The Garmin nüvi 2460LMT
All the 2400 series models include preloaded maps of the US, Canada and Mexico, lane assist with junction view, a historical road speed database meant to improve routing, and the ability to learn your preferred routes over time.
The 2460LMT includes lifetime traffic, lifetime map updates, voice command and Bluetooth for hands free cell phone use. Here’s how it stacks up against some closely…
Related models
- Drop down to the nuvi 2460LT for the same feature set minus the lifetime map updates
- Going to the Garmin nuvi 2360LMT, you’ll get a smaller 4.3″ screen and lose the customizable main menu and custom avoidances, but you’ll gain screen rotation and a tri-axial compass
- To see how the 2460LMT stacks up against other models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart
Now that we have that out of the way, on to the details. I’ll start with the newer features first, then cover other popular features, before wrapping up with an evaluation of navigation performance.
A note about 2×60 models
While many people complain about the number and variety of nuvis available, Garmin has (generally) been consistent as to feature sets and model numbers. Based on past history, you’d expect the nuvi 2360 series to have the same feature set as the 2460’s, except with a smaller screen. Wrong. For whatever reason, the 2360 models include a dual-orientation screen and tri-axial compass, features not found on 2460’s. I suspect it has to do with price point or specs for integrated chipsets, but that’s just conjecture. Or maybe its just too big to make good use of those. Also note that the smaller 2300 series lacks the customizable main menu of the 2400 series.
NOTE: Portions of this review were adapted from previous hands on review of the Garmin nuvi 2460LT (which has the same feature set, minus the lifetime map updates).
nu Feature: Customizable main menu
Garmin is taking advantage of the 5” screen real estate on the 24xx series by allowing you to customize the main menu. Here’s how mine is set up…
nuFeature 2: 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.
nuFeature 3: 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.
Unfortunately, final arrival times do not take into account stop duration as set up in the Trip Planner.
Custom avoidances and Advanced detours
Custom avoidances were found on a few nuvis previously, but I believe Advanced detours is a new feature. The former allows you to specify individual streets or sections thereof (see image below) and complete areas to avoid. Advanced detours gives you some new options when you tap the Detour icon, including the ability to exclude specific roads from routes on the fly.
One tip – It appears that the custom avoidances must be from intersection to intersection. When I picked two points near the east and west ends of the road above, the nuvi ignored the custom avoid. When I created the avoid shown above, everything worked fine. For more details on these features, see my post on custom avoidances and advanced detours.
Powered mount
It’s nice to see Garmin putting a powered mount (one of my favorite features) on a broader range of navigators. The result is that you don’t have to mess with the mini-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. In the image below, you can see the portion of the mount where the USB power lead plugs in.
trafficTrends
Introduced on the nuvi 3700 series, this historical road speed database can result 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 crowded parallel road, etc. I did see some routing errors testing the 2460LT though, which I’ll expand upon in my Navigation Performance section near the end of this review.
myTrends
MyTrends is a bit more complicated. It does a couple of things. One, it figures out routine travel patterns 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 2460LMT’s directions for a few days, take your favorite shortcut, and it should start routing you that way.
To better understand this feature, I’ve included 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.
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 details.
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.
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 Interstate highways, with some surface street coverage in large metros.
Junction View coverage (shown below), on the other hand, still seems pretty sparse. Expect to see this only if you live in the very largest metropolitan areas.
Speed limit display and warning
Back to something with good coverage, you’re likely to find speed limits displayed for even secondary roads on the nuvi 2460LMT. 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.
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.
CityXplorer
CityXplorer add on maps offer advanced pedestrian routing options including mass transit, but don’t expect it to route you as well as a local 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.
Where Am I?
You access this feature by tapping the car icon at your current location on the screen.
Multi-destination routing
The 2460LMT allows you to add multiple via points on the fly, using Where To. To pre-plan a multi-destination route, select Tools > Trip Planner. Once a route is created, you can access the menu for the options shown below.
You can tap a via point to select an item and specify an arrival time and/or duration of stop. I find this feature quite useful — I plugged in the duration of several stops, the time I wanted to arrive at my final destination, and was able to determine when I needed to start my trip.
Notable is the fact that you can transfer routes from MapSource to the 2460LMT (an update to allow this has been promised for the 23xx and 37xx series). You don’t even have to go through a circuitous MyData import process. They simply show up in the Trip Planner.
I’ll add that dragging destinations to change their order in the Trip Planner is much easier than when I tried it on the 37xx series. I’m assuming that is about firmware improvements, although I suppose it could be a resistive vs. capacitive touchscreen issue.
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.
Unfortunately there is still no “Near” option, which would allow you restrict a search to your current route, another city, etc. Nevertheless, I found that voice commands worked pretty well, and feel that it is certainly a feature worth having. If you’re going to interact with your GPS while driving, this is the safest way to do it. No voice command system is perfect though, and I did have to repeat myself occasionally.
