The Garmin nuvi 350 is one of the most entertaining and useful portable navigation systems available. Simply calling it a navigation system is a bit misleading, however, as the multifunctional nuvi 350 sports features and abilities that put other portable systems to shame.

For starters, the nuvi 350 features the efficient WAAS-enabled navigation that we've come to expect from Garmin. Exclusive to the nuvi 350, Garmin's "text-to-speech" feature calls out each turn by the actual street name, which is a step above the more basic "left turn ahead" content of other voice systems. This navigation system is compatible with the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver, which allows the unit to alter its projected route and avoid traffic jams with the press of a button. The system is preloaded with Garmin's City Navigator NT, which includes maps of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

The display occupies nearly the entire front face of the nuvi 350, so map details are easy to see while on the move. You'll appreciate the display for other applications too, as the nuvi 350 has a JPEG picture viewer, so you can plug in the SD card from your digital camera to enjoy vacation shots while still on vacation. For more fun, the nuvi 350 is also an MP3 player, complete with a built-in speaker and a headphone jack. The unit has 700MB of internal memory for storing MP3 files, supplemental maps, and even audio books downloaded from audible.com.

You can purchase optional Travel Guide and Language Guide software packages that will translate thousands of common phrases into foreign languages. It can even use text-to-speech to actually play the translation.

This excellent navigation system comes with an A/C charger, a suction-cup dashboard mount, a USB interface and cable, a carrying case, and a quick-reference guide, as well as sample Language Guide content and MP3s. The internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery will power this portable navigation system for up to 8 hours. All in all, Garmin's nuvi 350 navigation system is the ideal travel companion that can do a lot more than simply tell you where to go.

Warranty
1 year