Garmin Nuvi 200
Confused about all of the options when it comes to GPS? Just want a GPS that gets you from point A to B with no fuss? The Garmin Nuvi 200 might be your next best friend. No MP3 player, no live traffic reporting, no multi-segment routing, no text-to-speech (but it does have voice prompts), no widescreen. But that is part of the appeal of this ultra simple to operate GPS.
The Nuvi 200 does one thing, and does it very well– gets you to your destination with little fuss or distraction. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This basic Nuvi includes several million Points of Interest, has a longer battery life than competitive models, and Garmin’s interface is known for ease of use. It doesn’t have maps of Alaska nor Canada so if your travels will take you north consider the otherwise identical Garmin Nuvi 250 instead. And if you’re looking for a few more features, check out the TomTom 130. But if your looking for a quality GPS without the fluff, find your way to the Nuvi 200.
Jack
I was having the same problem and found that I wasn’t plugging the power cord all the way into the unit.
I have a nuvi 200W and it takes 10 to 15min to acquire satellite??
I had reset it and I tried everything. What can I do??
I has a stp c330 that had no trouble finding satellite..It got stolen
Carmen, see comment #355.
I am trying to figure out how to update my Nuvi 200 bought in 2007. I have been serching and cant find out how to do it, plus is it free the first time i do it? God Bless, THANKS for the time
You can check for application updates by using the WebUpdater program available at garmin.com/webupdater – You can check for map updates by registering your device at my.garmin.com
hi… i live in the USA and i have a Nuvi 200 from 2007. i registered it last night to allow for map updates. it says my first download is free. i spent 2 hours waiting for the download… then when using the software to load the Nuvi 200… an error message appeared saying that i needed 34 more megabytes of space. i have not stored any additional data to my Nuvi 200 except a small group of stored “favorite” addresses… so how can i need THAT much more space for a map update? …especially for a product that the registration process knew about?
am i not doing something right? do i need to delete everything from the Nuvi 200 first? if so, how do i do that?
any help would be appreciated.
thanks!
When I ran the webupdater I got prompted to update the GPS Chipset Type B. Now when I try to install the GPS Chipset Type B update. It says it installed successfully but my GPS SW version is still 2.50b and it is still in the list of available updates when I run GarminUpdater again.
I discovered something neat about the 200W; when you press the car icon for a couple of seconds, it displays not only latitude/longitude…it also displays the altitude. Very handy in our mountainous regions in central Pennsylvania.
Hi’
Interested in a unit to take with me to Ireeland in April of 09. Have been there before and rented one . But It looks like I can purchase one for cheaper then i rented it before. Any way looking at nuvi 270 any suggestions? I use my nav system in my 06 acura all yhe time think its great
Will use this for when i travel (europe important) also spare for my family north east US.
The price for this 270 seems to good to be true. Unit with US and EUROPE preloaded fo the same as others europe update! Whats your view?
If it is from a reputable dealer then go for it.
any others I should consider that come with europe installed?
There are a few others, but they are generally top of the line models (like the Nuvi 770, TomTom 920) that are a bit bigger and more expensive.
so if all i need is a basais nav unit to get me from point a to point b the 270 is my best bet?
Thanks for your help Tim
Jerry
Yes, I’d say the 270 is probably your best bet.
Is there any way of turning off the Map Update Notice screen that apprears while booting on the Nuvi 200, other than purchasing the update. I do not use it enough to justify buying the update at this time.
Not that I know of, Dan.
Just a note on the latest updates for the nuvi 200. I got mine recently, and after applying the lates map, chip updates, etc., here is what I’m seeing
( tools>settings>system>about )
————-
nuvi 200
Software Version 5.00
Unit ID: XXXXXXXXXX
Audio version: 1.00
GPS SW Version: 2.80m
————-
I should note that the map version is NT 2009
I would like to know what the differences are between the 200W and 260W besides the text to voice and map coverage? Thanks!
200W has a wider screen than the 200.
Katherine, the two differences you mentioned are the only differences.
I am not familiar with GPSs, but plan to purchase a handheld to plot my own routes on a lake. What would be some good GPSs for this purpose?
