Garmin nuvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
by Garmin
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Our Price: $48.90 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: GPS or Navigation System See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin nuvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Customer Review: Best Unbiased Vavorable review
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros
* Easy to use
* Bargain pricing
* Garmin is a mature company and everything here just works the way it's supposed to. No unpleasant surprises, or buggy code. Software feels well tested and thoughtfully implemented
* Slim, elegant, portable design. About the size of a deck of cards.
* 2007 Maps
* Large POI database (6+ million)
* Good text-to-speech (voice announces actual street names instead of generic maneuvers) - voice sounds natural and is easy to understand
* High performance GPS receiver
* Nice, Bright screen that's readable even in bright sunlight
* Mapping data is stored in memory rather than a hard disk, making the unit very lightweight and less susceptible to hard disk failure or damage from dropping
* SiRF's Star III GPS chipset yields phenomenal performance. I even got 4 out of 5 signal strength bars indoors! The SiRF enabled nuvi performed well in Manhattan's GPS challenging urban environment, tracking even behind tall buildings and short tunnels
* Excellent routing engine
* Solid windshield mount keeps the unit secure and in place. The nuvi is easy to angle on the mount, and it doesn't vibrate or shift while driving
* Can be upgraded to receive real-time traffic (requires purchase of optional TMC traffic receiver and a valid Garmin traffic subscription)
* Fast CPU performance: the nuvi is zippy and responsive. Navigating menus is quick, and route / re-route calculation is fast
* Long battery life (Garmin claims a battery life of 4-8 hours, and in my testing I was able to average around 7 hours per charge)
* Ability to route to lat/long coordinates
* Ability to see a list of all maneuvers (Turn List) before you start driving
* Top-notch Garmin customer support
Cons
* Address Book always ordered by closeness to your current position -- no way to sort alphabetically
* Takes 23 seconds to power on
* No route exclusion feature (ability to exclude certain roadways when choosing a route)
* No multi-destination address optimizing (you can have multiple stops on a route, but the nuvi cannot tell you the most efficient order for the stops)
* Sometimes the nuvi waits too long to reroute -- If you miss a turn, I found the nuvi waiting a nail-biting amount of time before finally accepting the fact that I had missed the turn and it needed to re-calculate
* Text-entry not as refined as TomTom or Magellan (Garmin doesn't prevent you from spelling out invalid city names)
* Route simulation mode only operates at 1x speed; no way to accelerate the simulator
Conclusion
When Garmin's nuvi 350 first hit store shelves, it sold for $1,000. At today's current street pricing of around $365, Garmin's nuvi 350 might just be the best deal in town. Garmin's first-rate routing engine consistently chose the best routes in head-to-head tests against Magellan and TomTom. The nuvi 350's text-to-speech is very good, announcing actual street names in a natural, clear voice. New NAVTEQ 2007 maps (City Navigator NT 2008), a high performance GPS receiver, bright daylight readable screen, and excellent windshield mount make the nuvi 350 a tough GPS to beat. The unit feels zippy and responds quickly to every command. Garmin's tech support is excellent.
Garmin's user interface is a joy to use -- this is a GPS you could loan a friend/parent and they could use it without reading the instructions. Overall there's very little to complain about on the nuvi 350. Although, I do wish Garmin would implement a more sophisticated text-entry system that prevents accidental key presses and misspellings, and I'd like to see the addition of multi-stop routing. I also found Garmin's public transportation POIs lacking compared to Magellan's.
The nuvi 350 is the the best GPS you can buy for under $400. Period. Is the nuvi 350 better than the TomTom ONE XL? Definitely. Is the 350 better than the Magellan Maestro 3140? Yes. The nuvi 350 has all the same core navigation features as Garmin's much more expensive 600-series GPS units, and produced identical routes as the 660/680. The 350 also includes a host of handy travel features, including a well designed MP3 player and photo viewer.
If you're looking for a solid, reasonably priced, GPS for every day use and don't need a wide screen display, the nuvi 350 is the best deal in town.
Customer Review: This gizmo can save your marriage
Summary: 5 Stars
There's a certain kind of argument among married couples. It begins, "Honey, I think that was our turn." Having a GPS (any GPS) completely eliminates that discussion, and you'll be amazed at how much stress it takes out of travel.
We've taken the Nuvi on two major trips, as well as a few minor ones. Before I tell you about the Nuvi specifically, let me convince you why Yes, you really should buy a GPS, and why it might be time to upgrade from an older model.
