Garmin Nuvi 680 Review

The Garmin Nuvi 660 was the first compact, pocket sized GPS device to have a 4.3 inch QVGA screen. It was also the first in the Nuvi series to provide a future look at location based services via the new icon for MSN Direct Network. With the Nuvi 680, you get four MSN Direct Services which include traffic, weather, gas prices (and that’s a big one), and even move information. And for each of these four services, the information is based on your current location. You can also view information for other cities.

The navigation feature is as easy to use as the Nuvi 660, but with the MSN traffic data, you can receive an alert when there’s a traffic problem in your path, and you have the option to detour around the incident. You can also view more detailed information about the incident via a Details icon. If you want to check the gas prices in your location, you can view the list via the points of interest menu. You can check different stations for the lowest gas prices available in that area. However, only stations with known gas prices will be shown, so you may still want to eye check the stations around you to get the absolute lowest price in fuel.

The Nuvi 680 also comes with the Bluetooth technology that makes other Nuvi’s so convenient. You can pair it with your Bluetooth compatible cell phone to make hands free calls while you’re driving. And the sound from the 680 is much clearer than the models that preceded it.

As with all Nuvi devices, the navigation is easy. You simply input your destination and view your results in 2D or 3D maps, with voice directions for turn by turn instructions. And if you need re-routed, it takes only seconds to correct a missed turn. It comes with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, and points of interest including hotels and restaurants, among others. You can also program custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras, and alerts such as speed traps.

Other features of the Nuvi 680 include an MP3 player, audio book player (which does require a subscription to Audible.com), JPEG picture viewer, currency converter, translator, and many other features too numerous to mention.

The slim design and practically weightless design (only 6.2 ounces) makes it perfect for walks or hikes too. And it’s great for use in a rental car. You can even carry it in your purse or shirt pocket.

It’s run by a lithium ion rechargeable battery that holds up to 7 hours of charge. Great for longer trips or walks around a new city.

Overall the Nuvi 680 is the best in the Nuvi 600 series. With all the features, and the excellent load times, as well as the reliable directions, you can rest assured that you’ll not spend countless hours going around in circles. The Nuvi 680 will get you from point A to point B and back again.

Product Description

Receive door-to-door directions while staying on top of local weather, traffic and more with nüvi 680, a sleek multi-tasking personal travel assistant. Similar to the 660, nüvi 680 features a colorful widescreen, hands-free calling and FM transmitter, then takes it up a notch by adding dynamic content from MSN® Direct. Like all nüvis, the user-friendly 680 comes with preloaded maps and travel kit.

Get Localized Information

With dynamic content from MSN Direct, nüvi 680 is one resourceful personal travel assistant. Using the included receiver and free trial service* to MSN Direct, you can check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices and check movie times and locations when you travel with your unit. The MSN Direct receiver is plug-and-play portable, making it easy to connect to your unit when out and about.

Navigate With Ease

nüvi 680 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, nüvi 680 accepts custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.

See More

nüvi 680 features a super-bright 4.3″ diagonal widescreen display for improved map viewing, POI lookup and MP3/audio book playback. This landscape display has white backlight and a touchscreen for easy use.

Make Hands-free Calls

Talk about worry-free driving. nüvi 680 integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone. Then talk hands-free through the 680 while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nüvi’s touch screen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap nüvi’s screen and speak directly into its built-in microphone. You can also easily look up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or from your phone’s call history log. With 1-touch dialing for points of interest (POIs), you can conveniently call ahead for reservations or information.

Take It With You

Like the rest of the nüvi series, nüvi 680 sports a sleek, slim design and fits comfortably in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot.

Go Beyond Navigation

Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 680 includes many “must have” entertainment and travel tools including an MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters and more. With nüvi 680’s wireless FM transmitter, you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle’s stereo. It also comes with Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. Optional software on plug-and-play SD cards for language translation, detailed travel guide and savings program allows you to customize your nüvi for your travel needs.

nüvi 680: It’s a whole nü way to travel.

* Package includes 1 year free MSN Direct service. Some services available only in select cities where coverage exists.

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
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 (e.g. “Turn right in 500 ft.”):yes (internal speaker)
Speaks street names (e.g. “Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.”) :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 Lock™ (anti-theft feature):yes
Motorcycle-friendly:no
Additional:This USB Mass Storage device is compatible with Windows® 2000 or later and Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

What’s in the Box: 

  • nüvi 680
  • Preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America (full coverage)
  • MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable
  • 1 year free MSN Direct service
  • Vehicle suction cup mount*
  • AC charger
  • Dashboard disk
  • USB cable
  • Leather carrying case
  • Owner’s manual
  • Quick reference guide

*Notice to Drivers in California and Minnesota

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