Garmin's Nuvi 310 is basically an enhanced version of its 300 series, and is touted as an all-in-one GPS navigator, translator, entertainer and tour guide. For the avid traveller, the device comes with a nifty toolkit that includes a language guide for translating, a travel guide with points of interests for several major European cities, plus an MP3 player and Audible book reader for entertainment.
Design
Our test unit came in a titanium grey finish that is devoid of any features except a small "Garmin Nuvi" label in the bottom left-hand corner. Garmin has chosen a flip-out design for the GPS receiver, which does provide for a stronger signal, but gets in the way of the mounting arm when you're trying to position it on your car's windshield.
There's also a sticky disc for mounting the device on your dash, which provides for improved maneuverability, but not all cars have an ideal surface to accommodate this feature. Otherwise, the mount is strong and attaching and removal is simple. We did find that the bracket that attaches to the rear of the device was difficult and frustrating to remove.
Charging the Nuvi 310 is done via the cigarette lighter adaptor or USB cable that plugs into your PC, though we were disappointed to find no AC charger is included in the box.
The Nuvi 310 is one of the smallest GPS devices we've tested, coming in at a compact 74 x 98 x 22 mm, making it ideal as a handheld navigator as well. It can easily slip into your pocket, and it comes with a handy travel pouch for protection.
Despite its small size, the Nuvi 310 still manages to fit a 3.5-inch, 320 x 240 pixel, touch sensitive screen. The unit wasn't as bright as some competitor models, and in direct sunlight could often get washed out. Strangely, Garmin has decided to handle all of the controls via the screen. This method provides for a neat looking design, with just one exterior power button.
Another highlight is the Nuvi 310's interface, which is one of the best we've come across. Labels are clearly marked with large text, and the 3D maps were pretty and uncomplicated.
Features
The Nuvi 310 picks up the excellent SiRFstar III GPS chipset, in line with most other models on the market. Maps feature text-to-speech technology that pronounces street names instead of simply reading out a direction. Inbuilt Bluetooth allows you to access your mobile hands-free, and answering a call is as simple as tapping the screen, with conversations directed though the Nuvi 310's speakers.
Version 7.0 Australian maps are pre-loaded, with an additional 200MB of internal memory to load up files such as MP3s and photos. Extra storage can be added via the memory card slot in case you want to load some international maps or even more files. Data is transferred via the USB cable or optional SD card.
One cool feature is the trip computer that includes odometers, timers, as well as average and maximum speeds readouts. Our favourite was the fuel usage mode.
Additional features include a JPEG picture viewer, world clock, calculator, plus currency and measurement converters. Garmin has also provided a PIN code safety feature that allows you to lock the device in case it's stolen.
Performance
The Nuvi 310 excels in its ease of use; no set-up whatsoever is required. Simply turn it on, enter your destination and you're ready.
The standout feature of the SiRFstar III chipset is how quickly it can acquire a satellite and calculate a route. Navigating using both the 2D and 3D maps is enjoyable, voices are clear with directions very straightforward.
A major problem was the lack of instructions prior to reaching a turn or roundabout. Often we'd be half-way through the roundabout before the Nuvi 310 had even told us which exit to take. This meant that we had to take our eyes off the road and rely on looking at the device's map.
Another flaw was that most of the time the chosen route wasn't in fact the quickest nor the most direct. We'd often be directed down a winding route, when further up there'd be a road leading straight to the destination.
At least the route calculation was fast. Whenever we missed a turn on purpose, the new route would be ready in most cases before the next junction.
The Nuvi 310 could have been very good, but was let down by its slightly poor navigation performance.
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Brad
10/09/2008, 04:24 AM
rating
9/10
To clear things up. Dont confuse your usb cord with other usb cords, or you will find you have a flat battery in the morning. Only the cord provided will charge it!
Still unsure about fm reciver for trafic reports. How to operate or if I even have one.. It did not say much about the fm reciver.
Pros: Light
can use on foot also.
It shows you where to go. LOL
Cons: It dies on the **** without battery warnings.
It is the right size for a camera.. In fact I am surprised there are no sat navs with cameras??? There ya go a free idea, because I wont get to make it.
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waynepd
03/09/2008, 11:29 PM
rating
8/10
I have used a NavMan S30 and I find the 310 to be a better unit. I took advantage of the $100 cashback so the unit cost me $244.50. I am still learning to use it. The best feature I have used is the Bluetooth to provide handsfree telephony. The NavMan came with red light camera and school zones warnings included. The 310 either hides them well or they don't exist. I have only had the unit for 24 hours so I have yet to play and discover all the features.
Pros: Small unit easy to carry in the pocket.
