The compact design of the Garmin Nuvi 200 makes it very portable and this is really commendable. Even more so, is its user-friendliness. The operation of the device is quite easy even for a "cave man." More stunning is that the Garmin Nuvi 200 offers more accurate directions than some built-in high-priced navigation systems in many vehicles. In addition, the Garmin Nuvi 200 offers very travel-friendly features like travel guides and foreign language dictionaries. In essence, the Garmin nüvi 200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator is quite great for its price. However, in areas that have new construction and new traffic patterns (and there are quite a bit of them all accross the US), the Garmin nüvi 200 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator poses a problem as the preloaded map can't easily be upgraded without having to replace the entire system [Nwankama Nwankama].

Simply excellent, it covered all my expectations. Not worth spending any more money in the more expensive models, not even the Nuvi 200W as the screen of the Nuvi 200 is more than enough. Only usefull thing which is only present in more expensive models is route capability which I miss in this model.

great GPS if you want a basic unit that will take you from point A to point B. Price is not bad compared to other units that offer the same features.

This does help with finding new places, although maps/mapquest are still good to have. We found having the address helped, as looking up a restaurant meant sifting through lots of little ones and two defunct ones were at the same location as a new restaurant that didn't come up; the address got us there though. I also wondered at how some of the entries were put in, cryptic entries, initials, etc. that had me wondering if the unit had been returned or reconditioned, but I couldn't erase them so I guess not.

We got ours at Office Depot for a special price of $129 plus tax. We had no trouble getting the 2009 downloads for free online after registration, although we had to have the right cable to connect to the laptop (thanks to Dad, who'd salted away a useful phone cord). Trying to get a free mailed upgrade from a customer service rep might be subject to their individual knowledge.

It does not come with a case but we found the black slipin with pink inside at Walmart, great and I think they have it here for less, or the all-black version. We also bought a dashboard holder for $45 (also cheaper here I think) because we live in CA and they don't let you put it on the windshield. Easily transferable to our other vehicles using the holder.

I like it, but it can lead you astray and also take your attention from the road. It will recalculate if you go off course. We practiced using it some places we go to see what it would do (like taking us on three right turns instead of left to the Posey tube in Alameda) so we pretty much know what to expect. I'd recommend doing that to see how good it is. We were pleasantly surprised to have it navigate a new complicated interchange in Milpitas where mere humans often can't figure out which exit to take / lane to stay in. In the boonies it might be more interesting, but there you should have a map and a clue. And supplies.

We now put it in the mode where we see the next turn on the left side of the screen, but can read the next three on the right side - in big enough print to see & far enough in advance - otherwise we were told to turn left when we were stuck in the straight lane, we must have missed the small memo at the top which is hard to see while looking where you are going.

Overall good, but I like maps for exploring or trip travel, or detours - which it will do, but I'd like to see on a map. This little guy will keep you pointed in the right direction on a trip and come up with food, gas stations, etc. along the way, which is pretty cool. Also very handy when you know where the hotel is, but you're coming from a completely different direction.

Be sure you do not leave it in the car, or leave the holder, cord or suction cup/mark on the window visible; it's a target for thieves.

Although I am usually not directionally challenged I got this just to make finding new addresses easier. The set-up is so simple it is hardly a "set-up". Took it to look at colleges in LA. Never got lost and never felt nervous being in a strange (unfamiliar - lol) land.