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- My rating: 0 stars
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
1.5 stars
"Thoughtful Review of an Unthoughtful Product"
Pros: crystal clear screen, POI features work well
Cons: Way too many to list here
Summary: This is a detailed review of the Garmin Nuvi 660, which I'm returning after 2 weeks of light use for the following reasons, in rank order, with most flaws exposing a shocking lack of thoughtfulness in Garmin hardware and process flow design. I hope it saves people time if they value their time and money.
1) Inferior routing algorithm that makes the types of errors that none of my other 3 on-board car gps systems make. Silly things like getting off the highway 3 exits early to take local roads filled with stoplights. And yes, I'm sure the route preference setting is on "quick" not "short".
2) On the map, it doesn't show the direction of the next turn. This omission is a deal-killer, too. I cannot believe Garmin does not have this because it's so basic a need. You HAVE to know which way to turn next, especially if the mapview is compressed along the vertical axis and you can't see which way the route meanders.
3) The mp3 capability is a complete waste of hard disk space because the sound coming out of it totally, totally stinks. It's beyond bad. It's good enough for the nav voice guide, but horrible for music. Do NOT consider this a selling point at all because you will never use it, except for the expensive audiobook capability, perhaps.
4) The system does not automatically shut off when you turn the ignition off. The Garmin stays on!!! Maybe this is to encourage you to remove the device and put it in the glove compartment for security reasons, but I park only in secured garages, so this is a pain.
5) Even when you remove the unit and it turns off, if the power cord is still in the car's power outlet (unattached to the actual gps unit), the green light on the cord shows that power is still being fed through the cord -- EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF!! This is a fatal error because if I park at the airport for a week, I'm going to be a bit annoyed when I find after a midnight arrival that the battery has been drained.
6) When a user enters addresses, most good systems will show a first default screen listing the last cities entered so that you can select them. In this NUVI 660, you have to spell out the city name each time. Annoying and shows a lack of thoughtfulness in the workflow design.
7) On mapview, it tells you the estimated arrival time, but I care more about distance to destination. Why not show both or if Garmin wants, it should let me choose which one I want. Or it should tell you BOTH. What makes this more maddening is that the mapview screen doesn't tell you what time it is, so then, you have to look at the estimated time of arrival and look at your watch or console clock and subtract the time to get estimated minutes to arrival. This is moronic.
In summary, for around $850 of hard-earned cash, this thing is barely acceptable in my opinion. People who rave about this system have obviously never used the Acura, Lexus, or BMW console navigation systems, which all have their own quirks, but are much better than this 3rd party outboard unit. I would have expected better, given that Garmin's sole focus is nav systems.Updated
I found out that of the two power outlets on my dashboard, one is powered by the same line that feeds the dashboard instrumentation and the other is fed directly by the battery. The Garmin was in the outlet fed directly by the battery, so naturally, it didn't turn off when the car ignition was off. If I insert it into the other outlet, then the Garmin does turn off. So my points 4 and 5 are invalid. Sorry about that!
- 39 replies to this review
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So what Garmin Model would you recommend???
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You're comparing a unit that can be had for $800 to in-dash units in premium cars that you'll have to pay close to $2K for? And you're expecting it to be as good?
Which planet are you from?? -
One simple gadget and you bungled the usage. Print the user manual instruction from the Garmin website and follow it step by step. Most first time users do not have to do this but since you are in between imbec**e and m*r*n, you need to.
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The device does look pretty. However, of the five times I used it it took me to the wrong place four times. The proximity was OK but in one instance I landed up two miles further down the street on the worng side. My home is on the left side of the street and it tells me it is on the right. GPS means navigation to me, if it cannot navigate then all other features mean nothing to me.
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I have to thank Ichor and the Scot for the entertaining banter. While rude and verbose, at least he was able to extract some further details on your opinions, Ichor, and that was valuable to me as a couple of them didn't make sense until you clarified them.
Interestingly, the issues you point out are the ones that annoy me about the Nuvi series as well. I don't have one yet, but here are the 3 things keeping me on the fence:
1) Turn arrow. I wish it had a split screen so that it showed the map in motion as well as the next turn preview screen. I don't care if my next turn is 50 miles ahead, I want to know the direction of my next turn ASAP. The TomTom's do that.
