Garmin Nuvi 650
The Garmin Nuvi 650 should be available soon and marks a new entry point to the Garmin Nuvi widescreen series (600 series). Widescreen GPS devices are commonly only found in the upper end of GPS devices. But many people who are looking for a widescreen don’t necessarily want a device loaded with advanced features they might never use. The Nuvi 650 will fit this role.
In fact, the main selling points of the 650 might be what it doesn’t have. For example it does not come with Bluetooth hands free calling, it does not come with a traffic receiver, and it does not come with an FM transmitter. If any of those features are something you would use, consider moving up to the Garmin Nuvi 660 which offers all of those. An optional traffic receiver is available, however at an additional cost.
The predominant feature is the widescreen display, but there are a couple of other “extras” you do get with the Nuvi 650. An MP3 player is included, although without an FM transmitter don’t set your bar too high when it comes to good quality sound at highway speeds.
Text-to-speech is also included on the Nuvi 650. So in dense urban areas if you don’t have enough time to glance over at the display, you can listen for the name of the street you need to turn on in addition to the distance cue. The retail price is $750 and it should be available within the next couple of months.
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|
Compare all prices on the Garmin Nuvi 650 Auto GPS ranging from $223.04 to $329.99. | ||
 |  In Stock at Buydig.com | $229.79 |
 |  In Stock at circuitcity.com | $265.99 |
 | In Stock at BestBuy.com | $299.99 |
 | In Stock at AVALON TRONIX | $223.04 |
 | In Stock at PCNation | $234.88 |
 | In Stock at Adorama | $249.95 |
 | In Stock at Newegg.com | $254.99 |
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As I red description of this unit I noticed absents of “high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF”
Does that mean they dropped very good SiRF chip?
I drive in New York City and my Garmin 530 works best out of other Garmin and other devices.
Thanks
Alex
Hi Alex, great observation. There is some confusion on this right now. Some have said the chips are being replaced. I believe the replacements are MTK chipsets. However I expect the MTK chipsets to have near identical performance to the SiRF chipset. There is also speculation that Garmin is using their own chipset. The fact that Garmin hasn’t said what they will be using could mean that they want to remain ambiguous in order to facilitate a change in chipset during production.
Hi Guys… the unit uses the SIRFStar III just like the other Nuvis (I own one).
I am a virgin to the GPS market. From the research, I feel the three important things I need are Vias’ as I am a salesperson who will want to set up a route. Talk-to-search, as I will be traveling in unfamiliar settings, As wide s screen as I cn get, but the first two are the most important. Also, it will need to be portable, as I will be going between rental cars alot. So, with that in mind, are there two or three models and brands. Blue tooth, MP3, are not important.
I need to correct my criteria - it is Text-to-speech, and ability to put in multiple way-points, portable, and as wide a screen as I can get as the primary features. Thanks.
This site has great reviews. I’m new to GPS and need help sorting out the features among the vast number of units available. You cut right to the chase. Even Garvin’s site doesn’t do that. Great job.
The Garmin Nuvi 650 seems similar to the nuvi 350 except for the screen size and the lack of indication as to whether it has the SiRFstarIII chipset. Is my comparison correct and what chipset does it have?
Your comparison is correct, Garmin no longer confirms which chipset they use on many models.
Hi Tim,
I am newcomer in the world of GPS devices, and not in need of many of the functions of the more expensive models. What I would like is a reliable unit that has had very few problems, a larger (4.3 inch) screen size, the text to speech feature and lots of points of interest. Any recommendations?
This model (Nuvi 650) or the TomTom ONE XL-S are the most popular in that category.
Thanks for your quick response. I noticed that the Garmin Nuvi 650 lists for $350 more than the Tom Tom one XL-S. Are there extra features or better reliability that justify this higher cost? I also noticed that the Garwin battery duration is 7 hours versus 2 hours on the Tom Tom. Does this matter if the unit is used in a car and is constantly being charged? Is one unit more reliable than the other? Do you have any preference?
The list price is quite a bit more, but the street prices are typically within about $50. The features are quite close. The Nuvi 65 includes an MP3 player and a photo viewer but those are two of the bigger differences. Yes, there is also a considerable difference in battery life, but as you mentioned if the unit is used in the car it will keep being charged and then that probably won’t matter to you.
Hi Tim, I got my 650 and still dont know how to increase poi icon in the map when routing or normal viewing. The icons of poi are unbelievably small that hardly seen or touched by the finger ! Any tweak or update for this ? And nuvi 650 or 660 not showing parking space lines like tomtom one does..how sad is that…
Wonder - The Garmin Nuvi series devices don’t display POI icons on the map in the driving view like the TomTom devices do.