Bluetooth
I tested hands free calling with my Droid 1, which I was able to pair and connect on first try. Bluetooth quality was very good – the best I’ve ever heard on a GPS navigator. The biggest problem with most implementations has been sound quality on the other end of the call – in this case though, it was nearly as good as hearing someone speaking directly into the phone.
Navigation performance
Garmin’s trafficTrends historical road speed database results in some increased routing time; a trip of 150 miles took 9 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.
I noted three possible routing errors while testing the 2460LT, which seemed worse than previous trafficTrends-enabled models I have used. Now before I get into describing those I should note that two were on a pre-production model that gave me other problems, and was ultimately swapped out for a consumer unit. In one case I was testing the pre-production model side-by-side with the nuvi 2350LMT, which did not generate the same error. Basically, the 2460LT took me around the block instead of making a right that would lead me directly onto an exit ramp. The 2350LMT was beside me on the seat, so it could have been basing the route on a different position, since that placement might be enough to cause a location error.
The other two errors I saw took me on routes that probably would have been faster going another way. I was able to double back on one and verify that the other route was quicker. My estimated time en route was 5 minutes the way the nuvi routed me; when I took the way I suspected was faster the device dropped two minutes off my ETA and actual arrival time. I repeated this last test after swapping out the pre-production unit for a consumer model, and got the same results.
Garmin nuvi 2460LMT pros
- 5” screen
- Powered mount
- Advanced detour functionality allows you exclude roads on the fly
- Ability to exclude specific roads and areas from all route calculations
- Lane Assist
- Junction View
- Well-designed voice command functionality
- Excellent Bluetooth quality
- Lifetime traffic
- Lifetime map updates
- myTrends learns preferred routes for routine trips
- Customization options
- Speed limit display, warnings and adjustment
- Multi-destination routing
- Can import multi-destination routes from MapSource
Garmin nuvi 2460LMT cons
- Traffic is ad-supported
- trafficTrends historical road speed database results in increased route calculation times and occasionally produces routing errors
- Junction View coverage limited
Conclusion and recommendation
The 24xx series is loaded with some great features, including custom avoidances, advanced detours, new customization options, and a 5” screen. Also notable is the excellent Bluetooth quality and a well-done voice command system. Put these all together and the 2460LMT looks very attractive.
The only significant downside I saw in testing this series was wonky routing, probably due to the trafficTrends historic road speed database. Some of this may have been due to the first unit I tried being a pre-production model. Nevertheless, you can expect trafficTrends to produce a questionable route occasionally.
With that caveat, the nuvi 24xx models may actually lay claim to being the top of the line nuvi right now. Sure, the 37xx series is iPhone-thin and the 3790T has its gorgeous terrain view. For my money though, I’ll take the 2460LMT’s custom routing options and excellent Bluetooth quality – function over form if you will, and a lower price to boot! So yes, I’m recommending the 2460LMT. If you find that trafficTrends routing is too sketchy for you, just disable it. After all, you can tell it which roads you want to take anyway.
More Garmin nuvi 2460LMT reviews
- Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 2460LMT reviews
are starting to be posted at Amazon
- This review compares the 2460LMT and 3790LMT
I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…
Other Garmin nuvi 2460LMT resources
- The Garmin nuvi 2460LMT owners manual
- Want to see how the 2460LMT stacks up against other models? Check out this Garmin auto GPS comparison tool
- Or use my own comparison chart to help decide which Garmin GPS to buy
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
- Our auto GPS FAQs, which includes quite a few nuvi tips and tricks
- The official Garmin nuvi 2460LMT web page
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 2460LMT at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 2460LMT
- Buy the nüvi® 2460LMT
direct from Garmin
- Get the Garmin nuvi 2460LMT Bundle with Lifetime Maps & Traffic Updates
at TigerGPS
About Rich Owings
Is the voice activated feature worth paying extra for?
If you travel much solo, I think it is. Even more so if you fiddle with your GPS while on the move.
is it worth to go from 2350lmt to 2360lmt if i don’t need bluetooth
The voice command feature found on the 2360LMT is very helpful if you do much solo driving, and I would especially recommend it if you are ever tempted to enter info while moving.
Does the Garmin nüvi 2460LMT ever go on sale? I’ve been watching for a while and haven’t seen a sale yet. A couple other questions…could I use this as walking tool internationally? This will be my first portable GPS and I don’t understand how a power mount works. Does that work in conjunction with the mount that comes with the GPS?
It will go on sale, but it’s one of their newer and more popular models, so it may be another month or two before we see it drop.
The powered mount IS the mount that comes with the GPS. Basically, the power cord either plugs directly into the GPS or into the mount. With the latter, a “powered mount,” you don’t have to mess with the connection each time.
I get it now Rich. Thanks for the explanation. What kind of dashboard mount do you suggest? I see a lot of those bean bag looking things. Are they any good?