2) Routes. I can't believe the unit has only one 'via' point you can use. That seems like such a basic function. Again, the TomTom's do that.
3) I want to see a countdown timer of time until arrival, not final time of arrival. Again, personal preference, but seems like it would be an easy option to add.
Bonus Item) Would like to be able to configure a couple things from the trip screen to show up on the main screen, again possibly in a split screen format. With the wide screen you should be able to do that.
So, why don't I buy a TomTom? Because they get less than stellar reviews, and they use the supposedly inferior mapping technology, Tele Atlas, and the most important GPS feature of all is that it is accurate. It would seem, from what I've read of other reviews, that at least the Nuvis are pretty accurate. -
newnuviowner is right: it's clear that you didn't read the manual or use the thing before writing your pointless review. 20 seconds isn't enough to change lanes??? Sad, so sad. You're either 95 years old or just got your driver's license last month.
And you didn't even realize that some 12-volt outlets stay on after the car is turned off? How sad. Again, you're 95 or 16.
Other reviewers have pretty much debunked most of your arguments and yet you have refused to concede. Again, you're 95 or 16.
The only legitimate complaints of the nuvi is that it doesn't allow multiple destinations or allow the user to list roads to avoid, things you didn't even bother mentioning in your sorry-ass review because you had no idea GPS systems can do that sort of thing. Again, you're 95 or 16.
BTW: I'm not a Garmin employee but I suspect that you work for their competitor, Magellan.
Long live Scotland! -
I own the Nuvi 650 because I had no use for the Bluetooth connection and I saved $100. This is an incredible navigation tool and I am surprised with the amount of information stored in it. I do not know where this guy is coming from and why he owns several GPS systems but he does not know what he is talking about. He might need a GPS to find his other GPS units.
Depending on which power outlet you plug it in the Nuvi does turn off automatically if the car power outlet connected to it also powers down. How would the unit know if the car is turned off if the power outlet still has juice? Duhhh!!
Also who in their right mind would leave such an expensive unit sitting at an airport lot and expect it to be there when they come back? Double Duhhh!!! Also how can you compare such a versatile compact unit which you can also use as a pedestrian with a multi-thousand dollar unit offered in today's luxury cars? I just bought a luxury SUV and my dealer told me to go and buy a Garmin and not spend $2k on a unit that will be outdated in a year. I usually do not question other's opinions but this guy's review was unfair, I wonder if he ever owned one. -
First of all, Scotland boy, you are trying too hard with your vocabulary. Please, this is not a university; this is just a place where one goes to read up on reviews. I cannot believe how rude you were to him. He apologized for his mistake about the power outlet, and just gave his opinion! What is wrong with you that you insult him? Hence you are very uncouth and you?re misrepresentation of the Scotts is somewhat sad. You need to program your navigation to the nearest church or school of ethics. As for the initial reviewer, sorry for such a weirdo who cannot control his anger over something so silly? You have been patient with him and you do emanate good points. To Scott boy, thanks for your info too as the initial review did spark productive info on this unit minus your condescension!
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I just purchased the nuvi 660 to replace my 330 that was stolen. So far I like it alot better. The prices have dropped so it is affordable. The MP3 player is nice, instead of using the FM transmitter, why not purchase blank cassette and listen that way through the radio. I have found this better with my Sirius radio also now that they have made the signal transmission not as strong and you don't have to search for open frequency's while traveling city to city.
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You don't even know one of your power plug in your car is directly fed by the battery??! You are not qualified to evaluate this GPS, in fact you don't have the competence to evaluate any electronic product!
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OK First of all definitely IGNORE this guys comment. Ichor has obviously been silver spoon fed too long with little knowledge of the tec world. The MP3 player is awesome when you play it through your car audio, I will be honest though, it doesn't work well with the FM tuner, but if you have a cassette player(yeah, I know it's old school)and hook it up to a cassette adapter to play your MP3 and portable CD players, the sound is AWESOME. I love how easy accessible it is with the touch screen. In all reality I can't find one thing negative thing to say. I've had mine for about 7 months and have never had a problem. As far as accuracy, excellent. If you do buy one pay attention to the menu, you can choose fastest to shortest distant. So have fun.
