Despite mixed reviews among technophiles and geeks everywhere there is one thing that can be agree upon by all: this is a product that is simple to use. Perhaps the simplicity is due to the no frills no chills design. If this is the case then Garmin has definitely managed to hit its market with this one.
The one major concern for the limited applications of a device such as this for many consumers comes down to price. The Garmin Nuvi 200 is priced in such a manner that one would think it would offer some more competitive navigational features to say the least but also some of the extras that many people in the day and age of rampant multitasking have come to expect from their navigational and GPS devices.
There are good things about this device and that is perhaps the best place to begin. First of all, the Nuvi 200 is a great tool for those who are new to GPS and navigational devices. The maps are already preloaded onto the device, it is easy to read and understand, and it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that can impede functionality or at the very least lead to excessive user errors. It offers turn-by-turn voice and text directions (though the voice instructions do not include street names) and allows you to choose from the options of: shortest distance, shortest driving time, and the ability to avoid toll roads along your route.
There are a few non-navigational tools that are available on the Garmin Nuvi 200. This is a device that is intended for travel and equips you with many of the tools you will need for that end. You will find a currency converter and a world clock as well as a calculator and measurement conversion chart as well. You may also purchase travel guides for travel outside the United States to help you find your way around. Another great feature that the Garmin Nuvi 200 has for travelers is a rather extensive database of various points of interests. You can even set it to point out and navigate to these points of interests along your route.
There are many tools that one might expect from a comparably priced navigational device that simply aren’t available with the Garmin Nuvi 200. The first and probably most frustrating for many drivers is the lack of ability to plan trips in advance. For the eternal planners among us this is a frustrating omission on the part of Garmin and one that should be expected as similarly priced navigational devices offer this feature and more. Another stumbling block for this particular tool is the lack of ability to program multiple destinations.
You will not find fancy features, stun guns, MP3 players, or e-book readers on this particular device (though it does come equipped with a JPEG viewer). What you will find with the Garmin Nuvi 200 is a device the functions flawlessly and seamlessly as advertised. It is quite likely a bit overpriced for its serious lack of features though it does deliver exactly what it promises and has the Garmin name to back up a bit of the price tag. If you are looking for a great starter navigational or GPS device then you may find the Garmin Nuvi 200 to be the best fit for your navigational needs. Keep in mind however, that this is the GPS device that has been referred to as a “bare bones” navigational device by Gizmodo. If you are all about the nuts and bolts and not interested in fluff then this is the navigational tool for you.
