The Garmin Nüvi 7xx line is currently the top of the line in the Nüvi line of GPS systems from Garmin. I got the opportunity to give it a real world test on a recent tour around Iceland.
When you open the box you see the Nüvi itself of course and a tiny booklet with all the instructions you need. Not much more - only a the suction cap and power adaptor cable and a few other cables and stuff.
This is a clear signal of the target market. This device is targeted towards the average Joe or Jane who just wants to find the route to the address she was given.
The Nüvi is a touch-screen device and the interface is simple and clear and easy to use - even while driving.
Looking for an address - I begin by entering the city, using an alphabetical keyboard that pops up. Then the street number and the street name and GO!
It really is simple...
And the device displays clear driving instructions and even speaks out with simple phrases like: "In three hundred meters - enter roundabout - then take second exit". So, even if you are playing with other features of the Nüvi it still gives the instructions as long as you are not there yet.
Be warned though that following the instructions blindly can occasionally lead you into trouble. You still need your human judgment. The maps can have errors or not be up to date and in addition you can get confused when the Nüvi says: "Make a left turn" and if you don't watch out for the real-life traffic signs - you might find that you are suddenly going against the traffic!
The Nüvi 710 is loaded with nice extra features. The one I like the best is the Bluetooth connection to my cell phone.
Setting up the Bluetooth is a snap:
You begin by configuring the cell phone for Bluetooth. Usually as simple as opening up: Tools | Settings | Bluetooth - and selecting "Yes" to activate.
Then open up the Bluetooth options on the Nüvi...
...and the Nüvi will find the cell and allow you to easily add it.
Now you can use the Nüvi as a hands free device while driving. You can even look up numbers in the phone and call numbers that are stored with points of interest - like a restaurant you find close by and want to make sure you can get a seat.
The sound quality you hear is pretty good. The same can unfortunately not be said about what the person on the other end hears. They complain about a hollow, metallic sound. This could be due to low quality of the microphone (located under the hole you see on the left side of the Nüvi) or it could be how far your mouth is from the mic.
The Bluetooth connection is good for up to 15 meters. This caused a bit of a problem a few times when I was out of the truck and the phone started ringing. By answering directly on the cell I couldn't hear a thing. Actually - I had to step inside the truck to take the call!
Other features include:
You can spend a lot of time playing with this gadget!
I got the Nüvi from R. Sigmundsson, the Icelandic dealer and they offer a special Icelandic map. The Icelandic map costs about the same as the whole Europe or N-American maps. One of the reasons for the high price is because the Icelandic map includes height lines for the whole country. This is a popular feature for 4 wheelers and other high land travelers that need to know the lay of the land to stay clear of dangers, like cliffs and crevasses.
Read more about the GPS Iceland Map here.
And you can switch to other languages than English. Even Icelandic is available!
The Nüvi held up great for the whole trip - that is until the last day of the trip. Then it just died! My guess is there is a problem with the 12 volt power connector.
Still, I really like this little thing. Mostly for doing a superb job of navigation with an easy to use interface.
The Garmin Nüvi can be a life saver and you are well served by having one at hand.
