After having had my Nuvi 350 for only a matter of a month, I was finding myself more and more drawn towards the ever-growing aurora of the newest and more innovative Garmin out there the 660. Little subtle differences had caught my attention, such as its ability to broadcast over an FM frequency, and the added ease of Bluetooth capabilities. However, in the end, it was simply about size. The 660 bragged a much more beautifully sized 4:3 aspect screen. This alone was enough to sell me out to the 350 s big brother but as I soon found out, it shined out from just about every other angle as well. A good amount of this review will follow with comparison to the 350, which I reviewed
here. Other sections will appear almost identical to the 350 s review, as they use almost the exact same mapping software and chipset. Enough with the small talk though we both know why you re here right now, so lets dig in.
Appearance Upon opening up the 660, I found myself even more baffled then I was with my original 350 Nuvi. The screen was just simply consuming. For such a large screen, there was just nothing else to really look at or talk about. The screen itself filled close to almost 95% of the surface area of the front panel. Following the path of it s older 350 sibling, the only button on the whole unit is located in the top right corner, and was used to power the unit on/off and used for a few different shortcuts, depending on the number of times it was pressed. The unit retained an impressive balance, even with the rear-flipping antennae up. To no surprise, the unit itself filled your hand significantly more than the 350 did, and weighed just a hair more. With the external appeal of the unit being so simple and clear, there just simply isn't much you can say about it...it's simple.
Dimensionally speaking, the unit still retains an amazingly light weight, adding on just over an ounce more than the 350, with a total weight of 6.2 ounces. As with the 350, the number 660 doesn't apparently stand for anything in specific, except for a model number. The whole unit measures in at 4.9" W x 2.9" H x 0.9" D, while the screen itself occupies 3.81" W x 2.25" H (4.3" diag.) of that space, with a resolution comprised of 480 x 272 pixels. In the box you'll find an AC power cable, Car adaptor power cable/FM integrated traffic receiver, USB/computer cable, Suction cup, and adhesive disc. I use the suction cup, and have yet to have any problems with it. Statistically speaking, the Nuvi 350 was already an impressive marvel of its own, taking the 660 to an ultimate level. From my experience, this portable unit almost directly rivals most factory car navigation systems!
Instruction Manual One separating factor between the 350 and the 660 was the addition of a CD for the manual. The 350 included the manual on the unit itself, and could be accessed by plugging your 350 up to a computer, then opening up the PDF files on the Nuvi s memory. Not so with the 660 now you ve got a separate disc to reference! However, it is also available on their website as an alternative. I only found myself referencing the manual a couple times, as most of the setup was almost dummy-proof. The box does however come with a quick-start guide that runs through the general steps to using the Nuvi. All in all, the actual manual itself is still somewhat shallow on the instructions, although it does seem to cover all the details.
Features As if I hadn t thought the 350 was crammed with enough goodies, the 660 once again ups the ante to the next level. Many of these features you ll find are the exact same as on the 350, and others you won t. A denoted (660) indicates a Nuvi 660 ONLY characteristic, while all the others are common to the Nuvi family. In this section, we ll briefly cover all the features that seem to matter:
Travel Kit - Setting the Nuvi apart from its Street Pilot siblings, this kit includes a huge array of useful options in almost every situation. Those options include: Language translator (requires add-on SD cards), MP3 player, audio book player from Audible.com, JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, and calculator. In addition, the kit also included the option to use something called the Garmin Travel Guide, which can be purchased separately to add a certain touch to sightseeing in larger cities.
MP3 Player - While this is a part of the aforementioned Travel Kit, I figured that it s heavy usage by many really does place it in it s own category. The player is rather nicely incorporated into the unit. It s rather simple in comparison to a devoted digital music player (i.e. iPod), but does an impressive job. Its sound reproduction via the onboard speaker is so-so at best. However, I found that a nice set of headphones made for a straight up IMPRESSIVE experience for a GPS unit. There are no complex controls, or even equalizer controls for that matter. However, I could honestly say that running a mini-jack cord from the headphones jack to a car stereo s input jack would yield a VERY pleasant digital music system. If at all possible, I would definitely suggest this over the FM transmitter, as it was less functional then I d hoped.
FM transmitter (660) - While the initial anticipation of this option had me almost dreaming of using the Nuvi as a free-iPod substitute, I quickly found that it s about the equivalent of a low-quality signal FM station. Nowhere even close to the digital quality that I d come to expect, but when returning to the true fact that it s a GPS unit first, then an entertainment means second, it quickly found acceptable redemption. Audiophiles will likely cringe, but everyday listeners looking cheaply incorporate their computer library of music into the car will be somewhat pleased. I also liked the way that it would cut out the music to give directions very nice for those of us who don t listen to music on the quiet side all the time. I think that fading music in the background might have been a subtler, smooth approach but then again, beggars can t be choosers. My results may have been slightly worse then others, as my RX8 has an antennae integrated into the rear window which likely gets a worse signal then say, a front antennae.
