I've been in the market for a portable GPS system for awhile now. I think I've narrowed it down to the Garmin line up. Specifically, I'm looking at the Garmin 350 and 360. The only real difference between the two seems to be bluetooth connectivity to cell phones. They otherwise operate the same and get you where you're going just the same. Right now, the price of this bluetooth connectivity is about $100 (some where in the mid $400s for the 360 to somewhere in low-mid $300's for the 350).

Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm leaning toward the 350 since talking on a cell phone in a convert is tough, though doing it with no hands is the preferred way. When I think of it like that, I want the bluetooth connectivity even for a hundred bucks.

 

I have the 360. And the bluetooth is well worth the extra money. Go for it!!

 

+1

 

I have the Garmin 360. The bluetooth is clever, but really only works well with GSM phones that support handsfree profiles, and needs the AUX input for your stereo to really control call volumes. I still haven't made it work that well in the new MINI, looking for a way to do a microphone. I'd go for the NUVI 350, spend the saved money on a 4gb sd card for mp3 music (which works great!), and maybe get the NUVI travel guide. If you want to test bluetooth with your phone, you are welcome to stop by Old Town Alexandria for a snack and we can do a test.

 

Does the 360 support the 4GB SD card also?

 

I have a Garmin NUVI 350 - like it a lot. Also, I've found that if you do a little bit of searching - you can find an uploadable data list of all the speed cameras in the DC/MD and VA areas.

 

I didn't see the need for bluetooth so I went for the Nuvi 350. Great little device. Garmin is coming out with a lower cost Nuvi, the 200, 250 and 270. A little less features. Check out the Garmin web site for more information.

 

You can't go wrong with the Garmin Nuvi 350.

 

+3 on the 350. Great product and my wife who is directionally challenged thought the world of it when she used it going to Nashville by herself.

 

+4 on the 350. I can't imagine the bluetooth working with the top down. My little electronic bluetooth cockroach that lives on my ear barely works with the top down.... If you get the 350, check out the british and australian voices - I find them more soothing. Of course, they probably have them in the 360 also.

 

Either Garmin product will serve you well. I've had them since the street piolet days and now have the Novi 360. Don't leave home without it .

 

I haven't been able to find anything on Garmin's site stating the maximum size SD card that the 360 accepts, but I've seen mention of the 350 accepting a 4GB. Anyone know whether the 360 is the same?

 

I just got a 350 for $350 & am loving it. The blue tooth held zero interest to me. If at all possible I don't talk on the phone when I drive. Either one will be great.

 

Same as me.. you get it at Costco?

 

Yes I did. I can't remember who posted about it on here, but that's the reason I jumped at it. Thanks to whoever posted about it.

 

If you think you will ever be travelling in Europe, you can get the 370 which has European maps.

 

My four gb sd card works in the NUVI 360. It is not an SDHC card though, more of a hybrid. Right now, I use it in the Treo 680 and I bought a 2 gb card for the NUVI. There are rumours that a future NUVI update will have support for SDHC cards (8 gb baby!)

I am still wating for someone to buy the MINI NUVI and share the cars with us. I have a smart car that looks kind of like the MINI but not quite. I also want Garmin to give us control over the mp3 volume vs. Nav volume. Other than that, the NUVI has been great.

 

Fry's Electronics currently has the Nuvi 360 for $399 with free shipping, if you're still considering it.

 

Thanks for the info. 8GB would be sweet! I also can't wait to get the cars!

 

.

 

I bought it a couple of days ago for $380 on ebay. Waiting for it to arrive.

I'm going to look to download those ticketing camera locations and also see if I can find the "mini" icon somewhere on the web to load as the default car.

The bluetooth probably won't work well with the top down, but it beats trying to drive a stick with a phone on my ear, which is as dangerous (within reason) than driving under the influence.

 

mine was $360 at costco online

 

Is that $360 for the Nuvi 350 or 360?

 

Nuvi 350

 

You can pick up an ebay "new" 360 for the low-mid 400's in one of those buy now deals. With some luck, it's possible to get one in the upper 300's or low 400's. It must mean the next big thing is on its way if the price is slipping this much. It certainly means picking up a "mini" 360 for $795 is only for those who really, really must have it.