UPDATE: I’ve added links to the product pages for the new models (see below).
UPDATE 2: Read my reviews of the Garmin nuvi 3550LM and the 3590LMT.
Torn between the super-thin Garmin nuvi 3400 series and the 5″ 25×5 models? Well fret no more, as Garmin has announced the nuvi 3550LM and 3590LMT, bringing these two popular form factors together. Don’t expect a lot of new features though; this release is all about size and style.
The 3550LM will include lifetime map updates, while the 3590LMT will add Bluetooth, HD Traffic, voice-activated navigation and Smartphone Link support. If you’re ready to plunk down your hard-earned cash, you won’t have to wait long, as both models are expected to be available come February at MSRPs of $369.99 and $399.99 respectively.
Here’s the full news release.
About Rich Owings
There’s some pretty nice photos, and a video, of the nuvi 3590LMT over on Engadget if anyone wants to see what the device actually looks like:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/10/garmin-nuvi-3590lmt-hands-on-video/
More info about the 3500 series in the Garmin UK Newsroom:
http://garmin.blogs.com/ukpr/2012/01/garmin-debuts-new-top-tier-gps-navigator-at-ces.html
Rich, Any word on whether Garmin will work with their Navigon division in a future stand alone GPS?
Not in the US. And I’d be very surprised to see that happen.
Rich this should have the ability to save a search right? I don’t see anything on the Garmin website about that feature but its something I’d like to have.
Yes. You can tap the “i” icon after a search, then the menu icon, then Save.
Rich,
Do you expect to get a 3590LMT for a review?
Yes, it is supposed to arrive Monday.
So…. did ya get the 3590?
Sure did and I’m going to go play in traffic with it tomorrow. 🙂
So how was playing in traffic??? Will you be releasing your review soon?
Pretty good. The main thing I was able to ascertain was that the range of the HD signal appears to be greatly expanded now, at least in the area I tested it. See the next comment…
Oh, and the review should be posted no later than early April, but perhaps as early as March 26 or 27th.
Navteq now has specific HD Traffic coverage maps up on their website.
http://www.navteq.com/hdtraffic/
The older RDS coverage maps here:
http://www.navteq.com/rdstraffic/
Excellent. Thanks for sharing that. I included it in my Waypoints link roundup this morning. I wish you could zoom out on the maps and check fringe coverage.
Hey Rich,
As you are doing your 3590 review… will you be able to test with SmartLink? Wondering if Garmin has fixed the issue with traffic on Smartlink when connected to the GTM-60?
I have tested it with Smartphone Link, but only for sending destinations, traffic cameras and weather. I haven’t paid for the traffic subscription.
Ok… so as I have read you cant use the GTM-60 power cord and use the SMartlink traffic at the same time?
AFAIK, that’s right. You could ask Jeff Carpenter (for an update) on his site and see what he says.
Rich, I am in Canada, will the GTM60 work in Canada? I know there is no covergae but will it use the existing coverage that the GTM35 would use. I travel to the US and am contemplating a 3550LM which I can get though a rewards program for nothing and might as well get the best traffic updates available.
Thx,
Jim
Apparently so (link).
Thx Rich, I did do a search , honest !!!
No problem. Garmin’s search setup sucks now. It helps to know the back door!…
https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/search.htm