The Garmin Nuvi 680 is a classic exampe of convergence of capabilities in consumer electronics. As well as being an automotive navigation device, the 680 is an entertainment device, a communication device and a live wireless services through MSN Direct (12 month free service subscription included). For those who want all the advanced features of the nuvi 680 without MSN Direct there is the nuvi 670. The Garmin Nuvi 660 is identical to the 670 except for the inclusion of European pre-loaded maps along with US + Canada.

Features are available with the Garmin nuvi 680, 670 and 660 which are common across the Nuvi 600 series include; a 4.3 inch TFT display, mp3 player, audio book player, picture (jpg) viewer, world travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator, Garmin Lock (anti-theft).

A recent Consumer Electronics Association report GPS- Exploring Ownership and Interest revealed that owner satisfaction with a GPS device are strongly influenced by ease of use and display quality. The Garmin Nuvi 680, 670 and 660 have a high quality display being 4.3 inch (diagonal), 64K color, TFT, touchscreen display with WQVGA resolution (480 x 272 pixels). Maps can be viewed in either 2D or 3D perspective. The touchscreen is used for all functions apart from on/off (external switch) and rotary volume control knob.

The Garmin nuvi 660, 670 and 680 are regarded as personal navigation devices as they can be used out of the car for pedestrian navigation for a lengthy period of 7 hours thanks to an internal lithium-ion battery. For in-car charging there is an AC charger and a 12-volt power adapter.

GPS Location Based Services through MSN Direct (680 Only)

A 12 month free service subscription to MSN Direct is included with the Garmin nuvi 680. MSN Direct brings location based services information direct to your GPS unit and covers 100 of the largest cities across the United states.

MP3 Player

The built-in MP3 player displays album art and is able to browse music by the artist, album, song or genre. Music is loaded on the SD card and can be dragged-and-dropped.

Operation and GPS Maps

Drivers can search for addresses and points of interest (POI) and can also upload their own POIs – the nuvi will sound a proximity alert for upcoming custom POIs. Garmin provide a POI Loader software application (which can be downloaded from their website) for uploading POIs created by others from your PC to your Garmin unit.

The map display includes a trip computer, resettable odometer, timers, average and maximum speed outputs. Text-to-speech capability pronounces street and place names helping drivers keep their eyes on the road which gaining confirmation they are on the right track. The included Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free mobile phone operation also provides the safety of keeping eyes on the road.

Garmin nuvi Features Demo (CeBIT 2006)

Comparison of Garmin nuvi 600 series models

Other models in the Garmin Nuvi 600 series include the 600, 610, 650, 660 and 670.

• The 680 is the top specification model in the Garmin Nuvi 600 series.
• Only MSN Direct is missing from the specification if you should choose the Nuvi 670.
• The Nuvi 600 and 610 have regional maps only and the 670 is the only model with Europen maps version as well as US + Canada version.
• The Nuvi 610 does not have text-to-speech capability for reading street names.
• Both the 600 and 650 miss out on Bluetooth for hands-free calling.
• An FM transmitter is built into the 660 and 670 for routing the navigation unit’s audio through the car radio speakers. The 680 gets traffic condition updates through its MSN Direct subscription.

If you like the features of the Garmin Nuvi 680 but, can do without the widescreen display then have a look at GPSTek’s review of the Garmin StreetPilot c580

Garmin nuvi 660, 670 and 680 Packages

Included with the Garmin nuvi:

• Preloaded maps
• FM TMC traffic receiver with vehicle power cable (680)
• Real-time traffic services with free 3- month trial subscription (U.S.) or free lifetime subscription (UK) or free 3- month trial subscription (France) (680)
• Suction cup mount
• Dashboard disk
• USB cable
• Leather carrying case
• Owner Manual on disk
• Quick-reference guide

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Garmin nüvi 680 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Specification Garmin Nuvi 680

Physical & Performance:
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:	4.9″W x 2.9″H x .9″D (12.4 x 7.4 x 2.3 cm)
Display size, WxH:	3.81″W x 2.25″H (9.7 x 5.7 cm); 4.3″ diag (10.9 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:	480 x 272 pixels
Display type:	WQVGA color TFT with white backlight
Weight:	6.2 ounces (190 g)
Battery:	rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life:	up to 7 hours
Waterproof:	no
High-sensitivity receiver:	yes
RoHS version available:	yes
Maps & Memory:
Basemap:	yes
Preloaded maps:	yes (transatlantic)
Ability to add maps:	yes
Built-in memory:	internal solid state
Accepts data cards:	SD card (not included)
Waypoints:	500
Routes:	0
Features:
Voice prompts:	yes (internal speaker)
Speaks street names:	yes
3D map view:	yes
Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route):	no
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation):	yes
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road):	yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.):	yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest):	yes
Hands-free calling with Bluetooth® wireless technology:	yes
FM traffic compatible:	yes
XM Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible:	no
MSN® Direct for U.S. compatible:	yes
MP3 player:	yes
Audio book player:	yes
Picture viewer:	yes
Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation):	yes
World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator:	yes
Touchscreen:	yes
Remote control:	no
FM transmitter:	yes
Headphone jack/audio line-out:	yes
Dead reckoning:	no
Garmin Lockâ„¢ (anti-theft feature):	yes
Motorcycle-friendly:	no
Additional:	Please note: Like most USB Mass Storage devices, this product is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT or Windows Me.

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