Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Reviews

• This is a GREAT system. . . . but it's not a map.

  
  By A2KRJTOYH1KTG8 on 2007-08-15
  I researched it for months and knew exactly what I wanted in a GPS, before I purchased the Garmin StreetPilot 7200. It has all of the features I was looking for, a large screen, real time traffic, remote, etc. I'm not going to dwell on all the great features. Every review will tell you about these, and they are great, if entering an address to go to or finding a restaurant or gas station is all you're going to use it for.
  
  What you won't see in the reviews, and what the manufacturers ads don't tell you is that this unit does not show street names on the map. If you program in an address and want it to guide you to a specific place, it shows the next street you are going to cross, and will tell you every turn to make and when to make it. And it does that very well, most of the time. I have had it take me on a circuitous route that never ends if you keep following the directions, but that is rare. A much more common problem is that on some freeways it does not know when I take the entrance ramp, and still thinks I'm on the service road. At a certain point before each new entrance it starts telling me to take the next entrance ramp, in spite of the fact that I'm already on the freeway. And as I pass the entrance and it thinks I have missed the ramp again, it says "recalculating route" in what seems to me a reproving tone of voice. Very annoying. Also, unless you're on a major Interstate Highway, it does not tell you the name of your exit. If I'm on Northwest Freeway a mile from my exit at 34th Street, it says "Take exit to Northwest Freeway in one mile", etc.
  
  Looking back on it, it was the one feature that I didn't research. But then I guess I just assumed that it would have the street names on the map. After all, I wouldn't ask if a Rand McNally Road Atlas had street names. Every GPS I have ever seen shows the street names.
  
  I have to admit, this unit works as well as a yellow pages if you're sitting in a strange place and need to find a gas station or restaurant. It lists every conceivable place you might want to go, along with address, phone number, and directions.
  
  But if you are simply parked in a strange part of town and want to know what street you are on, forget it. It shows you the street layout, but you have no way of knowing the street names. What if I just want to use it as a regular map? If I'm simply driving down the street and want to know what street I'm on I have to look for a street sign or pull out the old Key Map Guide that I thought I'd never have to use again. If you need directions to get somewhere specific and know the address, this unit is great. But what if you're lost and need a map? Forget it. There's just no way to use this "map" as a map. You can zoom in on an area and see the way the streets run, but not the street names.
  
  I've contacted Garmin twice... surely there must be a way to see the street names... to turn this feature on? I was told that the system was not designed to show street names, there is nothing I can do to make it show street names, and the reason for that is that it would be too cluttered, and might distract me while driving.
  
  Maybe that's true, but I think I should have the option to see the names of the streets just like a regular map, and be able to make my own decision whether to turn it off if I feel distracted, instead of Garmin making that decision for me. The reason I BOUGHT the big screen was so that I could see the street names better. Every other unit I've seen, even other Garmins, show street names, and most have smaller screens than the 7200.
  
  A friend just bought a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 with a factory installed in-dash Kenwood GPS, with a swing out screen about the same size as the 7200. When I first saw it, I was amazed to see the same basic layout and graphics as my Garmin, and that it in fact uses Garmin software. I was helping him set it up, and I have to admit that deep down I was kind of glad that he too would no longer have the street names on his GPS, like his old one did. Maybe the old adage "misery loves company" has some truth to it. Just as I was having to bite my tongue to keep the glee out of my voice as I commiserated with him over the fact that now he, too, was going to have to do without street names... well, I could hardly believe my eyes. On this screen that looked just like mine, using the Garmin software I have gotten so familiar with and with Garmin actually written on the screen, just as it was on mine... all the street names within a two-mile radius popped up! I'm actually very happy for him. It's just that he never researches anything. He just goes out and buys the most expensive one of whatever it is, and everything always seems to work out great. And I research it and compare models for months and buy a top of the line GPS and... OK... I'm not really happy for him at all. I wish I had his unit and he had mine.
  
  And before you ask, no, this software will not work on my 7200. I tried to purchase it on the Garmin website the same day I saw his Kenwood and they acted like I was crazy for even thinking it might work.
  
  Well, I've had my 7200 for almost a year now, and it stays stored in my center console most of the time, unless I have a specific address to go to, or need to know where the closest What-A-Burger is (like I don't already know the exact location of every What-A-Burger in the Greater Houston Area!)
  