3D capable - Not so much exclusive anymore, the Nuvi features a 3D map (birds eyes view) after acquiring 4 satellites, making the image look much more realistic and eye appealing. This is obtained by looking at the streets at more of a 45-degree angle, as opposed to typical 2D images representing a 90-degree angle view.
Traffic Receiver (660) - All units aside from the 660 require the use of optional GTM-10 or GTM-12 traffic receivers, allowing the Nuvi to work smoothly in transition with the receiver to provide live results on traffic/accident posting. The 660, however, integrated a GTM-20 traffic receiver into the cigarette lighter adaptor, creating a much-less cluttered environment in the car. Although it requires an annual fee of $60, most people seem to find it more than useful in larger cites. Since I personally haven't found a need for it, I can't really comment on its usefulness yet. At any rate, the 660 comes with a trial 3-month subscription to give you a feel for it. I couldn t even try to knock this idea it s brilliant.
Bluetooth Capabilities (660/360) - Following it s direct predecessor (360), the 660 incorporates the same Bluetooth technology into it s usages. As long as you have a phone designed to work through Bluetooth, you ll find yourself able to make and accept phone calls, as well as call up any POI number. Furthermore, a very small handful of phones are able to incorporate usage of text messaging through the 660. Very suave and smooth, if I don t mind saying so myself.
Fingertip Touch-screen - Another feature that's becoming less exclusive is the use of a 100% touch-screen operation. The only option not attainable by touching the screen would be the power. Sensitivity seems extremely light and takes little effort to register. The screen doesn't require a stylus, which makes use very simple when driving. Such features as dragging the map around with your finger are simply attainable by doing so, with little to no lag from the system.
SD Memory Card Expansion Slot - Just as it sounds, this slot creates up to an additional 2GB of storage. Also, the slot can be used to load Garmin Tour Guide programs, Additional country maps, and optional language translators. Clearly, a valuable addition to the unit. When initially receiving the unit, it comes with approximately 700MB of free space.
Wider, Brighter Screen (660) - Setting the 660 a hair above all its Nuvi siblings, it sports a larger, wider screen. This allows for a more extensive peripheral birds-eye view of everything, and also seems to be slightly more crisp. The measurements of the screen itself increased from 2.8" W x 2.1" H to 3.81" x 2.25", as well as a slight increase in resolution, from 320 x 240 pixels to 480 x 272 pixels. It does retain the same 64,000 TFT screen as its older models though.
Street Name Pronunciation - Despite the somewhat botched pronunciations of many streets, this option makes for an invaluable asset when comparing so to the market standard "in 500 meters, turn left". This happens to be one of my favorite options of the Nuvi, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.
Garmin-Lock - Unique to their name, this little nifty option sets 2 awesome standards in security. When activated, the unit requires a pass code every time it starts up. In the event of forgetting the password, you simply return to a geographical point, which you designate as your safe zone, and the unit will unlock. Unprecedented security feature, in my opinion.
Battery Power - The Nuvi comes equipped with a lithium ion rechargeable battery, which means 2 things. First of all, it's very portable, and it's limited to a car. Second, it's rechargeable, meaning that you won't need to spend tons of money on throw-aways. The battery life itself is stated to be 3-7 hours, and my personal findings have been about the same, if not better. Turning the brightness down substantially ups battery life, deeming it very useful.
GPS specs/accuracy I've found the GPS to be surprisingly accurate, according to my own standards. It comes equipped with the SiRF chipset, which brags some of the most accurate GPS results possible. As if that weren't enough, the Nuvi is also WAAS enabled, making it possible to get accuracy down to 5 feet. In my own findings, I ve found my results to get as low as 10 feet on one occasion, although averages seem to be around 13-15 feet.
The map provided City Navigator NT (version 8) is rather accurate, all things considered. However, I ve found there to be some mixed results in accuracy of dated additions. Certain additions that were added on 10 years ago don't appear, however other roads added as early as 4 year ago do. Restaurant/POI accuracy seems to follow suit as well, deeming a 7-year-old Applebee s as non-existent whilst across town, the 3-year-old Steak-n-Shake is clearly graphed. However in most occasions, all minor gripes aside, the overall mapping accuracy is very impressively right on mark. Aside from the occasional POI located on the wrong side of the road or roads not existing, this GPS will most definitely get you to where you're going. Proving it s mapping software as the same as the 350s, all such oddities were still present in the 660 s database.
Operation I couldn't believe exactly how easy the manners of this unit were learned. Everything is easily labeled by vividly colored buttons, and menus are easily followed. I found the menus to be so easily navigated around that it's hard to even elaborate on them. When the unit turns on, the initial menu includes "Where to?" "View Map" and "Travel Kit". Other options include Settings, Volume/Brightness, Phone (IF Bluetooth enabled), and Traffic. Everything through the whole unit is navigated simply by following these simple instructions.
Any location can be saved under the "Favorites" category, and with the help of a few free programs available through Garmin.com. A custom POI loader makes it easy to add endless points of interest to your database. Web-Updater software makes it a snap to check for software upgrades.
