The nüvi 1200 GPS navigator features an ultra-slim design that fits easily in your pocket (approximately 25% thinner than previous models), enhanced user interface, ecoRoute, public transit mode, and text-to-speech. The nüvi 1200 series also are the first nüvi devices to offer pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps, which are available for select tourist destinations in North America and Europe and can easily be downloaded directly to the nüvi. The nüvi’s enhanced user interface features improved graphics and a new slide control for menu operation, while ecoRoute suggests fuel-efficient routes to save drivers money and fuel. Also, Garmin’s new public transit mode allows you to navigate using buses, tramway, metro, and suburban rail systems. Plus, the device comes pre-loaded with City Navigator 48 states NT. An ultra-thin GPS navigator with great Garmin features like CityXplorer and ecoRoute. Click to enlarge. Just over a h (more…)
Pros: Small size, good text-to-speech, SD mapcard, ease-of-use, bright display, great suction cup mount, great satellite performance, decent maps (so far), clear and loud speaker
Cons: No prepare route, limited alternative route options, no USB-to-miniUSB cable for computer hookup
I bought this GPS for a planned trip to France, the smaller size (fits better in my pocket) and text-to-speech feature, along with SD mapcard capability were my reasons. I have had the Nuvi 1200 for 3 days and the adjustment from Tomtom think to Nuvi think has been relatively painless.
The suction cup mount (with its lever application) is a definite upgrade from the Tomtom. Also the auto detection for day/night mode is nice. Satellite performance seems even better than the Tomtom, and Tomtom has great reception. The map screen is bright and uncluttered, my wife says it is noticeably sharper. So far the maps seem to be comprehensive, won’t really know until I use the Nuvi more.
The only things I miss (and/or could not find) was the ability to plan a trip when you were not at that location (Tomtom has a “Prepare Route” option that allows you to specify the departure point)and the ability to easily avoid a road when you start out (Tomtom has a “Find Alternative” option which allow 6 options such as “Avoid Roadblock”, “Travel Via”, “Calculate Alternative”, etc.). Nuvi does have a “Detour” option that shows its alternatives to a selected route but they can only be selected, not tweeked by the user.
While it is not a big deal is seems like for the current price ($200) that the Nuvi could include a USB-to-miniUSB cable. After all this is not a $69 no-name GPS. And it is clear that Garmin/Nuvi expects you to hook up to a computer, there is software on the Nuvi so you can register your Nuvi at their website, also this is how you get your one free map update.
My wife and I were also both puzzled by one small Nuvi human factor mistake. We were trying to enter a numerical address (i.e 20th St) and after entering “20th” the Nuvi presented a two item list:
20th (Ave NE, Ave NW, Ave SE, Ave SW
20th Ave Ln NW
We were stumped for a while, where is 20th Street!! It turns out that you need to select “20th (Ave NE, Ave NW, Ave SE, Ave SW”. After you do, you will be presented with all the “20th” options, including 20th Street.
Note that specifying “20th St” resulted on a “No matches found”: error message!
It is small enough to slip into pocket. But it did not have the “announce lane changes” feature that my Nuvi 750 had. It also does not have “voice activated” menu that other more expensive Nuvi have. It gave a wrong name to the street in front of me. However, it does find my location much faster (in a few seconds) than my Nuvi 750 (which can take up to 3 mins). The menu in home page is better than the 750 as well. Does not have mp3 player like my 750 had. The free update of map became available a couple of months after I registered, but I was not notified (I found that out by accident ) and this update would have expired if I had not found it out by accident.
Tech support by email was good.
This Garmin nuvi 1200 model is very easy to use. Just enter the destination address and push the go button and you are on your way. The verbal directions are clear and the map gives the names of the streets and/or intersecting highways your vehicle is passing along the way. The direction that you need to travel is clearly marked on the map by a distinct color. If you veer off course, it will get you back on track. It knows where you are at all times.
It is light weight, small and easy to carry in a purse or pocket. This model has maps of all of the states and Hawaii. They can be updated when needed.
It is the best traveling device we have ever used!