Sunday, March 18, 2012

cc
dd

Garmin nuvi 2360LMT

Garmin-nuvi-2360LMTThe Garmin nüvi 2360LMT is one of the recently released models in Garmin’s 2300 series, bringing the best features from the 3700 series, minus the exorbitant price tag. They include a historical road speed database for improved routing and the ability to learn your preferred routes over time.

Here’s how the 2360LMT stacks up against some closely…

Related models

  • Step up to the 2460LMT for a larger 5” screen, customizable main menu and custom avoidances, but you’ll give up screen rotation and the tri-axial compass
  • Going the other direction, the nuvi 2360LT drops the lifetime map updates
  • Meanwhile, the 2350LMT drops Bluetooth, voice commands and screen rotation
  • To see how the 2360LMT stacks up against other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart

Like all models in the 2300 series, the 2360LMT sports a 4.3” screen (the 2200 series has a 3.5” screen, while the 2400 series offers a 5” screen). If you ask me, the 4.3” size is just right. LMT stands for lifetime map updates and traffic. The 2360LMT offers Bluetooth for hands free calling, voice commands, Lane Assist and Junction View, and comes with preloaded maps of the US, Canada and Mexico.

Unique features

A couple of features unique to the 2360LMT (at least as far as 2xxx models go) are a screen that can rotate to portrait view and a tri-axial electronic compass. That latter feature may prove interesting for geocachers or folks planning to use it as a pedestrian navigator.

NOTE: Much of the following is adapted from my hands on reviews of the Garmin nuvi 2350LMT and 2460LMT.

I’ll concentrate on newer features first, then a quick rundown of the more common features, before wrapping up with performance results and my conclusion. Here goes…

nuFeature: Speed limit adjustment

I’ve discussed this before, and I’ll refer you there for details, but the short story is you can correct speed limits when the device has them wrong.

Set-speed-limit

nuFeature 2: Via point data fields

Another new feature, is the addition of several via point options for the customizable data fields. You can see the “Via Arrival” option enabled in the top data field below.

Via-point-data

trafficTrends

Introduced on the nuvi 3700 series, this historical road speed database results in improved routing, especially in areas with routine traffic problems. I’ve seen definite improvements in routing behavior with trafficTrends models, compared to previous generation nuvis. These have included being routed on locally known shortcuts and alternative routes, routing me on freeways where older models would keep me on a parallel road, etc. I have occasionally seen some dubious routing, but for the most part the trafficTrends feature selects faster routes.

myTrends

MyTrends is a bit more complicated. It does a couple of things. One, it figures out routine travel patters for you (think home to work and work to home). Hop in your car and the destination is pre-selected. More importantly IMHO, is the fact that it can learn your preferred routes. Ignore the 2360LMT’s directions for a few days, take your favorite shortcut, and it should start routing you that way.

Here are some details on myTrends from Garmin’s support pages:

The myTrends feature is available on select Garmin products. When you save your regular destinations in your “Favorites,” your nuvi will, over time, begin to figure out where you’re going even without your telling it. Your nuvi will provide a predicted route which will display in the information bar at the top of the map screen. myTrends provides time of arrival and relevant traffic information in the information bar.

Please note: myTrends is a feature that does not work out of the box when you first begin using your device. In order to effectively use the myTrends feature you must meet the following requirements before myTrends will display arrival and relevant traffic information:

  • Your frequent destinations must be marked as favorites in your device, i.e. Home, Work, etc.
  • A regular pattern of driving habits must be established before myTrends will display on your device:
    • Daily regular pattern of driving takes at least three days of usage
    • Weekly regular pattern of driving such as a different destination on different days would take 2-3 weeks of regular usage

Example of myTrends:

Press the information bar at the top of the map screen in order to display alternative routes if one is available. Here you can press Go! to activate a route to your myTrends destination:

Once you press Go! the unit will begin providing turn by turn directions to your destination.

After you have an established pattern of driving habits your device will display a myTrend event within a two hour window. As an example if you leave work for home at 5pm each day, the myTrend event will display on your device as early as 4pm and as late at 6pm.