Also, we are going to be spending time in Sydney and wondered if the 2460 would be helpful walking around the city and if it will work there?
Yes, I love the friction mounts. This is an old post, and Garmin has a newer and better model out now, but here’s why…
http://gpstracklog.com/2008/07/choosing-a-fric.html
It will work there, but you may need to let it sit motionless under open sky for up to half an hour for it to lock onto satellites (assuming you’re coming from the US). I’d also be sure to have it powered on and locked onto satellites the day before your trip, so it downloads a current satellite almanac.
Sydney maps will make it much more useful. One of these could be ideal…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=276&pID=72874
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=276&pID=85829
Be aware of the short battery life though; it’s rated at up to 3 hours.
Hi Rich,
Thank you for your very thorough review of this unit. It was definitely a factor in deciding on my purchase. Should have the unit in a few days. One thing I was disappointed to find out in preparing to use this unit was that, according to the Garmin website, this unit does not have the ability to use the “enhanced pedestrian navigation” features of CityXplorer – which is why I was interested in a unit that had this feature. This feature is supported in the 1200, 1300, 1400, 1600, 2200, 2300, and 3700 series, but not the 2400 ! I wish I had researched that part a lot more.
Furthermore the fine print on the web-site says:
Adding cityXplorer maps to a unit that does not support pedestrian navigation ONLY will allow for viewing of cityXplorer maps and points of interest and is not recommended if the city already is preloaded to your device. Only 1 region can be downloaded directly to devices that do not support pedestrian navigation. Additional regions can be downloaded to individual data cards.
So I’m wondering if it is really fair to say that this unit even has this feature at all, despite their web-site saying it does in the product description. Would be curious to know your thoughts on this.
One of the reasons I went for this model was the larger display and the ability to customize the main menu screen, but now I am wondering if the 2360 might have been a better overall choice…
Thank you very much,
Brian
Garmin often lags in keeping their website current in terms of supported features. I’m betting it fully supports CityXplorer maps.
Hi Rich,
Thank you for such a prompt reply ! I guess I won’t know ’till Monday at the soonest, when I can call Garmin support. I based my conclusion on going to the page on their website where you would order CityXplorer. I was going to order Portland, OR (where I live) to get familiar with it – it is on that page: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=276&pID=37102 that it shows which units have EPN capabilities – which are just about any unit but the 2400 series. Any other city I checked showed the same thing.
I”l let you know what they say. Thank you again for your reply.
Brian
That’s one thing that makes me think it’s an oversight – they don’t list it under the other column too.
Rich,
Thank you again for your patience and knowledge. I called Garmin CS and they told me that the web-site had not been updated and that the 2460 would accept the CityXplorer maps and EPN. I’ve haven’t actually tried, but when I do I will post results.
Thanks again,
Brian
Hi Rich,
Me again. Just one other question. In your review you mentioned:
” Notable is the fact that you can transfer routes from MapSource to the 2460LMT (an update to allow this has been promised for the 23xx and 37xx series).”
Do you know if this update has happened yet ? Is it still a matter of only when, not if ?
If this feature is/will be available for the 2360, I think my decision would be made and I would return the 2460 and get the 2360.
Thanks a bunch,
Brian
AFAIK, it has not. And they seemed to have dropped plans to support it on the 37xx series at least. For that matter, they’ve even discontinued MapSource now…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/08/goodbye-mapsource.html
I expect them to come up with a new desktop trip planner, but who knows how long that will take.
Hi Rich,
Again, thank you for such informed, prompt replies !
OK, now I’m really starting to have a problem with Garmin and I haven’t even received the unit yet.
I was willing to let the odd lack EPN/CityXplorer on the 2400 series, despite their advertising it as being capable of that function, slide.
But, now another feature they advertise, and again a feature that factored into my purchase decision, the ability to use MapSource is abruptly withdrawn, with no apparent replacement in sight.
I believe the Garmin’s are probably superior to Tom Tom and others, but I may have to choose anything but a Garmin to convey my dis-satisfaction with their deceptive advertising and marketing practices.
Heck, their is still another day or two before I actually receive it – what will be next !
I would be very appreciative if you could please recommend another manufacturers model with similar capabilities as an alternative for me.
Thank you again for your replies and great information.
Brian
p.s. The Edward Abbey quote is a favorite of mine, too !
Can you turn the bluetooth feature off? I have bluetooth in my car and wouldn’t want there to be a conflict with two of them. Thanks.
Yes you can.
Hello Again Rich,
Firstly, if there is a more appropriate place to post this please let me know.
So the 2460 came today, had thought about sending right back to get a 2360, but a bird in the hand you know…
Went to do software update and seem to be having a problem. Dashboard said software update available, so I clicked to update. After hearing about taking hours to update I was surprised when it seemed to complete in a minute or two.
At that point I received this screen:
Software Update Complete
You must restart your device for the update to take effect.
1. Disconnect your device from your computer and let it restart.Do not turn it on or off until it returns to the main screen,* because that may cause your device to become inoperable.
