Garmin 340 or 530?

530 is the newer model, which could translate to a newer antenna that may be quicker and more accurate and better screen for lesser glare. maybe, a more updated map as well?

Return the 530 to Amazon. It doesn't announce street names.

The Nuvi 660 is by far Garmin's best unit -- I've tried them all. It offers the largest and highest resolution screen which lets you see more information and detail, the screen is easy to read in sunlight (unlike the C340), and to top it off, it has the fastest processor which makes it the most responsive of the bunch.


TomTom 910 on left, Nuvi 660 in middle, C530/C550 on right

The Nuvi 660 is currently $727 at Amazon, but when Garmin announces the Nuvi 680 in two weeks at CES, perhaps we'll see it fall below $700.


Screenshot comparison of Nuvi 360, Nuvi 660 (center), and C550 in bright environment

One announces "Proceed four miles on Glebe Road and then turn right onto Lee Highway" followed by "In point-two miles, turn right on Lee Highway" (varies by speed limit) and then "Turn right on Lee Highway" as you get very close. On the other unit, you just get "Proceed four miles.." followed by "In point-two miles, turn right" and then "Turn right." On both units, the street names are clearly labeled on the map but when making every turn, you don't typically look at the screen.

The announcement of street names helps in two ways. When you know the area, it suggests to you what route the GPS is going to take. When you don't know the area, the street name announcements give you a better idea of what to expect with the turn, because you know well in advance what street or highway exit you'll be turning on.

The Garmin C340, Nuvi 350, Nuvi 360, and Nuvi 660 all announce street names. The 530 has a more sensitive GPS chipset from SiRF and a better screen than the C340, but the Nuvi 360 has the same GPS chipset and a more comparable screen. The Garmin C530 sells for about $400, while the Nuvi 350 sells for about $450, and the Nuvi 360 sells for about $520.

In any case, you have 30 days to decide if the C530 is right for you. Amazon has a fairly liberal return policy, assuming you actually bought from them and don't throw out any of the packaging.

I think you'll be very happy with it. Please post your impressions for others after you've used it a bit.

Once you get the unit, be sure to update to the latest software using Garmin's online updater (download it from their web site).

Stryker,


Does your car stereo have an A/V or AUX input? If so, you can connect the GPS straight to your car stereo and use your car's speakers instead. My Nuvi 660 has better built-in speakers, as well as a FM transmitter to use the car's speakers without such an AUX input.

If you have a MP3 music library, you can copy it to CompactFlash card ($20 for 1Gb, $30 for 2Gb) and plug it into the Nuvi. You can then play your favorite songs through the Nuvi (using your car's stereo, if you have an A/V or AUX input); the Nuvi will reduce the volume on the music whenever it needs to give you instructions, after which it will restore the music volume to its normal level. It's pretty cool.


On your Nuvi 350, then go to the Map -> Map Info. What map version does it say you have? The latest is City Navigator North America v8.

When the Nuvi 350 was originally released, it shipped with v7 of the map software, released back in April 2005. Nuvi 350s manufactured since October 2006 are supposed to include the newer v8 software, but if your unit has the older maps, you are entitled to a free upgrade CD.

Garmin generally updates all of its U.S. maps every April; the next major version would be City Navigator North America v9 in April, 2007. Those upgrades cost $75 if you buy them from Garmin, or $40-$50 through mail order.

Be sure that you have the latest firmware as well. On your Nuvi 350, go to the System -> About screen. What software version does it say you have? The latest is v4.3, which you can download here. Choose the the web updater, install it, then connect the Nuvi to your PC with a USB cable. It will do the rest. If you have a Mac, then download the firmware file directly and follow the directions.

i like the nuvi 660 too but it's silver, and not a good fit inside a car. i am awaiting a blackish unit with a big widescreen without the frills (bluetooth, mp3 player, etc)...

Garmin uses maps from Navteq, just like virtually every other GPS sold in N. America. I don't think Garmin themselves has anything to do with the maps, although they certainly are responsible for the routing in their products. You might want to look at navteq.com and see if theres a contact for suggested changes.

I'm not sure what the cutoff deadline is for the Navteq maps in the 2007 version of City Navigator North America (which would update your Nuvi), but if that parkway is open soon, it should be in that next map update when it comes out in ~April.

Note that more expensive models from Garmin (specifically, the Zumo 550 and Streetpilot 2820, etc) do let you define and save your own locations with custom routes using computer software. The Nuvis and C-series don't offer that capability -- they are designed with simplicity in mind. I believe these Zumo and Streetpolot units will also let you enter multiple addresses, from which they can plot the most efficient route possible to visit each spot -- useful for trips and deliveries. Of course, to define and save your own route, the map data in the unit must be sufficiently up-to-date to let you plot that route. You can't take a road or exit that doesn't exist.

530 is worse value compared to Nuvi 350.