Figure 2: Everything that's included with the nuvi 350

Figure 3: nuvi 350's Suction Cup Windshield Mount

The nuvi 350 uses similar windshield mounting hardware as the rest of the nuvi product line; the windshield mount is a ball and socket style mount that consists of two pieces: the suction cup, shown above, and the docking cradle, or mount. This ball and socket style mount has proven very effective for Garmin, and is used on all new nuvi and StreetPilot GPS units. Garmin's well designed mount is easy to use and holds the unit firmly in place while driving.

Make no mistake about it: the mount is a major component of any GPS unit, and frequently a stumbling block for many GPS manufacturers. There's nothing worse than having that fancy new GPS fall off the windshield, or a mount that doesn't hold the unit steadily in place.

Garmin consistently does a better job with its mounting hardware than its competitors, and the nuvi 350 is no exception.

Once the suction mount is locked into place (by lowering the lever on the mount), it sits securely in place. In fact, the mount is so secure, that I occasionally had a hard time removing it from the window.

Figure 4: Windshield Mount, Assembled

The docking cradle has a socket at the rear that snaps onto the ball of the windshield suction cup mount, forming a ball-and-sockets joint that allows the GPS to be articulated into almost any viewing angle.

Figure 5: nuvi 350 connected to the Windshield Mount

Attaching the nuvi 350 to the windshield mount is simple: extend the GPS patch antenna so that it forms a 90 degree angle, as shown above in figure 5, then hook the bottom of the nuvi into the mount first, then press the nuvi towards the mount until it clicks into place. To remove the nuvi from the mount, press the release button on the bottom of the mount and rotate the GPS away from the mount.

Figure 6: Included USB cable

The nuvi 350 includes a USB cable for connecting the GPS to your PC/Mac. You may occasionally want to connect the GPS to your computer to update the firmware or mapping software, transfer music or photos, or upload custom POI (Points of Interest) files. More on this later in the review.

Figure 7: Included AC Adapter

The nuvi 350 includes an AC adapter, for charging the GPS outside the car. The modular design of the adapter allows you to snap in different shaped plugs for various countries (sold separately). The other end connects to the nuvi's USB data port and powers the unit and charges the internal battery.

Figure 8: Adhesive Mounting Disc

Most people will want to use the windshield mount to install the nuvi 350 in their car. If you happen to live in a State where mounting anything in the windshield is illegal (and the "man" actually is enforcing said laws), then you'll need to use the adhesive mounting disc instead.

I'm not a big fan of mounting discs, as they need to be permanently attached to the dashboard with sticky adhesive that's difficult to remove later. However, if you need to use one Garmin does include one with the nuvi 350.

Figure 9: Garmin nuvi 350, Front

Garmin's nuvi 350 is ideally sized for travel and portability, fitting nicely in the palm of your hand or in your shirt pocket. The unit itself is 3.87" W x 2.91" H x 0.87" D (9.83 x 7.39 x 2.21 cm), weighs 5.1 oz (144.6g), and sports a bright 3.5" color touch-screen display. The LCD display is made out of anti-glare material that maintains good visibility even in bright sunlight, and is fairly fingerprint resistant.

The nuvi 350 is an elegant looking GPS that looks good in just about any car.

Figure 10: Garmin nuvi 350, Left Side

The Nuvi 350 is quite slim, measuring just under an inch in thickness (0.87").

Figure 11: Garmin nuvi 350, Right Side

The right side of the nuvi 350 houses the headphone jack (bottom), AC Power/USB connector (middle), and SD Memory Card slot. Garmin makes additional maps and travel guides available via the SD memory card format. Additionally, you can use your own SD card and load music and/or photos onto the nuvi.

Figure 12: Garmin nuvi 350, Top

The nuvi 350 is powered on by pressing and holding the Power button for 2 seconds. The same process turns the nuvi off.

Figure 13: Garmin nuvi 350, Rear

The nuvi 350 utilizes a flip-up patch style antenna that must be folded out into the opened position to receive GPS satellite signals. When not in use, the antenna folds flush with the rear of the unit, as shown above, for easy storage and travel.

The nuvi 350 has a single speaker, located in the left-rear of the unit. Speaker quality is surprisingly good for such a small unit, though not as loud as Magellan's Maestro series.

Figure 14: Garmin nuvi 350, Rear with Antenna Open

In order to receive satellite GPS signals, the flip up patch antenna must be in the opened position. Garmin says that the correct position for the patch antenna is parallel to the surface of the earth, so in normal driving conditions you would have the antenna at a 90 degree angle, forming an L-shape.

The reset button is also 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.

There's also an MCX-type connector for connecting an optional external GPS antenna. The nuvi's internal antenna should be sufficient for most users, thanks to Garmin's use of SiRF's Star III high performance internal receiver.

At first I was concerned the flip-out style antenna would break easily during normal usage. However, the flip mechanism feels high quality and I've been using another Garmin with an identical flip-out antenna (nuvi 660) for a year now without issue.

Figure 15: Included Leather Carrying Case

The nuvi 350 includes a leather carrying case. You'll want to protect the nuvi's LCD display when carrying the GPS around. Including the case with the unit instead of making you pay extra for it is a nice touch; there's very little more annoying than having to shell out another $20-$30 for a case to protect the GPS you just paid hundreds of dollars for.