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Garmin nuvi 360

*Est. $240

Pros

Good features for price
Typical Garmin ease of use
Excellent navigation
Bluetooth hands-free calling

Cons

No multi-point routing

Our Analysis

Most experts skip reviewing the Garmin nüvi 360, because it doesn't differ much from the heavily reviewed nüvi 350. PC Magazine conducts a thorough road test, complete with a video of the nüvi 360 in action. Since the nüvi 360 has come down in price, GPSLodge.com has helpfully reviewed it as a more full-featured alternative to the entry-level units on the market. PC World's review is brief, but it is based on testing and includes clear buying advice. The nüvi 360 is a favorite among consumers posting at Amazon.com and Newegg.com.

Reviewers adore the Garmin nüvi 350 (*est. $230), and its twin, the nüvi 360, which adds Bluetooth. Even when the nüvi 360 cost $100 more than the nüvi 350, testers said Bluetooth hands-free calling was worth the extra money. However, both units have dropped in price since they were introduced in 2006, and now the price difference is negligible. They are older GPS units, so they don't offer new features such as multi-point routing or voice commands. However, the nüvi 360 does include an MP3 player and the ability to speak street names, unlike entry-level units such as the Garmin nüvi 260 (*est. $220) for nearly the same price. Experts often recommend stepping up to the nüvi 350 or 360, rather than spending practically the same amount on a bottom-of-the-line unit.

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

The Garmin nüvi 360 is an Editor's Choice at PC Magazine. It adds Bluetooth to one of the editors' favorite GPS units, the Garmin nüvi 350. This review includes a numeric score (4.5 of 5) and a concise list of pros, cons and a "Bottom Line," as well as a comprehensive write-up of Ellison's road test and a video review.

Review: Gadgets That Do It All - Garmin nuvi 360, Craig Ellison, July 31, 2006

2. GPSLodge.com

Even though it has been on the market for a while, GPS blogger Scott Martin provides this more recent review of the Garmin nüvi 360, concentrating on its new niche as a budget unit. The nüvi 360 is one of the least expensive GPS units you can buy with Bluetooth, Martin says, and it was well-designed enough in the first place that it "is not in any danger of becoming a dinosaur any time soon."

Review: Garmin nuvi 360 Review, Scott Martin, May 13, 2007

3. PC World Details/Subscribe

After testing five GPS devices, PC World reviewer Dennis O'Reilly concludes the Garmin nüvi 360 is the best value. This brief review describes the unit and includes a numeric score, succinct pros and cons and clear buying advice.

Review: nuvi 360 GPS (City / Vehicle, 3.5" LCD) Review, Dennis O'Reilly, Jan. 2, 2008

4. Amazon.com

The Garmin nüvi 360 has amassed an incredible 850-plus user reviews, maintaining an extremely high rating (4.5 out of five stars). Although reviews are almost all positive, they do include criticism, and negative reviews are included.

Review: Garmin nuvi 360 Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com

5. NewEgg.com

Although Newegg.com doesn't attract as many consumer ratings as Amazon.com, the Garmin nüvi 360 has accumulated more than 40 reviews. One advantage over Amazon.com is that Newegg concentrates on technology products, and its users are more technically savvy than most - and are required to rate their own level of tech knowledge as part of the review.

Review: Garmin nuvi 360 Reviews, Contributors to Newegg.com

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