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2 days ago I finally ordered a portable satnav system after a few weeks of researching the units available and after having excellent personal experience with my land rover and BMW factory units. I almost turned away from the nuvi 670 (essentially the same as the 660 but with europe/UK/ and north america unlocked) as a direct result of your review. I was undecided at the time between the nuvi and the tomtom one unit, and I am glad I did not take your review at face value. Apparently, you cannot find the time to read your car owner's manual regarding the power outlets, as well as the garmin manual, which I would hasten to add was not necessary for me to figure out how the nuvi worked, and, by the way, it took less than one hour playing with the unit and looking at the "quick guide" supplied, to discover that most of your gripes were baseless. So I am led to the conclusion that you must be profoundly incapable of logic and may in fact also be suffering ADHD as you could not sit yourself down long enough to read even the fold out quick guide. I will not waste my time going through the salient points in a rebuff to your article other than to state that anyone looking to buy a new portable sat/nav should go and try the units in store and you will quickly learn that Ichor's comments are baseless. I would also note that your latest comments posted tend to circle about the issue of algorithms and work flow. I think anyone half intelligent will see that you lost your credibility with your initial review and its lack of investigation. I paraphrase when I write, 'condemnation without investigation shows a lack of intelligence'.
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This user did not keep the GPS long enough to learn how to use it. There is a dashboard option to allowing you to see not only the remaining miles but also speed, average speed and more. You can also tap on the lower right of the screen for the next instruction with does display the direction of the next turn.
Also not mentioned this GPS allows you to setup the option of being on foot rather than in a car and you can enter specific V&H coordinates if you want.
I would rate this GPS a 9.5 out of 10. -
1. This is simply not true! The route mapping for this GPS is Excellent. Much better than the Magellan I have been using for years.
2. This is simply not true! The 3-D Maps are great showing you exactly what you need to do as well as where you are heading on the bar on top.
3. This is simply not true! The Nuvi 660 has a buit in FM Tuner which allows you to play the music right out of your car sterio system. The sound is beautiful.
4. This is simply not true! This fellow obviously has it plugged into the wrong outlet in his car.
5. This is simply not true! same as 4.
6. This is simply not true! As soon as the letters make up the beginning of a city the cities show up.
7. This is simply not true! If you click on the ETA it will give you a choice what you want to see on the map view.
With the mp3, bluetooth, fm transmitter and free updates this is the BEST portable GPS on the market. -
None of these comments are true. I have been using mine for two months all over California and the thing is very accurate and easy to use. It does turn off if your automobile powersourse turns off. I have had no problems with this. I don't know where this guy is coming from but it is not reality, unless he got a bad unit or hasn't upgrades the software, which is easy to do!
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Thanks, Ichor. Yours is one of the rare, substantive and truly informative end-user reviews to be found on CNET. I can't understand all of the hostility here.
I own an older TomTom Go and a 2005 factory Infiniti GPS. The TomTom blows the factory system away. I agree with your points 6 and 7. I, too, prefer a "last entries" default for both city and street, and prefer distance over time to destination, although I really prefer having both. Have you tried a TomTom product? My old Go addresses both of these points. Plus, there aren't better graphical and input interfaces on the market. When I first got it, I thought the graphical interface looked a little simplistic, almost cartoonish. However, I've found that it functions so well that it's like having an infrared HID display on a foggy night. I can read it with only a glance. In fact, it's so good that I no longer use the voice prompts and keep it on mute all of the time. I also originally thought that even though the touch screen works flawlessly, the input interface was illogical. However, it's quicker and easier to input a destination on the TomTom than on any other GPS system I've used, partly because of the aforementioned defaults.
My TomTom is either a first- or second-generation model, and the major criticisms I have are: 1. the screen washes out in direct sunlight; 2. the maps are slightly out-of-date; and 3. the POIs are not comprehensive and are out-of-date. However, I assume TomTom has corrected or improved upon these in its newer-generation models.
In case you were wondering, I read your review because I've been considering getting a GPS system with Bluetooth, so that my wife can use it as a speakerphone with her Blackberry (we have a no handheld cellphone law here in Connecticut and her car is pre-Bluetooth). I was leaning toward a Garmin product because Garmin uses a different map vendor than TomTom, and I wanted to get a different and maybe better set of maps. I also thought that Garmin had successfully copied all of the best features of TomTom's graphical and input interfaces. However, based on your review, now I think that perhaps it has not. I'm going to take a closer, more careful look at the Garmin, but am now leaning back toward a TomTom product.