2. When the restart process is complete, turn your device off.
3. Reconnect your device to your computer and wait 30 seconds.
4. Click “Done” to verify the software is up-to-date.
*If you have a nüLink! 1695; nüvi® 1690, 2200, 2250, 2300, 2350, 2360, 2370, 3750, 3760, 3790; Oregon®; Colorado®; Dakota®; GPSMAP® 62; GPSMAP 78; GPS 72; Edge® 500, 605, 705, 800; or Approach® G5 device, manually restart the device after the software update is complete.
I followed this to the letter. After clicking “done” the computer screen updates and it still shows “software update available”. So I do it again – this time I reach the the screen above even quicker. The computer refreshes and shows “software update available”. I do this another half dozen times with the same result.
I wrote down all software versions before and after, but nothing has changed.
I will call Garmin in the morning before work, but their hours are kind of limiting for working people. Should I try webupdater ? I noticed in the “done” screen, much like the CityXplorer EPN compatibilty table, the 2400 seems to be treated differently than the other 2000 series models. I would try the “manual restart” mentioned for everything else but the 2400, but that process is not described.
Any suggestions would be enormously appreciated. Again, if I should be posting questions like this elsewhere please let me know and thank you for being such a huge resource for the GPS user community !
Brian
P.S Apparently I am not the only one having this problem…
https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?t=19711
Any help you could provide those of us experiencing this problem would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Rich !
I suspect that it updated properly, and that the problem is with the dashboard interface. The latest version should be 2.50. I don’t have a 2xxx unit handy, but on the 1xxx models, you could check the software version by going to Tools > Settings > System > About. Does yours say 2.50?
BTW, software updates don’t take very long; it’s the map updates that are time consuming.
Rich,
As always, you are the man. Spent some time with Garmin tech support this morning – as always super helpful and friendly.
Yes, there is a problem with the Dashboard interface. They suggested always using WebUpdater to do software updates – tried that, and it confirmed my unit shipped with the most current software – you are right it is 2.50.
Re-confirmed that Enhanced Pedestrian Navigation is supported by the 2460.
Got latest updated map (2012.20) – forgot to install to both device and computer – they talked me through getting it onto my computer, which will include installing MapSource as well.
That was still going when I had to leave for work, but all seems in order now.
Thank you again for being such valuable resource to all of us out here !
Brian
Glad it’s working out! Let us know what you think of the 2460LMT, once you’ve had a chance to spend some time with it.
Hello Rich,
From my research I think im going with the 2460lmt. Will the bluetooth feature work with my cars bluetooth. Meaning can the sound come fom my car speakers rather then the gps? It would be nice if I were playing a song and it stops when the gps comes on like built in gps? Along with that how would my phone come into play? Would i use the 2460 for BT or the cars BT?
The last thing is im in traveling sales and moving from FL to Colorado so I think this would be the best all around gps for me in Colorado for my job. With no budget is there a better device in your eyes as far navigation for a new place and a traveling sales job with hands free operation?
Thanks for your time replying back and keep up the good work!
No, it won’t link to your car’s Bluetooth system…
https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={934cd0e0-c3a5-11e0-cf56-000000000000}
Otherwise I think it’s a great model for your purposes.
Sorry the link wrapped. Here’s what it says…
“Garmin devices are not compatible with Bluetooth systems in vehicles. Bluetooth-enabled Garmin devices will only pair with compatible mobile phones, although a few models may also pair with a Bluetooth headset. To view a list of compatible mobile phones, visit the Bluetooth page on our website at the following link: http://www.garmin.com/bluetooth“
Rich,
Thanks for the fine reviews. I have a 3790LMT that my wife has a hard time giving up when I go out of town, and from your review, I earlier this week, purchased a 2460LMT for me. You are right about the Bluetooth on the 2460. It’s excellent.
I’ve read complaints about the long startup times. I would agree the time seems long. On the 3790, you can “suspend” the unit by momentarily pressing the on/off button. Pressing it again will bring you to the screen where you can double-tap to unlock. Am I missing something, or does the 2460 not have this feature? I was hoping that I could avoid the long boot up times that way.
Thanks again for doing the legwork.
Wes
No, I don’t believe the 2xxx models have this feature.
Rich-
Well I had my mind set on the 2460LMT but just noticed on the Garmin website the 2595LMT was coming out. Has all the features besides ECO Route and My Trends.. (eco route would be a 100 upgrade) And this device has some additional things the 2460LMT does not…But when will it come out?? Would you suggest waiting or getting the 2460LMT I had my mind set on.. I think the split screen is pretty cool on the 2595lmt!
If this is to be believed, next week:
http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-nuvi-2595lmt-with-lifetime-traffic-and-map-updates.html?afcode=57RJ621DK
Now they are saying Oct. 12. Much more believable.
