). Good to hear the cheaper Mio's offer the same quality.
As for the Garmin and Mio getting lost, this is most likely an issue with the age of the Maps included. I know that Mio releases new map upgrades almost yearly, and they aren't too expensive if you can find them in stores. This would have been another interesting thing to point out, how old were the maps (sometimes they tell you or you can find out), and what are the options for upgrading the maps in the future. Even $150 is too much if you have to throw the thing away once the maps are outdated, or have to pay $75 to upgrade the map (as with Magellan).
One key thing to note with the performance of these units, is what version of maps are installed on the device. This Nuvi I highly doubt was updated with the lastest 2009 maps (which is free 60 after its first use) which obviously correct the garmin's performance issues.
Unknown
Thank you, that's something to consider. Each unit was tested with the maps provided from the manufacturer (in this case, Garmin). It is up to the manufacturer to provide the most up to date software for review units.
--Rachel Rosmarin, Editor of Tom's Guide
It was recently brought to my attention, and after the article was published, that the Goodyear135 does in fact come standard with text-to-speech for street names. The unit I tested did not perform this function during the testing, and I have to conclude that it was a faulty unit. The article will be noted to reflect this new information.
Thank you.
Linsey Knerl
Dear Friend
Good days, i am sorry for disturb you. this is Mr.AKE from SWEETHILL INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO.,LIMITED . we are the leading car dvd player and GPS navigation manufacture.i writing to you hope we can built business relationship.
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I wait for your reply, even good news or bad news.
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sincerely
Mr.AKE
Telephone NO. : 86-755-27932240
FAX NO. : 86-755-29979960
SKYPE: weizhenke11
MSN: weizhenke21@163.com
website: www.sweethill.com.cn
Adress : 4- Building,hongxiang industrial park,xixiang town,baoan district,shenzhen,guangdong province,CHINA.
Dear Friend
Good days, i am sorry for disturb you. this is Mr.AKE from SWEETHILL INTERNATIONAL GROUP CO.,LIMITED . we are the leading car dvd player and GPS navigation manufacture.i writing to you hope we can built business relationship.
I know now you should have a good supplier.but i believe if we can cooperation that we should be your best supplier.
now i send some price list for your reference,please checking it. tks
I wait for your reply, even good news or bad news.
best regards
sincerely
Mr.AKE
Telephone NO. : 86-755-27932240
FAX NO. : 86-755-29979960
SKYPE: weizhenke11
MSN: weizhenke21@163.com
website: www.sweethill.com.cn
Adress : 4- Building,hongxiang industrial park,xixiang town,baoan district,shenzhen,guangdong province,CHINA.