  I'm very envious when I'm in a friends car, and even though I may have to put on my glasses because their screen is one third the size of mine, I can see every street name. I thought I had done all the research, but I was wrong and would have looked further if I had known this unit lacked the basic ability to display the names of the streets on the map. I just wish I had it all to do over again. Even if I had to spend more to get what I want, it would be worth it. And needless to say, I would NOT buy a Garmin... even one that shows the streets.
  
  
  
  

• Review of Garmin 7200

  
  By A1TGBR16MDCGTJ on 2006-02-17
  Just purchased, only used on a few trips, but want to give you my first impressions, which are very positive.
  
  First, the ads say that this is designed for larger vehicles. Not agreed. The impression from the on-line descriptions is that the screen size is HUGE, for example, the same as your office PC. Not true, it is a 7 inch diameter screen, so it is still relatively small, the same size as most current built in expensive auto GPS screens. Compared to the 2730 model, the 7200 has perfect size touch screen inputs while on the go. For the extra money, recommend the 7200 with the larger screen over 2730 which has the same features. So, the touch screen size of the model 7200 is great for viewing and input of addresses on any size vehicle.
  
  I was very impressed with connectivty during heavy weather and recommend the external antenna option (sticks to the inside windshield by suction cups).
  
  The voice commands are excellent with advance warnings of upcoming turns and then the next anticipated turn.
  
  Screen is bright and automatically adjusts to light.
  
  No need to change anything in the initial settings, they are great. Just plug in and go. User friendly screens.
  
  Easy to upgrade to the latest software as shown on the garmin web site from your PC to the unit. No need to insert update chips.
  
  The on/off switch. Should press and hold down. Just a light press does not do anything.
  
  I was disappointed that the software bundle included in the package did not include the NT navagation database software, and had to purchase it separately. The PC software allows you to pre-plan your route on your PC and download this to your 7200 so you do not have to load addresses on the go. I tested this and it works great.
  
  If you are in a traffic jam, press "Detour" and you will taken around the jam to your destination. Be prepared however to go through back roads and areas that you may not know.
  
  I did not test the special features of sat. nav. traffic, audio, nor books yet.
  
  Update: I have used this now on a dozen trips and the navigation is very trustworthy. My wife is a Realtor and she loves it.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• FINALLY A GPS UNIT THAT IS WORTH BUYING

  
  By A27B3ND9AOZ1S2 on 2006-04-14
  About time someone made a proper size screen that makes sense for use in cars. I have a really small vehicle, Toyota Prius, and this 7200 Streetfinder gps is perfect size for the car. There are many useful functions on the touch screen or you can use the remote control. The screen is big, beautiful and bright, if you want bright, if not you can adjust it. I mainly like to just keep the unit on "map" function so I can see what streets are coming up, especially at night when I an not in my neighborhood. The name of the next street is there is big bold letters, but if you press the "speak" button on the remote, it will announce the upcoming street. This thing is great and I highly recommend it. The cigarette power supply and bracket (one piece) makes it a snap to remove the unit for safe keeping. One easy motion and its off the bracket. Garmin really put a lot of thought into this one. There are so many ways this thing works but I don't want to write a book here. The only thing I can recommend is that if you are not going to mount it directly on top of your dashboard, purchase the Garmin "Ga 25MCX Low Profile Gps" antenna that snaps into the back of the unit. It will give you great reception results, instead of "searching for satellite" you will get "ready for navigation" in just a few moments. The wire that it comes attached to it is not too big and allows for easy squeezing into small places for easy concealment. I didn't have to mount it outside my car for great reception, as a matter of fact, just plugging it into the back of the unit made a great difference. For true mobile use I am sure Garmin will be coming out with a suction mount also in the near future. JUST ORDER IT, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!! That is my opinion.
  
  

• love my garmin

  
  By A1F884MOGCAOZJ on 2006-07-18
  I loooooooooooove my 7200 st pilot. I am 74 years old and my wife and I love to travel in our 38' holiday rambler navigator and before I purchased the 7200 st pilot I was always nervous about directions and finding specific locations. If you miss the turn your in trouble. This navigation system is uncanny. I just program in the address and it takes us there without fail. I don't even look at maps anymore. Some folks have nit picked this unit about it's mounting system, but I put it on a piece of 1/4" thick plastic and velcroed it to the dash. I hot glued a 5/8s himp rope around the plastic and it looks fantastic. Bata bing-bata boom. Thanks Garmin. I'm not afraid to go anywhere anymore. We live in Missouri and our next trip is Niagara Falls.
  
  

• Close to perfect, but not quite...

