Compare Garmin Nuvi Car GPS Models
Garmin's Nuvi product line offers many models, and I've distilled what I've learned about the different models in this guide.
Garmin car GPS devices primarily fall under the Garmin Nuvi line. Within this line, there are the following series:
Basically, higher numbered series offer more features. Each series is further divided into models. For example, the 705 series has 755, and 775. Again, the general trend is that higher model numbers offer more features. For example, the higher model numbers would usually include more maps, built-in FM receiver (for traffic updates), and Bluetooth sync with your phone.
Nuvi 205 Series
Entry level units. The 205 series is a refresh of the 200 series with better performance, and also adds FM traffic updates and/or MSN direct content (traffic and city guide that you have to pay for)
Nuvi 500 Series
Waterproof, good for outdoors, boating, biking, hiking, etc.
Nuvi 705 Series
The Nuvi 705 series are higher end models with more features like multi-destination routing, land guidance (tells you which lane to be in to prepare for intersections and freeway interchanges) and other performance enhancements.
Nuvi 805 Series
Adds voice recognition. This is the only Nuvi line with that feature.
Nuvi 1200 Series
The 1200 and 1300 series have a slimmer profile than the other Garmin lines. Features on the 1200 series are on par with the entry level Nuvi 205s. There are also no widescreen models for the 1200.
Nuvi 1300 Series
Both the 1200 and 1300 series have a slimmer profile than the other Garmin lines. 1300 series are all widescreen, and its features on par with the 705 series
Voice capability (text-to-speech) vs voice recognition – Most models (except entry level) have text-to-speech capability that voices turn by turn directions so you don’t have to read the screen. However, only the 800 series offers voice recognition, where the device recognizes spoken addresses and commands so you don’t have to type on the touch screen.
W designation – a model with a W next to its number (ex: Nuvi 265WT) means that it’s a widescreen variant. This designation is only applicable to models with both the 2.8 x 2.1 (regular) and 3.81 x 2.25 (widescreen) sizes. The higher end series (600 and above) are all in widescreen so the W designation isn’t used.
T designation – a model with a T next to its number (ex: 265WT or 775T) has free traffic updates via its FM receiver for the lifetime of the device. Otherwise you only get a free 3 month trial subscription to MSN traffic update after which you have to pay a subscription fee. From CNET’s review of the 265WT, it looks like the free traffic feature is supported by ads.
X7X Models – The “7” model line (ex: 370, 670, 770, 775, etc.) within each series includes European as well as North American maps.
XX5 Models – Models ending with a 5 (ex: 265, 755, 765, 775, etc.) seem to be relatively recent (as in the latter half of 2008) updates to their respective series.
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