I just wanted to say that I couldn’t agree more about needing an arrow to show your next turn, especially when needing to pick a lane. Pressing the navigation bar on top is dangerous while driving but the only option. My partner has an Amcor, and while I do not recommend it due to it’s poor routing (constantly takes her down dead ends or directs her off non-existent exits), at least it has the arrow on the bottom left. Honestly it’s making me consider trying a TomTom because it is bugging me so much.
What is the difference between the 350 and 260.
The 260 or the 200 being discussed on this page?
I don’t know who to report this to but if your could forward it would be great!!
I loved the GPS system in America and so purchased one with the Mexican Map already on it. The map was for 2008.
I was traveling from Morelia to Ajijic. I used the cuota roads and knew them because of great condition. The GPS system could not indentify the most major roads in Mexico. It had me driving through lakes and fields but no roads and kept recaluating to put me on the most secondary roads. When I knew I needed to get off the major road to get to Ajijic in Jalisco I put in the address on the GPS. It immediately recognized the road. I was excited. It put me on a paved road (good) that shortly thereafter became a rock road that shortly thereafter became a very poor condition dirt road on a tiny steep winding mountain. It wanted me to turn left twice where NO ROAD existed but a sheer cliff to “death”. Thank God it wasn’t night I might have turned. This is extremely disappointing.
I think the GUI needs to be friendlier.
It doesn’t recognize frequencies of visited cities e.g.
most of the time, I Navigate to different addresses in the same city (or a tiny set of the same cities within a large metroplex) that I last navigated to, but the Nuvi 200 doesn’t know that… It doesn’t even assume (or give a choice in the GUI) the last state entered. As a result, I’m forced to always type in the state and city.
Any workarounds?
BTW, this could be easily fixed by Garmin in the GUI with additional prompts in Cities, States and Recent Selections.
Nuvi 200 had chinese language?
Questions:
1. Is there a way to delete a single “recently found” entry ?
2. How can I enter an address without number ? For example, an intersection of a street and
avenue.
3. How do I name a location(after Nuvi accepted the address ?
I am new to this site. If these have been covered, please let me know where the answers were. Thanks.
I stay in south africa and have a garmin nuvi 200, and will be in florida in America over christmas adn was wondering if you have download a map for florida or it will pick it up automatically
Albert – 1) No. 2) Menu->Where to->Intersections. 3) Instead of tapping “go” after finding a location, click “save”.
Lawrence – you will need to purchase the map from Garmin either on SD card or the DVD.
Hi..if i buy this unit online, eg; from USA and use this device in Malaysia, can this unit functional? i found its more cheaper rather than bought this unit over the shelf in malaysia. RM 1000 w/out dashbourd mount add RM250.
Online with above accesories only RM 800 ++.
Malaysian…this unit taxable?
Tim: Thanks for the answers. However, I don’t seem to be able to find “Intersections” after “Where to”. It gives me the 4 categories, Address, Point of Interests, Recently Found, and Favorites. Both 200 and 270 do the same. Did I miss someting ?
Albert: Tim told you the correct steps. From the menu screen choose “Where to?” You should get a screen that shows, “Address, Points of Interest, Recently Found & Favorites.” Press the “Arrow Down” button for more choices. Here is where you will find the “Intersections” button. Now just follow the prompts to pick “State, City.” Then add the first street intersection name or number and press done. Pick the correct one from the list. Now enter the second street intersection name or number and press done. Pick the correct one from the list. You can now show it on the map before saving it.
Changing the name of a favorite can be done by going the the menu screen and pressing “Whewre to?” Now press “Favorities.” Press the item you want to change, and when it appears, press the “Edit” button. Now you can change the information you want to change.
I just discovered this great resource. I’m considering purchasing a Nuvi 200. Based on my research I believe it will provide the functionality I need for driving in Northern California. From the posts, it was mentioned that the maps were of a 2006 vintage. Are newer maps now being used? Also, if I drive 60 miles into Baja California, will any maps be provided in the U.S. software or will I need to purchase an additional map?