  
  By A24BG5DSYD0N8X on 2006-03-02
  Pros:
  * Adequate screen size
  * Highly detailed maps and directory are preloaded
  * Advanced software with efficient, well-designed GUI
  
  Cons:
  * Limited mounting options. The GPS is powered by the cradle, which has to snap into a permanent dash mount. There is no alternate mount (such as windshield suction mount.
  * For $1300, one would expect to receive a protective storage case. Not so. One would also expect an external antenna as part of the package. Not so.
  *Although a great unit, the 7200 is not a good buy. You'll get more bang for the buck with a slightly smaller unit from Magellan, or an in-dash unit.
  
  
• Garmin 7200 Good but not Perfect.
  By A1FUVM9RQG1ZW2 on 2006-06-11
  `Have used the 7200 Garmin in a motorhome for the past month - with the external antenna (mounted inside near windshield). The GPS reception has been good - lost it momentarily a few times but never crucial or for long.
  
  The only major `misdirection' was when traveling Interstate 210 (E) it recommended that I follow the local route Ca Rt. 134 where the two merged and to exit onto Rt. 134 only to have me do a U-turn and return [Garmin said] to Rt. 134 which was actually Interstate 210 (E).
  
  Be careful to select the 'fastest route' rather than the 'shortest route' unless you have all day.
  
  I'm disappointed that the only format to enter additional POI's is `.csv' files and that on the selection screen it only identifies the title not location (For example: requesting Flying J's gives a list of stations with direction arrows and miles to go but not location - If traveling Rt 5, Bakersfield Flying J might be close but on Route 99.). It limits the POI's available for download but available for other GPS products. There appears to be no way with the POI download software to convert Excel or text coordinates to `.csv' format.
  
  One other annoyance: The mounting bracket appears to have two positions to tilt the 7200; however, the second set of holes is positioned too low to be able to use them without breaking the mounting bracket. Therefore, the screen is tilt obliquely away from the dash (about 100-110o).
  
  Adding Bluetooth technology to all of the other accessory products (XM, Traffic, MP3) would have been most useful.
  
  Charlie Humphrey
  
  
  
• Best I have used
  By A20DRWBPLAXE7B on 2006-02-24
  I have used the 7200 on two trips now, one being a 1300 mile around trip from California to Oregon. My impressions are very positive. I have previously owned a Street Pilot III and have used the 2730 model. The 7200 is basically the same as the 2730, but with a bigger 7" screen. I found the user interface and the voice prompts to be very useful when trying to find specific waypoints. I am not going to go into all the different options; others have done that. I use my 7200 in a GMC pickup (Diesel 2500), and have mounted it back near the window under the rear view mirror. This gives me the best view of the road. By slightly leaning forward I can easily use the touch screen. I also use the remote while driving to change views.
  
  I was also concerned that the (CD) maps did not come with the unit. I called Garmin Tech Support and asked for the software for my PC. They sent it to me at no charge.
  
  Two issues that I think should be addressed.
  1) Mounting brackets: Using the bracket supplied with the unit caused too much vibration from the dash when on rough roads. I wish there were alternative mounting systems to give you more options where you can place the unit (on or in front of the dash, possibly a floor pedestal mounted bracket). Maybe an alternative would be something like the sand bag mount used with the 2730 (a little bigger to give the unit stability).
  2) Software - Back Button: There are times when you need to go back to a main screen or transition to another area on your GPS. You must hit the back button sometimes 4 to 6 times just to get back to the main screen. Unlike the 2730 that has an external button, this unit will need to make a software change to include this option.
  
  Other than these two personal issues I have with the 7200, it is everything that I expected it to be and much more. With all the option available for the 7200, it will give any user a very effective and enjoyable unit.
  
  
  
• DC power plug blows fuse
  By AXIZTAGK0TCJ8 on 2006-09-04
  I have the streetpilot 7200 and I like it very much. Talked my girl friend into getting one and found a glich when connecting the 12 vdc power plug. She has a 94' Ford Tarus with the conventional cigarette lighter socket. When inserting the gps 12 vdc plug into her cigarette socket the fuse blows. This was also the case when I used my unit to verify problem. It also will blow the fuse without the gps unit attached. Using a multimeter I found that if the tip of the plug is recessed flush with the plug body it shorts out the fuse. My Honda civic 06' model has a accessory plug and this does not occur. The design of this power plug for older cars is faulty. I temporary corrected the problem by inserting a rubber washer to fit inside the socket to prevent the plug from being inserted to the depth that would allow the tip and the body to be flush resulting in a short circuit! Washer size: 7/8"od x 3/8"id x 1/8"h. UPDATE: Garmin shipped us 2 new cables via overnight delivery. They worked great. It's refreshing to see a company that backs up their products. They were very professional and polite.
  
