Garmin nuvi 1300 review
The Garmin nüvi 1300 is a relatively low-end unit in a line of Garmin GPS navigators introduced in 2009 (here is a list of more recent nuvi introductions), albeit one with a 4.3” widescreen. It comes pre-loaded with maps of the entire United States with the exception of Alaska.
All of the new units in the 1200, 1300 and 1400 series come with customizable data fields and the ability to utilize the pedestrian and mass transit features on Garmin’s CityXplorer maps. They also have text-to-speech, so you’ll hear “drive one-half mile, then turn left on Elm Street,” instead of just “drive one-half mile, then turn left.”
Related units
- The new Garmin nuvi 1300LM adds lifetime map updates to the 1300′s feature set
- Or step up to the nuvi 1350 to get lane assist, speed limit display and to add maps of Alaska and Canada
- Going the other direction, the nuvi 1200 delivers the 1300’s feature set in a smaller package – it has a 3.5" screen
- To see how the 1300 compares to other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart
Note: Portions of the following were adapted from my hands on reviews of the nuvi 1200 and nuvi 1490T.
Here is a brief look at new features introduced with the 12xx, 13xx and 14xx series, but not found on previous models.
CityXplorer maps
The nuvi 1300 can utilize the pedestrian / mass transit navigation features of these maps, as shown below. CityXplorer maps are priced at $9.99 to $14.99 per city. I’ve posted more detail and screenshots in my CityXplorer review.
POI feedback
This feature, added with the version 2.70 firmware upgrade, allows you to give feedback on points of interest (POIs). Follow that last link for more details, but basically, POIs can be rated and you can even report errors, removing them from your searches.
Custom data fields
The nuvi 12xx, 13xx and 14xx models allow you to customize the map screen’s lower left data field, a feature we first saw on the nuvi 7×5 series. Press this field to bring up the options listed below. When not navigating, the options are:
- Direction of travel (default)
- Elevation
- Time of day
When navigating, the options are as follows:
- Estimated time of arrival (default)
- Estimated time to destination
- Distance to destination
- Direction of travel
- Elevation
- Time of day
What’s new is that in the 13xx and 14xx series, you have the option to shift data fields to the right side of the map screen, as shown below. The top three fields can then be customized with the options discussed previously. This gives you the ability to display two more fields than can be shown in the traditional display mode. (Note that the speed limit display shown below is not available on the nuvi 1300)
More nuvi 1300 features
The following features were first introduced on other recent nuvi models.
Trip log display
Trip log display, or as I prefer to call it
, tracklog display, shows where you’ve been and can be downloaded to your computer. Tracklogs can be cleared and the feature disabled for those of you with something to hide! The tracklog is the thin blue line trailing behind the car / current position icon, as shown in the screen shot above.
ecoRoute
This feature adds a “less fuel” option to your routing choices and gives you fuel and mileage reports, estimated fuel cost for trips, and even a “driving challenge” to improve your fuel efficiency.
Here is a PDF version of the ecoRoute manual. ecoRoute is available for the nuvi 2×5, 7×5, 12xx and 13xx series.
Recent cities and streets
This feature was first seen on the nuvi 700 series. A folder icon appears in the upper left corner of city and street search screens. Tap it for a list of recent entries. This is so much better than having to re-enter your hometown all the time!
Where am I?
This emergency location feature provides your current latitude and longitude, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.
Garmin nuvi 1300 pros
- Bright display
- Text-to-speech
- Quick access to previously entered cities and street names
- Customizable fields on map screen
- Automatically powers on and off
- ecoRoute
- Compatible with CityXplorer maps’ enhanced pedestrian navigation features
- Trip log display
Garmin nuvi 1300 cons
- Power lead must be plugged directly into unit (not the mount)
- No speed limit display
- When you search for a POI, the POI balloon obscures a significant portion of the map
- Does not include standard mini-USB cable to connect to PC
Conclusion and recommendations
As with the entire nuvi series, I expect that most buyers will be quite happy with the 1300. If the ability to customize the map display or use of CityXplorer maps is important to you, I highly recommend this unit.
More Garmin nüvi 1300 reviews
- Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 1300 reviews
have been posted at Amazon
- GpsPasSion has a nuvi 12xx, 13xx, 14xx review thread
- Another consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 1300 review has ben posted at Viewpoints.com
- A user review of the 1300 has also been posted at ConsumerReports.org
I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…
Other Garmin nüvi 1300 resources
- The Garmin nüvi 1300 owners manual, in the language of your choice
- Want to see how the nuvi 1300 stacks up against other models? Check out this Garmin auto GPS comparison tool or my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion and another nuvi forum at GPS Review
- The official Garmin nüvi 1300 web page
- How to access archived nuvi trip logs
- Five more tips for nuvi newbies
- Video comapring the nuvi 1300 and 1390T:
Compare prices on the Garmin nüvi 1300 at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 1300
price at Amazon
- Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 1300 at GPS City
- Get a great deal on the Garmin nuvi 1300 North America City Navigator GPS
at BuyDig.com
- Check out the deal on the Garmin nuvi 1300 GPS
at REI.com, where satisfaction is guaranteed and members get 10% back on eligible purchases
- Get the Garmin nuvi 1300
for an amazing price on eBay
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|
Compare all prices on the Garmin nuvi 1300LM Auto / Road GPS with Lifetime Map Updates ranging from $133.99 to $199.80. | ||
![]() | ![]() In stock at PCNation | $199.80 |
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I purchased nuvi 1300 in US. I am now shifting residence to middle east.Is it economical to upgrade the maps to middle east or Is it better to buy another gps at middle east with middle east maps preloaded.