Thanks, again. -
Have been running 10 nuvi 660's and each one of them has been working flawlessly. Most definetly user errors. Would highly recommend this product anytime.
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It is sad that people who have no clue about the product they review here are allowed to do so. To Ichors ichors credit she posted a follow up indicating how much she actually did not know about the unit. The fact she blamed the Garmin on not being able to shut down. At least you can ignore the postings here. Just ignore Ichors an you will be ok I guess
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I spent a fortune on this thing and am very disappointed in its performance. The menu systems are very well designed but the POI database is years behind where it should be. I can't find a Best Buy that's been there for over 3 years now.
Also, I have the same gripes about the routing system. I hate that the damn thing is constantly trying to make you backtrack on a freeway if you're taking the next logical route.
Anyway, I took mine back and told em it's broken. I'm saving my money for a better thought out product that may come out somewhere down the line. -
I advise all the readers to ignore Icor's comments on NUVI 660. Every single thing he said is wrong. Either he doesn't know how to use it or he is not telling th truth. I've used this product and it has all the features that he claims it doesn't have. IF you don't believe me goto the store and ask an expert to show you the features it has.
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Hey,
This is more a question than a review.
I am about to buy the 660, just want to know if you can use Mapsource software to plan a route on your PC and upload it to the 660 ??
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I use the 660 professionally.
It has yet to give me bad directions, nor early exits...
The display does show up coming turns on the map display.
MP3 Player? Don't need it, You can FM Modulate if you want.
Speaking of FM Modulate. Did you pair your phone to the Nuvi while sound was going through the Stereo? Awesome and safe.
The buttons are big, the menus are simple.
Power Drain? You are kidding right?
I am guessing the parasitic drain of a nuvi would be over three weeks. Save yourself some parking cash and find another way to the airport.
This product deserves more than a three, such a review diminishes your rating.
Who can take your sour grapes as anything else? -
I can get a MIO digiwalker for $199 I was interested in the garmin nuvi 660 for all the extras it has but the best price I can get is in the low $700's. I do not think after reading your review and all the rebuttals that the $500 differance in price is justifiable.
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There are turn arrows that tell you where to turn. Also if you click on the green heading on the top, it will give you a list with all the streets and turns you're about to make.
It doesn't shut off when the ignition is shut because it doesn't hookup to the ignition...DUHHHH!!!
I think you need to read the instructions manual and spend more time with the device.
Plus, you can take it ANYWHEE and use it in rental cars. CAn't do that with your factory car GPS. -
I think this review is typical of a pessimistically trying review. Here are some clearly contradicting arguments...
2) My first clashing with this review would be the comment about the next turn. First of all, it doesn't show it upfront...because it's too far ahead. HOWEVER, if you listen to the navigation prompts, it TELLS you which way to turn. And even if you missed its prompt, you can simply tap the right bottom corner to bring up an illustration of the next turn, which also adds navigation dialogue for those that can't see, and an estimated synchronized time until you reach it.
4+5) Obviously, this one it dependant on the make of the car, NOT the make of the GPS unit. 2 of my 3 cars cut power to the cigarette lighter when the key is turned off. Then the Nuvi comes on with a message saying that power will be cut if "yes" is not pressed in the next 30 seconds". It's not Garmin's fault that some car manufacturers don't do so. And just for reference, it?s not like leaving a light on all night?it doesn?t draw excessive power.
7) Study your unit a little better before you rush back to return it. The trip computer stat screen (which is accessed by pressing the bottom left corner) lists exactly how many miles until you reach your destination (if you have one entered). Personally, I'd rather know how long it is till i get there as opposed to the current time. Look at your car clock for that...OR just go to the main menu, where the clock is always displayed in the top right corner. It?s not complicated, nor does it require math calculations to figure.
I've used Lexus, Lincoln and BMW nav systems, and while they are nice, the 660 ISNT far off in quality. Then figure in the factor that they are easily 3-4 times the cost, and you'll find the true value in this "hard earned cash" unit.