  
• Great GPS Unit
  By A6VIZKMW57MNX on 2006-05-23
  I have had this unit for about 2 weeks now and it has performed flawlessly so far.
  It does have a couple of quirks though:
  1. Some POI's you would expect to find are not in there (for example Walmart), but I did download some from the internet and installing was a breeze.
  2. The mounting of the unit, Garmin needs to come up with some other solutions. I made a custom mount for mine from a PANAVISE pedistal bracket.
  
  Besides those 2 things the unit is great.
  
  trek5460
  
  
  
• I'm very happy with it!
  By ANJRXL5P1GV7S on 2006-01-30
  I have a Garmin 2710 and am very pleased with it...but...this 7200 is MUCH easier to use/see/enjoy. The 7200 takes up a significant amount of dashboard space with it's 7" screen, but what do you expect from a device that you can use as a monitor for your DVD player? If you have a small car/truck, this GPS is probably too large for you.
  
  I've yet to use the MP3 and Audio book capabilities, but expect good things from them as well.
  
  The GPS capabilites (like the 2710) are outstanding with a much improved user interface, 3D navigation, and clearer voice prompts.
  
  If there's one thing I wish it had it would be a friction mount for the device. A "sticky" mounting bracket is furnished with the device, but I'd like to take it from vehicle to vehicle without having to stick something to the dash of each car.
  
  
• Poor customer response
  By A1VQKE3YHKHOK8 on 2006-12-12
  Although the 7200 is a great box with a large screen, easy to see for us older folks, the functionality is NOT what you would expect from a $1000 unit. You have no way of defining your own MP3 playlists, the playlists Garmin defines are "take it or leave it" and there is minimal customer service - unfortunately ending with "I can't help you". E-Mails go unanswered. This is the kind of functionality that you would expect in a $40 MP3 player, you would think Garmin could include it in their units. I am disappointed.
  
  There are fewer display value options than a competing GPS - Velocity Made Good, cross track distances, others are simply not there.
  
  From a physical standpoint, Garmin would also be well served to make a mount that does not require that additional wires be plugged into the UNIT itself - (Antenna, Line in and line out) - but would rather be part of the mount. It would make securing the unit at stops at lot simpler for the user.
  
  Overall, unless you really need the larger screen, wait for this product to mature or come down drastically in price.
  
  
• Garmin 7200- Two Thumbs Up
  By A3GGU2VYZXI905 on 2006-07-08
  I've had this unit for a week and I think I've used it enough to be able to share my impressions with all of you. This unit
  is very expensive. I bought it for 1000 dollars plus tax and insurance from Fry's Electronics.
  
  The unit itself large enough that it makes viewing the screen very easy and comfortable, but it is also too bulky to fit in your shirt pocket. That being said, it fits very well in my 2000 Toyota Camry and I feel that having the 7" screen size is worth having to buy a carrying bag for it. Make sure that you remove it from your car if you plan on leaving it out of your sight.
  
  The mounting was a snap but it did bug me that the only mounting option I had was to stick the frame to my dashboard instead of being suction-cupped to my windshield.
  
  The main reason for me buying this system is that I just moved to Austin TX and I don't know my way around very well yet, and I'm also a Realtor/traveller which makes it even more important that I know how to get to the millions of addresses that I need to go to on a weekly basis.
  
  The Garmin 7200 is very easy to set up, it takes about 5 minutes, and it is fairly intuitive. You can use the touchscreen to input information, or you can use remote control. You can then begin getting directions by searching for a Point of Interest (restaurant, stores, etc) or by entering an address or intersection. The system is very fast
  at calculating the route that is best to take depending on your settings (shortest driving distance, or shortest driving time). You are then guided by detailed voice commands of where you need to turn and in how many feet/miles you will need to make that move. It even pronounces street names very accurately. I admit I've never used a GPS before now, but this makes it incredibly easy to find small obscure places out in the middle of nowhere as well as those addresses in the crowded city.
  
  Because I need to visit 8-10 properties on average each day ,I simply enter each address into the system (it also will complete the street name for you as you're entering it so you don't need to type it all in) and then have reshuffle the addresses so that it will take the least amount of time to get to all of them. You can also choose to have the addresses shuffled to cover the least distance possible- Simply take your pick. I've mapped out my destinations like this many times now and I haven't had any problems at all. If you miss a turn, the computer will recalculate (within a couple seconds) your route to get you back on track.
  
