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January 1, 2009

Garmin nuvi 200 Review

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GPSmagazine Rating: 2.5 of 5
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Verdict: Cheap and Good. But Get the nüvi 205 Instead.

Garmin nuvi 200 Review

nuvi 200: Main Menu nuvi 200: Turn View nuvi 200: Trip Computer

REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

  • nüvi 205 is a better GPS, and costs about $30 cheaper
  • Lacks upcoming turn arrow on the map
  • Easy to use

Table of Contents

  1. Garmin's Growing nüvi Family
  2. Specifications
  3. What's in the Box
  4. Mounting the Garmin nüvi 200 in the Car
  5. Navigating With the nüvi 200
  6. Finding An Address
  7. Finding A Restaurant
  8. Adding A Stop To The Planned Route
  9. Saving Your Current Location
  10. Setting the Home Address
  11. Favorites
  12. Navigating To A Set of Coordinates
  13. Walking to A Destination with the nüvi 200 (Pedestrian Mode)
  14. Using the nüvi 200 Off-Road
  15. Configuring Avoidances
  16. GPS Sensitivity
  17. Screen Readability
  18. Garmin's nüvi 200 vs 205
  19. Pros
  20. Cons
  21. Conclusion

1. Garmin's Growing nüvi Family

Garmin currently sells close to 30 different nüvi models, making it difficult to zero in on the right model to fit your needs. I've created a decision tree that walks you through the process of figuring out which nüvi has the features you want.

Garmin has retired the 300 and 600-series nüvi models, and will soon discontinue the 200 and 700-series models. That will leave only the 2x5, 7x5, and 800-series models, making it easier for consumers to choose the right model. Basically, the 200/2x5 nüvis are entry-level units that have the same great routing and core navigation features, but lack the features and extras found on the more expensive 700/7x5 models. The 800-series nüvis have voice recognition, allowing you to operate the GPS using voice commands.

2. Specifications

Specifications
Physical size (WxHxD) 3.8"W x 2.8"H x .8"D (9.7 x 7.1 x 2 cm)
Weight 147 g (5.2 oz.)
Display 3.5 in. diagonal, 320 x 240 pixels; QVGA TFT display with white backlight and touchscreen
Operating Temperature range from 32 to 140 degrees F (0 to 60 C)
Charging Temperature range From 32 to 113 F (0 to 45 C)
Data storage Internal memory and SD memory card slot
Computer interface USB 2.0
Headphone jack none
Charge time Approximately 4 hours
Power input DC vehicle power using included 12 vehicle power cable, or AC power using optional adapter
Usage 5 W max.
Battery life Up to 4 hours, depending on usage and settings
Battery type Non-replaceable rechargeable lithium-ion
GPS receiver: High Sensitivity
Acquisition times Warm: <1 sec.
Cold: <38 sec.
Factory Reset: <45 sec.
(Average time for a stationary receiver with a clear view of the sky)
Maps Preloaded City Navigator North America NT (lower 48 states plus Hawaii and Puerto Rico)

3. What's in the Box

Garmin nüvi 200, Retail Box
Figure 1: Garmin nüvi 200, Retail Box

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