Tim; As a virgin GPS player, The NUVI 650 sounds like a good entry level GPS. Having used a Where2 on a AVIS rental, I saw the need for updateable highway construction alerts. The optional highway updates are appealing, but at what cost??? I like many don’t need theiPod, FM Music, etc, etc . But updates on const. is valuable.
Dan - if you purchase a traffic receiver as an accessory (about $215 retail) they typically come with a 12-15 month subscription; after that it is typically $60 annually.
Does the Garmin Nuvi 650 require an additional monthly “interface†fee for functionality?
Doug, unless you are using live traffic or some other “connected” service there is no fee to use GPS.
Help me. I can’t decide between the TomTom One XL-S and the Nuvi 650. Why are the 650’s so inexpensive now?
Mary, if you haven’t already you can compare those two here.
I am new to the whole GPS thing but I need to buy 24 devices for a fleet of vehicles I have at work. What I need to know is 1)Do these come with a re-charger and 2) We are in an area that is growing all the time, is it possible to up grade the mapping software say once a year or would I have to buy all new units?
Hi, I have been reading review and need help. What about Magellan 4040 compare to Garmin 650. [snip] has both for same price. Like others I don’t care about extra, just good GPS. I am more concern about how up to date is the map. Please help. Thanks
Tim, in reading the comparisons of the Tom and Nuvi ..what are vias and which map information would be up tp date….or how do you know. Thanks for the help
Tam - (1) Yes. (2) Yes, the updates come out annually and are about $75.
Tommy - Both devices currently use the same map from the same map vendor.
Mary - It means the number of points you can add to a route between you and your destination. The map is based on the Q3 or Q4 2006 release from their map vendor.
hey tim, i am looking at getting a gps for my girlfriend as gift. i am looking at the magellan 4040,3250 and the garmin 650,350. I perfer one that has ability to at least upgrade to traffic. also would like a widescreen. is the 4040 outdated by the 3250? i like the ability of the aaa on magellan for my gf. which units are better garmin or magellan as far as ease of use and quality? thanks
Does the Garmin Nuvi 650 have trail and exit information built in? As an RVer these features would help with our hikes and to plan for gasing up.
Max - the 3250 really doesn’t replace the 4040 as they are different size devices. The 3250 is a newer series than the 4040 though. Both are pretty easy to use.
Marv, the 650 doesn’t include any off-road information.
hi tim, I am looking at the Garmin Nuvi 650 — new to the GPS world. What does the bluetooth feature do for me?
It allows you to perform hands free calling from your GPS rather than needing to touch your phone to make and receive calls. The GPS acts as a speaker and microphone.
How can I use the site to compare two units side by side as you did for comments #20 above?
Top left corner of the homepage, the ‘Find Auto GPS’ box.
Hi Tim,
I have another question about the yearly map upgrades. Since I am looking to buy 24 units would I have to buy 24 upgrades every year or just one that I could load onto all the units?
One of the above posts said yearly map updates cost $75 for the Garmin. Good thing I read this forum as this maybe a deal breaker for me. I’m also looking at the Tomtom XLS. Does you have to pay for map updates for the tomtom also?
If I am planning to travel to Europe, can you purchase software, if so is it by country?
I’m comparing the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition and Garmin Nuvi 650. When it’s time to get updated maps, is there a charge from either vendor? Can I enter several points and have it show a “best” route Also which is easier to use in general? Overall which is the best value…especially if I don’t need MP3 ability
Tam - Yes, you would need a separate license for each map.
Link - Yes, TomTom also charges for map updates like most manufacturers.
Bob - Yes, you can purchase either bulk (Western Europe) or by individual country in many cases.
hb - Yes, both copmpanies charge for map updates. The Nuvi 650 only allows one “via” point per route, as does the ONE 3rd Edition. The other TomTom devices allow up to 48-50 points in the route as does the Nuvi 700 series.
If you had to get either the 260 or the 650, which Garmin would you choose?
Bernadette - I’d go for the 650 due to the widescreen.
Tim,
I’m a happy Ique3600 owner for 5+ years and I’m looking for a replacement. I’ve already ordered one of these but is there an equivalent to the Ique3600 with regard to advanced features:
1. syncing to outlook contacts
2. advanced control on searches (500ft with current route etc.)
Thanks,
Hi Tim,
Your website rocks!!!