  Pretty much everything is adjustable as far as screen brightness, touch screen sensitivity, colors on the map, map view, so if you want to know more about those options just download the manual from GARMIN.COM so you can get more information on that.
  
  http://www.garmin.com/products/manual.jsp?product=010-00400-10
  
  I didn't buy this unit because it plays mp3's or audio books, I could care less about those things; I bought it because I need to be able to reach my destination, wherever they may be, with as little confusion as possible, as quickly as possible, and in the safest way possible.
  
  I'm glad I shelled out all this money because I am no longer ever lost and because I can't deal with the frustration of wasting time thumbing through a map off the side of the road.
  
  
• ..Review from a Trucker..
  By A101OIVFJ74ULS on 2006-11-27
  I'm a truck driver, I drive all day, every day. So I needed a GPS that had an option for truck routing. I found this, and it offered just that and so much more..
  
  First: it's so easy to tell it where I'm going - I just type in the address, city, state ~ BAM! I'm already routed and ready to head down the road. I just listen to where it tells me to turn. Also the big display makes it easy to see exactly which road to take, which is real nice for those big cities like New York and Chicago..
  
  Second: I bought the GXM 30 XM antenna - through that I get weather for where I'm at, where I'm going and anywhere else. It also tells me before I run into heavy traffic and safely detours me around it. The XM radio isn't bad either, in-fact it's pretty much priceless compared to the days when I'd have to try and find a good station, only to have it go out a couple miles down the road - the sound quality is quite impressive too.
  
  I gave this a 5 out of 5 because it deserves it. This is a very well made, VERY easy to use product, that I wouldn't work a day without.
  
  I'm just glad I could finally say goodbye to the big atlas and map reading/routing, as it was very time-consuming.
  
  My only complaint is that the software that came with it wasn't Mac compatble. No biggie tho', because I can run Windows XP on my Mac too..
  
  Final thoughts: Buy this little bugger, it's worth every penny!
  
  
• Non-existent Customer Service
  By A2I1VCZCNR8HWW on 2007-01-08
  Carve out a 2-4 hour block for help with Garmin (if you can get through). Service support is very poor and reps appear to be overloaded & are not very knowledgeble regarding how to load larger lists for delivery or real estate function (see blank waypoints below). This is especially true for those with questions or issues relating to multiple addresses (waypoints). While this unit functions OK for simple A to B and finding restaurants, you are almost on your own when it comes to contacting Garmin service reps. Loading waypoints via CT Navigator (computer to display unit) was a learning experience for three different Garmin tech reps and took many calls @2-4 hours each call. They just plain didn't know the answer to the questions and these units require lots of technical experience to get a sequenced list loaded properly in the unit.
  
  I asked many CSA's at both Amazon (TigerDirect) and at Garmin re the robustness of this unit and the operational ability to navigate to routes all over Spokane,Wa area. While it does hold lots of addresses, make sure that it accomodates waypoints throughout the region you plan to travel. If it doesn't have addresses loaded in Navigator you're out of luck. I had huge blocks of addresses in 5 - 10 year old subdivisions that were just plain 'dark.' "Well, we contract with cartographer software companies and sometimes they miss areas. You can contact them to see if they'll include it for next year in April." I don't feel it's my responsibility to fix their holes - even if it's possible.
  
  While the clarity of the map is good, the unit lags behind your actual position (along with the voice commands) which can be exciting in traffic trying to decipher your next turn.
  
  Still waiting to replace defective USB cable.
  
  Bad experience for the money.
  
  
• Flawed, but still awesome
  By A25NE4ZT5J6SKE on 2007-10-06
  This screen is just huge, the graphics are simply great, and the voice is an order of magnitude improvement over older models (plus you can turn the darn thing down - it used to scare the life out of me if I went off course). I will list my complaints below, but for the most part, this is a terrific unit. It also has a great remote.
  
  but..
  The side buttons are gone that were present on the smaller units. They seem proud of this, but now you get buried deep in menus and have to press "back" a dozen times. VERY annoying (remote to the rescue, if you happen to be holding it).
  
  The default for finding things is now "near here", instead of "near current route", which it used to be (if a route was active). This makes me want to scream, since I use this feature at least a hundred times a day on a long trip. Wish I could have the choice of defaults.
  
