fjn356

I have just ordered and paid for a nuvi 650. Is it true,as posted in this forum, that the 650 does not support routes? On page 20 of the manual, it states that maps and waypoints may be downloaded from Mapsource. If this is so, then cannot I create a route from these waypoints?

Thanks for helping a newbie. Without routes, I have no desire to have a GPS, so I am distraught.

HumVee

Hello, fjn356. Yes, it's true that the Garmin nüvi 650 doesn't have route capability. According to the specifications page, it can store 500 waypoints/Favorites/Locations, but zero routes. You can only go from point A to point B. All is not lost though - you can work within your limitations!

The simple workaround for a GPS unit that isn't 'Route capable' is to create a sequentually numbered series of waypoints that will get you to your destination. As you reach one way point, you select the next. Not as convenient as having a preconfigured and stored route to pull up - but oh, well! also, you aren't guaranteed the exact path you might have been considering for your trip, because when you select the next waypoint, the GPS unit will actually calculate a path for you from your current position. It will use your selected algorithm (shortest distance, faster time), which may not take you on the exact path you were looking at on a paper map.

The optimum solution of course is to return your just purchased non-routing GPS unit (or cancel the order if it's not too late), and purchase one that does have the features you want! Tell us what your criteria are (in addition to routing), and we'll be happy to give you recommendations! Routing models are more expensive, but you can always look for a refurbished or used unit to bring the cost down. I hope that helps - and welcome to the forum! There's a bunch of nice, friendly & helpful people here....

fjn356

Thank you, HumVee. I may as well use maps if I have to reset the next waypoint, etc. on the road. High speed touring on back roads was my intent with return to origination, etc. Will look at routing capable units in near future. Frankly, the units seem "junked up" with stuff I do not want or need, but lack the ease of use and functionality I expected them to have.

HumVee

I understand your frustration, fjn356! If only we could custom order exactly the specifications we wanted in a GPS unit (or if we could order just the cable channels we wanted and skip all the junk)! But naturally that won't happen.

I'd be happy to make some recommendations for you (at least for Garmin units...I'm not so familiar with other brands), and others will be happy to chime in as well. Aside from routing, what are your needs? When you say high-speed touring...are you using four wheels or two?

fjn356

Thanks for your help. I got a pkg of Street Atlas with the Earthmate receiver for $20, added my netbook and am happy. My wife loves the Nuvi 650 in her car. And I downloaded some trail maps into the Garmin as a bonus.

Two points that may be useful: If you have a noisy vehicle and expect to be busy at the turns (say an open Porsche), then you have to use earbuds regardless of GPS setup. Having Voice Command thru Bluetooth is also really nice to determine distance to next turn, etc. Adding map notes for known LE hangouts, slow road sections, etc. may also make for a more pleasant drive.

Basically, you really have to determine your requirements before you buy.

Thanks again.

HumVee

Thanks for the post, fjn356! It's interesting that the spoken turn info is too quiet to hear in your open Porsche, but the Bluetooth headset is clear enough for the GPS to understand the spoken commands! Are you using a Jawbone? What about piping the spoken turn info through the car's stereo speakers?