- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 256 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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39 out of 41 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Incredible. Simply Incredible."
Pros: Small form factor & Simple to use UI, Sturdy, Quick Release Windshield Mount
Cons: Power Button Location, No external Volume Control, No Hold Button or Screen Lock,
Summary: This unit arrived yesterday 2/2/06 via UPS. I ordered it from that major electronics chain; you know, the one with the big yellow price tag? Well, I will save my review of the ?worst buying? experience from that place for another post. For now, let's concentrate on the Nuvi350.
As I mentioned, I have had this unit for about 24 hours. I took it out of the box, connected the AC adapter to charge the battery, then took it outside and turned it on. In just about literally 90 seconds, it was connected, and registered. Really very quick. (if anyone read my post on Socket Navigator Software, you will understand my excitement)
I popped the windshield mount onto the back, and I was on my way in about 8 minutes from when I took it off the charger.
After powering the unit on, (see my "cons" about the Power Button) the main menu provides 3 simple choices. "Where to?" "View Map" and "Travel Kit" Although I am not impressed with the Travel Kit, I have to say this is the simplest way to start navigating around the country.
I have been using my PDA as a GPS, so the small form factor of this little guy is key for me. It is very small, and extremely light. It comes with its own carrying case, so when I parked the car, it was a quick disconnect from the windshield mount, and into my pocket safely. Very nice feature! I was impressed.
Entering an address, or POI is very simple via the touch screen. Each letter gives you a quick and significant on screen click when entering, and they are large enough so you don?t have to worry about doubling up a letter during entry. The POI's are chock full of restaurants, banks, entertainment, fuel stations, and the like. I will say scrolling through some of them was a bit of a pain. A small improvement to make this easier would be a simple way to filter them even more.
All the unit settings are done via the touch screen. So while you are using the GPS, and need to adjust a setting i.e. volume, brightness, language, you will need to tap the on screen menu and click through to the setting you need. I found this a bit unorthodox and cumbersome especially while driving. If the unit volume is too loud, and your phone rings, there is no easy access to the mute button, so you will need to get pretty quick with your index finger before answering the phone.
Other cons I found a bit frustrating for a $900.00 unit are the location of the power button. To power on the unit, you simply press and hold the power button. The same to turn it off. However, it is in the exact location of where you would hold the unit, to place it into the windshield mount, or to remove or place it into the carrying case. In the few hours I have been using the unit, I have mistakenly powered it on or off six times. This might have been resolved with either a different location, or a simple 'hold' switch on the side, next to a volume dial. (I know I already mentioned that one)
As far as the MP3 player, Image viewer, Audiobook player, and language translator (aka Travel Kit), I would rather see these items in separate devices, as it may bring the cost a bit lower. Better yet, simply make them as available upgrade options. I have not had the pleasure or displeasure of using any of these items yet, so I will refrain from reviewing the quality of the Travel Kit. I will only comment on their potential usefulness.
In summary, this unit receives my recommendation for a great all around GPS tool, with some bonus features. It's small size will encourage you to take it with you when leaving your car. The quick release windshield mount will amaze you (especially if you have ordered a mount from _rkon.com and found vibration to be a major problem) The simplicity of the UI, and on screen entry will make using the unit a joy. So far, I am very impressed and look forward to using it every day.
I will continue my review after about a month of using it, but right out of the box, it gets a 9 from me. Hope this helps - good luck with yours.
Where to buy
Garmin Nuvi 350:
$109.99 - $399.98
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$399.98 | Yes |
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RadioShack.com
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$109.99 | Yes |
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