Anybody want to weigh in on whether or not I should wait for the 2595LMT or purchase the 2460LMT. I’m not in any rush. Rich I would especially appreciate your advice.
If you can wait till mid-October, we’ll know a lot more then. The new features, as far as I can tell, are Exit Services, improved voice command address and POI entires, and a beefed up processor. But we don’t know if they are taking anything out that’s in the 24×0 series.
Thanks Rich, based on the specs I see on the Garmin website the main differences I can discern are that the 2460lmt has slightly better battery life, my trends, ecoRoute and Garmin Lock. The 2595lmt does not have these features. The 2595lmt appears to offer exit services, alarm clock and audio book player. I don’t really care about the alarm clock or audio book reader but not sure whether exit services feature would out way free ecoRoute and Garmin Lock. I welcome your thoughts and yes I can definitely wait till mid October 😉
Personally I’d choose Exit Services over ecoRoute. Would you even use Garmin Lock?
Not sure. Never used a GPS unit for the car before only handheld variety for field work and GIS. Reading up on exit services makes me think this is a very valuable feature. I assume the Garmin lock just renders the device useless to potential thieves. Yeah I’ll wait till October. Thanx!
Hi Rich – I enjoyed reading your review. I have a TomTom XXL and have thought about switching to Garmin. I like the ability to avoid a roadblock or select an alternate route – but the alternate route selection is not very good, because the GPS shows a turn by turn directions and I can select one line item to avoid. Then it recalculates. Then I select alternate route, get the turn by turn directions, select another item to avoid. It recalculates. So I can sit there for 30 minutes going through this little routine trying to get the unit to take me on a completely different road… I’ve done better printing out alternate routes on Google Maps or Yahoo Maps, and then following along a printed sheet of paper. Toward the end of my route, then the TomTom GPS may finally stop trying to force the route over to the route I wanted to avoid. In the DC area, there are about a half dozen different ways I can get to work from Maryland. I need a GPS that will find other ways without my having to print out maps from Yahoo. Do you think this Garmin would do better? I considered the other Garmin nuvi, 3790MLT, but from what I’ve read, it does not have the option to avoid a roadblock or select an alternate route.
Even with the GPS, I get lost in DC – get on the wrong road, don’t make the turn fast enough… The TomTom is sometimes a bit delayed and I end up in the wrong lane, then the turn is passing by when it is telling me to turn. But maybe that would be a problem in DC with any GPS device – DC roads are crazy.
My only other complaint about TomTom is that their customer service is pretty nonexistent. Thanks in advance for your response.
No, advanced detours isn’t found on the 37xx series, just the 25xx for now. It does appear to be on the forthcoming 24×5, 25×5 and 34xx series.
A little more info…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/02/custom-avoidances-and-advanced-detours.html
I don’t recall, but I suspect it acts the same way – choose one, recalculate, rinse and repeat. You might want to ask on one of the 25xx review pages. Maybe someone with one of the units will chime in and answer.
Oops, it’s on the 24xx series too. I have one of those, but am heading out on vacation today and might not be able to test it for another week. I’ll make a note and try to circle back and answer if no one chimes in here.
Aargh! I must be flustered getting ready for vacation. Garmin is starting to confuse ME now with their model numbers! There is no 25×0 series. It is on the 24×0 series though. Sheesh!
The model numbers are very confusing. Thanks for the link to your article on the advanced detour screen. This is from the Garmin website help page: “The Prompted or Advanced Detour option is available for the nuvi 800, 805, 5000, 2400, 2405, 2505, and 3400 series, the dezl 560 series, and the StreetPilot 2700, 2800, and 7000 series devices.”
What would be nice is if I could save a list of pre-saved routes and be able to select from them. For example, if I know that I don’t want to go home via Clara Barton Parkway, but I would like to use River Road, I can simply choose it, and the GPS would map me to get to River Road. As it is now, I wouldn’t know how to get to River Road, and I can’t force the GPS to select that route.
Hope you have a great vacation!
I just got the 2460 LMT and used for the first time around my home and it worked fine. I then went to NYC and it took more than 30 minutes for it to find the satellites. That can’t be normal and is totally unacceptable. Have others had that experience? I’m assuming that was a malfunction but I don’t know what to do to fix it? Any ideas for me? I researched and waited such a long time to buy this model and am so disappointed.
It sounds like you may not have used it enough for it to download satellite almanac data. How long did you use it around your home? Urban canyons can be a challenging environment. For best results, I’d be sure it has a satellite lock for a good 30 minutes the day before heading into the city if at all possible.
I had only used it one day where I live which is an urban area in southern california. We were in Manhattan and I turned it on about 45 minutes before we were going to need it. I thought once we drove out of the city it would quickly find the satellites but as I said, it took about 45 minutes. It did allow me to plug the address in which I thought was a good sign, but then all I got was “searching for satellite.”
