Garmin nuvi 1200 Review

This has been a great year for Garmin nuvi because of their announcement of a new 4-digit series with the Garmin nuvi 1200 representing the most affordable of the new lineup announced back in March 2009. These models are comparable to the entry-level 200 series that offer basic features, but several enhancements are introduced both inside and out making the Garmin nuvi 1200 and other models fine additions to Garmin’s wide selection of Automotive GPS devices.

Design

The Garmin nuvi 1200 looks the same if it is viewed from the top, but once it is tilted, people will be amazed to find out just how thin it is and the other models were surprisingly thin to begin with. This is why the new 1XXX series is dubbed the “ultra-thin” series. Overall, it is around 25% slimmer than the previous Garmin nuvi devices yet is still durable enough to travel around with in anyone’s pocket or purse.

Features

The interface maintains the same look and feel as the others so people that want to convert their old models to the thinner versions will have absolutely no problems navigating the interface. New Garmin nuvi users shouldn’t feel left out either as the main interface gives two options: “Where to?” and “View Map”. With a very limited selection, it is very easy to put the device to use after the device is turned on for the very first time. The “View Map” feature allows you to use all the GPS functions while the “Where to?” helps users set a route with ease.

The CityXplorer features that made the other devices famous reappear on the Garmin nuvi 1200 and are fitted with some fresh features that are new to all the units. cityXplorer makes navigating big cities or unfamiliar towns a cake walk by having the GPS download any information regarding the person’s current location for around $10. Newly introduced exclusively to the 1200 and other newer models is the “Enhanced Pedestrian Mode” which highlights which places are walkable and which places the user can safely catch a bus ride or subway ride. It estimates how long it takes the transportation vehicle to arrive and offers some useful data in some cities.

The ecoRoute is also included which is very useful for saving on gasoline prices. Because the Garmin nuvi 1200 tracks fuel usage, it can calculate a very effective route in such a way that the least amount of fuel is consumed and still reach the desired destination. Street names are spoken as well so navigating using the Garmin nuvi 1200 is good affordable and safe choice.

Bottom Line

In addition, the Garmin nuvi 1200 includes the same extras like calculator and JPEG viewer to make it more than anyone’s money worth. It is recommended for any person who wants a simple and light GPS device.

Actual user review:
• The nuvi 1200 is dead simple to operate. All you do, is use the touch screen to choose between favorites, points of interest and so on to get started to where you're going. The process is about as intuitive as it gets. Moreover, the degree of sophistication is several levels above my older GPS.

Once you get the address in, you just go. If you come to a traffic jam, you can back your unit up one screen and choose the detour icon. For those more into the tech aspect, you can go in a couple of menu levels and choose to not travel on toll roads or even interstates in case you want to take the most scenic route. You can even choose to use the route the Garmin unit thinks will be the most "green." - Mark Mc (OH,USA)

Product Feature Summary

Technical Details

More user comments:

• 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. The map screen is bright and uncluttered, my wife says it is noticeably sharper. - B. Franklin (USA)

• 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! - J.Rubiales (USA)

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