Greg, in most cases it will be shipping with the most recent map. The most recent map is called “2009″ and is based on data from the second half of 2007.
I am considering my first GPS and was comparing the Garmin Nuvi 200 or the Tom Tom One 125 as well as the Megellan Roadmate 1200. any suggestions (all around the same price)?
Tim,
Thanks for the response about the vintage of the map software. I’m curious if you believe selling a product with a nearly 18 month old U.S. map is standard industry practice (all GPS vendors are doing it) or a competitive quirk of Garmin. Is this a way to get customers to buy new maps or do they offer a free upgrade if a new version comes out shortly after purchase?
Greg, that is pretty standard practice. Other companies like TomTom have moved to offering maps on a quarterly basis, and I suspect within a year Garmin will do the same.
I purchased a Nuvi 200 and like it so much I went back and got 2 more for family. We love it and were able to use it to go geocaching today for the first time. I downloaded 2 voices and a few holiday vehicles. The Elf is a riot and jokes around as you drive. It has a couple of quirks like telling us to make a left on a divided highway when there is nor thrufare there. Otherwise for the price it is great fun.
hi Tim,
I got a good deal on the garmin 200 (purchased on 29nov’08 in U.S.A) and did some research before getting it and spend some time reading the post here, they were VERY helpful.
The question, I have not yet opened it because not yet sure if it has the NEW version of maps, chipsets,etc installed. If YES i would keep the device and if NOT I would return it for the TOM TOM 3rd edition.
Can you tell me without opening the device and not paying the restocking fee of 15% to the retailer any way to find out the latest versions?
Thanks
Juzer
Juzer, I wouldn’t worry about it much. There isn’t a way to tell that I know of without starting the device. If it doesn’t have the latest maps (which it should) then you are entitled to download the latest version from Garmin anyway.
Thank you for the prompt reply Tim.
You mean even if it is does not have the latest versions installed then I am entitled to downlaod it from Garmin at NO CHARGE ?
juzer – yes, see Garmin nuMaps Guarantee.
Does anyone know if it is possible to get maps of Canada in the Nuvi 200?
I purchased a nuvi 200 2 days ago and have already discovered that the maps are over 3 and a half years old and Garmin is not offering any updates. I would not tell anyone that this is an acceptable GPS at any price.
Robin, Yes, you can purchase Canada maps from Garmin on an SD card and pop the card into the GPS.
I purchased a Nuvi 200 in the UK and now I’ve moved to Dubai. Does anyone know where I can download the middle east road maps? I don’t mind paying.
I have Nuvi 200 I bought on black friday frenzy formy girlfriend. Where is the route planner ? She downloads her csv from work daily and the Nuvi 200 cant find the dailytrip.csv on the SD micro card ?
Matt – That isn’t a feature the Nuvi has…
Does this unit (nuvi 200) arrive in the box with comprehensive roads and highways of Mexico? Or is their a secondary provider?
If you purchase the Nuvi 200 in the USA it does not come with maps of Mexico.
initial charge on battery was 4 hours, only lasted 5 minutes when unplugged from car. also a question mark appears on map over the car and says searching for sattellite. never seems to acquire. just bought unit today, what am i doing wrong
Jack, did you have an unobstructed sky view for at least 30 minutes?
tim i did not have an unobstructed sky view for 30 minutes as my battery only lasts 5 minutes after a 4 hour charge. is there a method to charging the battery
Your Nuvi 200 should have included a car charger in the box.
tim i used the car charger for four hours , the unit will only operate for 5 minutes when it is unpluged from the car
Provided your car was sending power to the charger during that time I would contact Garmin support. Or return it if the device is new.
thanks tim, you’ve been very helpful
I bought a Nuvi 200 on black friday from Walmart and my friend also bought one the same day from a different Walmart in the same town. We both have done the updates on the Garmin webpage but my Garmin is running on the 4.6 version and his is running on the 5.0 version. His icons are a lil different and his menu is set up a little different as well. The biggest difference is on the left side he has the SD slot. But on mine, I have a micro-sd slot. What is the difference in our Nuvi 200′s. Does one of us have a later model? Any info would be greatly appreciated!!
