What do you think about this GPS for driving?

[kevs]

I'm looking to get the GARMIN 660 (http://www.buy.com/retail/Product.asp?sku=202883025&SearchEngine=CJaffiliate&Type=CJ&Keyword=202883025&Category=Elec&adid=17662), and it was just released a few days ago.

First, what do ya'll think about this unit?

Second, Buy.com has a $15 coupon out right now that brings the price of this down to $735 shipped.

Since it just came out, what do you think are the chances the price will drop closer to the holidays? Or would the price stay up BECAUSE it's the holidays?

[cheapie]

$750??? Good grief! is it that much better than other units?

[DarkFury]

You are gonna love it. :D

And I doubt that the price will drop much... If you are looking for a lower price, then you might want to look at the previous year's model for that GPS.

[Maarchk]

You are gonna love it. :D

For 750 bucks he better marry it and make love to it!

[johnnymk]

For $750, as a guy, I would actually stop and ask directions instead of paying that much money.

[DarkFury]

For 750 bucks he better marry it and make love to it!
The GPS option in my car was $1500... and it's permanently mounted to the car.

This one is completely portable, doubles as an MP3 player, has satellite updateable mapping (instead of the disk loads of a permanant car mount system), and a host of other features.

Depending on how you are gonna use is, it has value.

BTW.. here is what the Garmin site says about it:



Answer the call to adventure with nüvi 660, a sleek navigator and travel assistant. This preloaded navigator brings a colorful widescreen display to the nüvi family and features hands-free calling, traffic alerts, an FM transmitter* and more.

Hands-free calling

nüvi 660, along with its counterparts nüvi 360 and nüvi 310, integrate Bluetooth® wireless technology with a microphone and speaker that lets you make hands-free mobile phone calls. Simply dial numbers with the nüvi's touch screen keypad to make a call on a compatible phone. To answer calls, just tap nüvi's screen and speak directly into its built in microphone.

In addition, easily look-up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or from your phone’s call history log. Don’t know the phone number for your destination? Simply find and dial it from nüvi's extensive points of interest database — including hotels, restaurants, stores, and attractions.

Navigate with Ease

nüvi 660 comes ready to go with preloaded maps and includes automatic routing, 3D or 2D map perspective, turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names and a fingertip touch screen interface, making navigation easy. It also supports configurable vehicle icons — fun, customized car-shaped icons in a variety of colors that show your position on the map.

See More with a Widescreen Display

nüvi 660 features a super-bright 4.3" widescreen display for improved map viewing, POI lookup and MP3/audio book playback. This landscape display has white backlight and a touchscreen for easy use.

Avoid Traffic Tie-Ups

Steer clear of traffic with nuvi 660's integrated FM TMC traffic receiver. Receive alerts about traffic tie-ups and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Next, simply touch nuvi's screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area.

Enjoy Wireless FM Audio Transmission

With nüvi 660's wireless FM transmitter* you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle's stereo.

Go Beyond Navigation

Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 660 includes many “must have” entertainment and travel tools including MP3 player, audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, currency converters, and more.


Try doing all of that with a "standard" GPS. :D Retail is over $1,000 so getting it for around $700 is a nice price.

[DarkFury]

For $750, as a guy, I would actually stop and ask directions instead of paying that much money.
Well we already know that you are "cheap" when it comes to automotive products (I remember our "wheel/rim" discussions of the past)... so pretty much I expect an answer like that from your perspective. :D

[bachviet]

That's why I'm using my Treo 650 along with a cheap GPS receiver (under $70) + mapping software as my portable navigation device.

[renovation]

i take my laptop and microsoft streets and trips with the gps that hooks to the usb port. costs $99 or less on sale! this way you get a 14 or 15 inch full color screen depending on your laptop and its easily readable. also has a night driving option. and i own the laptop anyway!

[DarkFury]

While I do understand that there are always "other options", you gotta look at the complete package here... just like in cars, sure you can get to work just fine in a Hyundai, but some folks will shell out extra to drive a Mercedes. They are both still cars, but one might have a few more "nice features" over the other.

So hey... to each his or her own. :D

[johnnymk]

Well we already know that you are "cheap" when it comes to automotive products (I remember our "wheel/rim" discussions of the past)... so pretty much I expect an answer like that from your perspective. :D


Cheap?... I am "economical", "thrifty", "tight"..but don't call me "cheap"!! :wavey2:

[gear02]

I'm with DF on this. My Nuvi 350 is really one of my best purchases. I've never gotten lost with it and I don't worry about going to new towns and stuff.

The 660 has a huge screen and bluetooth but I have to wonder if you need it. The huge screen is great (don't get me wrong, I'm #$*(#&$ jealous of that screen), but I wonder if it might obscure too much of your view. Also, I think hooking your phone to the bluetooth in the Nuvi might be too much of a hassle unless you're planning on driving long distances.

Consider the Nuvi 350, the streetpilot series (2620, 2630), or even the C and I series.

[DarkFury]

Cheap?... I am "economical", "thrifty", "tight"..but don't call me "cheap"!! :wavey2:
Bwaaaa haa haa haa...

Ok... I'm not gonna get into with ya. That's Obby's job. :wavey: :D

[kevs]

I'm with DF on this. My Nuvi 350 is really one of my best purchases. I've never gotten lost with it and I don't worry about going to new towns and stuff.

