Garmin GPS Reviews

Many people don’t realize that when we’re developing products we put them through extreme test conditions. We drop ‘em, dunk ‘em, freeze ‘em, and heat ‘em, and that’s just a few of the tests engineering puts products through. We’re proud that our devices are rugged and can stand up to the challenges our customers give them — even accidental challenges. Do you have a Garmin story to share? Send it to stories@garmin.com.

Today I did a really stupid thing, but Garmin bailed me out. As I was getting in the car to go to work, I set my GPSMAP 496 down on the roof to get my keys out. Somehow, I got in the car but forgot the GPS. Three miles later, I was cruising down the highway, and decided to switch lanes. As I straightened back out, I heard a rumble-thump sound, saw a tumbling blur in my left side mirror, and got instantly nauseous as I realized what had happened.

I swerved back to the breakdown lane, and managed to back up to the scene of the crime. It was rush hour, and I decided getting across to the median (where the pieces lay), would be dicey. Getting back would be worse, plus I figured someone would see me in the highway and have an accident, so I called the state police. A trooper pulled up and looked at me skeptically when he heard my story: “Don’t you think it’s in pieces?” I said maybe not-it’s pretty rugged, is built for helicopters, and cost over $2000. At this, his expression changed, and off he went, backwards in the breakdown lane. After about a quarter mile, he lit up and zoomed across all three lanes, picked up the pieces, and zoomed back. He was one big smile as he handed it to me: “Chris-you’re in luck!” He had already powered it up and read my name on the screen! It worked!

The bean bag base was pretty busted up, and the clamps were history, but the main case had only scratches, and worked fine! Not bad for a 65 mph crash landing!! Garmin is now my friend for life!

Thanks to Garmin for a success story that saved me a lot of money!

Chris Y.
Newton Center, MA

Today, Garmin released a free, mandatory GPS software update to correct a software issue that has been discovered to cause select GPS devices to repeatedly attempt to update GPS firmware, and then either shut down or no longer acquire GPS satellite signals.  The products affected are the nüvi 7×5 series, nüvi 800 series, nüvi 8×5 series, z?mo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640.

Garmin nüvi 7×5 series products that are no longer able to acquire a
GPS satellite signal may download a firmware update immediately that
will correct the software issue. This firmware update may be downloaded
using Garmin’s WebUpdater.

Firmware updates for other affected products will be available online through Garmin’s WebUpdater in the near future. Affected customers who have registered their GPS device will be notified about these updates through email.

Garmin nüvi 7×5 customers who are no longer able to power on their GPS device will need to visit www.garmin.com/support, and select the first FAQ
titled “My nüvi 755T, 765T, 775T or 785T is giving me the message
‘Updating GPS Firmware’ or will no longer power on…” Customers will
then need to follow the instructions to request a return authorization
so that the device may be repaired under warranty.

We know our customers rely upon their Garmin GPS device(s), especially
during the summer travel season, and we regret any inconvenience this
situation may have caused. We are committed to developing products that
are known for their quality and reliability and will continue to work
diligently to earn the trust of our customers.