Thursday, July 8, 2010

Top Ten GPS Mystery Unravelled- Number Six!

This article is part five of a ten part series on the Top Ten GPS units for 2010. Working our way down from number ten to number one. Nearly halfway through our top ten, this unit is in high demand in the gps marketplace today, and for good reasons. Number six: The Garmin Nuvi 650.

Features:

Big screen and slim design. At 4.3 inches, this screen makes it easy to see where you need to go. And with the sleek & slim design of the nuvi series of gps units, it makes taking it with you wherever you go easy.

Super bright screen. Garmin made this screen extra bright so you can see it in any situation, including in bright sunlight.

Spoken directions and street names. You'll never hear me criticize this feature. Anything that helps you keep your eyes on the road helps you get where you need to be safely.

Bluetooth enabled. The Garmin Nuvi 650 gives you the ability to make hands free calls with your cell phone through its bluetooth connection. Which eliminates one more distraction.

Integrated traffic receiver and FM transmitter. This gps unit provides the convenience of receiving traffic updates so you can be prepared for traffic delays, or avoid them all together. At this time, traffic updates generally only work in major metro areas. If you're not sure if your regular driving area qualifies, make sure to test this feature out in your area to see if it works. If not, you could always return the unit if traffic updates was a prerequisite for buying in the first place.

Up to seven hours of battery life. Battery life is never a factor if you only use your gps in the car where you can keep it charged. The Garmin Nuvi 650 was designed for the person who wants to get out from behind the wheel. Long battery life gives you the ability to take it with you on hikes if that's your thing.

Entertainment options. With the Garmin Nuvi 650 you can store and play mp3's and audiobooks. You can store and view your jpeg images, downloaded from your computer. You can also get currency conversions if your traveling.

Customizable car icons. The Garmin website gives you the freedom to personalize your gps with multiple car icons to display on your screen. Is that something you really need in a gps unit? No. But it sure makes it more fun!

Basic hardware setup. This particular gps unit comes with a suction cup mount for your windshield, a dashboard disc, usb cable, and a quick reference manual. Garmin prides itself in providing a product that you can take out of the box and use it immediately. Even if you have little or no experience with a gps unit.

Ability to add optional software. If you're buying a new gps for travel purposes, you might want to consider paying extra for Garmin's optional software. Language translation, travel guides, and savings programs could be worth the price if they give you greater peace of mind and savings while out on the road.

Pros:

Crystal clear and bright screen. Whether your driving or hiking through the woods, you'll be able to see where you need to go.

Easily save locations to your list of favorites. One touch of a button will insure that you can always get back to important places.

User friendly interface. Garmin has the easiest to use menus and screens on any of the gps units available today.

Cons:

No carrying case, ac charger, or instruction manual. Although Garmin makes their units easy to use, it is nice to have an instruction manual to figure out those advanced features.

At times this unit will not tell you to turn until the last moment. Part of a gps units reliability rests in it's ability to tell you in advance where to go.

Does not have a qwerty keyboard. If you text a lot, this may drive you crazy. Otherwise, it will probably only take you a few extra seconds to type in the address to your destination.

For more information on the Top Ten GPS units for 2010, visit http://www.squidoo.com/top-ten-gps

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