If you are looking for a “do it all” handheld GPS device, look no further than the Garmin nüvi 360.

The 360 includes all the features you would want from a GPS such turn-by-turn voice directions but also includes other functionality not normally seen in a GPS device. Some of these features are providing translation, multi-media playback (including MP3′s, audio books and JPEG pictures). Although many of these features were also available in the Garmin nüvi 350, one of the key new features of this model is the inclusion of hands-free Bluetooth wireless technology, making it the hands-down best choice for when you want a personal travel companion.

Make Hands-Free Calls

The Garmin nüvi 360 comes with an integrated microphone and speaker. This gives you the ability to connect your Bluetooth-enabled phone to the device and make hands-free mobile phone calls. Once you have the phone connected to the GPS, you can use the touch screen kepad on the nüvi to make a call. Then, if you want to answer a call, just touch the screen and speak into the microphone. No need to hold the cell phone any more.

The nüvi 360 also gives you the ability to dial phone numbers from an integrated phone book or from your phone’s recent calls log. If you don’t know the phone number of your destination?  No worries.  The nüvi 360 includes phone numbers in it’s database of more than six million points of interest. Whether you need a hotel, restaurant, store or movie theater, the nüvi 360 probably has the phone number and address in it’s extensive database.

Navigation and Entertainment with Ease

The integrated GPS receiver that is in the nüvi 360 is highly sensitve and offers fantastic performance and reception. In addition, the unit includes an MCX-type connector that allows you to connect to an optional external GPS antenna. The unit comes preloaded with maps of North America or Europe. The GPS gives you the ability to use automatic routing via either a 2D or 3D map perspective. The included voice direction system has the ability to speak specific street names as well.

However, all GPS units have functionality like this today.  Where this unit shines is in some of the entertainment functions that are available.  Like the nüvi 350, the nüvi 360 includes an MP3 player, audio book player, JPEG picture viewer, travel alarm, and currency converters.

The bright, 2.8 x 2.1-inch TFT display is easily readable. The unit is small enough and light enough (weighing in at just 5.1 ounces) to be placed on the dashboard with the included suction mount, or into your pocket for easy transportability. The unit also features the patented Garmin Lock system. This technology is an advanced anti-theft feature that will disable the unit completely until a specific PIN number is entered or the unit is taken to a predetermined location. The built-in lithium ion battery gives you up to eight hours of run time on a single charge and there is an included 12/24 volt adapter that will let you run the unit from your vehicles power system.  In addition, an AC battery charger is also included.

A built-in Travel Kit that includes sample MP3s and audio books will get you started with entertainment, and with the unit’s SD memory card expansion slot you can add optional software, such as language and travel guides. A USB port is also included for loading and updating data.

Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer.


The device sports a handy MP3 player, letting you play songs stored on SD memory cards.