Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Amazon.com Product Description

What if one device could help you navigate anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, while offering travel tips, storing your favorite tunes and photos, providing translation assistance, and more? That device is here, and it's not much bigger than a deck of cards. The Garmin nüvi 350 is set to revolutionize what we expect from a GPS navigation device, or from any device for that matter.

Update -- Which nüvi is best for you? Since this review was originally written, the Garmin nüvi line has multiplied into an entire family of GPS devices with a rich feature set. Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nüvi GPS navigators.

The nüvi 350 is a portable GPS navigator, traveler's reference, and digital entertainment system, all in one. View product demo (requires Flash).

A simple touchscreen interface and voice guidance allow you to keep your eyes on the road. View larger.

Listen to an audio book or an MP3 while you're on the road. View larger.

Design
With a total weight of 5.1 ounces and slim measurements of 3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87 inches (WxHxD), the nüvi 350 is just right for the pocket or purse. A bright, 64,000-color display dominates the front of the device and a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels means that there's plenty of room for displaying map data and other elements of the device's interface. An SD memory card slot is provided for expansion software, such as a points of interest database, media files and electronic guides (see below). The flip-up antenna includes an MCX-type connector for connecting the unit to an external GPS antenna. Meanwhile, a powerful built-in speaker resides on the back of device. A built-in lithium ion battery will give you for to eight hours of battery life, depending on use. In addition to an AC charger, the unit also ships with a 12-volt power adapter for vehicle charging, as well as a windshield suction cup mount.

Fortunately, Garmin has made it easy to interface with the nüvi 350's 700 megabytes of onboard memory, thanks to "plug-and-play" USB mass storage support. Just plug the device into your computer's USB port and you've got instantaneous access to all the audio books, music, photos, supplemental maps and other data on the nüvi 350's internal and SD card memory.

Navigation
The nüvi 350 is first and foremost a personal GPS device. Wherever you go -- in your car or on foot-- the device offers extremely accurate position data, thanks to a high-sensitivity integrated GPS receiver by SiRF and WAAS-enabled, 12-satellite reception. Combined with detailed maps of the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico the nüvi 350 provides automatic routing, turn-by-turn voice directions, and touchscreen control-- making it easy to find your way anywhere. Plus, the unique "text-to-speech" feature calls out turns by street name, and you can choose from either 2D or 3D mapping perspectives when you're viewing your route on the display. Additionally, the nüvi 350 is compatible with Garmin's GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver*, which allows users to avoid traffic tie-ups by simply pushing a button that will calculate a new route.

As mentioned, the nüvi 350 comes packed with mapping data for North America, but you can can also load up your custom points of interest. Set up proximity alerts for school zones, safety cameras, and more using Garmin's free POI (points of interest) loader program (available from garmin.com).

The device automatically calculates the fastest route and provides voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions along the way.

Tools for the Journey
Navigation is just part of the journey, and the nüvi 350 is one of the first devices to recognize that. The built-in "Travel Kit" offers an MP3 player, an audio book player from Audible.com, a jpeg-format picture viewer, a world travel clock with time zones, a currency converter, a measurement converter, and a calculator.

In addition to the included travel tools, additional software add-ons are available, such as the Garmin Language Guide, with data provided by Oxford University Press. This software suite contains a multilingual word bank, phrase bank, and five bilingual dictionaries. The multilingual word bank and phrase bank supports nine languages and dialects, including American English, British English, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, European Spanish, and Latin American Spanish. Now you can look up and translate more than 17,000 words or 20,000 phrases per language -- right in the palm of your hand. Through the unit's text-to-speech interface, users can get a spoken pronunciation of each entry in the word bank, along with gender and part of speech information.

Another useful add-on software package, the Garmin Travel Guide, is loaded with information provided by Marco Polo. These guides put in-depth travel information such as reviews and recommendations for restaurants, tourist attractions, and more at your fingertips. The software allows you to navigate to an address or search points of interest-- places like hotels, restaurants, shopping, and tourist attractions. The nüvi 350 automatically calculates the fastest route and provides voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions along the way. The unit also audibly announces the name of upcoming streets-- letting you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways. And if you stray off course, the nüvi 350 automatically calculates the quickest way to get back on track.

*Traffic services available only in select cities where RDS-TMC coverage exists. Requires the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver and subscription fee to enable traffic capability.

What's in the Box
nüvi 350, travel kit, vehicle suction cup mount, carrying case, 12-24 volt adapter cable, dashboard disk, USB interface cable, sample language guide content, sample MP3s, and quick reference guide.

Which nüvi is Best for You?

