Nuvi recommendations, please

WGA Member Joined: 2006-03-28 Posts: 78

I realize it's a personal decision, but....which nuvi model would you recommend for car/street navigation?

Not looking for a model with a thousand bells and whistles--it would be used for road navigation to cache areas, when I would switch to my handheld.

Thanks in advance.

Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2010 11:04 pm

The Nuvi 500 is the only Nuvi I am aware of that is geocaching friendly, meaning you can mark caches found on the nuvi after you find them so it doesnt ding your ear off every time you drive past them.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=13424

Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:28 am

I use the Nuvi 205W (about $100). I use it exactly as you describe. Just get me close to the cache and then I switch to my handheld unit. I do download the caches via GSAK sometimes as POI's, but many times just hand key in the coordinates for the next one.

Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:54 am

We rock the 205w its awesome you can load lots of custom POI's that have all the description of caches and all the fun stuff and if your brave you can use it as a Gpsr but its tough.. I would recomend that to anyone

Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 12:08 pm

I have the nuvi200 and download to it using a GSAK macro for the custom POIs and I rely on that to get me close. I have only used it as a handheld for a couple caches when my regular unit drained its batteries. Yeah, it is tough to pinpoint coords as they do not continuously update while on that screen so there is a lot of bouncing from screen to screen if you use it in that capacity. Other than having old maps loaded on mine, I kinda rely on it whenever I am driving anywhere, not just caching. and for the relatively low price, its a good starter.

WGA Member Joined: 2007-06-03 Posts: 100

I just bought a Nuvi 265w at Amazom for $96.

Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:34 pm

To be honest, any of the nuvi models are good for what you're looking for. The nicest point is the fact that you can hand enter coords. If there are no specific features that you want, just shop around and find a good deal. Jacky is my 200 model and she gets me anywhere I want to go. Though if you're planning ahead for your caching trips, gsak will be your best friend.

WGA Member Joined: 2007-06-03 Posts: 100

I was stating like you that you have to look around. I know a 205W has a GPX file and you can drag your PQ to it. I really like Sally, my Nuvi 500.

WGA Member Joined: 2006-03-28 Posts: 78

Thank you!! You have all confirmed my initial instincts. I was *spoiled* by my factory installed auto navi system, and now that vehicle is history Sad

WGA Member Joined: 2009-07-20 Posts: 120

We have the Nuvi 205W and love it. I saw it, or maybe something similar at Best Buy a few days ago for something like $79 and commented on how much they have gone down. We love it!

Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:36 pm

I just got a 1490T (Amazon $166) and have found that it will except pocket queries and up to 10 routes in GPX format. It's gonna make my life easier and safer, now I can watch the road instead of squinting at my handheld.

Jack

Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 4:46 pm

TheBalks wrote:

The Nuvi 500 is the only Nuvi I am aware of that is geocaching friendly, meaning you can mark caches found on the nuvi after you find them so it doesnt ding your ear off every time you drive past them.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=13424

I just got a 500 for Christmas and have been getting used to it ever since. A few things about the Nuvi line that you will have to consider.

1. They do not come with a lanyard and there is no place to connect one. You will have to go looking for a case to put it in. I'm still looking for the right one.
2. The GPX files load directly to the GPX directory on the unit.

I have been very impressed with the driving mode and it has ben very accurate so far. Today it put us right on top of the caches we were looking for.

Of course, YMMV.