Garmin Nuvi 350 Portable GPS

[Pardus]

Garmin Nuvi 350 Portable GPS w/ Spoken Street Name

$310 @ walmart
$300 @fry's



he Garmin Nuvi 350 is a portable GPS navigator, traveler's reference and digital entertainment system in one. In addition to detailed maps, the Nuvi 350 provides automatic routing, turn-by-turn voice directions, an MP3 player, a JPEG picture viewer, a world travel clock, a currency converter and more.

Please Note: A windshield mount is included with this GPS unit. Some states regulate use of the windshield mount. Please check with your state laws to ensure you are compliant. In states that prohibit use of the windshield mount, a dashboard mount (also included) may be required to use this GPS unit.


Key Features & Benefits:
# Extreme portability
All of this navigation power is about the size of a deck of playing cards
# 3.5-inch color touchscreen display
Bright display gives you read-at-a-glance convenience and is easy to use
# Automatic route calculation
Tells you how to get to a destination of your choice or any of 6 million points of interest
# Pre-programmed maps of US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Internal memory is loaded with highly detailed MapSource City Select street data
# Text-to-speech feature
Tells you the name of the street, when to turn, and in what direction
# Option of adding an FM TMC traffic receiver
Notifies you about accidents, road construction and weather-related delays and then calculates a new route for you


Additional Features:

* High-sensitivity integrated GPS receiver by SiRF
* WAAS-enabled; flip-up antenna includes MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection
* Preloaded with City Navigator NT v.7; includes detailed maps of U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico (no downloading required)
* Travel kit includes Language Guide, MP3 player, audible book player, picture viewer, world clock, currency and measurement converters, and calculator
* Approximately 700 MBs of internal memory for storage of supplemental maps, MP3s, and audio books included
* SD memory card expansion slot
* Powerful built-in speaker
* Traffic alerts with optional GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver*
* Text-to-Speech unit prompts you to "Turn right on Main St." instead of "Turn right in 500 feet"
* Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings
* Optional software packages such as the Language Guide and Travel Guide (sold separately on SD Data cards) can be added for language and content support
* Offers a three dimensional mapping perspective, or 2-D overhead view
* Display: 2.8" W x 2.1" H (3.5" diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; bright, TFT display, 64K colors, with white backlight and touch screen
* Unit dimensions: 3.87"W x 2.91"H x 0.87"D (98.3mm x 73.9mm x 22.1mm) fits easily in a pocket or purse
* Weight: 5.1 oz (144.6 grams)
* Built-in lithium-ion battery
* Between 4-8 hours of battery life, depending on use
* Includes 12-volt power adapter cable for external power while in your vehicle
* Includes suction cup mount that allows for easy adjustment and quick release
* Includes an adhesive dashboard mount disk

*Traffic services available only in select cities where RDS-TMC coverage exists. Requires the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver and subscription fee to enable traffic capability.

 

[Computergasm]

I bet the 350 and the 250 will be phased out and we'll continue to see the price for these models fall.

Good price, same as Costco's around BF.

 

[rza49311]

I just bought two of these from walmart.com. good price.

 

[uraloony]

Back in stock as of 8:27PM EST.

 

[rza49311]

Doh, looks like its back up to $340 pricing today. Glad I jumped on them last night.

 

[Pardus]

Now available at fry's for $299.99 and back in stock at costco.

$299.99 - Fry's Link

$299.99 - Costco Link

Garmin nuvi comparison chart

 

[rza49311]

damn! i might have to cancel mine get the 650

Edit: meh, 650 doesn't come with carrying case or ac adapter. i think i'll stick with the 350.

 

[DefRef]

Originally posted by: rza49311
Edit: meh, 650 doesn't come with carrying case or ac adapter. i think i'll stick with the 350.

I just got the 650 for $299 from Costco to replace the $299 250W Costco had a month earlier and it's great. 4.3" widescreen instead of the 3.5" square screen and all the same features. What do you need an AC adapter for? You can charge the 650 with the USB cable connected to your PC or the car power cable. While a carrying case would've been nice, my g/f's mom had a little case she gave me, so that's covered. Why pass up on a better screen for little accessories?