Our first trip was a business trip to the Bay Area. We rented a car, and commuted to our temporary workplace about 5 miles away. If we didn't have a GPS, we would have had to get directions and drive back-and-forth the same way, because we couldn't guess where another street would take us. With the GPS, we could explore alternate routes on a whim. When someone recommended a restaurant hidden in the back of an obscure strip mall, we could find it without difficulty or google maps. And "where's the closest gas station?" was a no-brainer.
A few weeks ago, a family emergency required that we drop everything and head to central Missouri from Phoenix. The airfare cost was outrageous, so we hopped in the car, armed only with a GPS and a cell phone, for a 2800 mile round trip. We could tell the GPS to "find the shortest route" or "find the fastest route" (which in this case were only an hour different). Rather than stick to the Interstate, we let the GPS choose, and it took us along the old Santa Fe trail. I would never, *never* have contemplated that route without its guidance, and I'd never have wended my way through the shortcut through Tucumcari NM on my own. Then I could settle down to "drive 315 miles on Hwy 54" with the reassurance of the GPS' built-in answer to "How much further before we have to turn?" Hotel searches required only a few button pushes ("Hey, there's one coming up at the exit in 8 miles") and the GPS took us right to the door. There is simply no way that I could have felt confident in doing such a trip without a GPS.
We bought a Garmin four or five years ago, a then slightly-older model. We took it on several trips, including one to Europe. It was time to replace the older Garmin with a new GPS when the map upgrade cost began to approach the cost of a new unit. After reading lots of reviews for various brands and models, and debating the features we needed, I'm really glad we chose this one.
* It's fast. If we missed a turn, the older model could take so long to recalculate that we could miss the alternate route before the GPS caught up. This one is near-immediate.
* The maps cover the entire continent. Because of memory limitations, our older model required that we download maps in chunks, and if we traveled any distance, that meant we *had* to bring a laptop along.
* The user interface is vastly improved. I can easily say that it's wonderful. It's very easy to read the screen in almost any light, and at sunset the Nuvi automatically switches to backlighting. The female voice that announces your turn ("in .5 mile, turn right onto Main Street") can be easily heard, and the Nuvi's sense of when to make that announcement is impeccably timed. (The only annoyance/amusement is that when you do go off route -- say, to stop at a gas station -- its announcement, "ReCALCulating!" sounds ever so exasperated with you.)
* Programming it is blissfully easy. I never looked at the instructions.
* The maps are surprisingly accurate, even in rural areas. It can occasionally screw up in minor ways, such as telling you a destination is on the left when it's on the right, so you do have to look. But overall it's extremely impressive.
My one complaint is minor. On a long trip, you have one major waypoint ("Mom's house"). The Nuvi lets you create an interrim waypoint, which in our case let us convince the GPS that we wanted to drive back via Colorado Springs. But if you want to add a second waypoint along the way (say a hotel in Wichita, too), you'll discover that you can have only one. That's unlikely to be a problem for most people, but I can imagine a few scenarios in which it'd be irritating.
The Garmin Nuvi is simply great equipment. The price is reasonable, the setup is simple, and the usability top notch. I highly recommend it.
Customer Review: Does an excellent job
Summary: 5 Stars
When my son and wife each decided that they wanted a basic GPS unit without a lot of extra bells and whistles, such as blue tooth, traffic receiver, a choice of lots of different "voices", etc. I purchased this unit for each of them without hesitation.
I myself use the Garmin Nuvi 660, which does have extra bells and whistles, but if you are looking for just a basic GPS unit, you will not go wrong with the Garmin Nuvi 350. It performs just as well as the 660, and while the screen is smaller, that really has no impact on performance, but is more a question of aesthetics. The smaller size also makes it easier to carry it around if you want to use it in pedestrian mode.
I have reviewed the 660, and offer some of the same following comments for the 350:
The screen on this unit is very bright, and can easily be seen with sunglasses on in direct sunlight. The speech directions are very clear and easy to understand.
I particularly like the ability to spell the name of a drugstore or supermarket chain, etc. when I am in a strange town to see if there are nearby locations.
Keep in mind that no GPS unit is a substitute for common sense or advance planning on a long trip. Don't expect to travel your favorite backroads or shortcuts, but also know that you can explore a strange area in confidence without constantly worrying about how to backtrack onto your original route.
