UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 650. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin nuvi 650 is Garmin’s entry level unit in the 4.3″ wide-screen 600 series.  The touch-screen nuvi 650 comes with pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada, an MP3 player, and the ability to call out upcoming street names. So you’ll get “turn left on North Main Street in 500 feet” rather than just “turn left in 500 feet.” Live traffic coverage is available as an add-on.

Step up to the nuvi 660 to get an integrated traffic receiver, Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use, along with an FM transmitter to stream music, directions and phone calls through your car stereo speakers. The nuvi 670 adds European maps to the 660’s feature set, while the nuvi 680 adds MSN Direct services to the 660’s features.

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The Garmin zumo 450 GPS for motorcycles follows the successful introduction of the zumo 550 last year. The 450 has all of its features except Bluetooth, the ability to speak street names and XM Satellite compatibility.

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UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide.

The slim Garmin nuvi 250, one of the entry level nuvi models, has preloaded maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It sports a 3.5 inch color touch-screen display and, as with other nuvis, includes voice-prompted directions, picture viewer, calculator, currency converter, unit converter, world clock and 6 million points of interest. The Garmin Lock security feature is provided as well.

UPDATE: A newer model, the nuvi 255, offers these features and more.

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UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide.

The Garmin nuvi 200 is Garmin’s entry level device in their incredibly popular nuvi series of GPS navigators. The slim nuvi 200 has preloaded maps of the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It sports a 3.5 inch touch-screen display and, as with other nuvis, the 200 series includes voice-prompted directions, picture viewer, calculator, currency converter, unit converter and world clock. The Garmin Lock security feature is provided as well.

UPDATE: A new model, the nuvi 205, offers these features and more, and has occasionally been selling for a little less than the nuvi 200.

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UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 370. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

UPDATE 2: The latest trans-Atlantic navigators to be introduced are the Garmin nuvi 2475LT and nuvi 2370LT.

The Garmin nuvi 370, with pre-loaded maps of both North America and Europe, is an excellent choice for international travelers. It sports a 3.5″ touch screen, MP3 player, integrated traffic receiver, speaks street names and has Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use. That’s in addition to standard nuvi features like a currency and measurement converter, world clock and digital photo organizer. Add-on options include language translators and travel guides.

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UPDATE: Most of the several generations old StreetPilot series, including this model, has been discontinued. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin StreetPilot c580 is the new flagship model in the StreetPilot line. It is nearly identical to the c550, except that it adds MSN Direct services (see coverage area), which it receives via FM radio signal. MSN Direct offers weather, movie times, gas prices and live traffic. This also means that the source of traffic data is different than that of the c550, which receives TMC data. The first year is free; after that, MSN Direct service is $49.95 per year or $129.95 for the lifetime of the device.

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UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 670. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

UPDATE 3: The latest trans-Atlantic navigators to be introduced are the Garmin nuvi 2475LT and nuvi 2370LT.

The Garmin nuvi 670 is identical to the nuvi 660 with one exception — in addition to North America, the nuvi 670 adds pre-loaded maps of Europe (see coverage map below).

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