Mike, it sounds like your friend has a 205, although Garmin has been known to change specs mid-production before and that might have happened in this case as well.
Thanks for the quick response Tim. That must be it. We checked the bottom of the Nuvi and it says Nuvi 200 so the change in specs sounds like the answer. Should I return mine to get one like his? I just don’t want to have an older technology if his is better or more up to date.
Mike, you could– although I’m not sure how you would guarantee you would get one of the “newer” models.
It would seem the unit with the micro SD slot would be the newer one, not older.
Tim, We just purchased a Nuvi 200. How do I download a vehicle from the Garmin site onto the Nuvi 200? Can I do so using a SD card, or must I purchase a cable linking the Nuvi to our pc? Thank you.
You need the USB cable.
I purchased a Nuvi 200 from [deleted, see comment policy] on black friday. When I run webupdater it lists update ver 4.60 and a link to additional info. When I click the link it says Nuvi 2×5 (region file only) software version 4.60. Under device information it says:
Device Name: GARMIN (H:\)
Device: nuvi 200
What I would like to know is if this is the correct update for my nuvi?
I recently purchased the Garmin Nuvi 200 and am wondering if the female voice can be changed to a male voice.
Thanks
does the 200 tell you that you will be turning right 1 or 2 miles before the turn right/left 300 feet ahead?
I just used my Nuvi 200 for the first time yesterday. It did get me to a few places I needed to go. The reason I bought this item was because I had gotten directions online to a highschool in Northfield so I could go to my granddaughters band concert which the directions were wrong and I missed the concert due to being lost. So yesterday she had a dance recital at the same highschool so I programed my Nuvi to get me there. I was totally shocked when it wanted me to take the same wrong turn as the internet directions had given me. Thank god I knew where the school was now as I would have been lost again. I am sure I have the most updated map as I did just purchase it.
Sheri, there are only two major digital mapping companies for street in the USA which are used by the GPS companies and online mapping services. They all use one of two companies so it isn’t a surprise the online service you used and your GPS have the same map database with the same errors.
whatI was asking about the 200 was – does it tell you ahead of time that you know to get in the right or left lane
does the 200 tell you 1 or 2 miles ahead of time that you will be making a right 300 feet ahead?
Ok, its me again. I went to register my Nuvi 200 today and it asks for me to hook up to the computer. Do I have to buy the special cord to hook it up. If this cord is needed for registration than why it is not included in the package? Frustrated!
Yes Sheri, you do need the USB cable to complete the online registration.
Sheri, you can use almost any compatible USB cable. I have used both a SONY brand cable that came with a digital camera and also a cable that came with my BlackBerry. You can probably get one online or at a local electronics store for just a few dollars. You don’t need the “Garmin” brand.
kathleen, yes it tells you ahead of time whether you need to stay left or right. Or turn left or turn right.
Tim, I’ve owned a Nuvi 200 for two months now, and I really love the unit. However, I really do hate the Owner’s Manual (lack of). My question is could you explain the difference and use of “Off Road” mode and “Pedestrian” mode? Thanks and this is a really great source of information!
Pedestrian – Creates routes on streets that follows pedestrian rules. (No interstate highways, allows “wrong” way on one-way streets)
Offroad – Straight line between your current location and the destination.
Just for clarification… since I hunt on a huge parcel of land, can this unit be used by hand in the offroad mode to track back to my vehicle after entering forest land on foot without any particular direction or roads?
Jim,
I don’t think the 200 will do this. You’d be better off with an Etrex or other handheld GPS unit.
Jim,
The Nuvi 200 will do point to point in off-road mode. If you want to track back to your vehicle simply save the coordinates of your truck as a favorite before you leave it, change to off-road mode, and then tell it to navigate you back to those coordinates.
It takes awail for the “recalulating, recalulating, recalulating, recalulating,recalulating” Ya I get it, it was a wrong turn, sooooorrry, just figure it out then tell me thanks. lol
Can someone tell me how to change my home location? Thank you!