 

[FP]

Originally posted by: DefRef

Originally posted by: rza49311
Edit: meh, 650 doesn't come with carrying case or ac adapter. i think i'll stick with the 350.

I just got the 650 for $299 from Costco to replace the $299 250W Costco had a month earlier and it's great. 4.3" widescreen instead of the 3.5" square screen and all the same features. What do you need an AC adapter for? You can charge the 650 with the USB cable connected to your PC or the car power cable. While a carrying case would've been nice, my g/f's mom had a little case she gave me, so that's covered. Why pass up on a better screen for little accessories?

The screens on the 650W and 250W are the same. Per Costco's website:

250W: Display: 4.3" diagonal WQVGA color TFT with white backlight
650W: Display: 4.3" diag WQVGA color TFT w/white backlight

I think you are thinking of the 200 which isn't wide-screen.

 

[rza49311]

Originally posted by: DefRef

Originally posted by: rza49311
Edit: meh, 650 doesn't come with carrying case or ac adapter. i think i'll stick with the 350.

I just got the 650 for $299 from Costco to replace the $299 250W Costco had a month earlier and it's great. 4.3" widescreen instead of the 3.5" square screen and all the same features. What do you need an AC adapter for? You can charge the 650 with the USB cable connected to your PC or the car power cable. While a carrying case would've been nice, my g/f's mom had a little case she gave me, so that's covered. Why pass up on a better screen for little accessories?

ok you talked me into it!

 

[rza49311]

still on back order from fry's

I ordered on december 4th!

 

[cyberkost]

Originally posted by: rza49311
still on back order from fry's

I ordered on december 4th!

Call them and cancel your order. Then go get it from Walmart here for $279.63 + $0.97 shipping.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Gentleman, I must advice you if you plan to get a Nuvi 350 instead of new generation Nuvi 2xx series.
(you can get Nuvi 260 for less than 2+ year old Nuvi 350)

Before you all jump on me, I did have one of the test review on it. (this one only comparing screen and UI, scroll the page down and you can definite see the different)
http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...pic.asp?TOPIC_ID=93007

On top of that, Nuvi 350 still using Version 2 UI, where Nuvi 2xx, 7xx, 8xx already on version 3.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper
Gentleman, I must advice you if you plan to get a Nuvi 350 instead of new generation Nuvi 2xx series.
(you can get Nuvi 260 for less than 2+ year old Nuvi 350)

Before you all jump on me, I did have one of the test review on it. (this one only comparing screen and UI, scroll the page down and you can definite see the different)
http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...pic.asp?TOPIC_ID=93007

On top of that, Nuvi 350 still using Version 2 UI, where Nuvi 2xx, 7xx, 8xx already on version 3.

Do you have a link to a review of Garmin version 2 UI vs 3?

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Do you have a link to a review of Garmin version 2 UI vs 3?

I don't actually have the link.
But you can see the comparison map between Nuvi 2xx vs 3xx.
9th photo down.
Notice the outline of street, street name display, detail of the map, boarder of the icon?
Of course, there is NO huge different, but it is different.
(most importantly, v2 doesn't display enough street info)

BTW, V3 has quick position save. V2 doesn't.
Most people will tell you Nuvi 3xx series' screen is very clear and bright. But comparing to new Nuvi 2xx/ 7xx, it is like Dual-scan vs TFT.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: TimeKeeper

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Do you have a link to a review of Garmin version 2 UI vs 3?

I don't actually have the link.
But you can see the comparison map between Nuvi 2xx vs 3xx.
9th photo down.
Notice the outline of street, street name display, detail of the map, boarder of the icon?
Of course, there is NO huge different, but it is different.
(most importantly, v2 doesn't display enough street info)

BTW, V3 has quick position save. V2 doesn't.
Most people will tell you Nuvi 3xx series' screen is very clear and bright. But comparing to new Nuvi 2xx/ 7xx, it is like Dual-scan vs TFT.

