Garmin nüvi 680 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator by Garmin
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Our Price: $489.50 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $71.99 (click here) Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin nüvi 680 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Digital camera Review: GPS Super Great, MSN Not So Great!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm very happy with my Garmin Nuvi EXCEPT for the MSN part. (After countless phone calls & updated downloads, I've only gotten MSN Direct to work ONCE. Whenever I click on the MSN icon it says that I haven't activated my membership yet. To bad I already paid for that 1 1/2 year membership like the moment I got it. Oh well, it might be because I live in such a small city... LOS ANGELES!?) But I digress; The Nuvi (sans MSN) is great. I've taken it all over the East Coast & it was invaluable! The size is perfect, & even the pedestrian mode works like a charm. I'm going to buy one for my mom this Christmas. The 660 that is.
I also got the air-conditioning car vent mount off Amazon & I highly recommend it. It works perfect. You just close off the airflow in whatever vent you want to mount it on, then just pop in the prongs & holder into the vent & you are good to go. It's super ease to pop the unit in & out of the holder as well, all the while keeping the mount plugged in. It really couldn't be easier & I think it's a lot cleaner looking than having it mounted on the dash. I have an Infinity G35 & it seems as if it was made for my car.
Digital camera Review: GPS is Great; MSN Direct Works Poorly; Don't Buy Nuvi 680
Summary: 2 Stars
GPS part is great, works well, touch screen is very sensitive, display is sharp, controls are intuitive and route calculation is quick. MP3 player and Bluetooth work like they are supposed too. POI database is reasonable but not extensive. Windshield suction cup does not stick very well, comes off midst of driving.
MSN Direct part is hit and miss and does not work consistently. MSN FM receiver is built into the vehicle power charger which is supposed to power and charge the unit while driving; but it does not do that. I have to bring it inside to charge on the AC outlet. Battery life is 6 hours and if you are on a long driving day, you are out of luck, as recently happened to me in LA. After working for about 30 minutes or so MSN Direct will lose connection. GPS gives an error message that FM receiver is not connected even though all the cables and connections are in place. But Microsoft works on a different paradigm, that things do not work all the time!
Unfortunately, I am beyond the return period, otherwise I would trade it for Nuvi 660. Or look at Navigon 7100 which provides lifetime of free traffic. My advice is not to buy Nuvi 680, instead look at these 2 and other alternatives.
Digital camera Review: Garmin 680
Summary: 5 Stars
The equipment is amazing. I love this thing. the heads up on traffic and weather works great, as long as you are in the coverage area. MAKE SURE you check on that first. The product I have no problems with the company I got it from on the other hand not so much. Amazon.com said shipping and delivery was free but the company that sent it out charged me for it. When I tried to get my money back that just kept sending me back and forth between the two.
So in conclussion:
The Garmin excellent
The companies not so good.
Digital camera Review: Garmin 680
Summary: 4 Stars
The product is great overall. Lots of options. MSN Direct needs some improvement. I would buy it again and recommend it to others who looking for a full feature GPS.Digital camera Review: Garmin 680
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a marvel.
I travel the roads trying to avoid major Interstates and the Garmin 680 has never let me down.
I download books and enjoy them as I drive.
This is a great product.