You can compare Garmin nuvi models using the chart below, which is designed to help make sense of their myriad models. For a quick overview of the different series, you can also check out my dissecting the Garmin nuvi series post.
The links in the far left column below go to each Garmin nuvi review on our site. All listed models speak street names and include speed limit and trip log display. Discontinued nuvis are now listed in their own chart. You can also click here for descriptions and more information about various features. NEW: Click on column headers to sort chart.
Compare Garmin nuvi models
| Garmin nuvi review | Maps | Screen size | Traffic | Blue- tooth | Powered mount | Multi- point routing | Lifetime maps | Lane assist | Voice command | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nuvi 30 | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 3.5″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 40 | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 40LM | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 42 | 49 states | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 42LM | 49 states | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 44LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 50 | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 50LM | 48 states & US + Canada versions | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 52 | 49 states | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 52LM | 49 states | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 54LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 465LMT | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 1450T | U.S. Canada | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2350 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2360LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2455LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2455LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2460LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2475LT | U.S. Canada Mexico Europe | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2495LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2497LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2555LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2555LT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 2557LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | No | No | Yes | Yes | Active | No | More info |
| nuvi 2595LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2597LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 2757LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 7.0″ | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active | No | More info |
| nuvi 2797LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 7.0″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3450 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3450LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3490LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime HD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3550LM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3590LMT | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime HD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3597LMTHD | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Lifetime HD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active | Yes | More info |
| nuvi 3750 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Option | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | More info |
| nuvi 3790T | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | More info |
Garmin nuvi feature descriptions
- Live traffic – It may not be quite ready for prime time, but it is improving, especially for models with HD traffic. Even so, you can expect lots of inaccurate reports as well as incidents that aren’t reported. Most pre-2013 Garmin nuvis with a T following the model number have ad-supported traffic (see reviews for screenshots). HD models and 2013 T models are ad-free.
- Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use – Generally speaking, the sound quality has gotten much better on recent models, but check the reviews (the first column links to these) as it does vary.
- Powered mount – The power cord plugs into the mount, rather than the GPS. That’s one less connection to fuss with when you want to use your navigator. I’m a big fan of these, especially when combined with a friction mount.
- Multi-point (multi-destination) routing – A very nice feature, but not a critical one. If the chart says “no,” you can only enter one destination and one or two via points. This isn’t a big problem since you can easily find locations under Favorites or Recently Found.
- Lifetime map updates – Garmin has started selling units bundled with lifetime map updates, which you can typically download quarterly. Newer models with these have an LM or LMT (the latter includes lifetime traffic) tacked onto the end of the model number.
- Lane assist – Shows which lane you need to be in for Interstate exits and some surface streets in larger metros. An improved version, active lane guidance, was introduced on the 2013 Advanced and Prestige series.
- Voice commands – A killer feature and it actually works pretty well on most models.
Return to Garmin nuvi comparison chart
I’m looking to buy a gps for a birthday present for my husband. He has a rino, about 6 years old. He likes to geocash and although I checked out the comparison chart, I still have no idea of what gps to buy. He likes garmins (I think). I was looking at costco’s gspmap76CSX as he could try it out and return it if he didn’t like it, or I could buy him a different one. I would really appreciate it if anyone help me out. Thanks.
Does he use the Rino with anyone else? It’s the only line that has a two-way radio built in, but if he’s not using that capability, I’d look at a model with paperless geocaching capabilities. How much do you want to spend?
Thanks for commenting. He just mentioned today that he wants to get the new rino that is coming out in the fall. He wants the radio built in. Now I’m looking for binoculars that have the ability of looking at the stars. What ya don’t do for love:)
I know what you mean!
The updated Rino is only rumored at this point, but it seems likely.
the person who is looking for the 1350 i heard that Best Buy has the 1350t going on sale tomorrow, a friend saw it in the Best Buy circular for Sunday.
Thanks for all your help.
Have you had the opportunity to test or review the garminphone-osus? I like the fact that it is both phone and gps. its suppose to be compatible to the 1690 through T-mobile. I’m not clear on lifetime traffic or its included in T-mobile data plan. What information or opinion do you have on this device?
Whats the difference between nulink which the garminphone has and when your comparison chart says “option”?