I've seen this particular author's reviews plastered on at least 2 other sites as well, and I?d just like him to get his facts straight before he goes around bad-mouthing a top-of-the-line unit. No, it's not perfect, but it's certainly worthy of better than a 3 for the reasons listed. -
Hey, these reviews should be a little more accurate and should not scare people away, but help them make fair decisions .. especially when reviewing an otherwise outstanding device. I own the vehicles above (granted the Mercedes system takes way too much time to learn and/or even program), however, bottom line, I also own a Nuvi 350 and a Nuvi 660. Absolutely wonderful devices! .. and a huge recommendation to anyone considering a Nuvi portable nav system. A device remaining on in your car after your car is turned off is probably a function of your car, not the device. Granted the FM transmission on the 660 is not the greatest, it is a nice step forward to providing that "in car nav feel". In Garmin's defense, I am not aware of many FM transmitters that bring in-car quality sound .. i.e. you're probably going to experience some, maybe even unacceptable moments of static. The pathing may not be 100% .. and I do sometimes wonder why it puts me on local roads .. but it gets me to my destinations pretty much 100% of the time. The added feature of alerting to closed and construction roads is a major bonus. The 660's menu presentation looks better than the 350, colors are more vibrant, and the units sound and bluetooth capabilities are execellent for a portable nav system. No, i'm not going to play mp3's on the Nuvi, except as a novelity, but my primary, and practically only usage of the Nuvi, is when picking up a rental car and/or travelling on business or vacations in the U.S. I absolutely love the Nuvi and simply wanted to right some of what your "prosumer" review wronged on the Nuvi. The Nuvi 350, 360 (the only Nuvi version I have not owned), and 660 are probably one of the best portable nav buys anyone can purchase. I don't belive you or I have, until now, mentioned how very fast the Nuvi connects to the satilites, and re-connects are blazingly faster! Not to mention the unprecedented customer support that Garmin puts behind their units. For anyone who has spent time reading the original review .. Hope you have spent the time to get to this link .. Any of the Nuvi models are an excellent choice and money very well spent.
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Sounds like this person is comparing hand held portable GPS units to built in automobile units. Why? Doesn't turn off when you turn the car off - ludicrous! - It's not a part of the car!
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After much convincing by my friend, I relented and bought the Garmin nuvi 360. After reading ichor's opinion, I thought I wouldn't buy it. However, I was pleasantly surprised and so happy with it that I wholeheartedly now recommend garmin. ( I saw the 660 in action as well ). I took it for a trip to San Francisco and I was very satisfied. First, the pros/cons before I respond to ichors points -
Pros --
Fast to acquire signal ( just boot up time which is like 10 secs ), powerful enough that it even worked indoors when nearby the window !!!, good voice guidance with text to speech, fast accurate GPS with good recalculation, extensive POI ( but cons here too ), small and compact, good battery life, bluetooth connects with cell phone !, does what a GPS is supposed to do, statistics collection, decent side features, travel kit is a great addition ( luckily it was loaded with San Fran as a freebie )
CONS --
POI is somewhat outdated ( brought me to a non existant Denny's for breakfast ! ), mp3 player is so-so, pic viewer is ho-hum, once it routed wierdly.
Now to respond to ichors points -
1. Routing algo is IMHO pretty good. Just once it took a route circling around instead of straight, but 99% it was flawless. That time it was 0.6 miles longer due to this. Not a big deal. Just look at the map once and you're set, it'll re-route almost instantly. This point of ichor is not valid.
2. I really didn't look at the map much due to the excellent text-to-speech, however, it does show you the turn on the main map which is excellent as you just look at the one area. Your eyes can dart off for a quick glance there instead of a separate box and if you want to, it can show the direction on a smaller box. TTS means it says "take exit to Canal street, on right, in a half a mile". Perfect. No need to look at the map. I found it also auto-adjusts when to say this to give you enough time and it says it often enough so you won't miss it. This point of ichor is not valid.
3. I agree. A GPS is NOT an mp3 player. I don't mind its mp3 features - it works decently, but you're a fool if you buy it for its mp3 features. Yes, they're gimmicks to lure customers, but hey, Garmin is here to do business. I liked it. I put my songs in it and was more than happy with the radio quality songs that it played. Sound is adequate with windows rolled up.
This point of ichor is valid.
4. No real comment on this. I always unplugged the unit and took it with me. Since its so portable, its easy to do this. Just like carrying an Archos mp3 player.
