Difference between Garmin 550 and 300 series? Can anyone give a detailed analysis? I am attempting to purchase my first navigation system and am torn between the two. Is the C550 a much better navigator, i.e., better instructions and recalculation time? Thanks. Difference between Garmin 550 and 300 series? Can anyone give a detailed analysis? I am attempting to purchase my first navigation system and am torn between the two. Is the C550 a much better... » Read More Difference between Garmin 550 and 300 series? Can anyone give a detailed analysis? I am attempting to purchase my first navigation system and am torn between the two. Is the C550 a much better navigator, i.e., better instructions and recalculation time? Thanks. « Show Less
1731336
The 500 series also has a much better screen. Looking into the sun the screen on the 300 series sometimes gets washed out. Not so, with the 500 series.
1731337
Just went through this debate myself. In the store, my husband noticed how different the screens were. The 500 series was much brighter than the 300 and sure enough, it states so on the garmin comparison page. Here's your link, hope it helps.http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/us/ontheroad/streetpilotcseries
1154322
This is my wife's watch. Never had the 220. Her 610 was stolen so bought the 620. She likes it better. Blue tooth is easier to upload and it locates a satellite much faster. Plus a little smaller & lighter. The 620 was 399 vs. 299 for last year's 610 model
1062753
The unit utilizes NavTeq for navigation. I have had units made by Garmin and Magellan; this one works just as well, if not better. Like all the others, the navigation will sometimes have you take unnecessary turns rather than instructing you to make a u-turn, depending on which direction your vehicle is pointing when navigation begins. This unit recognizes some connector streets that the others somehow don't recognize. I am satisfied with the navigation.
1825012
I found this answer on the Internet..... The NAVS501 is a follow-up to the slightly less expensive NAVS500 kit, with the only difference between the two being support for 3D and multiple transmitters on the 501. Otherwise, both units support the same wireless range and WHDI technology, and both have a USB port that can be used to connect the wireless receiver for a keyboard/mouse to control a desk top PC remotely. This means that in terms of overall performance, the 500 and 501 perform the same.
1532570
I had a 260W and I can tell you the Navigation was much more accurate then the 255W. My 260W was wiped out by Garmin Tech Support and they replaced it with a new 260W. There is only one problem my New 260W they sent me happens to be loaded with 255W software. According to other post I have read on the internet this is happening to others as well.It seems that Garmin has decided to install 2X5 Software on there remaining 260 Models. The mapping has been changed on the 255 series and it is NOT as ACCURATE as the 260 series. The new features are nice additions but I wanted a GPS for NAVIGATION NOT FOR A NEW PLAY TOY. Garmin has had several unhappy customers recently and I would advise looking into other choices as of this point.Maybe someday Garmin will decide to get some knowledgable technical People and start making a good product again. Read the reviews on POI Factory.com website to get accurate product reviews with people who have these units and can tell you about the issues thay are having. Thanks
772649
I am thinking about purchasing one and have looked at many reviews for all Garmin GPS's. My main concern is that I want the bluetooth since the law about using hands free to talk on your cell phone starts next month. I have come to find out that you can get the C550 street pilot for a lot cheaper then any of the Nuvis with bluetooth. The only bad thing ive found is the street pilot is a bit bulkier, but if I am going to save $200, I dont mind the bulk...think im gonna go with the street pilot C550.
1004609
Navigon 7100 didn't work as well as my Garmin 360 and I sent it back. This was when it first came out in 2007.
223176
the mio c320 is better for intermediate to advanced users, and the tomtom is really made for novices (grandpa, mom who doesn't know how to use computers very well, etc.). the c320 can be customized to a great extent, and alot more poi's can be added. the tomtom lacks these customization features. in my opinion, this is the selling point for the unit. the price (if you can get it for less than 200) is another one. i got it for $150 on black friday, but i've seen it sold for $170 recently (around christmas time). i do not know how much the unit costs now, however.
572696
I'm trying to decide & in comparing both models, I DO see more than a Bluetooth difference, if it matters to anyone: The 1490LMT has the lane assist function, but takes it one step further, in that it will show a real view of the lane you need to be in AND it shows all the highway signs that you will see up ahead, with the signs where you need to go Highlighted, and the signs you Don't want, dimmed I do NOT want Bluetooth, but just having gotten lost in Queens NY yesterday, both upon going in AND heading out, this particular feature would have helped greatly, as I just couldn't find my way onto the Triboro Bridge when leaving the area of Queens where I had visited. We have GPS in out new car, but I didn't have access to that car yesterday; all the more reason to put a GPS in the old car, and a 1490LMT is what it'll be!