Do you meant the T-Mobile Garminfone? If so, here’s my review…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/06/t-mobile-garminfone-review.html
Traffic is included and is delivered via the T-Mobile cellular network.
The Garminfone does not have nuLink. Maybe I’m misreading this, but I’m not sure why you would want both the 1690 and the Garminfone. Regardless, my review should answer a lot of your questions.
Option just means that you can buy an add on traffic receiver (which doubles as a power cable for the unit).
I have a 1 month old 855, which I have been very happy with. Tonight I was attempting to load the free map update. At this moment the unit is plugged into my Mac, yet it will not turn on! What did i do? How do I fix it??
You may need to call Garmin support. Will it go into mass storage mode? Updates can take hours, BTW.
thanks for the answer. They sent me a new battery which unfortunately seems to have been mis-delivered. Also — I believe I can get European maps from someone besides Garmin. any suggestions on who would be best? and – which type of obtaining them, ie directly onto my computer or how? I thank you so much for all your help!
You can buy City Navigator Europe maps online from places like Amazon.
As far as format goes, read the first Q&A here…
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=17905
and then let me know if you have any more questions about it.
Well, 40 minutes on the phone this afternoon were totally worth it!! Walmart will not take back or exchange my 855. However, I already have a free shipping label for my dead nuvi, and I will be sent a new one from Garmin. I must say, all the people I have dealt with, whether about questions or problems, have been wonderful. Customer service is obviously a high priority for Garmin and their employees. And I will not be buying ANY electronic equipment from Walmart in the future!
Is it possible to download info from mapquest or googlemaps to any nuvi? I’ve only found this specifically stated for the 855.
You can do that with a 1690. I don’t know about other nuvis.
Yes. In Google Maps, click Send and then GPS.
I am looking for a gps for my teenage daughter who is a new driver and has no sense of direction at all. I need the unit to have lane assist, but she doesn’t need lots of bells and whistles, and don’t want to spend a ton of money. I have read reviews of so many models and they are really mixed. Have a relative who has the 765T and likes it a lot, but I’m concerned that it isn’t a new model. Any help sorting through this maze would be helpful.
Lane assist coverage is generally limited to major metropolitan areas. Garmin will continue to support the 765T, even if they discontinue it. For a more current model with lane assist, you might want to look at the nuvi 1350.
I’ve read some really mixed reviews about the 1350. Some have experienced it going completely out on them in the middle of a drive, leaving them stuck. I also can’t seem to find any retailers that carry it in their store. Wondering if that is a sign.
I believe this was fixed with a recent firmware update:
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=19854
I’m very new to GPS systems and am willing to take the leap now.
I live in a rural area, want some of the bells and whistles of the newer models, and
need the system to connect to my computer.
Can you simplify my options? I see you have many reviews for me
to read, some I have, and am a little overwhelmed.
Just got the 1690, fantastic! All the features including the google thingy are marvelouse to play with.
Paula,
Can you tell me your budget? Also, do you travel much into larger cities and, if so, would you want traffic info? And do you want Bluetooth for hands free cell phone use? Let me know and I’ll see if I can narrow it down.
Sirs,
I want the best Garmin GPS that combines all the features together no matter what is the price , taking into account that I live in the middle east and ravel alot ,so is there any coverage in these area and what is the best garmin model for me ?
please help
Whichever model you get, you’ll probably want these maps…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1582
There’s also a map set available that combines North Africa and the Middle East. Do you travel out of the region?
As far as what unit, that’s a tougher question. There’s probably no point in getting a T model in areas without traffic coverage. The 1690’s connected services aren’t available in your region either. I’m also not sure how well voice commands will work with your language.