Clear maps.
Extra stuff including Bluetooth telephony, MP3, Aussie Voice
Cons: no AC charger.
Maps don't appear to show warnings for Red light camera or school zones
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Niche
26/08/2008, 09:17 AM
rating
9/10
I also bought this unit during the Garmin $100 cash back promotion after a lot of research both here and on other sites. The big advantage is that it has spoken street names for the net price of $250, which other name branded GPS's don't include in this price range yet. It is a slim compact unit that has Bluetooth wireless handsfree that synchronised with my mobile phone very quickly.
When I registered the product online, Garmin gave me a free download of the 2009 map, which will hopefully sort out the issue of a major road built recently in my locality not included in the 2008 version that came with the box. Garmin also has free downloads of speed cameras, red-light cameras and school zones on their website that I was able to put onto the unit easily using the Garmin POILoader software. Overall, a pretty good unit with a good battery life.
Pros: Spoken street names
Bluetooth wireless handsfree works well
Leather pouch included
SD card slot
8hr battery life
Cons: Doesn’t include a AC adaptor (only a car and USB adaptor), although I was to use one from my PDA
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Crystara
25/08/2008, 06:29 AM
rating
9/10
Fantastic Little Unit, $100 cash back from Garmin cost me $250. I know new one is arriving but this is great entry to GPS market
Pros: All the wistles and bells you could possibly need
Cons: People are to critical
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Dudley
13/08/2008, 04:32 PM
rating
8/10
Just bought my second Nuvi 310 - the first one has apparently gone to a new home somewhere (note to finder. If you found it at Alice Springs airport a month ago - you could return it, you know. If you think you're a better owner than me, look after it).
I love it - like the compact size and ease of use. The voice does sometimes get confused with left and right, but the maps don't
Pros: Compact size
Easy to use
Clear maps
Cons: When the suction cap gets on a bit, sometimes jumps off the windscreen.
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melj
24/07/2008, 10:51 AM
rating
9/10
Very good unit once you gain familiarity with it. Found best most times to bypass inputting city and just input suburb in its place. Very quick to then locate address.
Also found best when only going short distance in suburbs to set to navigate " shortest distance" so that it did not try and send you to an expressway that was unnecessary. Reset to "fastest time" when destination further away,so that it directed you to any relevant expressways. Text to speech is great!
Pros: Good Bluetooth
Great portability and leather case
Great that power connection is to windshield stand, not unit itself.
Accurate
Cons: Minor one of taking the time to gain good familiarity with it so it provides the speed and functionality one needs.
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BONES
16/07/2008, 01:48 PM
rating
7/10
first ever gps unit >> menue sequence sucks ie type city first then if you cant find street you have to re type city ?? why ??? ALSO HAVE HASSLES WITH FINDING DOWN LOADS SUH AS RED LIGHT CAMERAS ??
Pros: BETTER THAN A REFERDEX/STREET DIRECTRY RELATIVLY QUICK INFORMED AND ACCURATE
Cons: I REKON BIGGER SCREEN BETTER MENUE SEQUENCE BIGGER KEYS ALL WOULD BENEFIT USERS
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BONES
16/07/2008, 12:34 PM
rating
7/10
first ever gps unit >> menue sequence sucks ie type city first then if you cant find street you have to re type city ?? why ??? ALSO HAVE HASSLES WITH FINDING DOWN LOADS SUH AS RED LIGHT CAMERAS ??
Pros: BETTER THAN A REFERDEX/STREET DIRECTRY RELATIVLY QUICK INFORMED AND ACCURATE
Cons: I REKON BIGGER SCREEN BETTER MENUE SEQUENCE BIGGER KEYS ALL WOULD BENEFIT USERS
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RICHARDVAUGHAN
03/07/2008, 10:01 AM
rating
2/10
My Garmin nuvi 310 is a very ordinary lemon.
Cons: I purchased a Nuvi 310 last August which will not talk to the new map upgrade CD for 2008. The 310 does everything... except receive new maps. The school geography department has used Garmins for years. The Geography Head Of Department was my last resort. He found mine a black exception. Lock code expired. Garmin have provided new lock codes... Any help?
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wings9000
07/04/2008, 11:49 PM
rating
9/10
lose signal in tunnel but returns to signal asap after tunnel and recalculated in less than 30secs, useful and speak street names language. easy GUI. compact, flat and slim. have yet to try the bluetooth function.
Pros: small n compact, feature text to speech street names and bluetooth with ear jack.
Cons: firstly it was text to speech into hwy numbers. then I downloaded software update 4.40, now it speaks STREET NAMES! *phew*
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