Screen
Size
inches
(w x h)
Included Maps
POIs
Directions in
Real Street
Names
Traffic
Bluetooth
Media

FM Transmitter
(audio through
car stereo
system) Multi-
Point
Routing
Dimensions
inches
(w x h x d)

Cont. U.S.,
Hawaii, and
Puerto Rico
AK and
Canada
Europe
capable
included

nüvi 200 2.8 x 2.1
check

Photos

3.8 x 2.8 x 0.8

nüvi 200w 3.81 x 2.25
check

Photos

4.8 x 2.9 x 0.8

nüvi 250 2.8 x 2.1
check check

Photos

3.8 x 2.8 x 0.8

nüvi 250w 3.81 x 2.25
check check

Photos

4.8 x 2.9 x 0.8

nüvi 260 2.8 x 2.1
check check

check

Photos

3.8 x 2.8 x 0.8

nüvi 270 2.8 x 2.1
check check check

Photos

3.8 x 2.8 x 0.8

nüvi 350 2.8 x 2.1
check

check check

Photos, MP3s

3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87

nüvi 360 2.8 x 2.1
check check

check check
check Photos, MP3s

3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87

nüvi 370 2.8 x 2.1 check check check
check
check check Photos, MP3s

3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87

nüvi 650 3.81 x 2.25
check

check check

Photos, MP3s

4.9 x 2.9 x 0.9

nüvi 660
3.81 x 2.25
check check

check
check check Photos, MP3s check
4.9 x 2.9 x 0.9

nüvi 670
3.81 x 2.25
check check check
check
check check Photos, MP3s check
4.9 x 2.9 x 0.9

nüvi 680 3.81 x 2.25
check check

check
check check Photos, MP3s check
4.9 x 2.9 x 0.9

nüvi 750
3.81 x 2.25
check check

check
check
Photos, MP3s check check 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.8

nüvi 760 3.81 x 2.25
check check

check
check check Photos, MP3s check check 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.8

nüvi 770 3.81 x 2.25
check check check
check
check check Photos, MP3s check check 4.8 x 3.0 x 0.8

Customer Reviews:

First GPS.......2008-01-02

I researched this item for a long time. I thought that this unit had all the functions that I would need. I used it on an 800 mile trip last week and am very pleased with it. It is easy to use out of the box and did everything I needed it to do. My only complaint is that I live in an area that is growing very fast and no GPS will ever be able to keep up with this growth. I am told that new maps will be out every 12 to 15 months for about $75.00. I know that they will not catch all the new roads here. I am taking a 6 week trip back East this Summer and I know that this unit will really pay for it's self then.

Garmin Nuvi 350.......2008-01-02

Works very well, but could be more user friendly. I found it hard to find my way through the screens to enter or change information. Could be partly because I've never used a GPS unit before. Directions were easy to follow, and it recalculated quickly when we didn't follow the directions.

satisfied customer.......2008-01-01

I can,t believe I waited so long to get one.I use it for my business,and I don,t have to look at a thomas guide while driving.All I do is listen to the voice telling me where to turn.

suggested route often is longer or wrong.......2008-01-01

I like the ease of functionality with Garmin and find it very intuitive. I especially like the fact that it suggests places in the neighborhood when entering the name.

Over the past few weeks however I have become more and more reluctant to using it. This is because several times it happened to me that the suggested route was a long detour to a spot which should have only been a few minutes away. Sometimes also, the route suggestion is plain wrong, nonsense.

Garmin should improve the routing system....

Not Good.......2008-01-01

The product worked fine for 5 days on my hawaii trip. Middle of my trip, it stopped acquiring satellite. had to return the equipment. It may have been an isolated case, but I am not going to buy Nuvi again.

Garmin nüvi 3.5-Inch 350 Portable GPS Navigator (Factory-Refurbished)

Average customer rating:

Watch out for refurb/recertified
Nuvi 350
Garmin Nuvi 350
No dissappointments with this product
Garmin Nuvi 350

Garmin nüvi 3.5-Inch 350 Portable GPS Navigator (Factory-Refurbished)

Manufacturer: Garmin
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Product Features:

This product has been FACTORY REFURBISHED to perform as new. It comes with a 1-Year Warranty
Color LCD - 320 x 240 Pixels, bright TFT, 64K colors, white backlight, and anti-glare
High sensitivity integrated GPS receiver by SiRF
WAAS enabled; flip-up antenna - includes MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection
Built-in travel kit menu includes features like sample Language Guide, MP3 player with sample MP3s, Audible book player with sample audio books, picture viewer, world clock, currency & measurement converters, and calculator

