Garmin Nuvi 660 : GPS NAV

The nuvi 660 is Garmin's latest, and most expensive, consumer GPS, and builds on Garmin's highly popular Nuvi product line. The 660 sports a 4.3-inch wide-screen, SiRF, NAVTEQ maps, built-in FM transmitter, MP3 player, photo viewer, and much more.

At 4.9x2.9by0.9 inches and 6.2 ounces, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is slightly bigger and heavier than its GPS NAV predecessor but it's still an ultraportable and sleek device that you can use in and out of the car. Plus, the extra size is for a good reason. The Nuvi 660 now boasts a larger, 4.3-inch display compared to the Nuvi 350's 3.5-inch screen.

The touch screen has an impressive 480x272 pixel resolution that made maps look extrasharp and colorful. It's also still readable in direct sunlight. With everything handled via the touch screen, the GPS Nuvi 660 can have a minimalist design, which we like.

There's a sole power on/off button on the top of the GPS unit, while there's an SD expansion slot, a mini USB port, and a headphone jack on the right spine. Finally, there is a flip-up patch antenna on the back that stores flush with the unit's surface in its closed state, so it doesn't add any extra bulk. Our only wish would be for external volume controls, but if you give the power button a quick press, it brings up a Quick Settings page where you can adjust the sound and screen brightness.

Bluetooth wireless technology allows hands-free calling capability when this GPS paired with your compatible phone. Just tap the screen to dial or answer a call, then speak into the nüvi 660’s built-in microphone. Voice dial available on phones that support voice tags and Bluetooth. Navigation maps are available in 2D and 3D view with day and night colors, and you can change your view so that either north or the direction in which you're driving is always at the top of your screen.

Plus and minus icons on the map screen allow you to zoom in and out, and there's also a trip information page that displays your speed, direction, trip time, and so forth. Finally, the Nuvi 660 has a comprehensive POI database with all the major categories and more specific ones; you can even search for restaurants by type of cuisine.


In a test-drive in San Francisco, and the GPS Garmin nuvi 660 performed wonderfully. The unit so impressed by acquiring a satellite fix in less than a minute, and subsequent starts were much faster. The system precisely tracked the location around the city running routine errands. The directions were accurate, and automatic route recalculation was also prompt after we got off track.

sources : reviews.cnet.com, gps magazines, garmin.