Sunday, March 18, 2012

Garmin nuvi 2597LMT review

Garmin nuvi 2597LMT review

We go hands on with the Garmin nuvi 2597LMT

Hands on Garmin nuvi 2597LMT review

The Garmin nüvi 2597LMT is the top of the line 5″ model in Garmin’s 2013 Advanced series. Improvements in this years model include active lane guidance, traffic announcements, “Real Directions” and the slide-out Up Ahead feature shown above. I’ll explore those features in more detail below. As a high-end model, the 2597LMT includes lifetime traffic and map updates, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and voice command. read more

Video: Garmin’s new Active Lane Guidance feature

Active lane assist Garmin nuvi 2597LMT

Active lane assist on the Garmin nuvi 2597LMT

One of the biggest improvements in the latest Garmin nuvi Advanced and Prestige series models is (IMHO) the active lane guidance feature. It’s simply more clear what lane you are supposed to be in and when to move into it. This is especially true as you approach a multiple exit interchange such as you see above, something that might be labeled Exits 10A and 10B. The older versions of lane assist and junction view simply could not make the maneuver as clear as it is with active lane guidance.  read more

Garmin nuvi 42

Garmin nuvi 42 reviewThe Garmin nuvi 42 is one of the company’s 2013 Essential series models, their entry-level line. Even so, this 4.3″ navigator is quite capable, and features speed limit display, junction view and lane assist — things that were relegated to top-of-the-line models not too long ago. The nuvi 42 comes with preloaded maps of the entire US except Alaska and is a great choice for someone who needs a basic navigator without all the bells and whistles. read more

First look at the Garmin nuvi 2013 Advanced series

Garmin nuvi 2597LMT active lane guidance

Garmin nuvi 2597LMT map screen with active lane guidance

UPDATERead my hands on reviews of the Garmin nuvi 2597LMT and 2797LMT.

I received a Garmin nuvi 2597LMT and 2797LMT for testing last week, so here is a first looks post. The full reviews should be up within a month. read more

Garmin nuvi 52

Garmin nuvi 52 review

The Garmin nuvi 52 is one of the company’s 2013 Essential series models, their entry-level line. Even so, it includes many features that were relegated to high-end models not that long ago — speed limit display, junction view and lane assist. The nuvi 52 is great choice for someone who needs a basic navigator without all the bells and whistles. It’s got an extra-large 5″ display and comes with preloaded maps of the entire US except Alaska. read more

US to mandate GPS training for new commercial drivers

US to require commercial driver GPS training

Low clearance warning; Image courtesy zozolka

Too many bridge strikes and you get new regulations. According to Bloomberg, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will:

…will require GPS training for new operators seeking commercial-driver certification (and) begin distributing GPS training recommendations, including how to select professional-grade navigation systems, instructions on how to input truck sizes and axle weights, and tips on avoiding distracted driving.

read more

Garmin nuvi 42LM

Garmin nuvi 42LM review

The Garmin nuvi 42LM is one of the company’s 2013 Essential series models, and while an entry-level 4.3″ device, it includes items like speed limit display, junction view and lane assist – things that were found only in high-end models not so long ago. It’s a great choice for someone who needs a basic navigator without the bells and whistles, and it comes with preloaded maps of the entire US except Alaska and features lifetime map updates. read more

Garmin to release innovative nuvi vent mount

Garmin nuvi GPS vent mount

Garmin’s forthcoming and innovative vent mount

Ever used a vent mount? Many people find them quite frustrating. According to GPS City, Garmin seems to think they’ve designed a better mousetrap… read more

Garmin nuvi 54LM

Garmin nuvi 54LM reviewThe Garmin nuvi 54LM is one of the company’s 2013 Essential series models, and while considered an entry-level device, it includes features such as speed limit display, junction view and lane assist – things that were relegated to high-end models not that long ago. It’s a great choice for someone who needs a basic navigator without the bells and whistles, and it’s got an extra-large 5″ display to boot. It also comes with preloaded maps of the US and Canada and includes lifetime map updates. read more

TomTom to undercut Garmin in motorcycle market

Garmin zumo vs. TomTom RIDERBikers have long complained about the high-price of Garmin zumo units – the cheapest current model, the 3.5″ zumo 220 lists for $399.99. Want a 4.3″ screen? Those start at $649.99! read more