5. This point of ichor is valid. Yes, it was sucking the power from the battery. Perhaps it shouldn't be doing this.
6. This point of ichor is not valid. I just went to My Locations, My recent selections. About a dozen prior selections were there. Spelling the cities really doesn't take that much time with its predictive text. The mistake here perhaps is the lack of the qwerty keyboard. Not a biggie as you lose perhaps 0.5 secs overall the first time and adjust to it immediately.
7. This point of ichor is somewhat valid. Many times I wanted to see how far it was and when I will reach there. I couldn't see this. Travel time is not that important as it tells you when you'll reach there. Travel time is given usually to tell you when you'll get there. You already are given this info. Whats missing are - total distance, distance remaining. That would be great.
I use my BMW Navteq navigation and I must say this Garmin nuvi 360 is IMO comparable to my BMW navigation and it costs about 1/4th. I'm overall quite happy with Garmin and would recommend it to anyone.
Sorry ichor, sometimes, its just better to try it out for yourself for the best review. After all, nothing beats your own review to you. -
Well, it cannot be rated poor (3), it's one of the best GPS units out there - try TomTom to see the difference.
That said - there are valid points, like not showing direction of next turn on main screen, but it does show it - just tap the right bottom area of the screen.
Comments on device staying powered on is connected to lack of knowledge of the fact, that some cars (Volkswagen for example) do not cut power to power outlet, when car's engine stopped, outlet is ALWAYS on and Garmin stays happily on as power is still supplied. Blame car manufacturer, not Garmin. -
For those of us who do not drive those level of vehicles but who are on the road over 300 days/yr, the Garmin is a lifesaver.
Intuitive, and easily used, the biggest problem I've ever had was waiting for the satellites to be located.
I travel throughout North America, and at each new city I get the propmts of "have you moved hundreds of miles since your last use?"; next, the confirmation prompt for date/time. Then I'm back in business.
My one experience with an on-board GPS was very frustrating. This unit could not discriminate between the 5 Interstate roadways at a major intersecting point and I was directed to the wrong lane and was forced to go 22 miles out of my way. I did have my Garmin on and it said to go the proper direction. I should have listened to and subsequently have, ONLY trusted my Garmin -
I have the Nuvi 660 and although it may not be perfect, it is undeserving of your rating. As an example, your point #5 where you state:
"5) Even when you remove the unit and it turns off, if the power cord is still in the car's power outlet (unattached to the actual gps unit), the green light on the cord shows that power is still being fed through the cord -- EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF!! This is a fatal error because if I park at the airport for a week, I'm going to be a bit annoyed when I find after a midnight arrival that the battery has been drained."
That statement alone should be a tell-tale signal of the type of user you are. If the green light on your power cord stays on even after turning off the ignition, then that means your cigarette lighter's power is obviously ALWAYS energized. Under this circumstance, how is the Garmin's power supply LED supposed to know to shut off? My cigarette lighter (like that in most modern-day vehicles) does turn off when the ignition is turned off, and, subsequently so does the Garmin power supply LED (and the GPS unit if attached) as you would expect.
As such, I would venture to say that some of your other points are without basis as well. -
The other commenters have already made the same points I would make about this terrible review of the Nuvi 660.
I bought mine a few weeks before buying a new 2007 Toyota with a built-in GPS system and after using both for a while, I much prefer the Nuvi. It's far superior in almost every respect, and much less expensive. -
Thanks for the review, but I think you?ve missed a number of points, and I don?t want people to get the wrong opinion of the unit. It is a nice upgrade to the 350, which was a huge upgrade to the Street pilot?Yes, I?ve owned all three. I drive 50+ miles a day in the Chicago metro area. Each unit has been a huge help during it?s time on my dash.
RE your issues:
First, routing algorithms?You are reviewing a portable GPS device. Please compare it to the other portable GPS devices on the market. For the sake of argument, Let's assume that you are right about the on-board systems. The fact that they are better would have nothing to do with anyone?s buying decision unless they are purchasing one of those cars AND are trying to decide whether to go portable or buy the on-board units. (Unless you are advocating buying one of those cars just to get the super navi units?then the cost comparison has to be $700 vs. 30-60k. I?ll go with the $700. Not only does it cost you the base price of the car PLUS the cost of the navi, but it is darn hard to use one of the on-board units while biking, walking, or in another vehicle. These are all things you can do with the PORTABLE NUVI.)