Here are some specific tips when you first buy the unit:
Register at mygarmin.com. This is important because as part of the registration process you will also get the latest software update.
Download the WebUpdater from the Garmin site. Use it to check for updates periodically.
Download POI Loader from the Garmin site. This will enable you to download custom points of interest.
POI Factory is a website that has over a million free points of interest. For example, you can download rest areas for various highways so that on a long trip you know exactly where they are. You can also download red light cameras and speed traps.
I substituted the default splash screen with a splash screen containing a cell phone number, e-mail address, and office address in case the unit is lost. Type the text into Word, cut and paste to Paint, and save as jpeg file. Copy this file into the jpeg folder on the Nuvi, go to System, display, change splash screen.
Back up the files on the Nuvi onto an external hard drive on a regular basis. That's a lot simpler that having to re-input all of your different custom points of interest in case something goes wrong.
If you go to a mall or somewhere else where there is a large parking lot, when you arrive touch the screen once, then press save, and name the location. You can then use the Nuvi to find your car easily since it has a pedestrian mode.
I like that on any trip the Nuvi shows not only the total distance, but also the distance already traveled, average speed, maximum speed, and time of arrival, which is not static, but changes depending on whether you get stuck in traffic or really start moving.
I do wish that this unit could save particular routes (such as a favorite backway home from the office), but for basic purposes that does not matter.
The 350 comes with a travel case that is convenient to use when transporting it. You can easily put it in a pocket or purse.
If your main goal is to stop getting lost, then this unit will do the trick. For the money, it is a great buy on Amazon.
Update June 26, 2009: When my son came home from school, I borrowed his car a few times and used his Nuvi 350. At maximum brightness, it is still not as bright as the Nuvi 660. This was never a factor for my son (or wife, who has the same unit), but I noticed the difference right away since I am used to driving with the Nuvi 660.
Bottom line: You can see the Nuvi 350 screen in bright sunlight and with sunglasses on--but not as well as the brighter screen on the Nuvi 660. You need to decide whether that extra brightness is worth the extra expense.
Customer Review: This GPS is great & can change your life!
Summary: 5 Stars
We just returned from a driving vacation using our brand new Nuvi 350, our first GPS unit. I am directionally and technology-challenged, with no sense of direction, hate & avoid city driving, and was driving in areas I'd never been. The Nuvi was wonderful! In one particular resort area we visited, I'd have been sunk without it. Besides keeping me from driving around lost, it was very helpful in finding restaurants and other POI.
This device is so easy to use. It locks on satellites almost instantly. I'd had concerns about only being able to enter one Via point, but it recalculates so well and fast that it wasn't a problem--just start on the route you prefer to your destination, and it recalculates for your new route. Simple. I was also concerned that you couldn't enter routes ahead of time, but just save your destinations to Favorites before you leave, and you're really ready to Go (and get back) with just a few taps on the screen.
I tend to miss turns, so calling out the street names was VERY helpful, and I wouldn't want a GPS without that feature. Intersections are often close together and estimating distances can be difficult. This feature is worth the extra dollars in my opinion.
It even helps you get in the correct lane--says "keep left" or whatever. You can touch the top green bar and view the next turns ahead of time if you want.
The streets weren't very well marked in the resort area we visited--they want it "natural"--signs are often carved wood in white on pale blue, so I gave the "recalculating" feature a real workout. By now I have great confidence in this feature. If you can easily get back on its chosen route, it quickly gives directions for that. If you're choosing a different route, it seemed to know that and recalculates for the different route. The only time I got "make a U-turn" was when there really isn't any other good way to get there. (Some reviews of other brands have complained they just say "U-turn" endlessly instead of figuring another way for you.)
I know the maps are said to be already out of date, but the unit knew the little streets (more like driveways) inside the "plantation" where our resort was. However, it thinks my daughter's home is on the wrong side of the road, but they live in a really rural area, outside a very small town, and I know how to get there. I guess no GPS is perfect. All in all, I'm impressed with this gadget in every way!
This unit also comes with the most needed accessories--leather case, car charger, AC charger, cord for connecting to computer, windshield & dash mounts. (I bought the friction mount for the Nuvis, and really like it--easy to put into console after you park and nothing shows.) A manual would be nice, although most people probably don't need one. Garmin will send you one if you ask.