One other thing…when I first got it and was loading the maps from my computer, it would be close to being done and I’d get an error message and I had to start again. This happened 3 or 4 times and never looked like it finished but all of a sudden, it went to a screen (I forget which one now) that made it operational. Could this have anything to do with the satellite problem?
If you used it for 30 to 60 minutes in SoCal, it should have a pretty good satellite almanac built up, which basically allows it to predict where the GPS satellites are, speeding subsequent acquisitions. Nevertheless, moving across the country presents the GPS with some chalenges, even if it’s just the next day. If it was a couple weeks later, it would be even worse.
My own experience is that it’s much harder to lock onto satellites while in a moving vehicle. Combine all these things and you’ll see that your experience isn’t unusual, nor is it likely to be attributable to a bad unit.
Map downloads are a separate issue. If you go to Tools > Settings > MyMaps, what version does it say you have? The latest is 2012.20.
I did use it for 30-60 minutes in SoCal about a week before I went cross country. I was in a moving vehicle when trying to lock into a satellite. So if I understand what you’re telling me, when I fly to other states, as soon as I land I should turn the GPS on so that when I get to the rental car it will have locked in…I hope? Because otherwise, I see that as a major flaw. Are all portable GPS’ like that? Should I have bought a different model or brand?
I don’t have the latest maps. My version is 2011.31. Could you please remind me how I get the newest maps. Thanks for your help.
The nuvi 24xx can learn from your driving habits, but this will work much quicker if it is a regular route you take the same time of day. Also, you can always force it to take River Road by inserting a Via point.
Yes, best practices are to (1) make sure it has a satellite lock for at least half an hour the day before you depart for your trip and then (2) turn it on as soon as you land. And yes, this is a limitation of all GPS. Smartphones will perform better in this situation BTW, as they can use cell towers to download satellite data.
The simplest way to get the latest map is to install the Garmin Lifetime Updater on your computer: http://www8.garmin.com/support/lifetime_updater.html
the gps 2460 lmt works very nice, love it, but one think i don’t like is when i have the power cord off , the sound quality get very low, don’t why , and if anyine notice that ..???
Would you please tell me, what that powered mount you have in your picture is? Is that the same thing sold by Garmin as powered suction cup mount (part 010-11653-00), but without the cup?
Yes, and it comes with the 2460LMT.
Hi rich, looks like the nuvi 2595LMT is now available. Do let us all know when you get a chance to review it especially so I can decide how it stands up to the 2460LMT. Many Thanx
Chris
I’ll be reviewing the 2495LMT and 2555LT, but between the two I should have all the 2595LMT features covered.
Great, I look forward to it. Hopefully I’ll be able to choose wisely once I have all the facts.
Thanks
C.
hello Andrey
Yes i use the same cord power that comes with the GPS2460lmt with out the cup but then u can attach it to the cup if u want to mount it on the windshield..
Hi Rich,
I’m debating between the 2460lmt and 2595lmt and am most curious about the beefed up processor, improved traffic routing, and exit services. It’s unclear if the traffic routing is any different or just marketing speak for the same thing as the 2460lmt. I look forward to your thoughts.
Thanks,
Andrew
You and I are considering the same units. You should check out this thread and see the comments Rich made to me.
Thanks
C.
I think you may be referring to this one?…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/09/first-looks-garmin-nuvi-advanced-series.html
Andrew,
I’ll have reviews of the 2495LMT and 2555LT posted within a few weeks.
Thanks to Rich and Chris for the info. The new features look interesting. Looking forward to the reviews of the 2495LMT and 2555LT.
Andrew, I’ll be keeping close tabs on this and would love to chat with you further once Rich posts the reviews for the 2495LMT and 2555LT units. BTW I’ve only had experience with handheld units for field biology and light GIS work. Don’t know much about the auto units.
C.
i have A SCRATCHY noise/sound after the beep sound during my search for any topic on my GPS2460LMT. it drive me nuts i think the 2460lmt are not that great in sound system.
Now i can hear it very well when i have the power cord on all the time , my bluetooth work beautiful.still hearing the scratchy noise/sound in any options, but i have to use my power cord all the time so i can hear my gps very well,i hate that since i have the option to don’t use my power cord.
Eli
Has it always done this, or just recently? I’d give Garmin a call about it.
Hi Rich,
I’m currently in Switzerland for at least a year or so – but after that I’m coming back to the States. Any ideas if the 2460 (or indeed the 2360) have the ability to get the US maps loaded onto them instead of the Europe maps which (naturally!) the ones in Europe will currently have. I’m looking for a GPS that I can use on both continents – even if it means paying to get the maps loaded.
Thanks a lot,
Gareth
Yes, you’ll just need to buy City Navigator North America or the lower 49 states version. If you want them both loaded simultaneously, I’d go for the micro-SD card format.
Rich, thanks for posting the nuvi 2495LMT review. It was very helpful. I was torn between the 2460LMT and 2595LMT. Based on your satisfaction with the new series and despite the lack of power mount, I’m leaning very strongly towards the 2595LMT. I don’t guess you will try to dissuade me………(or will you).
