Sunday, March 18, 2012

cc
dd

Garmin nuvi 1370T

Garmin-nuvi-1370T-review

UPDATE: Two newer trans-Atlantic navigators, the Garmin nuvi 2475LT and nuvi 2370LT, have been introduced.

UPDATE 2This model has been discontinued. 

The Garmin nüvi 1370T is Garmin’s latest transatlantic navigator, with pre-loaded maps of the US, Canada and Europe. 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 of Garmin’s CityXplorer maps (more on the latter below).

The 1370T also has 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.” In addition to all that goodness, this 4.3” wide touch-screen unit offers lane assist, lifetime traffic and Bluetooth for hands free mobile phone use.

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 1370T

A couple of other current nuvis also come with transatlantic maps:

  • nuvi 775T – This unit has a powered mount, so you don’t need to plug in the mini-USB cable each time you use it; it also adds improved Bluetooth and multi-destination routing, but unlike the 1370T, cannot make full use of CityXplorer maps
  • nuvi 275T – This unit drops down to a 3.5” screen and, as with the 775T cannot make full use of CityXplorer maps

To see how the 1370T compares to other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

European map coverage

The image below shows the extent of Garmin’s European map coverage. More information is available on Garmin’s City Navigator Europe web page, where you can zoom in to explore all the details of the map.

CityNavigator-Europe-maps

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 found on the 12xx, 13xx and 14xx series, but not on previous models.

CityXplorer maps

The nuvi 1370T 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.

Garmin-nuvi-1300

POI feedback

This feature, added with the recent version 2.70 firmware upgrade, allows you to give feedback on points of interest (POIs). You can follow that link for more details, but basically, POIs can be rated and you can also 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

Furthermore, in the nuvi 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.

nuvi-1370-custom-fields

Speeding warning

Also new, your speed changes to red if you are exceeding the speed limit (assuming the unit has the speed limit for the road you are on). This is a nice feature, but I wish Garmin would allow you to customize this to changes colors at 5 or 10 MPH over the limit, so it’s not constantly switching back and forth if you drive right at the limit.

More nuvi 1370T 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.

nuvi-1370-ecoRoute

Here is a PDF version of the ecoRoute manual. ecoRoute is available for the nuvi 2×5, 7×5, 12xx and 13xx series.

NAVTEQ Lifetime Traffic

The nuvi 1370T 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.

Lane Assist

While the nuvi 1370T includes Lane Assist, as shown below, be aware that it does not include Junction View, a photo-realistic image of freeway interchanges.

nuvi-1370-lane-assist

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. nuvi-1370-where-am-i

Garmin nuvi 1370T pros

  • Includes European maps
  • Lifetime traffic
  • 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
  • Visually warns when speeding

Garmin nuvi 1370T cons

  • Power lead must be plugged directly into unit (not the mount)
  • Has lane assist, but not junction view
  • Lane assist coverage extremely limited
  • When you search for a POI, the POI balloon obscures a significant portion of the map

More Garmin nuvi 1370T reviews

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

Other Garmin nuvi 1370T resources

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 1370T at these merchants:

  • Check the current Garmin nüvi 1370T price of the at Amazon
  • This is an older model and many online retailers have discontinued carrying it

 

About Rich Owings

Rich is the owner, editor and chief bottle-washer for GPS Tracklog. Connect with him on Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus.

Comments

  1. Thank you for such a detailed review, best review I have found!

  2. Is is 100% certain that the distance to travel is available on screen – can’t seem to find it on the manual that you so kindly supplied the link for?

  3. Select a destination to navigate to. Then, on the map screen, press the right data field and select “Distance to destination.”

    You can also switch the data fields to the right side of the screen, displaying more data fields by following the instructions at http://gpstracklog.com/2009/07/garmin-nuvi-1390t-review.html#comment-76608

  4. Thanks! – Like one of the feloow reviewers I’m now more than confused about which model to buy – all I know is that i need:

    UK, Europe and US maps
    Distance and time to destination
    Travel updates would be useful (although a bit unreliable)
    Where is the nearest shop / fuel? – POI?
    To be used when walking could be handy…
    Speed camera warning.

    That’s it – not fussed about bluetooth, size of product…..

    so 1370t, 1390t or something else?

    Thanks

    • If you want distance and time to destination displayed at the same time, you’ll need a 13xx, 14xx or 16xx model. The 1370T is the only one with built-in maps of Europe, but you could get a different model and buy the European map card for it. I’d look and see which way is cheaper.

  5. Superb advice – so can I just triple check the 1370T does distance and time together and fulfills all other criteria above – travel updates (as standard not an add on), POI, speed cameras and can be used walking?

    Thanks

  6. Yes. You’ll have to set it up to show more data fields on the right (picture above) as described here…

    http://gpstracklog.com/2009/07/garmin-nuvi-1390t-review.html#comment-76595

    It does traffic updates, if that’s what you mean (not sure how this works in Europe though), can be used in pedestrian mode and accepts custom POIs. Speed cameras are an add on that you must pay for.