The 660 has a huge screen and bluetooth but I have to wonder if you need it. The huge screen is great (don't get me wrong, I'm #$*(#&$ jealous of that screen), but I wonder if it might obscure too much of your view. Also, I think hooking your phone to the bluetooth in the Nuvi might be too much of a hassle unless you're planning on driving long distances.

Consider the Nuvi 350, the streetpilot series (2620, 2630), or even the C and I series.

Thanks to all for the valid points.

One reason why I'm okay with this purchase is because it's for my business and I will use it to get to clients. I've gotten lost by MapQuest one too many times...

Also, I've read reviews where the BlueTooth actually works well. AND, the 660 has an FM transmitter, so the phone can be used through the car speakers. The directions can be played through the speakers too.

My only thing is whether or not I can play music and then have the directions come out like OEM Navi's.

I had a buddy that got a great deal on a 350 and he loves it. I considered it, but I think I'm the kind of person that needs to have the latest invention, you know what I mean?

If the price may not get any cheaper, I may go ahead and purchase this now. I was hoping that the price may drop a little more around the holidays...

Do ya'll think that may happen?

Thanks again!

[gear02]

If you want until the prices drop you'll be waiting for a while, and then they'll release something else new and then you're in a vicious cycle. Besides, they rarely drop the price 1) so soon after launch and 2) during the holidays.

So, just buy the $#&@ thing!

[ramazank2]

i just bought a Nuvi 360 and I am loving it. However, I am not a fan of using the bluetooth connectivity with my phone. It is a little hard to hear and difficult to disable if you get an important call. So I tend to leave it disabled. I really like the size of the 360. I was thinking about returning mine and getting the 660 but in the end I thought that it might be a litle too big. But as a GPS unit this thing has it all.

[kevs]

If you want until the prices drop you'll be waiting for a while, and then they'll release something else new and then you're in a vicious cycle. Besides, they rarely drop the price 1) so soon after launch and 2) during the holidays.

So, just buy the $#&@ thing!

You are TOO right...I really need to clamp down and just buy the darn thing.

[brainsmile]

That's why I'm using my Treo 650 along with a cheap GPS receiver (under $70) + mapping software as my portable navigation device.
hey send me some info on that option. I'm interested

[DarkFury]

My only thing is whether or not I can play music and then have the directions come out like OEM Navi's.
Well.. I don't think it comes with an "auto mute" feature since it is not integrated with the OEM stereo.

I know that my Nuvi 350 does not... however I wouldn't consider that a "deal breaker". :D

[ramazank2]

I know the Nuvi 360 has a line out port that can send the music, directions, and phone to your radio, if your current radio has a line in port.

[ramazank2]

The nuvi 360 has just dropped to $650 on amazon! I just asked for a credit!

[bachviet]

Wrong post

[Houdini]

Well.. I don't think it comes with an "auto mute" feature since it is not integrated with the OEM stereo.

I know that my Nuvi 350 does not... however I wouldn't consider that a "deal breaker". :D

Heh...people tend to turn down their radios when looking for addresses anyway. I still don't know why. I do it too. :)

[DarkFury]

Heh...people tend to turn down their radios when looking for addresses anyway. I still don't know why. I do it too. :)
People probably focus better without the distraction of the radio... :heh: Kinda contradictory to the point of driving, but honestly the radio does keep me awake and away from the spells of "highway hypnosis" at times. :D

But also you have to realize that this unit actually calls out the street names, upcoming landmarks, turns, etc so having a loud radio might prevent you from hearing it giving you directions.

I think that is what he was referring to.... muting down the stereo when the GPS wants to talk. :D

[kevs]

I think that is what he was referring to.... muting down the stereo when the GPS wants to talk. :D

Correct! I was hoping somehow I could use the FM Transmitter to mute my sound system while calling out the directions.

I know some OEM Navi's do this, but I'm sure it's because of the system itself.

[Houdini]

Correct! I was hoping somehow I could use the FM Transmitter to mute my sound system while calling out the directions.

I know some OEM Navi's do this, but I'm sure it's because of the system itself.


Yeah, I knew what you meant. But I also had to muse about the tendency of people to turn down radios when looking for directions, as if you can see better. :)

I doubt if anything will automatically mute your speakers, so if you're trying to find a place and are waiting for the exact turn, etc., when you're close, you could always just tune your radio to the FM-fed frequency (probably 89.something.) Then, just switch back to your favorite radio station or CD. Actually, that sounds like a good feature, as continually randomly muting your stereo might get annoying. Having a "GPS Station" sounds pretty cool to me.

H <---wants a GPS, but needs more funding. :)

[kevs]

I doubt if anything will automatically mute your speakers, so if you're trying to find a place and are waiting for the exact turn, etc., when you're close, you could always just tune your radio to the FM-fed frequency (probably 89.something.) Then, just switch back to your favorite radio station or CD. Actually, that sounds like a good feature, as continually randomly muting your stereo might get annoying. Having a "GPS Station" sounds pretty cool to me.
:)

Yeah, I guess what I was looking for was something similar to what my friend had in his 06 Pilot, where it had the auto mute.

I think I'd forget to switch stations before each audible direction. Oh well. Looks like I'll be turning up the volume on the navi! :)