A Look at Garmin Nuvi 500

For those seeking for functionality of both an automotive and outdoor enthusiast device that keep them on the hook whether they are inside their vehicle driving or there are far away in the "jungle" catching some funs, the new nuvi 500 series released by Garmin might be the answer.

Described as a complete line of crossover products, the Garmin nuvi 500 series include the 500 and 550 model both weighing approximately the same weight of 7.6 ounces with a dimension of 3.4 by 4.2 by 0.9 inches (HWD) and feature a 3.5-inch, 320-by-240-pixel screen which when powered look exactly just like any other nuvi GPS.

Rated as IPX7 waterproof, each model can be submerged in water to a depth of one meter (3.3 feet) for 30 minutes without sustaining any damage or compromising on its functionality. The 500s even include a waterproof built-in speaker that provides more than adequate volume for spoken turn-by-turn directions. So users need not to worry when it becomes necessary to use the device under the rain or in water-prone environment or any similar outdoor usage.

The two models can be regarded as "twins" product because they possess similar features and interestingly they are both priced at the same rate of $499.99. However, the included maps differentiate the two models with the 500 model having topographic maps and street-level maps for turn-by-turn navigation for the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico but the nüvi 550 offers only street-level maps for all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Garmin, however, excluded some features in the 500 series and these include the text-to-speech for automotive mode and Bluetooth phone integration capability.