Which GPS do you recommend: Nuvi 650 vs. Nuvi 750? The price difference at an online store is only $70 more for the Nuvi 750.
I see that the Magellan 4040 will indicate your longitude, latitude, compass heading and elevation. Does the Garmin 650 give you your current elevation? Thanks
great site tim. am comparing3 units for best bang for buck on black friday. need an opinion..nuvi 200, c340, nuvi 650 [snip, see comment policy] ..i need good coverage and text to speech, the street names help but not crucial. i read also something about 12 or 20 referance satellites. thanks so much.
What will be your pick ? Nuvi 250W or 650 (both selling at same price).
Your specs do not indicate internal memory size or number of POI’s. Can additional maps and POI’s be loaded into internal memory? Do any auto GPS units allow you to create and store a route?
Matt - Unfortunately the newer devices don’t offer those functions.
John - If you need the multi destination routing then the 750 would be the way to go.
Jeff - the devices with high sensitivity receivers (nuvi 200, 650) get better satellite reception than the 12 channel receivers like what is in the c340.
Anil - I like the 250W for the slightly slimmer size and the hold switch, but the 650 offers text to speech and optional traffic.
Bob - There are some specs that manufacturers don’t often confirm. There are about 6 million pois (reportely) in the 650. To create and store routes you would want to check out the Nuvi 700 series.
Which would you buy? The Magellan Maestro 4040 or the Garmin Nuvi 650 or the TomTom one XLS
I need to make a decision -should I get the Garmin nuvi 650 - Magellan Maestro 4040. Help which would you suggest
According to the Garmin website the 600 series still use the SIRFStar III chips while the 700 series do not identify a chip designation.
If you have a nearby [snip, see comment policy], they have the Magellan 4040 Maestro for $[snip]. You can use it for 90 days and then decide if you like. I have one, and absolutely love it. Has all the features for less $$ than Garmins (Bluetooth, Multi-way points, AAA Tourbook, 4.5M POIs). Only thing, if you need support then I’d recommend Garmin. If you are technical, or don’t need hand holding then Magellan units are terrific! Hope this helps some people trying to decide between both.
I am looking at the Garmin nuvi 650 and 350. Other then screen size, what options or extras does the 650 provide not on the 350? Which would you recommend.
Bruce, the only difference is the size.
Great site for Germain 650. I’ve just gotton 650 last week with a good deal from [snip, see comment policy]. I’m living in Ottawa, Canada. My primary driving area is around Ottawa and Montreal. I’ve tried to set up a route from Ottawa to Mont-Tremblant (a famous ski hill) and found the routing is not accurate as I expected. Does it mean I have to update the map? and How could I get a newer Canada map? Is there any extra charge for this?
Walter - No matter where you are, what device you use, and what maps you have you will often find routes you don’t agree with. You can find your map version by going to Settings -> Map -> Map Info. The current version of City Navigator NT is called 2008.
I have a Garmin 2620 that “locked up”, and the touch scrwwn does not work. It displays current position, but that is it. Do the Garmin 650 and Magellan 4000 have the same level of detail on street maps, street numbers, etc. that the 2620 has?
The Magellan 4040 gives you longitude, latitude and elevation. Does the Garmin 650?
Debbie - Yes.
I’ve seen the latiture and longitude on my nuvi650 but never see the elevation. Where is it hiden?
Walter
It is on the satellite status screen. Click on the satellite reception icon near the top left of the main menu.
Tim, Sorry to be a bother, but I can’t find the latitude and longitude on the Garmin 650 - can you tell me exactly where to find it?
I am an avid snowmobiler, love going “out-of-bounds” into the wilderness. But if I were looking for a great GPS System that I could download trailmaps into and has a big bright screen….which system would you recommend?
I am trying to decide between the Magellan 4250 and the Nuvi 650. Looking for reliability and ease of use. Voice command and blue tooth ar epluses but reliability comes first. Which would you recommend?
Opinion, Magellan 4250, or spend more $$ for nuvi 680, or less $$ for the nuvi 650.
I have just purchased the Germin 650 for my husband as a gift…he would like a GPS touse on our boat and was told when I purchased this that he could download the marine charts for our area and install them on this GPS. Is this correct?
I have been looking at the 650 and the new 750 Garmin Models, I am new to GPS and this will be my first one. I am in a unique situation I have enough points on a bonus program to use towards a 650 but I am still leaning towards the 750, I like how it has trip routing on it and other features but in the end I’m not sure if the extras will really be worth it and I should just get the 650… decisions decisions! I love this website, just wondering if anyone has tried out the 750 v/s the 650
Dwane - As you mentioned the 750 has the multi destination route planner. It also has an FM transmitter. You can see the differences over here.