2012761
Go with the Legend Hcx, I know it's more money but the Micro Sd card slot makes a HUGE difference in the maps you can do. I own the the Venture Cx(NOT THE HC) and I have a 2gb micro sd card with streetmaps and Topo for the entire US on the card.The letters in garmin speak mean this H= High Sensitivity, C=Color and X= external Memory card support.If you want to save 20 or 30 bucks go with the one I was saying the Venture Cx, but I bought my unit over a year ago, when the High sensitivity units weren't available, Today without a doubt I'd go with the Legend Hcx(they don't make a Venture Hcx just a severely limited HC. You are also going to need either Street maps or Topo(for hiking) so figure on an extra $125 or so or look online for free options, hope I helped you.
1905120
Hi Kirk, I have this 60CX, the version without the electronic compass (which can be a battery drain). The past two years, I've used it primarily in the car. I am pleased with it's performance in the car (and some on a motorcycle) and it gets me to unfamiliar places accurately here in the Houston area. The unit is surprisingly faster in satelite acquistion and route calculation than others that I have used. It won't talk to you. It beeps and flashes information on upcoming turns. That being said, I had to purchase the city navigator software from Garmin and 2 gb micro sd to do the detailed maps that the pre-loaded map that comes with the unit just won't do. The most recent city navigator retails for around $140. 2 gb cards are inexpensive. I've not had to use it for hiking or sailing. From what I've read, others have found it great for those applications. I have used it to go running and my experience is that you must hold it steady to calculate your pace accurately. This thing is extremely portable. It can fit in your pocket in a pinch. I believe this and the 76 series are the best all around gps-s. Good Luck!
1492154
I am in the exact same situation, I am debating which GPS to return. 255WT or 285WT?285WT is actually cheaper too, since I didn't have to pay any tax buying from amazon.sigh... I should have just shelled out a little bit more for the 265WT from Radio shack.The bluetooth on the 285WT seems nice to have, but is the lifetime traffic on the 255WT any good, and is it more worthy than the bluetooth? I never followed the traffic information from my Navigion 2100T, since I am not sure how useful it is.
1488070
I agree-have been in the market for a new GPS for awhile now. Really do not need one [my Garmin 350 still does the job]. I like some of the newer features on the 1300 series-see such mixed reviews!! Model numbers should be mandatory when submitting a review so the customer can differentiate between units.
2252905
Thank you. Sounds good. Now I want to find it in combo with the NuMaps Lifetime. Nuvi combo have the NuMaps Lifetime for $50 extra, but I can't find this with a combo yet.----------------Garmin said the one with lifetime update for maps (3790LMT) would be out in September, keep checking their website. Said the cost was $499.99. I hate to spend that money, but am getting the voice activated one for safety reasons. Said it was shipped to Best Buy, but I can find it only in Canada...
1832381
I'm not sure about specific differences but my husband bought the s1 for me because I wanted something that simply gave me the distance to the hole. I think the s3 probably will tell you about distance to various hazards. This GPS is handy because it is always with you - you don't have to go back to your cart or drive the cart across the fairway in order to get a reading. His GPS gives readings to some of the hazards - so I can ask if I need that information. Don't know if that helped - I guess you just need to think about what info you need. If I was a better golfer I might want more bells and whistles, but right now I am content with my s1. I'm not sure about specific differences but my husband bought the s1 for me because I wanted something that simply gave me the distance to the hole. I think the s3 probably will tell you about distance to various hazards. This GPS is handy because it is always with you - you don't have to go back to your cart or drive the cart across the fairway in order to get a reading. His GPS gives readings to some of the hazards - so I can ask if I need that information. Don't know if that helped - I guess you just need to think about what info you need. If I was a better golfer I might want more bells... » Read More I'm not sure about specific differences but my husband bought the s1 for me because I wanted something that simply gave me the distance to the hole. I think the s3 probably will tell you about distance to various hazards. This GPS is handy because it is always with you - you don't have to go back to your cart or drive the cart across the fairway in order to get a reading. His GPS gives readings to some of the hazards - so I can ask if I need that information. Don't know if that helped - I guess you just need to think about what info you need. If I was a better golfer I might want more bells and whistles, but right now I am content with my s1. « Show Less
772647
Few things off top of my head...Pros street pilot c550 over nuvi 350:-Better looking display (quality) than 350-bluetooth.-No bulky external antenna to break off.-intergrated traffic receiverPros 350 over streetpilot c550-more compact-slightly bigger display
1461189
Why does this get such negative reviews? Seems logical to get the most recent model in most tech things. We're buying our first gps, and need europe maps. Is the 765, 775, or 275 better?