Auto Archives - Page 16 of 48

Garmin nuvi 3450LM

November 17, 2011 By Rich Owings 5 Comments

The Garmin nuvi 3450LM (despite the lower model number) updates the 3700 series with a host of new customization options, Exit Services and 3D buildings and terrain. And just like with the previous version, you get all this in a super-thin package sporting a 4.3” multi-touch capacitive glass touchscreen.

Auto GPS features worth paying for

November 17, 2011 By Rich Owings 50 Comments

In my last post I looked at several GPS features you don’t need. Today we’ll check out the flip-side, updating my post from several years ago. What are the best and most useful upgrades when choosing a navigator? I’ll start with ones available on relatively low end units and then move on to features found on more expensive models.

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Auto GPS features you don’t need

November 16, 2011 By Rich Owings 7 Comments

Several years ago I did a post titled 5 GPS features you don’t need. Thankfully the industry has winnowed things down some and the list is shorter, but it’s definitely time for a refresh. So read on and then chime in with your take.

Traffic

I wish I could say that things have changed dramatically, but there’s only been incremental improvements in the reliability of traffic data. Live traffic seems to work best in the largest metros like LA, and while HD traffic holds promise, the roll out has been anything but smooth. Expect plenty of erroneous reports (false positives), as well as lots of bottlenecks going unreported (false negatives).

3D buildings

I can see the theoretical usefulness of this, but for the most part it feels like distracting eye candy. Something more realistic, from the perspective of the driver (as opposed to the birds-eye views we see now), might be more useful.

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Garmin nuvi 3450

November 13, 2011 By Rich Owings Leave a Comment

The Garmin nüvi 3450 (despite the lower model number) updates the 3750 with a host of new customization options, Exit Services and 3D buildings and terrain. And just like with the previous version, you get all this in a super-thin package sporting a 4.3” multi-touch capacitive glass touchscreen.

Filed Under: Featured, Garmin auto GPS, GPS Reviews Tagged With: Garmin nuvi 3450

Garmin nuvi 3490LMT review

November 9, 2011 By Rich Owings 82 Comments

Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 3490LMT

UPDATE: There is now a 5″ version of this model, the nuvi 3590LMT.

The Garmin nüvi 3490LMT (despite the lower model number) updates the 3790LMT with a host of new customization options, Exit Services and ad-free HD traffic. And just like with the previous version, you get all this in a super-thin package sporting a 4.3” multi-touch capacitive glass touchscreen.

Filed Under: Auto, Featured, Garmin auto GPS, GPS Reviews Tagged With: Garmin nuvi 3490LMT

TomTom cutting jobs; focus shifts to non-PND segments

October 24, 2011 By Rich Owings 7 Comments

TomTom announced their Q3 2011 financials today, showing growth in all segments except for personal navigation devices (PNDs), where they are forecasting a market contraction of 25 to 30% in North America and 10% in Europe this year.

Filed Under: Auto, Featured, TomTom auto GPS

Garmin nuvi 2555LT review

October 18, 2011 By Rich Owings 13 Comments

Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 2555LT

The Garmin nüvi 2555LT is a mid-range unit in Garmin’s 2012 nuvi Advanced series line. One of the more significant refreshes in recent years, the Advanced series adds several new customization options, improved search functionality and Exit Services. All models in the Advanced series come with preloaded maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. The 2555LT offers all this along with an extra-wide 5” screen and lifetime traffic.

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Magellan RoadMate 1424

October 17, 2011 By Rich Owings 1 Comment

The Magellan RoadMate 1424 is one of Magellan’s most popular 4.3” models, thanks to a bargain basement price. Despite the fact that this is an entry-level unit, it comes with preloaded maps of the entire US and Canada, as well as Magellan’s popular OneTouch feature.

Filed Under: Auto, Featured, GPS Reviews, Magellan auto GPS Tagged With: Magellan RoadMate 1424

Garmin nuvi 2455LT

October 16, 2011 By Rich Owings 28 Comments

The Garmin nüvi 2455LT is a low-end model in Garmin’s 2012 nuvi Advanced series line, but don’t let that fool you – the 2455LT is packed with features. One of the more significant refreshes in recent years, the Advanced series adds several new customization options, improved search functionality and Exit Services. All models in the Advanced series come with preloaded maps of the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as lifetime traffic.

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Garmin nuvi 2475LT

October 14, 2011 By Rich Owings 67 Comments

The Garmin nüvi 2475LT is the sole trans-Atlantic model in Garmin’s 2012 nuvi Advanced series. One of the more significant refreshes in recent years, the Advanced series adds several new customization options, improved search functionality and Exit Services. All models in the Advanced series come with preloaded maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. The 2475LT also includes maps of Europe as well as Bluetooth for hands free calling and lifetime traffic.

Filed Under: Auto, Featured, Garmin auto GPS, GPS Reviews Tagged With: Garmin nuvi 2475LT