Garmin nuvi 1260T

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide.

The Garmin nüvi 1260T is a mid-level unit in a line of Garmin GPS navigators introduced in 2009 (here is a list of more recent nuvi introductions). All of the units in the 1200, 1300 and 1400 series come with customizable data fields and the ability to utilize the pedestrian and mass transit features of 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.”

The nuvi 1260T sports a 3.5” display and comes with pre-loaded maps of the US and Canada, speed limit display, lifetime traffic and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use.

Similar models

• Step up to the 1390T and you’ll get a 4.3” wide-screen and add lane assist and junction view.
• Going the other direction, drop down to the nuvi 1250 and you’ll lose the Bluetooth and lifetime traffic features.
• To see how the nuvi 1260T compares to other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

Portions of the following are taken from my hands on review of the Garmin nuvi 1200, which includes this video showing some of the 12xx series features:

Here is a brief rundown of new features found on the 12xx, 13xx and 14xx series, but not on previous models:

POI feedback

This feature, added with the recent version 2.70 firmware upgrade, allows you to give feedback on points of interest (POIs). They can be rated and you can also report an error, removing them from your searches.

CityXplorer maps

The nuvi 1260T 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; you can read more about them in my CityXplorer review.

More Garmin nuvi 1260T features

The following features were first introduced on other recent nuvi models.

Custom data fields

The nuvi 12xx, 13xx and 14xx models allow you to customize the lower left data field on the map screen, 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

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.

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 below.

Recent cities and streets

This feature was first seen on the nuvi 700 series. Tap the folder icon, as shown below, and a list of recent entries comes up. Much better than having to re-enter your hometown all the time!

Where am I?

This emergency location feature provides your exact latitude and longitude, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.

 

NAVTEQ Lifetime Traffic

The nuvi 1260T comes equipped with NAVTEQ lifetime traffic, which is ad-supported. You can read all about that in my nuvi 755T review, but don’t despair, the ads are very low-key.

Garmin nuvi 1260T pros

• Bright display
• Text-to-speech
• Speed limit display
• Lifetime traffic
• Bluetooth
• 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

Garmin nuvi 1260T cons

• Text-to-speech pronunciation seems weaker than with previously tested models
• Power lead must be plugged directly into unit (does not power the mount)
• When you search for a POI, the POI balloon obscures a significant portion of the map

Conclusion and recommendations

The closely related nuvi 1200 performed very well when I reviewed it. I noticed no significant lags, routing errors, etc. The few negatives I saw with it are addressed above. As with the entire nuvi line, I expect that most buyers will be quite happy with this series.

More Garmin nuvi 1260T reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 1260T reviews have been posted at Amazon
• PCMag.com gives a 3 out of 5 star rating in their Garmin nuvi 1260T review
• MacWorld posts a brief review of the nuvi 1260T

I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…

Other Garmin nuvi 1260T resources

• The Garmin nuvi 1260T owners manual
• Want to see how the nuvi 1390T 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 nuvi 1260T web page
• How to access archived nuvi trip logs
• Five more tips for nuvi newbies

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• Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 1260T at GPS Now, where shipping is free on orders over $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!). Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment
• Check the current Garmin nüvi 1260T price at Amazon
• Get the Garmin nuvi 1260T 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator at Electronics Expo
• Check out the deal on the Garmin nuvi 1260T North America City Navigator GPS at BuyDig.com