Figure 4: The Nuvi 660 Docking Cradle

The cigarette lighter power adapter connects to the back of the dock rather than the unit itself. So once the mount is in place, you don't have to worry about the power cable; all you have to do is connect the nuvi to the mount and you're ready to go.

Figure 5: 12/24-Volt adapter with integrated traffic receiver

This is the included GTM 20, FM TMC traffic receiver - the U.S. version of the cigarette lighter power adapter with integrated FM traffic receiver. The European version ships with a lower profile adapter, although the European version also requires an additional antenna wire, so I actually prefer the U.S. adapter.

Figure 6: Included AC Adapter

Garmin includes an AC adapter for charging the Nuvi when not in the car. Notice that the power connector is actually a USB plug -- you can also charge the nuvi 660 by connecting it to your PC via the included USB cable (or any USB cable, for that matter).

Figure 7: Nuvi 660 - Front

The Nuvi 660 has a large, color, wide-format touchscreen. Screen size is substantial, measuring 4.3 inches (diagonally), and resolution is sharp at 480 x 272. While I like the form factor and overall look of the 660, the unit feels a little cheap in the hand. One good drop and I'm fairly certain the nuvi would break. The plastic feels fragile and overall the unit doesn't feel particularly solid. As far as looks go, the nuvi 660 looks identical to previous nuvi units, albeit with a wider screen. There's some room for improvement on the overall industrial design of the 660. It looks utilitarian. The TomTom ONE is more elegant and streamlined looking, for example. But the 660 is a MUCH better GPS than the TT One, and that's what really counts at the end of the day.

Figure 8: Nuvi 660 - Left Side

The Nuvi 660 is quite slim, measuring just under an inch in thickness (0.9”). The thin-ness of the 660 makes it ideal for travel, as you can easily put it in your pocket and take it with you.

Figure 9: Nuvi 660 - Right Side

Here you can see the headphone jack (bottom), AC Power/USB connector (middle), and SD Card slot.

Figure 10: Nuvi 660 - Rear

With the slip-up patch antenna in the closed position, as shown above in figure 10, the back of the 660 is flat and easy to transport. Although it sort of looks like the Nuvi 660 has two speakers, it actually only has a single speaker (on the left hand side).

Figure 11: Nuvi 660 - Antenna Extended

The flip up patch antenna -- shown here opened. You can also see the MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection. Garmin says that the ideal position for the patch antenna is parallel to the surface of the earth. So most of the time the antenna should be at a 90 degree angle (forming an L shape with the Nuvi), depending on the angle of your windshield or how you have the 660 mounted in your car. In a typical setup, when the antenna is in the correct position you should not even see it when looking straight at the nuvi.

Figure 12: Nuvi 660 - Reset Button

The reset button is located under the flip antenna. In my testing I never had to use the rest button, although it's nice that the button isn't concealed like on some other units, or a pin-hole that you have to use a paperclip to use.

Figure 13: Nuvi 660 - Connected to the Mount

Here you see the Nuvi 660, connected to the mount and dock. The mount design is excellent. The ball and socket style mount holds the unit securely in place while driving, and allows you to tilt the unit at almost any angle. In my testing there was no vibration at all when driving. Garmin's GPS units have outstanding mounts, and the nuvi 660 is no exception. In fact, the suction mount makes such a solid connection with the windshield, I had a bit of a time getting it off the windshield (had to use 2 hands). I always pay special attention to the mounting hardware, as it is a critical component that often seems to be get overlooked by some GPS manufacturers. Kudos to Garmin for continuing to invest in simple, elegant, and functional mounts.