I have been reading a lot about the difference in satellite reception between the Nuvi 650 and 750. Most reviews say the 650 is better. What’s your opinion?
The antenna placement of the 600 series gives it a slight advantage over the 700 series, however it is less convenient. However, since the update Garmin released adding InstantFixII recently many of the reception issues people were having with the 700 series have been eliminated.
I just rec’d my new Nuvi 650. I got it for my Jeep Wrangler. I cannot here the voice directions when it is mounted about a foot from my ear(s). I have the volume turned up to 100% and I still cannot hear it when moving. Is this a flaw in the model or do you think I have a bad one? (My hearing is normal)
I am looking at a decent GPS unit for my daughter, who does a lot of driving in her work. Is the Garmin 650 GPS a “portable” unit or does it need to me installed and mounted?
Thanks . . .
Yes, it is portable.
will the 650 work in Europe? In Israel? or would you suggest a different device at a similar price range? (wide screen, text to speach, voice recognition (prefferable), reliable)
for the basic but best garmin gps is the 260w your choice or 650 or 750.thanks
I would like to have a GPS. I am bargaining either Garmin 350 0r 650. From above, you said is only the size difference. Does 650 has bluetooth option too?
Thanks
Hi Tim,I am looking at the Nuvi 650 and the Navigon 7100.The Nuvi seems better because they’ve been around,but the Navigon has some cool features for the same price,which would you recommend.
My wife and I drive from Eastern Canada across the USA down the east coast of Mexico to the Yucatan each year. We currently use a Garmin EMAP fed through our laptop with great results . We can plan and follow a route all the way. We want to upgrade our unit as ours is 7-10 years old and is outdated. We want something that current Mexico maps can be uplaoded into along with route planning. Speech direction necessary . All we want is directions nothing else necessary. What garmin unit would you recommend? Brian
hi, does the garmin 650 work as a gps logger allowing me to insert a memory card and have it timestamp my location every second or something like that? thanks!
Anthony, the Nuvi 600 series doesn’t have a tracklog recorder.
I’ve tried a GPS unit with an FM transmitter before, and was somewhat disappointed. Make that very disappointed with the radio frequency bleed through and less than amazing sound quality.
If your car stereo has an input jack, can you connect the 650 to it via it’s headphone jack?
If so, is there a big difference in terms of sound quality, or am I better off burning my mp3s to disk, and playing them that way?
Thanks in advance.
Bill
Hi, Tim,
This website is so useful. I am new to GPS, wondering if it worth buying Garmin 750 instead of 650 or TomTom One XL-S? Which one would you recommend? Thanks in advance,
-Luke
I would like to get a GPS that my husband can use both in his truck as well as take when he goes snowmobiling. He wants to go out on trails with a guide then be able to go back later on the same trails with the use of his GPS. Is there any brand that records your where abouts so that you can retrace them at a later time. He prefers a bigger screen but i am not sure how feesable that would be on a snowmobile. Would i be better off buying two seperate GPS systems or would one do the job for both? Thank you
Yes, certainly get two devices.
Tim,
Do you have a suggestion of which one to go with for the snowmobile? Being able to make your own trail maps and size, I guess, would be the two main points on this GPS. Denise
Tom Tom display Street names in very small letters. Do you know if Garmin fonts are biger or not?
I do not own a GPS and I’m very interested in getting either the 650 or 750.
(1) The retail people at [snip] said that the 650 was discontinued and I can only get it via the web. They also said that the 650 has last year’s map and I should buy a 750 if I want this year’s map. Is this true? If getting the 650 means immediately buying an update, then I’d be better off getting the 750?
(2) I live in the US but travel a lot to Canada. If the preloaded map for 650 or 750 says North America, I want to make sure it really includes and will work in Canada. I do not want to spend extra money to buy a Canada map/chip.
(3) I am interested in your answer to Luke’s question (dated 4/20/08). Should I buy the 650, 750, or Tomtom One-XLS? I found the 650 approx $85 less than the 750 (on the web).
Thanks!
I am a first time buyer. I’m between the Garmin 650 and Garmin 260W.They both sem to have very similar specs and features. The 650 was discontinued, according to one store, in Jan. 2008. Originally it was priced higher than the 260W. Now it’s available for less $$ at some online dealers. Anyone have an opinion as to which is the better value?? Would the 650 come with outdated maps?