Thanks
Chris
Nope, I won’t. I’m sure I’ll be getting something in the 2xx5 series myself.
I jumped on the Amazon deal to purchase the 2460LMT for $199 last week. So far, it’s been a great gps but your review of the 2495LMT intrigues me. What to do…hmmm
Andrew/Rich, guess you know what I’m going to do. LOL
Hi Rich, I did call Garmin about the static noise after every prompt, and loosing the volume quality when i use my GPS on Battery power,
They told me to return it, and get new one . but it seems all the 2460 LMt cant find it now in the market i think all of them has same problems, already return one i bought before this unit for same reason, but didnt have the static noise , i wish i kept it, but today im going to buy the 2595LMT and see how it goes..
Eli, I got a 2460LMT about 2 months ago and have never had the static problem, or any problems for that matter. I love it!
Rich, Just ordered the 2595LMT. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Carol, you are lucky then,,good luck with your Garmin
I want to buy either the 2460lmt or 2595lmt.
I don’t know which 1 is better. suggestions? are they both the same price?
I don’t need the bluetooth, or power mount. I do want the 5″ screen and voice commands, which aren’t found on alot of models.
I’m also not sure to get the friction mount or air vent mount. If I buy an air vent mount, can I remove it each time I leave my car?
which mount is easier to see and better?
I’d go with the 2595LMT, for the customizable main menu and improved routing.
The mount question is personal preference. I think the friction mout would be easier to see though. I like this one…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/09/garmin-portable-friction-mount-review.html
I’m trying to download a city xplorer map to my 2460 and I keep getting the message that “device can’t be found” even though it is connected to my MacBook. Any idea what could be causing this? Thank you!
Carol
This might help…
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=11514
One thing I haven’t noticed in the reviews……is Garmin still allowing the “favorites” to be organized in user created catagories? (like the 765 and others) Specifically for the 2460.
Side bar, to each his own, I played around with a 2595 the other day and really didn’t like the new 7-8 new “dashboard” layouts, Guess I like the selectability of information the 2460 allows.
Yes, you can do user created categories on the 2xxx series.
You can still select the info that goes on the dashboards, but the layout is different.
I just got the 2460 (thanks for the review!) and I love it for almost everything. I use the Custom POIs to load geocaches. I currently have over 25,000 loaded. You can see my website for the method I use.
With my old nuvi 260, I could pull up the Custom POI screen and it would display the closest four POIs (geocaches). As I would drive, the distance and bearing were continuously updated and periodically (about every 30 seconds or so), the display would refresh and the new current four closest POIs would display. This was a great feature for discovering geocaches on unfamiliar roads.
With the 2460, the distance and bearing still update, but the list of POIs never changes. I could drive 10 miles and it would show the same four POIs. If I back out of the Custom POI screen and reselect it, only then does it refresh and show the actual current closest four POIs.
The automatic update of the closest four POIs was a feature that I relied on heavily and I’m very concerned that it is not working on the 2460. You review a lot of GPSRs here. Is this just a bug in the 2460 or is this a “feature” across the entire nuvi line?
I haven’t heard of that issue before. Maybe it’s worth a call to Garmin. Regular POIs update, don’t they?
I tried submitting an online bug report, but had problems with the form. I called them (15 minute wait) and reported the issues, but they entered it as a feature request.
I need to look at the regular POIs in more detail. I’ve only used the voice command navigation so far and that is their new POI display which stays static. This makes sense because you are using voice command prompts. If you look at the options and mentally select #1 on the list, but it changed between when you looked at it and when you say “one”, then you might navigate to the wrong location.
The Custom POI display is the “old school” display of four lines with distance and bearing. Maybe there is some crossover between these two modes.
Good point about why they might be static in voice command mode.
I checked out regular POIs (Where To/Points of Interest/Food(or any of the other categories). This displays the “traditional” four line display with the distance and bearing. These work as expected and as you drive around, they periodically update to show you the four closest POIs.
I’m going to check my POI Loader to make sure it’s the latest. Assuming that doesn’t address the issue, I’ll push it more with Garmin.
I went around and around with Garmin for a while, but then I created a simple CSV and used the POI Loader to load it to my 2460 and to a friends 360 to illustrate the problem. See the website link for the YouTube video of this demo. Garmin was able to reproduce the issue and it will be fixed in a future software update. I’m still waiting on an ETA.
Nice! Glad they said they’d fix it and good for you for being persistent.
I take that back. I’ve gone around and around with them on this. Their story changes depending on who you get in email or on the phone. I’ve had people admit that it is a software bug and others that say it’s the way that the developers intend it to work. I’ve gone from happy to very frustrated. Are there other non-Garmin automotive GPS units that have similar Custom POI functionality. This is a deal breaker for me and with so many conflicting communications, I’m considering denouncing my Garmin loyalty.