Powered mount

It’s nice to see Garmin putting a powered mount, one of my favorite features, on a mid-range navigator. Basically, this means that you don’t have to mess with the micro-USB connection every time you get in your car. I leave mine connected to a dashboard mount, and just throw the mount on the floorboard when I park.

nuvi-2360lmt-mount

Notable features from previous generation nuvis

Lifetime traffic

The lifetime traffic feature is ad-supported, which is a big turn off for a lot of people. But the ads are very low-key, and will primarily display when you are stopped or viewing traffic information.

nuvi-2360lmt-traffic-ad

nuvi-2360lmt-traffic

Customizable data field display

There are a couple of options here. Tap the left data field on the map screen to bring up a range of choices. These vary depending upon whether you are actively navigating or not. And if you go to Tools > Settings > Navigation > Automobile > Map Data Layout and choose More Data, you can shift the data fields to the right, picking up two more that you can modify, as shown below.

Via-point-data

Lane Assist and Junction View

Lane Assist (see below) is a very useful feature, showing you which lane you should be in. Coverage seems to be fairly extensive for Interstates, with some surface street coverage in large metros.

2360lmt-lane-assist

Junction View coverage, on the other hand, still seems pretty sparse. Expect to see this only if you live in the very largest metropolitan areas.

nuvi-2460lt-jct-view

Speed limit display and warning

Back to something with good coverage, you’re likely to find speed limits displayed for even secondary roads. And your current speed field turns red if you’re over the limit. Unfortunately, there is still no way to customize this feature to have it change colors at 5 or 10 MPH  over the limit. And as noted earlier, you can correct speed limits where you see errors.

2360lmt-speed-warning

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-2360lmt-ecoroute

CityXplorer

CityXplorer add on maps offer advanced pedestrian routing options including mass transit, though don’t expect it to route you as well as someone who rides the subway every day.

Trip log

The trip log displays a thin blue line showing where you’ve been. This can be enabled/disabled, and the trip log cleared, by going to Tools > Settings > Navigation > Automobile > Trip Log. You can also access archived trip logs for a record of your travels.

nuvi-2360lmt-trip-log

Where Am I?

You access this feature by tapping the car icon at your current location on the screen.

2360lmt-where-am-i

Multi-destination routing

The 2360LMT allows you to add multiple via points from Where To?, without going into the Trip Planner, but there is no route optimization option if you do it this way. To get that, you’ll need to use the new multi-destination routing format first introduced on the 37xx. Access it by selecting Tools > Trip Planner to create a route. Once a route is created, you can access the menu for the options shown below.

2360lmt-multi-menu

You can tap a via point to select an item and specify an arrival time and/or duration of stop. This is quite the useful feature. I plugged in the duration of several stops, the time I wanted to arrive at my final destination, and was able to easily determine when I needed to start my trip.

2360lmt-multi

While you still cannot import routes from MapSource, improvements in the interface have made dragging destinations to change their order much easier.

Voice command

The voice command interface is like that found on the nuvi 37xx series. To initiate, you speak a wakeup phrase (“voice command”) which can be customized. The main menu is shown below.

voice-command-1

voice-command-2

Unfortunately there is still no “Near” option, which would allow you restrict a search to your current route, another city, etc. Nevertheless, this is certainly a feature worth having. If you’re going to interact with your GPS while driving, this is certainly the safest way to do it.

Navigation performance

trafficTrends does result in some increased routing time though; in testing the 2350LMT, a trip of 150 miles took 12 seconds to calculate. While I didn’t see any significant lag for local routes, I did see recalculation times of 7 to 8 seconds following a missed turn on a longer route. Once, the unit got hung at 99% route calculation for 20 seconds or so, when calculating a long route.

Other than those quibbles, the 23xx series performed well throughout my testing. I noted no other routing abnormalities.

Garmin nuvi 2360LMT pros

  • Lifetime map updates
  • Lifetime traffic
  • Powered mount
  • trafficTrends historical road speed database generally results in improved routing
  • myTrends learns preferred routes for routine trips
  • Customization options
  • Voice commands
  • Lane Assist
  • Junction View
  • Speed limit display, warnings and adjustment
  • Multi-destination routing
  • Bluetooth for hands free cell phone use

Garmin nuvi 2360LMT cons

  • Traffic is ad-supported
  • trafficTrends historical road speed database results in increased route calculation times
  • Junction View coverage limited

Conclusion and recommendation

Garmin has rolled out another winner with the 23xx series, incorporating the best features from their top of the line units and providing additional features, while keeping the price tag reasonable. There is very little here not to like. Highly recommended.

More Garmin nuvi 2360LMT reviews

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

Other Garmin nuvi 2360LMT resources

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 2360LMT at these merchants:

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. alangenh says:

    Hi! Just wanted to say thanks — I used your site when I bought my 265WT a couple years ago, and now I’m back again, trying to decide whether to buy a lifetime maps package or update to a newer unit that includes lifetime maps. I still haven’t decided, but your website is very helpful in working my way through to an informed decision!