How reliable and on the minute is the traffic funtion? Do current models still come with a 3 month free traffic subscription? All parts for this are included?
The 650 does not come with a traffic receiver. You would have to purchase it as an accessory, in which case it would come with a 1 year subscription. How well it works really depends on the area. Some places have good data while other places it isn’t as good.
My daughter gets lost frequently when driving places in her car. But she also rides a road bicycle many places. I cannot afford 2 GPS systems. Other than the Magellan Crossover GPS that has rubber caps over the slots, is there any other one I could get her that would both speak street names like the usual auto GPS models AND can be protected from the elements while she rides her bike (as many as 30 miles at a time)? Thanks! This is an awesome website!
By the way, my daughter also rides in triathlons and long-distance rides with biking groups. She has also gotten lost doing this (mostly trying to ride back home from her long distance activities). Even if she could put her GPS from her car into a zip lock bag and keep it in her back pack or something in case she got lost, that would help. Would that work? Or are there handheld GPS systems that speak to you?
Sid, I bought a 650 a week ago. It came with the V9 2008 map. But, after I registered it I was able to download the free 2009 update. The map update process took some time, but went on without a hitch. (Which is better than I did last month when I bought my wife a 260, went through the same update process, and had PC crash problems… which in the end were a hard drive problem on my PC, not the update program.)
I was also able to update the system firmware with the WebUpdater. And the unit has a one year warranty like all the other garmins.
So, even if they are having a fire sale on them right now, I think the 650 is “supported” as well as the other units… and I do like the wider screen; but don’t tell my wife. (-:
Sylvia, I think one gps that is great for auto and bike is a tough order… especially when you add the text to speech (TTS) requirement. This is just my opinion, but I think a few things to consider would be:
1. Battery life. The auto gps say that the battery can last up to 5, 7, 8 hours. But most folks report a lot less actual time of continuous use. (If I was biking 30+ miles and then back, battery life would have to be measured in days not hours!) Handhelds last longer, and you can carry a replacement set of batteries with you.
2. Mounting: If she wants the gps out on the bike where she can see the display while riding, I don’t know that the rectangular shape of the auto gps is something bikers would want. Even if you figure out a way to make it stay on the bike! If she always uses a backpack, then maybe the zip lock idea would work.
3. Size: If she’s using a backpack, then she might not need a wide screen gps like a 650. My wife’s 260 has TTS, and the same maps and routing as my 650. It might be a little cheaper option. Plus it doesn’t have a flip up antenna like the 650; so that might be a little more convenient in backpack mode. I’m not sure either way if she’ll be able to hear the voice prompts from the backpack as she is peddling along. But, with the 650 she could plug in headphones… not an option with the 260.
I have an old Magellan Meridian Platinum that I love for outdoors. It’s tough, waterproof and floats. I was able to load street maps on it to use in the car for turn by turn directions. But “beeps and boops” signals for turns were no match for “in 500 feet, turn right on Elm street” that we got with the Nuvis. So, the Nuvis stay in the cars, and the Meridian gets used when we’re outside.
Sylvia Yes, the Zumo 550 has text to speech and is waterproof. However it would be cheaper to purchase two GPS devices, one of the bicycle and one for the car. Dave’s points are good ones as well.
For the bike, my daughter would only need to take out the gps to use it IF (when-?) she got lost. So I want her to have verbal directions in the car (turn left in 500 on Maple St, etc), but on the bike, I just want her to be able to find out where the heck she has gotten to and how to get back from there. That nuvi 260 sounded interesting. She doesn’t need music or photos. She has an iPod and a cell phone. But she doesn’t use her AAA membership to get triptiks and she is not all that good at reading a map. However, a mom substitute in the car telling her to turn left here IS what she can use! The pricing on these things is so strange. Often refurbished ones are more expensive than new ones. Some stores say something has been discontinued and is out of stock and other stores seem to have gazillions of the thing the other store had none of. I will look in to the 260. Thanks!
I purchased a 650 in November and have no complaints. It came with 2008 maps but when I registered it on Garmin’s website I was able to get the 2009 maps for free. One free download within 30 days of registering.
At least one vendors site reports that the Nuvi 650 has been discontinued by Garmin as of Jan., 2008. If the features and price are ones that are desired, is there any risk of purchasing a discontinued model which is cheaper than the NUVI 750 that has replaced it?
Tad, as of a few minutes ago when I checked, Garmin doesn’t yet consider the 650 discontinued. They probably will in a few months, but they haven’t yet.