It’s going to be hard to get all the features you want without buying ones that won’t be of any use to you. The absolute high end model these days is the 3790T. Hope this helps.
thank you so much for your reply , I do travel from time to time , as far as voice command is concerned , I speak english so its not a problem to me though , so you are saying the 3790T is a good choice for me ; what differs this model from the others?knowing it lacks the MSN direct and the FM transmitter ! and would the MSN direct be useful for me? also please is there any coverage for my area and sudscription that would end some day?
regards
Samy
also please isnt the 885 T or 785T the best models as I see from some reviews sites as http://www4.shopping.com/xSBS-Garmin-nuvi-785T-Garmin-nuvi-885T~PT-xPO~P-1~PRDLT-72119664-81158473
which claims that 785T is better than 885T , In general is the 3790T the best choise ever for me ???please advice!!
thanks
samy
MSN Direct services are being cancelled as of 1/1/2012, so I would avoid those. The 3790T is the newest nuvi. There is no FM transmitter; you’d have to go back to an older model like the 765T for that. There is no traffic coverage in your area that I am aware of. The 3790T is thin and light, and should learn your route preferences if you deviate from the suggested route a few times. I don’t know if the terrain view is worldwide or not.
I would like to buy a basic GPS mostly for use in Italy, possibly other European countries, and sometimes U.S. Don’t need bells and whistles – no live traffic reports, MP3 player, voice commands. Just good directions! I would like to spend less than $200.
Thanks for any help.
While they come with a traffic receiver you don’t need, I would look at the nuvi 1370T (newer) or the nuvi 275T (older).
Thanks so much, Rich, for the quick reply. This really helps. Do you think Garmin is the best brand for what I want? I’m very confused with my research!
It’s my personal preference. A lot of people like TomTom units because they offer more customization and options though.
Do you know which Garmin Nuvi has the best bluetooth function?
I’ve found the 7×5 series to be the best, in terms of voice quality for folks on the other end of the line.
Thank you for the quick response. I called Garmin support, and the person who answered the phone said the same thing, although he said it was only his personal preference and not Garmin’s offical opinion.
I was concerned about buying a discontinued unit – would you be? I was leaning towards the 765T.
Not really. Garmin has a great track record of continuing to support older units with software updates. And FWIW, the 765T hasn’t been discontinued, though it probably will be in the next year.
Now I can only find refurbished units in the 765T. I have alwasy been afraid to purchase anythng refurbished – what are your thoughts?
Wow, I see that too. Not sure what the deal is there. Generally speaking, I think refurbs are fine. You should also be aware though, that there was a recall the other day…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/08/garmin-recalls-select-nuvi-2x0w-and-7xx-units.html
I wonder if they’ve pulled them from the market until they can find the suspect units. Mine wasn’t in the recall batch, fortunately.
Thanks again, Rich, for your advice. I finally decided on the nuvi 1370t, went back to Amazon to buy and it’s gone up in price $40! You snooze, you lose! I didn’t realize the price was THAT good. Oh well. Guess I’ll wait a while….
Here’s a deal I saw yesterday, but it says they are out of stock…
http://dealnews.com/Garmin-nuvi-1370-T-4.3-GPS-w-Lifetime-Traffic-for-189-free-shipping/386314.html
My luck! I go back to Italy in 2 weeks, so I’ll keep looking…. Thanks.
We live in the United States, and have been trying to comparison shop for a new GPS. Travel is a mix of metro, suburbs and rural mostly in the southern S and the eastern seaboard. We now have an old garmin, not even a Nuvi model. we’re wanting to upgrade to one with lifetime traffic, lane assist, multi destination maping, and gas price alerting, but don’t really want to pay any monthly subscription costs. We’re hoping to get free lifetime traffic if possible. It doesn’t matter which brand it is. Not very familar with all the current features. The spoken street names feature sounds great, and so does the feature that tells current and total trip time and distances, and so on. Any suggestions? Don’t want to spend a fortune, but willing to pay within reason.
Bob,
The only one I can think of that meets most of your criteria is the 1690… but it only has free service for two years. After that it’s $5/month.
I don’t know of any nuvi with gas price checking capability except the connected series… the 1690. The 295W has wi-fi and may offer that, but you’ll have to be in range of a wifi hotspot in order for it to work. Reading the review here, I can’t tell how the fuel icon works on the 295W. It may be for locations only and not price. And the 295W doesn’t offer LA and JV.
Rick, Thank you for the suggestions. DW and I will check them out tomorrow. We don’t have a wireless internet laptop or any thing such as that, so I’m not sure I’m following how the wi-fi works. We are on a fixed monthly income which is why we don’t want another monthly obligation for service. $60 a yr isn’t so bad I guess, it’s just that when all the monthly service fees and costs for internet, cell phone, cable TV, and so on are added up paying for technology alone could take a big bite out a person’s income! You said the 295W doesn’t offer LA and JV…what is that? Bob
LA=lane assist
JV=junction view
I hear you about the additive costs. It is indeed a consideration.