    • Thanks; glad to help! Give a yell if you have any questions.

      • I made my decision and bought a 2350LMT — I kind of wanted the voice stuff the 2360 has, but this one was quite a bit cheaper.

        I do have one issue I’d like to resolve, though. I was using the German voice, Yannick, on my 265WT. It is on the 2350LMT too, but it can’t pronounce thngs like “Hwy”, “Rd”, etc on the new device. It spells them out. I find it weird that the old one did so much better. I found that the new voice file on the Garmin is 16MB while the old one was 2.5MB! I tried just copying over the old voice file to the new Garmn, but it doesn’t work — I get only silence from the GPS with that copied-over voice. Do you have any ideas for me? Thanks!

  2. Newbie with nuvi2360LMT. Please explain where I can find the status of the battery charge: how many hours left, etc. The upper left bars don’t always show in green, and even when they do, while traveling, the GPS says “battery low.” I like to program trips at home, where I have satellite access, no problem. And of course program in my car, without starting the car. So I often program on battery. Or should I do it at home only when plugged into my computer? What is length of maximum battery charge?
    Thank you very much for this invaluable site!

    • It’s rated at 2.5 hours. There is no battery gauge other than the icon on the main menu. Are you not keeping it plugged in while driving?

      • Thank you for quick reply! I found the charge indicator on the main screen, and yes, that’s possible- it may have slipped out. I’ll keep better track of the in-car connection.

  3. How is the bluetooth on the 2360? Is it as good as the 2460?

  4. Hi Rich!

    I am trying to make decision purchasing new Garmin. But I have difficulty make the final decision. I need some experts advice. I have several choices that I been chasing around. 1. 2555LMT, 2495LMT, 2360LMT, 1490LMT. I am aware of it the 2555 do not have the blue tooth options but for the price and the screen is larger. thanks

  5. Hi Rich,

    Does the Nuvi2360 handle the poi loader differently to load custom poi’s? As it seems to place the files into garmin/poi however the device is looking for the poi in /poi folder. Also the device looks for gpi extension, whereas poi loader creates files with extension of POI. I understand that the 2360 does not have MP3, however accepts WAV files. May you provide any insight to load custom poi onto the Nuvi2360, as these notifications(redlight & tourguide) works flawlessly on the Nuvi350. thank you

  6. Kinda confused. Was looking @ 1450LMT or 1490LMT for 5″ but will be using this mostly for business travel in rental cars. The power mount looks like it would really be a good feature for that. So now looking @ 2360 LMT, 2350LMT. Prefer to keep the cost the lowest. BT not really important but useful if in a deal.
    When I read what’s in the box they don’t mention the power mount. It looks like the usb cable plugs into something that fits over the cig lighter or accessory. It this something extra one buys? Can it be added on to other models?
    Appreciate all the info & work put into your site.
    Thanks.

    • The only difference is that the power lead plugs into the mount instead of the unit, saving you a step if you leave the power cord connected to the mount. It is included in the package and no, it cannot be added to other models.

  7. Barbara Kloosterboer says:

    Hi, can you tell me where to buy that powered mount you have in the picture? It doesn’t seem to be on the garmin website. Thanks.

    • It comes with this unit. Powered mounts are model-specific so they either come with one or they don’t. You can’t add them to a model without the proper power contacts on the device.

  8. Hi, Rich. Thank you for taking the time to compile all this information. It was time for me to get a new Garmin after several years. After reading your reviews, I decided on the 2360LMT because it seemed to have most of the features that I wanted with the 4.3″ screen. I was able to get it for the best price at BeachCamera.com. I appreciate your site very much. Keep up the good work!

  9. numaira says:

    Hi,
    I was wondering if you could help me out… i cant decide between nuvi 3790LMT, 3590LMT, 3490LMT, 2460LMT, 2360LMT, and 1390LMT. I have been researching portable navigation systems for a couple of days now and so far have gone from garmin to tomtom to back to garmin based on user reviews. I guess want something thats reliable, gives accurate instructions, with live traffic data feature, offers rerouting, user friendly for now.
    thanks

    • Generally speaking, the newer units are more likely to have bugs, that will eventually get resolved via firmware updates. That might steer you away from the 3490LMT/3590LMT. Any of the other units you mention should be fine.

