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Garmin nuvi 500 GPS
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Garmin nuvi 500 GPS

Item # 775807

$299.95

Item qualifies for annual
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The rugged new Garmin nuvi 500 GPS has text-to-speech capability, topographic mapping and a powerful suite of navigational features for driving, biking, boating, geocaching and more.

  • Comes preloaded with detailed topographic and City Navigator road maps of the lower 48 U.S. states along with Hawaii and Puerto Rico
  • Turn-by-turn voice prompting names streets to help avoid confusion; automatic routing combined with accurate, detailed road maps keep you on track
  • Specialized cycling, marine, automotive and pedestrian modes offer specific features for a wide array of activities
  • Bright 3.5 in. color display offers easy viewing in nearly all lighting conditions; backlighted screen ensures display is viewable at night
  • Intuitive touchscreen controls make it easy to scroll through and select options
  • 3-D mapping interface provides next turn information, current speed and zoom controls
  • Geocaching mode makes it fun and easy to search for hidden caches
  • Supports lat./long. grid and datum information for use with a paper map
  • Compatible with MapSource TOPO 100K and 24K topographic map software and BlueChart software for boating (sold separately)
  • High sensitivity receiver provides rapid first fix; acquires signals in urban canyons and under dense foliage
  • Expandable memory with the addition of an SD card (sold separately)
  • Mini-USB connectivity makes loading maps and other digital content quick and easy
  • Removable, high capacity battery enables extended outdoor use—up to 8 hrs.
  • IPX7 waterproofing withstands accidental submersion to 1m for 30 min.

Package includes: suction-cup vehicle mount, 12/24 volt adapter cable, dashboard stick disk and quick-reference guide.

Imported.

Item 775807

Garmin nuvi 500 GPS Specs

Specification

Description

Position accuracyWAAS-enabled 3 meters
Routes10
Waypoints (total)1000
MemoryExpandable SD card slot
PC CompatibleYes
CompassYes
AltimeterNo
Color screenYes
Quad helix antennaNo
Compact antennaYes
Display size2.8 x 2.1 inches
Screen Pixels320 x 240
Battery life at 70 degreesUp to 8 hours
Battery typeRechargable lithium-ion
Dimensions4.21 x 3.35 x .9 inches
Weight7.6 ounces

Garmin nuvi 500 GPS Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Garmin nuvi 500 GPS
 
4.4

(based on 7 reviews)

86%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Large screen (5)
  • Acquires satellites quickly (4)
  • Easy menus (4)
  • Easy to read (4)
  • Easy to set up (4)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Faster routes (4)
    • Finding specific address (4)
    • Rural navigation (4)
    • Planning trips (3)
    • Urban navigation (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Enthusiast (4), Casual user (3)
    • How are you with directions:
    • Great w/directions (5)

    Reviewed by 7 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-7

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    Jan

    2

    2009

    (16 of 17 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Amazing for a GPS Newcomer

    By N Ga Rider

    from Clarkesville, GA

    About Me Casual User

    Pros

    • Extensive Base Map
    • Intuitive Menu
    • Large Screen
    • Quick Navigation
    • Quick Signal

    Cons

    • Bulky

    Best Uses

    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • In Car

    Comments about Garmin nuvi 500 GPS:

    I just bought this primarily for exploring Georgia and N & S Carolina backroads on my cross bike. Not knowing exactly where one is or how long the gravel road goes on has limited appeal when it is cold and the sun is going down. My only previous GPS is a dated Foretrex 101. This Nuvi amazed me when it displayed my location from inside the house within a few seconds of my first turning it on. Then I found that it was very simple to use. I have not had the opportunity to actually use it on the bike (raining and cold) but it does a great job in hiking mode.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • How are you with directions:
    • Great w/Directions

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (16 of 17 customers found this review helpful)

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    May

    30

    2009

    (12 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

     
    2.0

    Does not live up to the Garmin reputatio

    By TELYGO

    from Pittsburgh, Pa

    About Me Casual User

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Acquires Satellites Quickly
    • Large Screen

    Cons

    • Short Battery Life

    Best Uses

    • Jack of all trades

    Comments about Garmin nuvi 500 GPS:

    I have been disappointing with many thing about this product. When you try to make a product do many thing it sometime does none well. Garmin was originally selling this product for $200.00 more. I am glad I did not buy it at that price. Garmin does not provide a complete package. When I tried to register my Garmin I discover I need a USB cable. Not included so I had to buy one. Garmin markets this product as a hiking GPS, but provides no AC charger. So the only way to charge it up is in your car. As a hiking GPS it is very hard to hold. The large width with angled smooth edges makes it easy to slip out of you hand. And there is no way to attach a strap.When you wrap you finger around it to get a better grip you hit the touch screen and send it off to another menu. With a mild shake it sometime shuts off. Was using it to track my inline skate miles and found out it shut down half way through the skate. Battery life is advertised as 8 hours, but I have never come close to that, lucky if I get 4 hours. So had to buy an extra battery for $40.00. For street navigation the nuvie will not accept zip codes in the search. so have to go through a long search entering first state, city, street, house number. In the greater Pittsburgh area this gets confusing, because the post office designate the entire area as Pittsburgh even though there are many small towns, this gets confusing on how to enter a search.I was planning a trip to Washington D.C. and had a complete address for my hotel. Since D.C. is not a state could nor start with that. Entering Washington only got me the state. After emailing customer support I was told I had to enter District of Columbia to start my search. Who would have thought. All this could be made much simpler if the zip code could be used in the search. I was planning a trip to Algonquin this summer. The 500 does not have Canada in its maps. So I would have to buy an upgrade for my maps. After all these issues I think my best chose for Canada is to buy a new Garmin Legend H for [$]. Has Canadian roads, a battery live of 18 hour and I can change the nonchargeable batteries in the field.