  On the smaller screens, when a list of restaurants (or anything else) came up, there were about 6 or 8 showing. Now there are about 3 on this HUGE screen, and you have to scroll and scroll and scroll..... What's that about??
  
  They have a nice section for "favorites". But the only thing that can be a favorite is a place. Well, you KNOW how to get to your favorite places most of the time!! I need favorites to be "gas on current route", or "McDonalds on current route" (have to have their coffee..) or whatever. When traveling, you have to go through looking for gas, food, hotels and rest stops over and over, and it isn't quick. Especially rest stops, which have been buried deep in the menu system on every Garmin I have had. Please Garmin, let us set up favorite searches, not just places.
  
  I got the bean bag holder, since the other one makes it too hard to take the unit on and off. You will want to take it off, because there is no hiding this monster!! I have had no trouble with it, but I did add some velcro just to make sure. I wish the design of the unit was more bottom heavy. When you press the keys, it feels unstable. Haven't ever had it move around corners or anything, though. Also, it doesn't tilt backwards and forwards like the smaller units, and I miss that.
  
  Regardless of complaints, I really like it, and would buy another.
  
  Oh yeah, it has all kinds of media stuff, but all I want is an iPod connection. Sigh.
  
  
  
  
  
• Best Auto GPS I Have Used
  By A10JXY2MAO7MNC on 2006-07-13
  I have owned numerous marine and auto chartplotter/GPS's and this is the best I have used on land. The screen size is ideal for being able to glance quickly without taking your eyes off the road too long; smaller units are just too hard to read.
  The operation is easy and intuitive with almost no need to read the manual. The database and instructions seem excellent so far. Garmin support is excellent as demonstrated by a problem with the 12v auto adaptor blowing fuses. Garmin tech support said they have had some problems with that and sent a whole new unit since they do not have auto adaptors, separately, yet.
  I agree that the mounting base is not good for portability so I will buy the bean bag mount and see how I like it. I highly recommend this unit for anyone wanting a mobile GPS.
  
  
• Functional and user friendly
  By ACH334RUUPQ8B on 2006-10-25
  I bought the 7200 in the spring and have been using it consistently since. I am extremely happy with the device. As an independent I/T contractor, I travel to numerous client sites and the Streetpilot has made finding addresses in unfamiliar cities effortless. We have also logged one family vacation (we drive on vacation) and found the directions to be accurate all across the nation.
  
  Likes:
  * The big screen. It is easy to glance at the screen without diverting your attention from the road.
  * The clear voice directions. The speech emulator trips over some words a bit, but for the most part all directions and street names are quite clear.
  * The touch-screen interface. Easy to read action buttons and a direct-to-music short cut make the unit very easy to operate.
  * XM Radio. Technically this is an add-on. You have to purchase the (rather expensive) XM antenna separately, but it is really worth it if you like a variety of nation-wide programming.
  
  Dislikes:
  * Satelite reception is a bit tenuous. I drive in some rural and heavily wooded areas and I sometimes loose satelite reception. There is an external satelite antenna available, but it hasn't been enough of a problem so far that I have bought one.
  * Unit maintenance. Firmware, software and map updates are only available via computer download (USB). I would prefer that these updates were distributed via satelite directly to the unit.
  * Construction projects. While this is not Garmin's problem, major redesign of highways will wreak havoc on the unit's ability to provide accurate directions. The nav system always knows where you are, but if the maps don't show a street there, things get a little messy.
  
  When I decided to drop Onstar directions, my intent was to buy the best navigation system possible. I think I got it.
  
  
• Five Stars - Great Unit
  By A222B9GKOWBWUK on 2006-10-15
  I had some trouble with my first unit, but Garmin replaced it and I really depend on it. Not just for GPS, but also weather, traffic reports. Get the mount from Ram Mounts so that you can put it on your windshield.
  