Second, the next turn issue?I just keyed in a destination, and was told to turn right in .3 miles. That?s right, it gave me an audible cue almost a third of a mile from the actual turn. (Not to mention telling me the name of the street I was turning on to.) Next I noticed that I could see the direction of the turn after that almost 2 miles ahead. I honestly don?t know how an educated, successful man like yourself can?t figure out how to use this thing.
Third, the mp3 player?Absolutely right. the speaker in this unit is not made for music reproduction. On the other hand, it sounds better than on any of the other portable GPS units because it is the only one to offer the feature at all. For that matter, it sounds better than any ipod out there (without additional speakers) because it HAS a speaker. It sounds just as good as an ipod if your hook up a pair of ear buds, or headphones. It also has the option of sending the signal through your car?s stereo system. It is a selling point. You did know that the little round hole on the side was for headphones, right?
Fourth, the auto off feature?The unit DOES go off automatically if you hook it up properly. Find the outlet that turns off with the ignition, or shortly thereafter. Some cars, especially luxury cars, will leave the radio, cigarette lighter, lights, etc. on for a period of time after the ignition has been cut. You might want to see if this is the case with your car. If it is, your unit will turn off 30 seconds after the outlet is finally turned off. If you really have an outlet that is constantly on, then find one that is controlled by the ignition, or hardwire the unit. (BTW, you say you always park in secured garages?where do you find one of those at an airport? Only flying private jets?)
Fifth, power cord power drain?Power consumed by the LED telling you that there is power at the socket is negligible, and wouldn?t drain your battery if you left you car for a month. Again. if you use the proper outlet, even this negligible drain is gone.
Sixth, addresses?I agree with you. I?d like to see this fixed in the future. I?d probably put it at the top of my nits to pick list for this unit, but it is hardly a deal breaker.
Seventh, ETA vs. Distance to Destination?I have no idea why it is more important to know your D to D than your ETA. The only time I ever want to know how far I?ve got to go is when I?m trying to figure out how long it will take me to get there. The NUVI does that for me. (The unit does tell you how far it is to your next turn, or destination if you have no turns left.) In any case, I?m glad that Garmin choose ETA over D to D.
In summary, we agree on two and a half points?#6, half of #3 and the fact that people who rave about this system probably haven?t used the on-board units in high-end luxury cars. On the rest, I feel you are far off base. This is a top of the line portable GPS unit that has a tremendous feature pack, and works flawlessly for me. As I did at the top, I?d ask you to compare this unit to other PORTABLE GPS units on the market, not the on-board units. The review should be about a portable GPS NUVI 660.
PS?Even if you were correct about your first complaint, and a side by side comparison showed that the on-board systems have superior routing algorithms, the price $700-900 vs. $30-60k, and the flexibility of the NUVI would force me to buy the NUVI, ans save $29-59k. -
I have a Nuvi 350, and it is lacking the bluetooth and FM transmitter, but have to believe that the software is similar. For the PRICE and performance it is flawless, ESPECIALLY when you are looking for places you have never been to.
When I power off my engine, the unit powers off with no problems
Most car addon GPS units add 3000 to 7000 dollars to the price of the car, which doesn't seem like a good value to me, and has NO PORTABILITY from car to car as the NUVIs do -
ichor - thank you for the in-depth review. You've even taken time to reply to comments in a professional manner backing up your answers well. I was planning on this but won't buy now. Can you recommend a good one ?
I have the BMW in-dash Navteq navigation system and it works well. There are a few annoying shortcomings -
1. It doesn't remember the last searches !! Even if you're on the search screen. You search "Pizze Hut" instead of pizza. You cannot edit this after the search. You need to freaking type it all over again. This is stupid.
2. It has a confusing categorization. You need to select a category *before* searching. You cannot just say - "Search all Apple stores". No. You need to first go into one of 2 menus - Destination+ or Gen Info and then select the proper category ( don't know what this'll fall under as there's no matching one ) and hope it finds it in that category, else you gotta select a new category and type it again !!! What freakin moron designed this. I'd make it so his code doesn't save changes.
3. Shows arrival time and distance, but not the estimated trip time !!! C'mon. I need to see the console and calculate the diff myself. Annoying when the computer can do in a nanosec.