Trying to decide between a flip up antenna on the 650 or one like on the 750. I want to use the cigarette lighter holder, which will give better reception?
Steve the reception difference between the two is negligible.
Has the issue of satellite aqusition been resolved with the 750? I’m on the fence bewteen the 2 models. This is the deciding factor.
Steve - Yes.
I have a Garmin 650. I’ve owned it for about fifteen months.
I consider the performance to be UNSATISFACTORY. The Map Data Base appears to be the core of their problem, leading to either “not found” or leading to wrong directions. Massively wrong, like you really will get lost.
For those who wish to check it out, look for directions to Seven Springs Resort in PA. Try starting at I 70 at Somerset PA. You’ll find yourself making a left onto Tower Road….Tower Road is a gad gravel road leading to ………ahem…..guess what……….a Fire Tower for the Forrest Ranger.
An even more massive error exists for you if you are going to Stratton Mountain in Vermont. If you want correct directions, call the resort. They even send notice to incoming guests warning them of the GPS misdirection.
Worse than that, and totally irresponsible is the fact that Garmin makes no valid effort to correct their data base. The “help desk” was not in a position to forward corrections to get them into a Data Base Update. (Note, a yearly release of a new Data Base is made by Garmin and is available for around $50.00….but it has not made three error fixes that are well known) I was not able to find out what they do include in data base updates.
I consider my Garmin 650 to be a toy. Worthless and unreliable for bona fide Auto Navigation.
I suspect that the same flaws are in the other Garmin GPS models.
Eugene - What map version are you running?
Information from on screen “System and Copyright Info”:
nuvi 650
Software Version 4.20
Unit ID 336738241
Audio Version 1.30
GPS SW Version: 3:00
——————————————————————————–
There have been quite a number of other discrepancies noted by me.
Several times I have compared Map Quest routing with the nuvi…………Garmin fails.
In Hagerstown MD the Broad Axe Restaurant is not listed in the Garmin Data Base. The restaurant exists, it’s quite well known, it’s been there for around forty years.
On the other hand a number of Restaurants are listed which have been closed for quite a few years.
Do you know of a means to put a reliable Data Base into the system ???
Gene Lee
Eugene, that is your software version, not map version. Go to Tools -> Settings -> Map -> Map Info to find your map version.
That isn’t how POIs work, unfortunately. GPS manufacturers don’t list every restaurant, or hotel (or any POI) known. They only include a small sample. Most include only 5-20% of all known POIs in their databases.
City Navigator North America NY 2008
That’s from the unit, your instruction sequence.
Hmmmm.
Anyway, Seven Springs PA and Stratton Mountain in Vermont are way more than a “POI”. Have a look with Google or whatever. The person at Stratton with whom I talked this past March expressed annoyance and almost disbelief that this error could be so.
Here’s the fix:
1) Garmin steps up and makes itself responsible for a working system.
2) When a fault is called in or sent in to the Garmin Help Desk the problem is logged.
3) A responsible person (AIC) examines the veracity of the problem.
4) If verifiable information for a Data Base update has been provided by the caller, the information shall be set to paper and scheduled for inclusion in the next Data Base release.
5) Garmin should say thank you.
Navigation.
That’s purpose.
Not music via an SD card via the car radio. A bit of messing with this function of my GPS nuvi 650 makes me very pleased with the car radio/CD player as it is.
And who on earth want to go through the nuisance of loading photos onto an SD card to look at them on this second rate media.
Navigation, Garmin should get focused on it.
Eugene, I actually do find the photo viewer useful. I use it to check out pictures from several trail cameras while still out in the woods.
Playing music… not so much.
Eugene, if you have the map named “2008″ then it is based on the most current map Garmin’s map supplier (a separate company) had built as of the second half of 2006. And at that point it isn’t as though they had a perfect map. The world isn’t as well mapped as many people think, and is many, many years behind in some areas.
You can report map errors at mapreporter.navteq.com, which largely follows the process you identified.
Many people purchase GPS devices due to the multimedia capabilities in addition to navigation. The devices that don’t have multimedia capabilities have the same routing quality as those that don’t.
Tim,
The E Mail address (mapreporter.navteq.com) is not a recogized address. If this process really exists, it is crucially important to Garmin and to me as well.
Is there a telephone contact ? A Web Site ? How does one get complete and accurate information into the GPS ?
Eugene, Honestly, if you want “complete and accurate information”– GPS isn’t for you. The mapping process takes years, not days. I can show you paved roads in ANY GPS on the market today that have existed for over 25 years that are not in the mapping database.