When simply using the GPS without a specified destination, it displays the direction of travel in the bottom right hand corner and your current speed in the bottom left corner. Because you re not going anywhere predetermined, the unit remains quiet and doesn t make any audible comments. As you move down the road, the next upcoming road is displayed on the status bar above the map. It s pretty quick to continually list the next upcoming road as you move along.
On the other hand, when a destination s entered, the bottom right hand corner lists how far your next turn is, and the left corner shows the estimated time of arrival (which is constantly updating in accordance to distance and speed). As you move along, the bottom right corner is continually updating the distance to the next turn. Depending on your speed of travel, the voice will chime-in within a mile of the next turn and announce the upcoming turn, the name of the street and how far you ve got left to go. Once you finally reach the turn, the voice prompts you when to turn and which way to go. Immediately following the turn-in, the distance to the next turn is announced, as well as the name of the street and distance. From there, it s a repeating process up until the destination is reached.
During a destination-bound trip, you can push the button on the bottom right corner to bring up the next turn screen, which jumps over to a close-up view of the next turn which will be made, as well as the distance and amount of time until the next turn arrives. At this point also, the voice prompt comes on and verbally announces the distance to the next turn as well as its name. This menu will stay up for about 10 seconds or so, then switch back to the map. You also have the audio button found inland of the right side, which can be pressed to quickly jump to your MP3 player. Inland of the left side is simply the menu button, which takes you back to the opening menu.
At any point, destination-bound or simply viewing the map, you can push the button on the bottom left corner of the map. This will bring up a rather intriguing and accurate trip computer. Slightly different than the 350 s screen, the analog speedometer is replaced simply with a digital speed readout, accurate to the .1 of a MPH. Among the listed details includes: moving average (speed), overall average (speed), max speed, total time, moving time, and stopped time. There are 2 controlling buttons that can reset max or reset trip . Also listed on this screen is your current speed, direction, total miles odometer (for the trip), and if following a destination, total miles till destination.
Problems and Disadvantages I found the 660 to have even LESS general problems and disadvantages than my 350, which was odd considering how much newer and less tried it is. I did run into some serious problems with my 350 s though, so it could have been just an isolated incident of bad luck. While the 660 is near perfect in my opinion, nothing in life is ever perfect...and that so, this GPS unit is no exception.
Price - First and foremost, do realize that this is the top of the line Garmin Nuvi out there. As for their portable line, it doesn t really get much better and with so, comes the price. The initial MSRP was $1,079, but has since been seen in the low $700 range at most online stores. While this is an impressively big drop for only 4 months, it pales in savings when considering that you could almost buy 2 Nuvi 350 s with the same money. However, if you plan on adding a traffic receiver at any point, the integrated receiver in the 660 alone means less clutter, and may be a wiser choice to lay down the money upfront.
Battery Life - Not so much a drastic drop from the 350 s stated battery drain, the 660 knocks an hour off both ends of the estimated times, dropping from the 350 s 4-8 hours to 3-7 hours. I ve found it to be even slightly less time than that when using ALL the features at the same time, without plugging it in. However, with its integrated traffic receiver, you ll find that the 660 rarely should be used without the plug anyway. I found that for the most part, that left this bickering-point null and void.
Unit Freeze-ups - Previously a problem with my first Garmin Nuvi 350, I ve yet to experience it with the 660. Garmin claimed that it must have been a programming flaw on the 350, but I figured I would mention it just incase anyone else finds themselves with the same issues.
Map Inconsistency - As stated above, the POI's and certain roads seem to be inconsistent with their existence on the 350's memory database. Certain newer roads show up while older ones don t. Same goes for many of the POI's that are listed. Obviously, this isn't so much a problem with the 350, but the City Navigator NT program.
Hardwire Complications - Simply put, I tried to hardwire my Nuvi 350 to my car and fried it. It cost $225 in repairs and another $30 for a replacement cord. Since the 660 integrates the FM traffic receiver into the cord, it would NOT be wise AT ALL to do this now, considering how the replacement cord jumps from $30 to $200. Not even to mention that Garmin doesn t even have a quote on their website for the repair costs of the 660. This can t be a good sign, so stay away even if you re experienced. Just a forewarning read
my 350 review for more details.
Overview Seeing past the price tag of this unit is the beginning of seeing it s true potential. I will honestly say though that if you don t care for the FM transmitter, never use traffic implications, and don t even know what Bluetooth is, you d be MUCH better fit with a steal-of-a-deal Nuvi 350. However, for those that strive off of the advancements in technology, make no mistake this is your GPS unit. It incorporates almost everything into it that I could even fathom to ever want while on the road ever. The slightly larger screen is a nice addition as well, assuming that it s not going to be a visually blocking distraction. I have a feeling that its price is about to level off for a good amount of time though, sitting pretty steady at about $700. Pricey? Maybe a little but look at its competition. Considering that most factory GPS systems can easily be 2-3 times that much, it makes me wonder why they aren t taking lessons from Garmin yet. I d still take this GPS over all factory systems I ve seen to date (Lincoln, BMW and Lexus). I d recommend the 660 to anyone looking for the ride of your life and how to get there too :-)
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