It’s time to look back at our reader’s favorite reviews for the past month (which seems to be a good indication of what folks are researching for purchases). With few new releases out there, the rankings were once again pretty static; one thing worth mentioning though, is the arrival of the new Garmin nuvi 3590LMT, debuting at number five on the auto chart. And for the second month in a row, Garmin makes a clean sweep in both the auto and handheld categories, with the nuvi 1450LMT and eTrex 20 continuing to hold the top spots. On to the charts…
Top selling auto GPS
- Garmin nuvi 2595LMT
- Garmin nuvi 40
- Garmin nuvi 50LM
- Garmin nuvi 1450LMT
- Garmin nuvi 3590LMT
- Garmin nuvi 3490LMT
- Garmin nuvi 2460LMT
- Garmin nuvi 2555LMT
- Garmin nuvi 1450
- Garmin nuvi 1490LMT
About Rich Owings
I am trying to buy a new Garmin GPS but am concerned about which to purchase between the 50LM, the 1450 & 1490 LMT. Can I get some input and advice as to which would be better since they are all about the same price right now? I want top make sure it is the best option of the three. Thank you.
The 1490LMT has the largest feature set.
Thank you very much, Rich! I will stop and get one today. I want to get the best GPS possible for around $150 max and this seems like the best fit. Which GPS’s have the best screen resolutions? Is it the more expensive ones?
Hi Rich,
I went to Fry’s Electronics at lunch and bought the 2555LMT as it was a good price and seems to be superior to the 1490LMT. Is there anything negative that I should be aware of before opening the box? 🙂
Thank you.
You know, I am leaning towards the 2555LMT. I know it is a little more expensive but may be better in the long run. What do you think?
I think the 2555LMT is a great choice. It doesn’t have Bluetooth or voice command, but it is deservedly a very popular model. I like the customization options and added features in the 2xx5 series.
Thank you for the feedback. I am definitely impressed with it so far. I noticed it does not state directions like my Nuvi 350 such as “in .6 mile turn right at street” it just says something about a block from the turn and does not give a warning. Is this a setting or just the new design?
Unless the turns are very close together you should get a warning a bit ahead of time and another prompt at the turn.
That is what I noticed but it was not as detailed as my older unit which surprised me. I still think it is an awesome GPS and I appreciate all your input and replies. Thank you.
Glad to help. It is speaking street names for turns, right?
Yes, it does Street names but it just doesn’t do that typical countdown like my old one. It almost feels like it warns too late if you do not know where you are going already. I disabled 3D and plan to try it with all the options set like my old unit to see if that helps. I did notice with 3D on it seems to be a little delayed with map refresh and MPH.
I am looking for a handheld gps for (mostly) hunting, some backpacking. I live in a densely forested mountainous area of Northeastern Oregon. I can get the Garmin etrex 20 or the Dakota 20 for approximately the same price ($160). Which would be the better unit for my use? Does the etrex 20 “find” satellites faster and keep track of them better? I have read your reviews and both seem great, just need that last little piece of advice before buying, and I don’t really want to spend much more than that, so those two units seem the best for the price. Are they both pretty rugged?
The new eTrex models can use GPS + GLONASS, which should give it an advantage, especially in more northerly latitudes. I’ve also seen a number of reports of broken Dakotas (can’t recall if it was the screen or housing), so I think I’d go with the eTrex.
Thank you for your advice. I will probably get the Etrex 20. Have you done any side-by-side comparisons to see if the new etrex actually has any advantage from being able to use GPS and GLONASS?
Check the performance section near the end of my review, but it’s probably gotten better since then due to updates: http://gpstracklog.com/2011/10/garmin-etrex-20-review.html
I am looking for a good GPS for the car that will also take a marine map that I can put in the boat. Any suggestions? Looking to spend $200-$250.
You can add marine maps to any Garmin nuvi, but not all the features will work. There’s this, but it’s much more expensive… https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=14898
Any idea what features don’t work? Just looking for a depth line to break and maybe speed.
It should display speed, but otherwise, I’ve no idea. You may want to ask at http://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-electronics-forum-19/
I bought my Zumo 665 for cross country motorcycle trips figuring that the built in MP3 player would help the miles pass. Listening to music that I selected did help the miles pass when I wound up chewing up miles on interstates. Unfortunately, the music was pretty drab compared to the audio from an old I-pod player.
For this year’s travels I picked up a blue tooth headset and mic, designed for mc helmets and plan to use a blue tooth MP3 player with better audio than the Garmin unit.
I see than a few auto units accept voice command which would be a BIG safety plus as that would reduce, eliminate this occasions that I have to take my hand off the handle bar to control the GPS.
Do any of these auto units with blue tooth accept voice commands via blue tooth? And, importantly, do they use blue tooth for turn by turn directions?
Someday I’ll find a GPS designed for mc that will do route calculation by the most FUN route, one with the most twists and turns?!
Best from tucson
Bob
The Garmin nuvis with Bluetooth only use it for phone calls, not for directions, voice command or music.
Thank You for your time Rich.
Best from Tucson
BOB
Hopefully you’re around… sales end today etrex 30 for 220.00 or Oregon 450t for 270.00
thoughts? thanks
Both good units. Oregon is best for in-hand (hiking, etc.) vs. the eTrex being better for fixed mount use (bikes, etc.). Other than that steering you one way or the other, not sure I have a preference.
Hi Rich….I need a new GPS and upon reviewing your com parison chart, I am inclined to buy the 2460 model bec of all the features available on this model and the price as well. What are the negatives on this model. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks. Rose
The only real downside is that it is the first generation to use the trafficTrends historical road speed database. Now it’s performance may have improved since I tested the 24×0 series, with firmware updates and newer maps. But if you get wonky routing you can always just disable trafficTrends in the settings. I wouldn’t let that issue deter me from buying it.