    • Gift:
    • No
    • How are you with directions:
    • Great w/Directions

    Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

    (12 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

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    Apr

    1

    2009

    (3 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    The GPS for everything...

    By Kelley R

    from Boston, MA

    About Me Enthusiast

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Acquires Satellites Quickly
    • Compact
    • Easy Menus
    • Easy To Read
    • Easy To Set Up
    • Large Screen
    • Reliable Performance
    • Simple Controls

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Faster Routes
      • Finding Specific Address
      • Geocaching
      • Planning Trips
      • Rural Navigation
      • Urban Navigation

      Comments about Garmin nuvi 500 GPS:

      I reviewed many GPS units before finally buying this one. I wanted one for geocaching but also could function for automobile etc. I have had it now for over a month and use it several times a week geocaching with the kids and solo. If you are into geocaching it is AWESOME!!! It comes with a geocaching application already on there and it is so easy to download from the website, you get not only the coordinates but all the description info, hints, logs and you can log it on the unit. It is so great...we will be driving and see a cache is nearby on our unit and sometimes make a quick pit stop to "cache" it. :) Many nice features can't say enough about it. [...].

      • Gift:
      • No
      • How are you with directions:
      • Great w/Directions

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (3 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

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      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Mar

      15

      2009

      (2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Jack of all trades

      By Matt the adventure

      from San Antonio, Tx

      About Me Enthusiast

      Pros

      • Easy Driving to Walking
      • Easy Menus
      • Easy To Read
      • Easy To Set Up
      • Great Geocaching Tool
      • Reliable Performance
      • Simple Controls

      Cons

      • Compass for walking
      • Doesn't Speak Street Name

      Best Uses

      • Faster Routes
      • Finding Specific Address
      • Geocaching
      • Rural Navigation
      • Urban Navigation

      Comments about Garmin nuvi 500 GPS:

      Great for long distance geocaching gives driving directions then takes you right to the cache.

      So far the compass for geocaching seems useless. But Geocaching with it is still very fun.

      Need to purchase new map to use the boating functions.

      • Gift:
      • No
      • How are you with directions:
      • Great w/Directions

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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      Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

      Jul

      17

      2009

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      GPS Topo & Navigation Work together

      By BoxerDogK9

      from Eastern Washington , TriCities

      About Me Enthusiast

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Acquires Satellites Quickly
      • Compact
      • Easy Menus
      • Easy To Read
      • Easy To Set Up
      • Reliable Performance
      • Simple Controls

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Alway nav Holiday Express
        • Around flat area can't se
        • Big City Find REI
        • Camping Driving NFD RD
        • Camp Kayak bag protect
        • Faster Routes
        • Finding Specific Address
        • Find my Family Frinds
        • Planning Trips
        • Rural Navigation
        • When I Travel Walk

        Comments about Garmin nuvi 500 GPS:

        This is my 1st GPS I use it around town . Out in the country when going for a drive to find a new camping spot or maybe some where maybe want to kayak. Great to tell you your direction N/S E/W & Elevation Fun to know . The screen even has a night time mode changes to a blue hue . that was in the Topo at least I keep finding things this unit is able to do. And when I pull a trailer or a boat heavy its kind of nice to know which road's have the least elevation incline the fastest. I just like the Topo and the unit having the ability to work together with the regular Nav & walk and Use Water Maps so its the Only GPS I know of with all of this . Its maybe not like the other Garmins that do more city driving but that's a different tast. I have a SUV and boat and Camp and Enjoy the outdoors so its all in what you want. If The Battery could stay closer to 8 hours like they say it will last would be nice . And the Blue tooth but then again you have to understand all things have there limits . I would like to try this Geo Caching ?

        • Gift:
        • No
        • How are you with directions:
        • Bad w/Directions

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Mar

        30

        2009

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        My first GPS experience/purchase

        By chatodude

        from Sonora, California

        About Me Enthusiast

        Pros

        • Acquires Satellites Quickly
        • Easy Menus
        • Easy To Read
        • Easy To Set Up
        • Large Screen
        • Reliable Performance
        • Simple Controls

        Cons

        • Need a solar charger

        Best Uses

        • Faster Routes
        • Finding Specific Address
        • Planning Trips
        • Rural Navigation
        • Urban Navigation

        Comments about Garmin nuvi 500 GPS:

        I thought GPS units were just pricey gadgets, bought this one for a trip to Pasedena and it worked out great.It's topo maps seem pretty good, am looking forward to using it on my trip to Bubb's creek area on a week long trip. I picked up a spare battery but still need a solar charger as the battery is only good for 8 hours. I really don't see that as a problem, I would recommend this unit to anyone , I had never even looked att a GPS unit before and found this unit really easy to use.

        • Gift:
        • No
        • How are you with directions:
        • Great w/Directions

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

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         - You may also flag this review

        Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

        Feb

        4

        2009

        (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        You can hit the ground running with this

        By Dianne Barney

        from San Mateo, CA

        About Me Casual User

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Accurate
        • Intuitive Menu
        • Large Screen
        • Quick Navigation
        • Reliable Reception

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • In Car

          Comments about Garmin nuvi 500 GPS:

          I love this gadget and got as a Christmas gift. The directions are accurate and you can adjust the volume if the audio instructions get too annoying.

          • Gift:
          • Yes
          • How are you with directions:
          • Bad w/Directions

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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          Please let us know what kind of issue this is:

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