  
• Garmin 7200
  By A3FTT4682F5U7J on 2007-05-13
  This was a recommendation from my brother, and he was right in all respects. This device is just what I wanted and more. It has a huge screen that is readable in just about all light. The maps are clear and well marked, and the services it provides ie lodging, food, gas, recreation whereabouts, and others is superb. Amazingly the device fits into the coin tray of our Expedition between the front seats and just below the dash, but has no trouble receiving the GPS signals and holding them as well as the GPS on my boat can. So the machine is not in my driving view, but in view, and reachable for adjustment by either my self or wife.
  We particularly liked the XM radio feature as that is our choice for satelite radio. We like the news, traffic and weather features of XM as we travel about the country. This device also uses that information to look ahead on your route and suggest adjustments to the route to miss traffic. This actually happened to us: We were coming north and following the device's suggestions to by-pass Washington DC. New construction changed some exit ramps and the 7200 was not up to date on the new ramps. So we used our old standby route, and the machine immediately recalculated our route. It actually used a new way for us, that was interesting, and we wondered about it. But we took its advice and went as it directed. When we rejoined Rt 95 north, behind us was a huge traffic jamb as far as the eye could see, and the 7200 had taken us around it. All that without our prompting it. It saved surely an hour on our trip.
  My only regret is that the XM radio antenna which is extra and required for reception, should cost about one third of what it does.
  The machine is expensive compared to the little ones available today, but none of them have all the features of this one. Further it articulates street names very well, better than I can.
  
  
• GPS FOR MORONS
  By A299UM88E7HGYA on 2006-03-14
  THIS IS A TRUELY SIMPLE TOOL THAT IS REALLY PLUG IN AND NAVIGATE. SOMEONE HAS DONE THEIR HOMEWORK
  
  
• Great Navigator
  By A1AJBY51L1OVZP on 2006-10-04
  Over the past 5 years I have owned and used Kenwood Navigator ($3000), DeLorme Navigator, Microsoft Streets & Trips w GPS; all unsatisfactory. The Garmin 7200 tops them all. I would have to nit-pick to field any complaints about this product. Easy to set up and easy to use. No annoying behaviors.
  
  
• Stret Pilot 7200 Garmin
  By A1QEL9CYDKH7CP on 2007-01-29
  I like the large screen. We had a couple of problems on our first real trip out with it. It directed us through a town instead of the major highway on the outskirts of town. And it also directed us to a dirt road through the mountains as a shortcut to get the rest of the way home. We are not in to traveling dirt roads even to save time and gas. Hopefully a future download from the place that made the product will fix this problem.
  
  
• Not what I expected
  By AYU8ZOVOUPK7N on 2008-02-07
  When I opened the box, I was really surprised at how bulky and heavy this unit is. Look at the picture in the 7500 description for a better idea. I don't have a place to mount this monster. Windshield mount isn't an option and dashmount doesn't allow enough height. The size of the part you will permanently glue to your dash is quite large.
  I wouldn't consider this portable - by the time you connect this to the XM antenna (which isn't portable either), and your radio, you won't be casually moving it.
  The features, functions and effectiveness may be wonderful, particularly if you have a truck and you aren't concerned about theft. I wish there were better pictures showing the mount and explaining the connections required to make it work correctly.
  I returned it unused and am considering my alternatives.
  
  
• Multi Segment Routing
  By A1DYOZ7T3H2UAS on 2007-02-13
  I bought this unit to use in my delivery truck for multi-segment routing. So, we can setup waypoints for many points and then map out the route between them. I have found that the route optimization of which points need to be first to last is a manual process, but the computer maps out the best route between the waypoints. The MapSource computer software which comes with this unit works much better than the Delorme software I was using previously. I even like the Google Earth interface from MapSource that lets you get a satellite image of your way points and routes. I high recomend this unti.
  
  
• StreetPilot 7200
  By A1UV41I9JZXF65 on 2007-07-19
  I recently purchased a Garmin StreetPilot 7200. It does everything I expected. I especially love the big screen. My only kick is that I live in a fast growing area and many of the streets don't show on the GPS. I did not expect roads to show that were one or two years old but I did expect roads older than two years to show. I talked to Garmin and they said their maps are updated at the same time as MapQuest on an annual basis. My neighborhood has been in existance for four years and yet my whole neighborhood does not show. However, Garmin said that my neighborhood will be on the next update in September. The 7200 itself has performed flawlously. I would recommend the 7200 but don't expect newer streets to show especially if you live in a fast growing area. The question is whether any other company has more updated maps.
  