I think they have problems with the voices/sound systems, in 2460 and 2595 lmt.
I had the static problem in 2460lmt after each prompt.
and now in my new 2595lmt the voices command for “jill” sounds like old woman has cold.
Eli
I’m sure it’s me, but I haven’t been able to figure out how to delete locations from my “Recently Found Places.” Any advice?
Where To? > Recently Found, then tap the menu icon (3 horizontal lines), then Clear.
When I hit “clear” I’m asked if I want to clear all items for the recent selections list, which I don’t. If I select the location and then tap the 3 horizontal lines, my only option is to “save.” What am I missing here?
You can clear all recent finds, but can’t clear them individually.
I must be using this inefficiently because every place I’ve ever been is in there and that’s what I always use for going back to a place. But of course there are plenty of places that I’ll never go back to and would like to get rid of them. Is there an easy way for me to move locations from recently found to favorites?
The easiest way is what you’ve already identified. Hit the menu icon and then Save.
That works. Thank you!
One more question. Is there a way to group locations within Favorites? For example, I travel in another state frequently and would like all of those locations in a group or folder or whatever. Possible?
Glad it worked for you.
Yes, you can categorize them. Go into your Favorites and select one. Tap the Menu icon and then Edit.You’ll see an option for Categories. Tap that and then the plus sign (+) to add a category.
But categories will not show up on your Favorites menu until you have 12 Favorites. And once you do this, you will have to go to Favorites and select a category. Personally I prefer to leave them uncategorized and just have the nearest show up, rather than have another step.
That makes sense. Thanks again for your help.
You’re welcome!
I’ve been eyeing the 2460 and I’ve seen the price go down in the past few weeks. I got got my Costco coupons in the mail and they’re offering $30 off starting Dec 1, but didn’t say what the list price was.
Rich,
So I really like the 2460LMT and was wondering if you think the GTM60 would work with it. I was thinking that if all the technology is in the cord, and the data sent to the unit is a standard format, it just might work, even if not officially supported. If you had those laying around that would be an AWESOME test!
Thanks,
Matt
I doubt that it would work. Why not just go for the newer 2595LMT which is compatible with it for sure? I’d be happy to test it, but I don’t personally own a GTM 60 at this pont.
My local Staples said they would pricematch another company for $174 AND give me a $20 staples gift card on the 2460LMT, just trying to figure out if its worth it. Also the 2595 doesn’t seem to have myRoute, but I wonder, in reality, how much I’ll actually use it.
The best thing about the 2460LMT is the powered mount. The 2595LMT lacks that but has Exit Services and additional customization options. I’d go for the latter but that’s just me. I personally haven’t found myRoute to be very helpful.
Hey Matt.
What do u mean that the 2959 don’t have your route, I have it and it’s awsome, just one thing would love, if they add to it, is the power mount.
the 2959 very easy to use, and has so many options than the 2460.
like all the exits, tells u all the coffee shops restaurants and rest areas, all that u can see on the map while you driving, but also so many options under view categories.
Eli
myRoute is Garmin’s name for a feature that learns your preferred route, IF you take it at the same time each day.
Does the NUVI 2460LMT come with the power mount?
I found the price to be $189.99 at the Costco I shop in Anchorage,AK.
Yes. The 2460LMT has a powered mount.
Does the Garmin 2460 LMT display the compass direction?
Thanks
You can set a data field on the map screen to display direction of travel in cardinal directions (N, NE, etc.). Also, if you set the map in 2D track up mode, a N indicator appears on the map screen.
Help! I’m in Sydney with my 2460 LMT. I purchased the City Xplorer maps to use for walking around Sydney. I go into Tools/Settings/Navigation/Pedestrian to change the setting from driving to walking but I still get navigation for a car. I feel like I’m missing a step.
From the main menu, tap the car icon in the top bar. Then you can change it to pedestrian.
Just bought a new 2460lmt, and so far it is performing as advertised, and I really like the many new features. One problem (for me anyway) that I’ve had in the past with older Garmin Models and now with my new 2460 is the ability to download many of my saved favorite routes that I designed with either MapQuest (classic), MapQuest M, or Google maps. All 3 versions recognize my 2460 device when attached, but only Mapquest M, and then ONLY Routes with Via points (and not just point to point routing) will show up on the device. The files do actually get downloaded and are in the map folder (with proper file name extension), but again, only routes that are Via Point included will appear on the list. I also tried to download Garmin’s Basecamp to see if that would be more compatible, but found the on-line download of the program would take about 10 hours (even on my fast Ethernet connection) so gave up. What gives with the inability to download maps useing Mapquest or Google maps?
You can’t really transfer any routes to the device, just destinations along a route. In other words, no matter what route Google Maps, MapQuest, Basecamp, etc., generate, the nuvi will use its own routing algorithm to go to the next waypoint.
I’m not sure if this helps explain what’s going on or not. It may consider the first point in a point to point route to be a your starting point, and discard it.