Garmin - Nuvi 650

If you are looking at high quality feature-rich GPS device, chances are you will be looking to buy one of the Garmin Nuvi devices.

The Garmin Nuvi 650 is based on one of the best navigation systems in the market today and comes with quite a few of the already popular Nuvi features. However, the new feature of the Nuvi 650 is its wider display. Measuring 4.3 inches, the screen is super-bright and allows for viewing maps in a better light. Also, the Nuvi 650 comes without many of the fancier features like Bluetooth or a traffic receiver. This makes it ideal for many users who prefer a model that is cheaper and does not come with many advanced features that they may never use. Of course, there are also some great add-ons like an MP3 player and an audio book reader.

Features

One of the features that is a deciding factor in many users buying decision is the ability of the Nuvi 650 to include the street name while mentioning the next turn to take. It will say, for example, ‘Turn left onto Pike Avenue in 250 feet’ instead of just saying ‘Turn left in 250 feet’. While you may wonder if that is a big deal, you are certain to find it immensely useful especially when you are driving in crowded urban areas. Imagine you are nearing a very busy intersection, which goes past many side streets then it helps to know which street you are to turn on by listening to the driving instruction and then verifying this with the street signs. This is of particular help when you are driving in unfamiliar areas or cities.

Of course, the device allows you to specify your destination in many ways – you could either just enter the address of your destination straightaway or you could find it on a map. You could try more fancy ways of entering the co-ordinates of the place or if you know any of any landmarks near your destination, you could search through the six million points of interest to find one that is closest to your destination. The current points of interest cover not just standard places like ATMs or gas stations any more, they also include parks, concert halls, local attractions and of course, hotels and restaurants. All complete with addresses and phone numbers. You can also download POIs from other sources to add to the already existing ones. There is even a button called ‘Home’ so that no matter where you are and how lost you are, you will always be able to find your home by just touching that one button on your Nuvi 650.

Another very useful feature is a headphone out jack that will let you connect your Nuvi 650 to your car stereo. You can then use the Nuvi 650 to play your MP3 audio files or hear the driving instructions, as you drive, over the speakers.

Thus, the Nuvi 650 offers many sophisticated navigation features with great ease-of-use.