The address I gave you is not an email address, it is a website. It is a real website, you can see it exists here:
http://www.google.com/search?q=site:mapreporter.navteq.com
Again, if you expect complete and accurate mapping you can purchase a map update from Garmin since yours is not the most recent available, but it sounds like GPS isn’t for you.
Tim,
I do not accept the “not for me” notion. The GPS just needs to be better implemented. Of course, I do want “complete and accurate” information. I cannot imagine that anyone would want less. But how about something a bit better. There are resources out here, such as myself, who would give time and technical help to get data into the Map Data Base. Where is Garmin ???
Missing a major ski resort isn’t akin to a missing road as per your note
Okay, Eugene.
Hi Tim, I was wondering if the Mp3 player function on the GPS unit can be used concurrently while navigating, such that when there is no instructions, the device would play music, but when there is an instruction, the music would dim down and the voice would speak.
Thanks!
Yes, Justin– in fact that is exactly how it works.
I just bought a 650. On the 1st time use, it takes 5 min. to acquire satellite signal. Then it is much faster. Is it normal?
I wonder if there are any software out there for 650 to play mpeg video. My friend downloaded a software on his Mio & now it can play movie & music.
Yes, that is normal — you may wish to read our Tips for Acquiring Satellites. No video players that I’ve ever heard of. Garmin uses a closed operating system on that Nuvi.
im thinking about getting the garmin nuvi 650 or 260w is there any big differences? which one should i get? i found a place that has the 650 10 bucks cheaper than the 260w.
The 650 can be connected to an optional traffic receiver, has a slightly longer battery life and has an MP3 player. The 260w is a little thinner, doesn’t need the flip up antenna, has a slightly better screen, and is a “newer” model.
well i dont care about the traffic receiver or mp3 or bluetooth. so would the garmin nuvi 260w be best or is there a better choice?
If you don’t need a traffic receiver, the mp3 player, nor a longer battery life then the 260w is the better pick.
how is the 260w to the 350?
Derek, the 350 has a 3.5″ screen, compared to the 260w’s 4.3″ screen.
Tim,
Just got the 650 and thought that the text to speech feature included the verbal names of streets. It does give verbal instructions but no name for anything???????
Did I misunderstand? Thx
Gino, yes it does have TTS. See our article on How to Enable Text to Speech. The Garmin section is in the lower half.
Thanks Tim!
Garmin on line manual and FAQ site leave a lot to be desired. I had no luck searching there, very,very poor.
Thank goodness for gps review….
Have a good holiday.
Hi everyone
I just purchased a garmin nuvi 650. One of the reasons that I purchased it was the fact that, it speaks the street names. Unfortunately my unit is not speaking the names do I need to do something for it to do that? So instead of it saying turn right on elm street it just says turn right? What do I do?
Oh wow I’m really blind I totally have the answer to my question in the previous post. Sorry. Thank you I’ll try it tomorrow and see what happens.
Hi Am trying to decide between the Garmin Nuvi 360 and the Nuvi 660. There is about a $60. price difference. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!
I like spending other people’s money.. go for the $60. There are a few advantages to having a Widescreen, notably a bigger set of buttons to make input easier, and seeing more of the road to the side during turns.
Tim,
I am new to GPS units and planning to get a 255w for all the improvements… but the threads about poor sounding speech have me looking at a 260w. Does the 260w allow users to input locations via Mapquest or Google? What about the 750 vs the 260w for performance?
The 260w will allow individual locations to be sent from MapQuest or Google. The 750 will allow full routes to be sent from MapQuest.
hi, i’m new to gps, my friend tell me tomtom XLS has a function to avoid high way that need pay for, does 650 has it?
The TomTom XL-S and the Garmin Nuvi 650 both have functions built in (no additional cost) that allow you to avoid highways.
Tim,
I’m looking at purchasing the 650. Since the 650 lacks the FM transmitter to play the nuvi over the sterio can I simply use the headphone jack on the nuvi and insert a tape into the cars player to play the mp3 and the directions over my cars sterio?
Yes.
I’m new on the Garmin 650 GPS System and need to kow how to recharge my battery. Thanks, in advance, for any help received.
LV - The battery charges when you plug it in.
LV,
In addition to plugging into the car’s power port, you can charge the gps while connected to the USB port of your computer.
Locally I can buy the Garmin 650 or 750 at
the same price (two different stores). What
do you recommend.
The 750.
I am deciding between the new 255w and the 750. I can get the 750 $20 cheaper than the 255w. Do you think the new 250w is better than the 750? I don’t really need the extras of the 750 but it’s actually cheaper than the 255w. Which would you go with?
