Motorists are now able to navigate the island's roadways using a digital map which also locates thousands of points of interest. The local software was developed by the Mona GeoInformatics Institute with the Jamaica Automobile Association serving as distributors for the Garmin GPS devices. - File
If you are directionally challenged like I am, or too proud to stop and ask for directions when you are on a holiday expedition, this article is definitely for you.
This week, we have two GPS (Global Positioning System) devices made by Garmin. Let's see how the Garmin nüvi 750 and nüvi 350 perform on the roads of Jamaica.
Did you know ...?
1. The JAA (Jamaica Automobile Association) is now distributing Garmin GPS devices on which a map of the island is loaded in a partnership arrangement.
2. Some high-end phones (iPhone 3G) come with built-in country-specific GPS.
3. Some high-end phones (Nokia N95) take it a step further, providing voice navigation as well.
The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068 or 754-5048.
Garmin nüvi 350
The Garmin nüvi 350.
The Good: The solid Garmin nüvi 350 has a well-built GPS receiver and includes lots of travel-friendly features.
The Bad: The Garmin nüvi 350 lacks an external volume control.
Design
Let's talk about the physical design, which this Garmin model did perfectly. Along the top of the device is the power button, providing trouble-free access when mounted on your dashboard. Along the right side are the SD card slot, USB/power connector, and an audio jack for headphones. And for once there are no buttons located along the base of the device. This is a noteworthy design feature since that area is out of reach when it is mounted in a vehicle.
Performance
To make a fair judgement of the Garmin nüvi 350, we tested it on the same route we did with the Garmin nüvi 750. I have to say that I didn't expect much from this model but, surprisingly, it's better than I expected. It might not have all the extra niceties that the Garmin nüvi 750 has, but surely did a fine job with the little that it has. This device is a bit more accurate and faster in pinpointing your current location than the Garmin nüvi 750.
That's a wrap
The Garmin nüvi 350 is a very useful voice-guided GPS device, packing in travel tools, entertainment features, with great performance.
Garmin nüvi 750
The Garmin nüvi 750.
The good: The Garmin nüvi 760 portable navigation system features text-to-speech (voice navigation) functionality and handy locational features that help you find nearby services. The device also has a wide screen, a built-in transmitter, and other travel tools.
The bad: The Garmin nüvi 760 was intermittently lethargic to alert us to turns and to calculate routes.
Design
The Garmin nüvi 750 has the distinct look of the nüvi line of handy navigation systems. The rectangular device is slim and lightweight at 4.8 inches wide by 3.0 inches high by 0.8 inch deep and 6.2 ounces. It's just a little bigger than a wallet, so it's easy to travel with and transfer between vehicles.
Performance
Well, we had to test this device, and we did it downtown! First thing I notice is that it is a bit sluggish in pinpointing your current location, but once that is done, everything else moves like clockwork. The voice navigator works like a charm by giving you the name of the street you are on and how far you are from the next turn you have to make.
That's a wrap
The Garmin nüvi 750 delivers magnificently on almost every front, but the downside is that it's also a slow starter.