      • numaira says:

        Thank you rich for your prompt reply. I ended up buying garmin nuvi 2595LMT. Still sitting in the box until the birthday boy can touch it. I wanted to know if ecoroute is a useful thing to buy? It’s a little over a $100 and i guess that is why i’m hesitating. If it a great feature to have then i guess i’ll buy it but if it’s something that just bugs up the system b/c it isn’t perfected yet then i can wait i guess. Just don’t know anyone who has ever used it and was hoping if you could help me decide.
        thanks
        numaira

  10. Barbara says:

    Hello, I am hopin for the advice. I need GPS with map upadates, nothing fancy but one feature is a must, compass. What should I be looking for? I am considering Garmin nuvi 2360LMT, do I have different options or this is the only one with compass.

    • I assume you want a compass because you are planning to use it for pedestrian navigation?

      This post goes over the choices…

      http://gpstracklog.com/2012/03/the-best-garmin-nuvis-for-pedestrian-navigation.html

      • Barbara says:

        No, not really, I used to have build in compass in my old car and I found it very usefull for every day driving, and I miss it. Sometimes I took wrong turn or had to take detour and I knew that I am OK if I am going the right way. I know that the GPS will surpass that but I really miss this little gadget. So I am taking about car GPS with compass.

        • If you set it up in 2D (overhead) view, most nuvis will allow you to show the map either as north up or with a north arrow on the map screen. Some models will also allow you to have a data field showing your direction of travel.

          • Barbara says:

            thanks a lot. I will try other model then as well. I already got the 2360LMT but I am not wowed by it. Today it was trying the whole time to get me out of all highways that I went on and redirect to travel on streets. Perhaps I did not set it properly. Will try it tomorrow with different setting.

  11. Yeah, make sure you don’t have highways selected under Avoidances. If that is okay, you might try disabling trafficTrends.

  12. Hi,
    Does this GPS come with map of Alaska? It says entire North America, but sometime difficult to find map of Alaska.
    Thanks for your wonderful website.

  13. Pravin DSouza says:

    Hi Rich,
    I am planning to purchase 2360LMT but have read multiple reviews of units going dead after few days, mostly all were noted to be within a month.
    Garmin’s response also indicated they are aware of this problem and working on an update, though it is still not available.
    Any idea on this issue and whether it is prevalent on almost all 2360LMT units?

    Also, would you recommend 2350LMT or 2360LMT? I heard that 2350LMT has less storage space affecting map upgrades. I am not concerned about bluetooth or voice command though.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  14. Hello.
    Thank you for detailed review which very helpful.
    Can you tell me about NAVTEQ traffic. Regarding this http://www.navteq.com/rdstraffic/index_254.htm am I right that I cannot get info about traffic flow at road which are not drawed on coverage map? I live in Staten Island and there only two major highways displayed on map. Does it mean that NAVTEQ doesn’t provide traffic flow for local roads?
    If so, should I take a look to TomTom’s HD traffic? I have nuvi 765T now, but something wrong with GPS or FM reciever and I don’t get either traffic icon or any traffic alerts. My though about getting 2360LMT maybe wrong if it’s really doesn’t helpful enough with traffic on local roads. If I make a trip to NYC I use GoogleMap with its traffic reports on my BlackBerry which is more informative and detailed. Looks like I should just wait an Android Navigation Application and use it on SmartPhone.
    Thanks.

    • No, it doesn’t mean coverage is limited to those highways. You should get additional coverage and quicker updates with a TomTom or Garmin HD traffic system though. There are several good smartphone solutions out there, including Garmin’s Smartphone Link for Android phones.

  15. I have a 2360LMT. Your Garmin Nuvi comparison has “YES” for “Speaks Street Names”. My unit only announces the direction of the turn, not the street name. Is this a feature I can turn on? How do I do this?

    Thank you

  16. I have a garmin 2360lmt and the speed indicator stopped turning red when speeding. Does anyone know what could be wrong. Help Please.

  17. George McKenzie says:

    Hi Rich:
    Just a short note to let you know I appreciate you having this site. Your input helped me decide which garmin to get. I found just the right one at Amazon.com. Thanks again for putting this site up I will be back.
    George

  18. Hello, I’d like to include a Garmin nuvi device into our service award gift items and am looking for a worthy unit within the $150 CDN price range. Can you offer any suggestions?

  19. after looking at the reviews i bought gramin 2360lmt but it shuts off by itself for no reason. Can somebody comment on this please. this the 2nd one behaving the same way.

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 + = five