I'm sure it's giving me the confidence to go places I'd not attempt before I got it. It's already navigated me through the historic (and very congested) area of downtown Savannah without a hitch. I hate city driving and avoid it at all costs, but now I feel I can do it if I must! (Before, even if I could get TO a place with explicit directions, getting BACK was a different story.) I'm not kidding when I say this little gizmo can be life-changing. No printing pages & pages of mapquest and trying to read them while looking for streets--just a few screen touches and GO.
It may not always choose the best local shortcuts, but it will get you where you're going, and it's when you're going to an unknown place (or lost!) that you need a GPS. I wouldn't start on an unfamiliar trip now without this GPS unit. It was $370 very well spent.
If you ever lack confidence in finding your way, or have a loved one who does, get this little gizmo! It's amazing, and Garmin's tech and customer support have also been wonderful.
5 stars all the way--
Update 02/01/10: This unit is still working perfectly two and half years later. We've not updated the maps as they are still very useable. This is one of the best purchases we've ever made.
Customer Review: Luvi my Nuvi (350)
Summary: 5 Stars
I LOVE my new Nuvi. First you have to know that I get lost ALL the time. I had to make a trip to Colorado (over 1000 miles) and NO WAY I was going without a GPS.
I did a lot of comparing and reading professional AND consumer reviews.
I know there are larger screens
But, this one you can walk around with
I know there are multi function ones
but this one is VERY reasonable money wise
The screen is clear, large lettering, easy to read, It speaks to you (to the point of annoyance if you turn the wrong way). I have used it DAILY for over a month now and it has only steered me wrong once (to a dead end it thought was a through street)
This unit is INEXPENSIVE but does MOST of the functions the more expensive units do.
MOST, not all
I love the "find gas" or "food", etc. options. What a blessing that is. Now I don't have to settle for one vs another. I can pick MY favorite on the road chains (or try new local places). I don't have to opt for the expensive right off the road gas station, I can decide if I want to go a mile or 2 off the freeway and see if the station there is cheaper. This really happened on the way back from Colorado. I saved over 10 cents/gallon by going OFF the freeway, through a little town and ending up at one the the more reasonable chains. Couldn't see this one off the freeway! If I do this about 100 times, I think my Nuvi will be paid for, not to mention the time and gas I've wasted simply driving around looking for a place to eat or put gas because I don't like the options presented.
If I HAD to criticize this unit I would say
1. Be nice if you could PLOT a route with multiple stops
(you circumvent this by putting in all your destinations ahead of time as "favorites") and then push the next one enroute. It will ask you if you want to make this a stop (enroute) or not. It only allows ONE of these per plotted route, so I just pushed the "next" place I wanted to go to and said "no" to making it a stop. One extra step (pushing a button) but didn't pay $500 for my GPS!
I can take this in the city (walking)- which I haven't done (but will)
or use the suction cup "snap on" gizmo for in the car (I use this alot - once you get the hang of it, it's easy), so you can remove it and hide it under the seat of your car and not tempt those who would rather not pay for their stuff and take yours instead.
a BIG PLUS: It comes with EVERYTHING you need, sleeve case (sturdy, protective), windshield mount, car charger adapter. Most of the others, including Nuvi's, you have to BUY all this extra.
2. Be nice if I could've CORRECTED my GPS when it led me down the dead end street (1/2 mile off course) so it might not do it next time. Don't know if ANY GPS's do that or not, but I could see the problems that might be associated with an "always always lost" type person like me tampering with the memory of an "almost always right" GPS like the Nuvi! Not complaining about that one!
3. Sometimes, it's about 25-50 feet off when I give it an address. Don't know if that is a GPS thing or this GPS thing. Each time, I have a visual of the place. If it is something I want to keep, I tell it "current location" and then put the name in again (vs using the address input). I've done this a couple of times.
4. I wanted to use the Dutch language voice, but the "street name, turn by turn" directions were not used with this language, just "turn righ in 2 miles/kilometers". I like hearing the street names, so I changed it back to English.
All in all, I LOVE my Nuvi 350. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I even talk back to it sometimes! (scary huh?)
Inexpensive but does ALL the IMPORTANT things
If you are sill stuck wondering what to buy HER for Christmas, THIS would be an excellent choice. I love my Nuvi 350 (I think I said that already several times........)
Oh yes, it came loaded with 2009 I bought In October 2008. Now that is (also) first class!