Garmin Nuvi 660

 

By DChenster (10/3/2007)

Back in the 1997, I got my first GPS system, which it uses a GPS receiver connect to a laptop via comport cable, and street MAP are way off.  Since it's back in the days of  restricted Satellite days, the current location is way off, sometimes off by 200 yard, it's just funny sometimes when I use it on PCH (for none Californians that's Pacific Coast Highway) sometimes I am driving in the ocean because I am off so much.  But enough good old days, just want to get to the good stuff on the product.

GPS (Global Positioning System) is very popular now a day, which it can locate your position, and with a proper set up device, it can find ways for you to go where you are going.  But here is definition from wikipedia.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Utilizing a constellation of at least 24 medium Earth orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, the system enables a GPS receiver to determine its location, speed, direction, and time.

Developed by the United States Department of Defense, it is officially named NAVSTAR GPS (Contrary to popular belief, NAVSTAR is not an acronym, but simply a name given by Mr. John Walsh, a key decision maker when it came to the budget for the GPS program[1]). The satellite constellation is managed by the United States Air Force 50th Space Wing. The cost of maintaining the system is approximately US$750 million per year,[2] including the replacement of aging satellites, and research and development. Despite these costs, GPS is free for civilian use as a public good.

GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, and a useful tool for map-making, land surveying, commerce, and scientific uses. GPS also provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks.

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WOW, that's a lot of info for this simple device, but what's popular now are GPS navigation system, or device.  There are some high end vehicles that have GPS mounted in the dash and easy navigate the streets.  for most low end vehicle would need to get third party version to either mounted on the dash or portable unit like this Garmin Nuvi 660.  It's slightly older style, because 7x0 series are out with MSN direct (Nuvi 6x0 uses FM for traffic).  Anyway here is the info from Garmin's website:

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Physical & Performance:
Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 4.9"W x 2.9"H x .9"D (12.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 cm)
Display size, WxH: 3.81"W x 2.25"H (9.7 x 5.7 cm); 4.3" diag (10.9 cm)
Display resolution, WxH: 480 x 272 pixels
Display type: WQVGA color TFT with white backlight
Weight: 6.2 ounces (190 g)
Battery: rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 7 hours
Waterproof: no
High-sensitivity receiver: yes
RoHS version available: yes

Maps & Memory:
Basemap: yes
Preloaded maps: yes
Ability to add maps: yes
Built-in memory: internal solid state
Accepts data cards: SD card (not included)
Waypoints: 500
Routes: 0

Features:
Voice prompts (e.g. "Turn right in 500 ft."): yes (internal speaker)
Speaks street names (e.g. "Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.") : yes
3D map view: yes
Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route): no
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation): yes
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road): yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.): yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes
Hands-free calling with Bluetooth® wireless technology: yes
FM traffic compatible: yes
XM Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible: no
MSN® Direct for U.S. compatible: no
MP3 player: yes
Audio book player: yes
Picture viewer: yes
Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation): yes
World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator: yes
Touchscreen: yes
Remote control: no
FM transmitter: yes
Headphone jack/audio line-out: yes
Dead reckoning: no
Garmin Lock™ (anti-theft feature): yes
Motorcycle-friendly: no
Additional: This USB mass storage device is compatible with Windows® 2000 or later and Mac® OS X 10.4 or later.

Well, with that out of the way, here are the juicy bit of the pictures:

These are the different sides of the box which the box is not terribly big, but once open up, will find very messy.

 

Just open the lid, the unit will sit on right on top of the other "stuff"

This is the part that I think Garmin is weak on shipping box, basically for MSRP of $857.13 (as 10/20/2007), they would just toss everything in the box, which the unit it self maybe just 1/4 above the other item.  Granted it's main unit that would cost a lot, but there are possible damage to the parts, software and other stuff.  Which I find it really bad when they (Garmin) can't spent maybe a dollar more to compartmentalize the software, cables (include a FM Traffic Turner that cost $214), and different holders. So feels like they made the box that big so factory worker can just toss the stuff in there without too much work, seems a bit rubbish.

Here are the software

The FM/Power cable $214 dollar, which it works fine when it comes out and connected

The slip case

USB cable

Dash board disk, for sticking it on the dash so don't have to stick holder on the front windshield (illegal for CA)

The Windshield/dash holder, the FM/Power adaptor connect to the back of the holder

wall charger unit connect to system via a USB device connector

Opinion:

After I used for long while, find the traffic report/reroute are pretty much hit or miss, but that's all right because it's in southern California (traffic sucks for no reason).  Street name speech are fine, auto update are fine, slow on update, battery life is 5 hours, and compare to other ones are okay. Low on speaker volume, rest of function are okay also. Not superb, but will do function fine.  Compare to TomTom 720 is alright also.  I understand people have other specific need for GPS, but for me, just basic function will be fine. Overall it's nice unit

Additional note (10/20/2007):

The unit will recognize 4 Gig of SD, which I put music on it. It will play thru FM modulation, or speaker, switch to GPS route info when needed, than turn back to music. it will do Bluetooth speaker phone fine (I do mean fine only). 

Excellent:

Good Routing

Good Connection

Good Function with FM unit

Wide Screen

Not so Excellent:

Pricy

Rubbish box for unit

Not enough info on web or manual

not enough update also cost money for new version of street CD

option cost too much

Dash board disk not function, kept falling down on both unit (that's attatched to the holder), disk to the dash

Sometimes slow to react

need reset once a while

Links to other useful sites:

Garmin's

Garmin Nuvi 660 GPS Review

GPS magazine

GPSlodge

CNET