Karen, I’d check out these threads in our forums:
Help choosing 255w vs 760 ? - GPS Recommendations
What is Photo Navigation on 255 w? - Garmin Nuvi Forums
Does the 255w have any problem w/ slow commands? - Garmin Nuvi Forums
Garmin Nuvi 255W vs 750? - GPS Recommendations
Tim,
Thanks for the links. I was just wondering why alot of people really like the turn arrow on the 255w if the 750 tells you way in advance and a few more times that you will be turning?
I love the arrow because I don’t have to remember it. With the voice I might forget the instruction while I’m concentrated on driving. With the arrow it is always there at a glance. I consider the arrow one of the most important GPS features and the one you can’t live without the most.
Read everything and still can’t decide.Don’t need the extras,price basically the same what do you recommend 750 or 255w?
Read everything and still can’t decide. Needing only the basics but price being equal do you reccommend the 255w or the 750?
750.
Thanks Tim - I needed that!!!!!
Bought the 750 and glad I did for the multiple rout use.
I was wondering if anyone can tell me what might be the better GPS unit. I realize that there are more features in one of them, but from a GPS standard, which would hold up better for accuracy: The Nuvi 260W or the Nuvi 650?
Virtually identical.
Hi, I am new to GPS world. Bought a Garmin 650 and travelled to US from Canada via Niagara. Worked great and on my return the map was constantly telling me to come to Toronto via the 1000 Island bridge whereas my shortest route is via Niagara. In fact even from Buffalo to Toronto it told me to go all the way to the other end of Lake Ontario. I promptly returned the unit. Has anyone else experienced a similar issue?
Sarah,
Hmmm, that does seem a little weird. (Ok, a lot weird.) I tried simulating going from Buffalo to Toronto on my 650, and it correctly took me around the left side of the lake.
The only thing I can think of is maybe you inadvertently set a via point over by the East end of the lake. The gps would then take you to the via point before going on to Toronto.
Did it try to take you to the 1000 Islands the whole way back to Toronto? Or did it finally snap out of it?
As a salesman covering WI & MI, I have weekly routes I follow (8 in total). Can I load specific routes? Is the 750 the only unit that allows routing capability?
Dan, correct, you would want the 750 or higher for that.
I was wondering does the 650 have the capability to show the best semi-tractor/trailer routes; if not which do you recomened?
It does have a ‘commercial’ routing type, but it is primarily for things like avoiding parkways. It doesn’t incorporate bridge height restrictions, intersections that are too sharp, etc.
Routing Selection:
Is there a way to bias route selection so that Interstate Highway is used?
I have run into situations with my Garmin 650 where in town streets with bad traffic and driving conditions were selected when an Interstate Routing could have been selected by the 650 routing algorithm, selected at little or no increase in mileage.
My unit is set on “Shortest Time”
Is there a “Try Again” ?
Or a “Take the Interstate, Please”
Eugene, you can add a via point to try to force the route you would like. Otherwise you will have to agree to disagree with your GPS from time to time.
what is the correct procedure for entering the street/road for (county highway b east).i have tried several different ways,and it keeps telling me no matches found
What is the city/state?
maplewood mn
Jeffrey, try “county road b”.
thanks dave,i will try that
Tim,
I’ve been thinking about getting the 650 but am concerned because it has been discontinued. Is there any disadvantage or problems associated with purchasing an outdated model? How can it be listed msrp at $749 but now sell for $269?
thanks
Tim-
I am trying to decide between the nuvi 650 and the nuvi 260w. Doses the 650 has “where am I”?
Which is better?
HELP
The 650 doesn’t have the where am i? feature although most of the same features are on it, just not organized in one spot. The 650 has been discontinued, so is more likely to come with old maps. I’d go for the 260w.
Do all the Garmin’s and the WAAS capability now? Trying to choose between the 650 or either the 255w or 260w.
No, WAAS is unnecessary for an auto GPS so they don’t enable it to save battery life.
So you would recomend that WAAS is unnecesary then? So I guess I’m looking at the 255W or 260W. Minute differences really but I guess the 255W has some more features?
Yes, WAAS is unnecessary for an auto GPS. As to the 255w versus the 260w, see comments number 202-206 on our Garmin Nuvi 260W page.
Nate, see our article on Garmin Discontinued Status.
Hi Tim - I want to buy a new portable computer - Do you know of any that have built in GPS ?
I don’t really keep track of computers.