Ta
I think it will be hard to buy one with pre-loaded maps till you get there, so I’d be inclined to buy maps ahead of time…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=73267
Bought the Garmin 1300 with a view to using in collaberation with its trail maps,unfortunately despite being fully charged for 24 hours does not maintain its charge out with the charging unit (useally 1/2 hour)….remdering it useless…great for cars but not on its own!!
very disappointed
I’d return it. It’s rated at up to 4 hours.
Does the 1300 offer truck tracking ? If not which one does?
How to tell where you vehicle is from a homebase…possibly by computer.
You MIGHT be able to do it with the Garmin nuLink 1695 with Ciao (http://www8.garmin.com/automotive/nuLink_services/) but I’m not sure.
It’s easier with smartphones.
I have a 1300 and like it, also have a 276c for many yrs, world map on the 276 works good, do you no if there is world map that will work with the 1300??
It will, but there are lots of free options out there to explore with more detail, like OpenStreetMap…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=662
I am a recent purchaser of your model 1300 (basic), and when I completed the map download (everything seemed to download and update ok) to update maps, everything that was in the unit before, favorites, etc., seems to work OK, but, when I enter a new address and click to go to the new address, the unit displays the “enter new address) screen again. It seems to lose somehow, the data on the new address. Is this a problem caused by the software download, or do I have a hardware problem?? Thank you.
Bob
It could be that it tried to do a firmware update when you updated the map, and something went wrong with the former. I’d try running WebUpdater at least a couple of times to make sure all firmware is up to date…
http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp
I’ve got a nuvi 1300 and need to upload some .gpx files. I put them in the gpx folder and nothing shows up in the Favorites folder when I reboot. Any ideas? Am I doing it wrong?
Thanks,
Will
Are they waypoints? If so, they should show up. Tracks won’t.
I don’t know. All i know is that they are file type .gpx. How can i determine that?
I don’t understand what “tracks” are. Are plain .gpx files called “tracks”? I’m downloading the .gpx files for a race, and they indicate where the different stop points on the race route are. What is the difference between tracks and .gpx and waypoints?
How do I transform “tracks” into waypoints so that my 1300 will understand them? Are .gpx files “tracks”?
You’ll find definitions of waypoints and tracks here:
http://gpstracklog.com/category/handheld-sport-gps/handheld-gps-101
Where did you get the .gpx file? Can you give me a link to it?
If you have mapping software like MapSource, you can open the file in it to see the contents.
Also, you can open it in a text editor and search for wpt. If you see that, there should be waypoints in it. If not, and you only see things like trk, trkseg and trkpt, the file just has tracks and you will not be able to display it on your nuvi.
If you can tell me more about what you’re trying to do, I may be able to suggest some alternatives.
Awesome. Thanks. I’ll check out the text files and see if I can manipulate them to upload them to my 1300.
The link below is to the site where the gpx files are.
http://nh.rtbrelay.com/course_downloads.php
Thanks for your help!
It looks like they are all trk files. Oh well. Is there a way to make them work, or should I just find another gps?
The best solution would be to get a handheld GPS…
http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/handheld-gps-buyers-guide
It is possible to convert tracks to a map, but it can be a fairly complex endeavor.
Is it possible to use the 1300 to measure distance between 2 points of an off road hiking trail?
If so, how?
Thanks………….
You can measure the straight line (not trail) distance to a point from your current location. It sounds like you need a handheld, then you can do this…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/navigating-tracks-on-the-new-garmin-handhelds.html
UPDET FOR Garmin nuvi 1300 AND HOW I CAN GET IT
Thanks
For a firmware update, get WebUpdater (http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/), connect your device to your computer and run it.
If it’s less than 90 days old, you can get a free map update at https://my.garmin.com/maps/nuMaps.htm
Otherwise you can buy a map update:
Garmin nuMaps updates at Amazon
Bought a NUVI 1300 in San Francisco. Great value and used it extensively. But only have maps for the US. How do I get maps for Australia?
You need this…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=36360
BTW, you may find it available from other online sources at a lower cost.
I just bought a 1300 and a paper with it’s instructions was a paper that said “Get free map updates for as long as you own your nuvi…go to garmin.com/lifetimeupdater…download the updater to you computer…follow the on-screen directions, etc. However, there are many listings that come up when typing garmin.com/lifetimeupdater, but nothing on downloading the updater on those I looked at! Any suggestions?
When I go to http://garmin.com/lifetimeupdater it redirects to http://www8.garmin.com/support/lifetime_updater.html and there is a download button. If it doesn’t automatically redirect you there, try clicking that second link I just posted.
Thanks! Finally got there and hit the download button and it asked me if I wanted to save or run so like the instructions on the site said I saved it. Nothing came up after that so I did it again…still nothing. Perhaps I have two copies of whatever it is on my computer now? I just hope I can find it when I come back to look for updates for my 1300 in another six months. Thanks again for the advice…I’m a bit older than most computer folks so I’m not real savy on these things.
Guy,
It went into your Downloads folder. I would either find it and run it now, or download it again and tell it to run rather than save.
My incar charger unit does not work
Can you tell me if the vehicle earth makes a difference
I have a Citroen C5
There may be a fuse in the tip of the charger.
Thanks Rich
There’s no fuse,I have two, one that came with the NUVI and one I bought,
And it’s a nuvi 1300? If so, the manual shows a use and how to access it…
http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/3130_OwnersManual.pdf