  
• Garmin 7200 mounting
  By A2UDGSOS1WYJ2L on 2006-12-20
  I just got my new Garmin 7200 as an early Christmas present. I am also one who likes the large screen because my eyes are not as good as they used to be. First, for those not sure about dashboard fit--cut a piece of cardboard the size of the unit. The specs are listed on most advertisements. Place it in several areas to see if it too large for where you may wish to mount it. Second, there is no way I am going to GLUE that Garmin mount to MY dashboard, and possibly ruin it. I have read on a website, that the windshield suction cup mount--Panavise 809-AMP Satellite Radio Vehicle Mount (available at Amazon for around $30), is compatible to the Garmin mount, with the removal of some screws (4), and part of the mount, and attaching the Panavise which has matching screw holes. I have one on the way, so it is not installed yet. I plan to use a non skid rubber material, such as those used as jar top openers (or rubber Cupboard shelf liner) for resting it on the dash, with the suction cup mount holding it firm at the top. This will take strain off the cup part, so the mount is not holding the whole weight. With the unit laying on my passenger seat presently, I have had great reception, and do not see a need for the extra antenna for GPS function. For the short time I have had it, I have found it very easy to use and program! Just as a cell phone is primarily for calling, A GPS is primarily for navigating, so quit complaining if the MP3 player or extras won't do this or that! Charlie in sunny Pensacola, FL. OOPS! Just got the mount and it works. Not sure if the hot summer heat will let the suction go and allow the unit to fall, so I am going to order a custom hard mount for my model car, along with an extension arm. No drilling required, but it does fit between the dash and "collar" around my radio and heater controls, which requires loosening the collar, and using the hidden dash screws underneath, to fasten the mount. On the Panavise web site, enter your make, model, year, and they will tell what part# you need. It may be available also through Amazon.
  
  
• poor connector
  By AW9NR19CV06KQ on 2006-08-17
  The connector cord male tip blew a fuse and when my wife tried to replace the fuse the connector end disintegrated. Garmin replaced it and so far no more problem. My wife, a busy real estate agent finds the unit very helpful in her work. There is no adequate mount for use in her Escalade and something had to be jury rigged.
  
  
• Great but jiggles
  By A160USXZAZWRJL on 2006-11-04
  I love the system but the mount needs to be worked on as it "jiggles" a lot. Everything else is top of the line when it comes to operation.
  
  
• Veteran Streetpilot III user's view of this product
  By A1DHHXP7RSJTS6 on 2007-01-07
  I bought this unit with the low profile antenna and the 3 year service plan four months ago and I am glad I did. As a software sales person I am on the road to a new customer location almost every day. I need a GPS that is fast, reliable and easy to use.
  
  I bought the Garmin Streetpilot III many years ago and have always been very disappointed with it. The processor was so inexcusably slow that I wanted to throw the thing out my car window on many occasions. You also have to completely shut down the unit and re-start it to change destinations. The "Safe Mode" kept you locked in to a destination and you had to wait for the darn thing to reboot and re-find the satellites to map to a different location. I also made the mistake of putting batteries in the back of the Streetpilot III and the batteries leaked out and corroded the inside of the battery case. Furthermore, they designed the external (and only) speaker to be right next to cigarette lighter plug in. On two occasions, the bolt that connected the speaker to the cigarette lighter plug worked it's self loose. After continuously re-screwing in this bolt, I finally lost the bolt. I called Garmin and they replaced the whole cord for free. Thanks, Garmin! However, I lost the second bolt the same way and just decided to not hassle with the phone call. It was time to buy a new GPS.
  
  After four painful years with my old GPS, I did my homework and decided to make the investment in this Streetpilot 7200. I haven't used the traffic or the Satellite Radio features yet. After the bad experiences I had with the Streetpilot III, I thought I'd see if I liked (and trusted this new model) before investing in the traffic and satellite radio features. I bought this top-end device expecting top-end GPS performance with a top-end user interface. This is all I really need.
  
  With the screen appearing to be quite large and talk about requiring drilling into the dash board (there's no way I'd do this in my BMW) I bought the low profile antenna to give myself the option of laying the unit on the passenger's seat and just sticking the external antenna (via suction cups) to the windshield. This method works out great for me. There is no external speaker or bolt to come loose. Also, you cannot put batteries into the unit, so there is no acid leak mess.
  
  The 7200 is everything the Streetpilot III isn't: fast and easy to use. And so far it has been reliable. I bought the Service Plan *just in case*. It looks like Garmin listened to its customers. If you have the money to spend, I would recommend the 7200.
  
  
• minor flaws
  By A17CT1EHLKT7IV on 2007-01-17
  I love this product with the exception of low resolution screen and why on earth is the keyboard abcdefg... instead of qwerty? This is very strange and uncomfortable. This was a blunder by Garmin which I hope will be corrected. The screen size is awesome and the response time is fast except in cloudy weather and downtown around tall buildings.
  
  UPDATE: Garmin issued an update with the qwerty keyboard option. AWSOME! I have had some delays finding satellites even on clear days so my rating stays at 4 stars.
  
  

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