ASIN: B000KUUX34

Product Description

Includes: preloaded City Navigator North America NT v7 data (full unlock), vehicle suction cup mount, AC charger, carrying case, 12-24 volt car adapter cable, dashboard disk, USB cable, & more. Garmin nuvi 350 Personal Travel Assistant - This portable GPS navigator is a great companion and guide for traveling to new places, as well as making it easier to get to places you normally travel to. The preloaded City Navigator NT v.7 maps contain detailed road maps throughout the entire United States, Canada, & Puerto Rico. Which allows the nuvi 350 to plot your course, call out turns by street name, and avoid traffic jams - all with a stunning color touch screen! But when you're on the road, the nuvi 350 can also offer you more than just directions. It has an MP3 player, audio book player (for Audible.com media), JPEG picture view, and more! Approx. 700 MBs of internal memory for storage of supplemental maps, MP3s and audio books (available from Audible.com) SD memory card expansion slot Powerful built-in speaker Traffic alerts with optional GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver Text-to-Speech - unit prompts you to Turn right on Main St. instead of Turn right in 500 feet Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings Offers a three dimensional mapping perspective, or 2-D overhead view Built-in lithium ion battery Battery Life - 4-8 hours depending on usage Unit Dimensions - 3.87 (w) x 2.91 (h) x 0.87 (d) Unit Weight - 5.1 oz.

Customer Reviews:

Watch out for refurb/recertified.......2007-12-19

Don't get me wrong, I love this product.

However, here are the peeves:
Driving down a freeway, in crowded traffic, the Garmin will say, "in 0.8 miles, take ramp, on left, to ---", and I'm in the right lane. Ok, a little more warning please!
The next and last peeve. My refurb unit went white-screen-of-death in 3 months, just, all of a sudden when turning it on. Good thing recert has 1? year warranty. Problem is, the unit that was returned to me had the SAME PROBLEM!! Right out of the box too!!! Man, I called them up quick and they apologized (gotta love the US tech support vs India - you get what you pay for), and they covered the return shipping so I could get a new refurb.

So, I'm on like my 3rd one, lol.

Nuvi 350.......2007-09-28

this is the second GPS that I have owned. The first was the Garmin 330. While the Garmin 330 was very functional, the Nuvi 350 brought some features that I have enjoyed, updated maps, sharper screen image, text to voice, and the option to different voices. I have yet to use the MP3 player on this unit.
I would recomment this unit to buy. The only thing that I have noticed between the 330 and 350 is sometimes it takes the 350 a little longer to find the satellites.

Garmin Nuvi 350.......2007-09-19

I actually purchased this for my 20 something daughter. We used this baby from Michigan to L.A. over a Labor Day weekend and it worked flawlessly. Only one complaint. We couldn't get the suction cup holder to stick to the windshield no matter what we tried so it just sat leaning on the dash. Minor, but still frustrating to a degree. Nice bright screen even in the sunniest conditions and an excellent look up feature for local shops, etc in the L.A. area was amazing and incredibly helpful. Ever try to find a Target when you've never been to L.A? The Garmin proved it was worth every penny every single mile. Nice voice commands for turn-by-turn too. I highly recommend this unit.

No dissappointments with this product.......2007-09-05

It's nice to get a product that does what it says it will do right out of the box. Simple to use- accurate- fun. My wife and I drove from Boston to Sedona, AZ and back without a map- The Nuvi found motels, campgrounds, restaurants and sightseeing side trips without a hitch.

Garmin Nuvi 350.......2007-08-12

The GPS system was wonderful...the other selections in different locations provides great information on activities, restaurants,sights to see. I am very pleased with its performance. I would recommend to anyone..

Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator + 1GB SD CARD, GPS EXTENDED WARRANTY AND GPS SCREEN PROTECTORS

Average customer rating:

Garmin nüvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator + 1GB SD CARD, GPS EXTENDED WARRANTY AND GPS SCREEN PROTECTORS

Manufacturer: Garmin
ProductGroup: CE

Navigation Systems | Car Electronics | Categories | Electronics | Vehicle GPS Systems
Product Features:

Compact 700 MB GPS navigator with bundled MP3/audiobook player, photo viewer, and world travel clock
Small enough to fit in a pocket or purse; mounts on vehicle windshield with included suction cup
Preloaded with City Navigator NT V.9 with maps of U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
Turn-by-turn directions, automatic routing, and 320 x 240 color touchscreen display
Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot; measures 3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

ASIN: B0011E5BSU

Product Description

With a total weight of 5.1 ounces and slim measurements of 3.87 x 2.91 x 0.87 inches (WxHxD), the nüvi 350 is just right for the pocket or purse. A bright, 64,000-color display dominates the front of the device and a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels means that there's plenty of room for displaying map data and other elements of the device's interface. An SD memory card slot is provided for expansion software, such as a points of interest database, media files and electronic guides (see below). The flip-up antenna includes an MCX-type connector for connecting the unit to an external GPS antenna. Meanwhile, a powerful built-in speaker resides on the back of device. A built-in lithium ion battery will give you for to eight hours of battery life, depending on use. In addition to an AC charger, the unit also ships with a 12-volt power adapter for vehicle charging, as well as a windshield suction cup mount.

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