I prefer newer/TFT, thanks

 

[Pardus]

had a chance to test these nuvi's for several days -
nuvi 200 - didn't care for no text to speech feature
nuvi 260 - loved the small size and text to speech, very portable
nuvi 350 - flip up antenna was annoying, mp3/audio book ok-but crappy sound from unit.
nuvi 650 - lots of nice features, again antenna annoying, lost signal a lot. too big to be portable.
nuvi 750 - lots of cool features, addons, mp3's sounded dull. short battery life. fm transmitter is again a nice feature, but i couldn't find a station to use, was lots of crosstalk.

in my opinion, for price/features and overall value, i would go with the 260.. the ability to play music and audiobooks seems worthless in a gps. get a zune or something for that. all the units did excellent mapping, much better than tomtom. the 750 did not map any better than the 200.. only diff is features/addons, most worthless. all the units took about 3 minutes to boot up and get a signal even outside.

would like to see a compass on the map when driving and the ability to display the route in simple text format without the arrows and graphics.

the 200 series doesn't come with a mini-usb cable to to updates or a AC charger, bought both for $10.

garmin is releasing several new models at the CES this week, including the nuvi 260w and the 800 series. more info on that here. Garmin rep told me there working on a radar detector/gps unit for 2009.

all units with flip-up antenna are to be discontinued shortly, 300x that's why there such good prices on those right now.

as the new models hit the mass market, older model will continue to fall. when the nuvi 650 came out in march 2007, it was selling for $599.99, now its under $300.

Garmin nuvi comparison chart

 

[TimeKeeper]

@ActiveX

Glad someone who has tested all these units also recommended Nuvi 260

I have also test extensively on
Nuvi 200 (sirf) against Nuvi 200 (Bravo)
Nuvi 200W
Nuvi 260
Nuvi 350
Nuvi 650

I should have another Nuvi 260 coming either today or tomorrow.
And I hope that this one equipped w/ MTK.

 

[Computergasm]

I've got a 260 (paid $249 on BF), I thinks it's fine. But, I noticed a couple of things:

1. There is no "ding" when it's time to turn, but it does announce "turn on..." when it's time to turn. And, it shows a large white arrow when it's time to turn.
2. I think on some other GPS's, an icon appears on the map if there is a gas station (for example). The 260 does not show an icon, but you can leave the map to see a list of upcoming gas stations.

Other than these two minor issues, it works fine for me. Screen and sound is very good. I love the portability, just drop it in your pocket.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Computergasm
I've got a 260 (paid $249 on BF), I thinks it's fine. But, I noticed a couple of things:

1. There is no "ding" when it's time to turn, but it does announce "turn on..." when it's time to turn. And, it shows a large white arrow when it's time to turn.
2. I think on some other GPS's, an icon appears on the map if there is a gas station (for example). The 260 does not show an icon, but you can leave the map to see a list of upcoming gas stations.

Other than these two minor issues, it works fine for me. Screen and sound is very good. I love the portability, just drop it in your pocket.

Magellan has the "ding". But its TTS wasn't clear enough.
POI display on map while navigating. Garmin think those extra Icon can be distructing, hence there is no POI display when navigating.

TomTom/ Magellan can select whichever catagory of POI to display while navigating.
Mio/Harman Kardon doesn't show POI neither, however, if you touch anywhere on the map, it will list all the POI associate w/ that particular point.

 

[Crucial]

I think I have decided to get the garmin 260 but I am going to hold off until these new models come out hopefully dropping the price. I don't think the widescreen is really necessary unless you have a 70/30 split screen like the mio widescreens. I think this is perfect.

I was seriously considering the c320 or 520 but I prefer accurate maps and easy ui to the widescreen.

 

[rza49311]

Well, i got the 650 from frys for the same price as the 350 so thats why i don't want to cancel.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: Crucial
I think I have decided to get the garmin 260 but I am going to hold off until these new models come out hopefully dropping the price. I don't think the widescreen is really necessary unless you have a 70/30 split screen like the mio widescreens. I think this is perfect.

I was seriously considering the c320 or 520 but I prefer accurate maps and easy ui to the widescreen.

Get if off ebay and I have another comparison review here.
http://www.gpspassion.com/foru...pic.asp?TOPIC_ID=98098

 

[rza49311]

Got my shipping confirmation from frys last night on the 650! Ordered on Dec. 3

 

[Morro]

Is it better than TomTom One LE?