==>> So..anyways, I'm looking for one that doesn't have the above 2 issues and works as well as this. It has instant reception. Rarely lose signal, good routing algo. Don't care about mp3/photos etc. They're gimmicks. The bluetooth phone is however useful.
Please recommend a good one in the $500 range. I can go higher too if it means solid performance without the annoyances. -
I have 3 of these units and they DO have some of the things that you say are missing. Although they may not stack-up to a unit that probably costs two or three times more, they ARE awesome systems. I don't know... but this sounds like a review from a Garmin competitor!!! Sour grapes maybe???
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dream talking
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I can't speak for the Acura, Lexus, or BMW console systems as I have never used them, but I've found most GPS units to use similar or the same algorithms for calculating routes. My Nuvi has been inaccurate about shortest routes in the past, but Garmin can't account for every streetlight or road closure posted. I think it is reasonable to assume that using a GPS is to find places you don't already have a frequent know-how to get too, or to resume back on a path in the right direction when you get lost.
The distance to destination on map view is on the ?speed? button in the lower left corner which essentially tells you everything about the journey in terms of numerical figures, and I don?t even understand what the issue is with the turns. The unit displays the turns fairly well, you have the option to set your zoom out if you can?t see them because of the 3-D views, you can turn off the 3-D views completely, the unit verbally tells you where to turn, and hitting the ?turn in? button on the map view repeats when and where to turn, and shows an additional mini-map of the turn. Other than making the turn for you, I don?t know what else it could do to help. The unit doesn?t just show you everything on the map view because it?s not the size of a console mount system. It?s a compact portable with limited screen space.
I agree about the destination issue with having to enter city name each time, but if you are pre-programming in a bunch of places at the same time, you don?t have to keep entering it. It only backs out one menu at a time otherwise. It is a minor annoyance at best, and it automatically lists the city as soon as it hits a short list of matches so you are not entering in the entire city name. I seldom get past three characters.
The power turn off issue is a non-issue and shouldn?t have even been addressed in this review. No GPS other than a built in console system is going to just "know" when you turn your car on and off, and very few vehicles cut power to the cigarette lighter automatically when the car is off. At least this unit turns itself off when it detects a loss of power source. The only difference this model has to any other is that the cigarette adapter actually tells you with a millimeter sized LED that the adapter is actually receiving power. Your battery would die of inactively long before an LED of this strength could drain it. If you want the Nuvi to shut off automatically when the car does, pull it out of the mount, or if you feel comfortable leaving in the mount all the time, wire the mount power directly to the vehicle so it shuts down when the vehicle does. Any amateur household electrician or automotive mechanic would do this for $20.00 if you don?t know how, and you can always take it to Best Buy for wiring and pay a little more. This will also free up your cigarette adapter plug, and would look cosmetically nicer. Most automobile gadget geeks already do this with their radar detectors for the same reason.
The MP3 sound is also a non-issue. I wouldn?t expect the tiny Nuvi GPS speaker to emit 3-D Dolby stereo sound. This unit functions exactly as an IPOD would in your vehicle. You can use the FM transmitter (built in on this model), and if that doesn?t work well, use the external headphone jack on the Nuvi if your car stereo has an input option. That plug is there for a reason. Otherwise, buy a better car stereo with these features or mount a boom box in your car. Don?t expect a GPS to behave like a home entertainment system.
Two of the major flaws addressed here (power and sound) and not even legitimate complaints. Each to their own on how they like the actual user interface. -
Earlier this year, I purchased the Nuvi 350 and loved it! Then I returned it because I purchased an Acura with Navi because they made me a good deal. Anyway, initially, I was just going to keep the Nuvi, but the backup camera was only available with the Navi, so I returned the Nuvi.
Since the Acura was my wife's car, I wanted GPS in my honda. So I figured that I'd wait for the 660 to come out. It's not until now that see the MAJOR differences. My opinion is that if you have not used a Acura/BMW/etc. GPS, you will most likely love the Nuvi. If you have, the Nuvi will annoy you greatly! I'll still probably keep it because I don't know what else to get. If I find something else, it will have to have the traffic gizmo.
Where to buy
Garmin Nuvi 660:
$179.95 - $319.00
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$319.00 | Yes |
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$179.95 | Yes |
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MemorySuppliers
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$229.00 | No |
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