  7. Ed McMullen says:

    I need a gps that has Europe as well as N. Am. It looks like the 1370t is the only one. I saw some sites that are offering lifetime updates on both maps. I assume this would be an advantage and is not just a come on. How does this model compare to the ones that you have to buy the European chip for? I assume many of the difficulties people had with the models in 2009 are now corrected. Would that be a good assumption? Thanks for your help.

    • There are other x70 units (e.g., 275T, 775T), but this is the newest, at least until the 2370LT comes out in the next few months. Be sure the lifetime maps apply to both Europe and N. America. On TomTom WTE units, it only applies to one.

      A model with the European map chip and the same features would be the same as the 1370T. The 1390T is close, though it includes junction view, not found on the 1370T.

      There was a lockup problem on the 1xxx series. A firmware update in July addressed that. Hope this helps!

  8. I’m looking to buy my first car GPS . I have to say that I’m very confused on which Garmin or Tom Tom model to choose from. I’m going to use it in Europe only so I’m not interested in US maps. I find all the latest features on both Garmin & Tom Tom models helpful to have and also that won’t be very soon outdated.
    Any advise would be very appreciated !

    thank you in advance,
    Eric

  9. Ed McMullen says:

    I just returned from a 2 week car trip in France. I have a Garmin 1450. It has the 5 inch screen which I love. I purchased the European chip to go in it. I love it. It is a big screen mounted on the windshield. Easy in the line of vision. It worked beautifully. It works as well as the ones at home. It took a while to adjust to the satellites in Europe after I arrived, but once it did. Great. Be aware in Europe some of the streets are one way and may not be reflected by the GPS. I paid about $80 for the micro chip to go in the GPS. Would never attempt to drive without it. I now have driven all over Ireland, France, Germany and Italy with a Garmin with the European chip. I would highly recommend it.

  10. I bought the GPS since 2010. All of the sudden, when i turn it on, the screen is half light & the bottom line is dark color. Whats wrong on? Please let me know.

  11. When i turn on my GPS. the first line is light color and the bottom line is dark color. Whats wrong? Please let me know. Thanks.

    • Don’t know. Will it go into mass storage mode? If so, I would back up my favorites and do a hard reset. Is it working otherwise? If so, you could just try a firmware update and see if that fixes it.

      • It does not go into mass storage mode. I went to the Display mode, then change into AUTO. So when its day time, the screen will be light & when its dark, the screen will be totally dark on the half way & the upper one is light. Please give me a complete instructions on how to fix this problem. Thanks.

  12. Will you please give me the complete insructions on how to fix this problems?
    Thanks. I went to the Display mode then change into “AUTO”. So when its night, the screen on the first half is light & the lower part is dark. The whole screen suppose to be dark.

  13. Ive been trying to fix the problem. Unfortunately, i dont know what to do. Will you please show me step by step on how to fix this problems. Thanks

  14. If it won’t go into mass storage mode when connected to your computer, the only thing to do that I know of is to call Garmin about it.

    • When i connected to my computer, then i went to computer to check the mass storage mode, it shows the red line & then when i turn my GPS on, then it turns off then tun back on again and showing the computer was connected to the usb. I dont know how to do it.

      • If it is in mass storage mode, you’ll see an image showing it connected to a computer and it will show up as a drive in Windows Explorer (or Finder on a Mac). If it will go into mass storage mode I would download and run WebUpdater (http://garmin.com/webupdater) a couple of times to check for firmware updates. Updating it could fix it. Otherwise I think you’ll need to return it or replace it.

  15. Dear Rich,
    I purchased a new Garmin 1370T at the Ramsden US Army post in Germany in 2009, that was advertised with lifelong map updates. I recently tried to update my maps for the first time and was
    told I’d have to buy them. Is this normal Garmin customer service? Also, last week my 1370T went
    off while on a trip in US. I turned on the power switch and it worked a while. It stopped again, was
    turned on again and stopped again—etc. until it finally died. It seems to be a power thing and
    won’t work now. Is it the battery? How do I buy a new one? Thanks for your help. Pat

    • The xx7x series only comes with lifetime map updates for the U.S. OR Europe, depending upon where you bought it.

      There is a fuse in the tip of the charger (see the manual for more info). That may be the problem. Will it go into mass storage mode if connected to your computer? If so, leave it connected for awhile which should charge it. That would also indictae the fuse/power cord issue.

      Otherwise, there are third-party sites online that sell and provide instructions for battery replacement.

  16. Dear Rich,

    There is brand new ( in original box) Garmin 1370T on Ebay with 2010 NA and Europe maps.
    Do you think this unit will power up and work after >7 years in the box and unused/charged?

    • It probably would power up, but I’m not sure if you’d be able to update the maps without paying extra as this model didn’t come with lifetime map updates.

Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!

*


2 − = zero