I have just received a Nuvi 200 as a present. It is a shame that Garmin does not supply a USB cable along with Nuvi 200 and you are expected to buy it separately. I tried the USB cable which came with my Canon Digital Rebel Xsi camera (sold as Canon 450D in Asia) and it is working fine. However, I kept getting error messages continuously, since there was no micro SD card inserted in the slot. I had to insert a micro SD card (even though I don’t need it), just to stop the error messages.
The Nuvi 200 has a picture viewer with slide show capability. It asks if you would like to have a picture displayed at power on. Just to try out this feature, I selected one of the pictures to be shown at power on. Now I can not stop this picture from being displayed at power on. I have deleted the picture from the JPEG folder where I had uploaded it but even that has not stopped the picture being displayed at power on. Obviously, the software has saved a copy of the picture somewhere. Can anyone tell me how to stop this picture from showing up at power on. Thanks in advance.
Sheri, to change your home location, just delete it and then creat a new home location. Click on “Tools”, scroll down, click on “My Data”, click on “Delete Favourite(s)” and then delete your home location. At least, that is how I did it. I don’t know if there is a less round about way of changing the home location. I hope this helps.
Pramod – Thanks for your information. I’ve been advised to remove my home addres for safety reasons, and this is exactly the information I was looking for.
Pramod, Try this, go to picture viewer and select the picture your using for the power on picture. Press the info button. Then deselect the ‘display at power on’ radio button. Hope this helps.
Hi Steve, as I said, I had already deleted the picture in the JPEG folder and so it was no longer being shown in the picture viewer. However, I have solved the problem by doing a hard reset. To do a hard reset, one has to switch off the Nuvi, lightly press the bottom right corner of the touch screen and then switch on th Nuvi while keeping the bottom right corner pressed.
do you think it is possible I could use my beanbag from my garmin 3600 for my nuvi 200
Does anyone know if it’s possible to access maps for South America? I live in Caracas, Venezuela and it’s nearly impossible to find addresses here. I don’t imagine there is anything complex, but if I could use it while traveling in the US and in addition to help navigate at home, that would be great. Thanks…
thinking about getting ths nuvi 200 for my wife but how would this work on a motorcycle also? i see they made a mount for this gps but no one has said how good it will work on a bike?
I JUST BOUGHT GARMIN 200 FOR HUSBAND 4 X-MAS. DOES IT HAVE ANY SPEECH AT ALL (UNDERSTAND NO TXT 2 SPEECH)DOES IT SAY WHERE U ARE GOING, ETC..?
Taz, I’d be extremely cautious about using the Nuvi 200 on a motorcycle. It wasn’t designed to be vibration resistant, is not waterproof, and has an exposed SD card slot where a little moisture or dirt inside could damage it.
Carol,
The 200 series will only announce upcoming turns (left, right, etc.) and will announce when you’ve reached your destination.
steve, Thanks for the info. (hopefully worth getting) thx carol
steve, Thanks for the info. (hopefully worth getting) thx carol r
I want to purchase a GPS for my 19 years old daughter but dont know if I should get the GARMIN Nuvi 200 or the TOMTOM One 3rd edition. I want the easiest one to use for the MD, PA, DC AND VA area. In tyring to read up on both I get different reviews both positive and nrgative.
Thanks forbyour help
There are some places in and around my city which are not included in the Garmin map in my Nuvi 200. So, obviously, the Nuvi can not guide me to these places unless I first go to these places and save their locations in “Favourites”. My question is, when I drive to one of these locations for the first time (starting from my home location), can I save the route traversed by me without having to save the locations of several way points? Thanks in advance.
what do you know about a Lowrance GPS XOG is that better than the garmim nuvi 200 this one said its weatherproof and they make a motorcycle mount fot this one
Pramod, no, the Nuvi 200 doesn’t have Multi Destination Routing.
Taz – I use my Nuvi 200 with the Ram Mount on my Goldwing and have not had a problem with it. If I see that it might get wet I have covered it with a ziplock bag to keep the water off of it. If it is really wet, I just remove it and put it in my pocket.
That last line should have read “havn’t” tried that as of yet. Opps