December 2007
Garmin nuvi 200: First Look
A great, entry-level navigation device that is compact and easy to use
Garmin is a leader in the portable navigation market, offering devices for automotive, outdoors, and marine applications.
In total, Garmin units account for about half of all portable navigation devices sold. The nuvi 200 is the current entry-level
PND model for the Garmin lineup, offered in standard- and wide-screen formats. The nuvi 200 is priced to compete with other
budget models, such as the Magellan RoadMate 1200 and TomTom One Third Edition.
Key features include:
Initial impressions. The compact, pocket-friendly nuvi 200 has an easy-to-use interface that is typical of Garmin products. As is common with entry-level models, the nuvi 200 does not have text-to-speech ability, so its verbal directions do not include specific street names. But the screen prominently displays the street names to aid navigation.
The manual detour function to reroute around a trouble spot is not as complete as most. With many competing systems, the driver can set a distance for a detour to address a backup for a known distance, for example, when a road is congested for a half mile ahead. The nuvi 200 will plot a new route, but it might try to reconnect to the busy road at the next opportunity. Similarly, when plotting a route, the nuvi 200 doesn't allow for a specific road to be excluded, for example, if you know it is under construction. (Typically, devices allow the user to select the road from the direction list and simply choose the "exclude" option.)
The nuvi 200 is not equipped with popular features such as an MP3 player, Bluetooth hands-free calling, or real-time traffic, enabling the low price. But it does include a few novel features, such as a photo viewer and calculator.
CR's take. The Garmin nuvi 200 is a great entry-level navigator. It has the core features needed in a portable device, without extras that could drive up the price. Its ease of use adds to its appeal, especially for a first-time or casual navigation user. Its availability in a wide-screen format at an extra cost adds further to its appeal.
For more information on portable GPS navigators, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.
Key features include:
- Photo viewer
- Trip computer
- Custom points of interesting importing
- Calculator, unit converter, and currency converter
- Preloaded maps for the 48-contiguous states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
Initial impressions. The compact, pocket-friendly nuvi 200 has an easy-to-use interface that is typical of Garmin products. As is common with entry-level models, the nuvi 200 does not have text-to-speech ability, so its verbal directions do not include specific street names. But the screen prominently displays the street names to aid navigation.
The manual detour function to reroute around a trouble spot is not as complete as most. With many competing systems, the driver can set a distance for a detour to address a backup for a known distance, for example, when a road is congested for a half mile ahead. The nuvi 200 will plot a new route, but it might try to reconnect to the busy road at the next opportunity. Similarly, when plotting a route, the nuvi 200 doesn't allow for a specific road to be excluded, for example, if you know it is under construction. (Typically, devices allow the user to select the road from the direction list and simply choose the "exclude" option.)
The nuvi 200 is not equipped with popular features such as an MP3 player, Bluetooth hands-free calling, or real-time traffic, enabling the low price. But it does include a few novel features, such as a photo viewer and calculator.
CR's take. The Garmin nuvi 200 is a great entry-level navigator. It has the core features needed in a portable device, without extras that could drive up the price. Its ease of use adds to its appeal, especially for a first-time or casual navigation user. Its availability in a wide-screen format at an extra cost adds further to its appeal.
For more information on portable GPS navigators, see our Ratings and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.