A disclaimer: I have the 1690.
That being said, the connected services are what sold me on that particular unit (plus LA, JV and multi-destination routing). At the end of my 2 year free service, I can elect to continue or discontinue the connected services. I can’t see discontinuing the service at this point.
If you are computer literate, then you likely know how useful a Google search is. With connected services, you have Google search on the 1690. And it works very well too.
WiFi depends on a hotspot (wireless access, very short range), typically found in many restaurants like Panera, etc. You won’t have reliable wifi connections driving down the road. At least, not in my experience.
The connected services use AT&T’s cell phone coverage which will allow you to maintain coverage as long as you are in a service area. You can use it reliably while driving.
Hope that helps.
hi,
am planning to go for a garmin 1250/ 1350 gps. i understand from the reviews that it is pretty good within the cities. my interest is to travel more towards the country side. how does it perform in countryside travels. also the battery life is a bit worrisome. 3hrs of battery life means i have to plug it into the charger almost all times. which one do you recommend for my usage. pls do let me know. am looking at the most basic model.
I’ve always found Garmin’s NAVTEQ maps to be a bit better in rural areas than TomTom’s Tele Atlas maps, so I think you’re on the right track. Most people just leave them connected to the charger anytime they are driving, so battery life isn’t a big issue. I’d go with the 1350 over the 1250 to get the 4.3″ screen.
I barely know much between the differences in GPS systems let alone Garmin in particular. I think it’s time I get a GPS now after a few occasions of getting lost with the incorrect map. I am curious as to what’s the main differences between the Garmin Nuvi 255W and the Garmin Nuvi 1350? I see that 1350 has lane assist… I am looking more into getting a 1350 but I’m unsure if it’s the right choice or if there’s a difference in the two I should look into?
They are both good units. The 1350 offers more customization options and works with Garmin’s CityXplorer maps which include mass transit routing. The 1350 is also more current; the 255W is likely to be discontinued soon, though Garmin will continue to support it for many years. Those are the big differences.
I have a Garmin Nuvi 350 and want to buy another one, but this model isn’t available now. Do you know which model is equivalent to 350? I don’t want to a GPS that has ad inside. I prefer 3.5″ touchscreen. Thanks!
Do you use any of the audio features like the MP3 player?
I do not use MP3 player. But I need text to speech function. Thanks!
For current models, the nuvi 255 would be similar, though you would need to plug the USB cable in each time you use it (I believe the 350 has a powered mount).
To get one with a powered mount, you would need to go to a bigger screen.
Do you mean there is no baterry and power discharge for 255?
350 has a USB cable (connect to a computer) and a power discharge (connect to power plug in car).
The cigarette lighter power adapter plugs directly into the nuvi 255, rather than the mount, meaning you need to plug it in manually instead of just snapping it into the mount. It does have a battery, but most people use the car charger. I believe the 350 just snaps into the mount, so you don’t have to mess with the mini-USB connection each time.
Which model has the powered mount simiilar to 350 with the text to speech function? I can consider a bigger screen. Thanks!
There are a couple of discontinued models that would be good, if you can find them — the 650 and 750. For current units, you’re going to get into a lot of bells and whistles (and/or ads) that you don’t want.
Thanks so much and have a great weekend!
I currently have a Quest 2 which allows me to plan a trip on the PC and then DL it to the GPS. I can also UL routes to the PC after a trip. Which models with a 4.3″ screen have this feature? It does not have to be water proof.
Augie
Are you using MapSource? That should still work with a new unit. If you buy a nuvi and it doesn’t have the latest maps, register it within 60 days and you’ll be able to download the latest version of City Navigator to the device and your computer…
https://my.garmin.com/maps/nuMaps.htm
@RMU – Glad it worked out!
Never had a GPS. Want a Garmin with 4.3″ or larger screen, text-to-speech, multi-destination routing, track display, and lane assist. Any other features are a bonus, but prefer not to pay for other features. I’m thinking maybe the 1450, but that’s based only on my novice research and limited knowledge. Is the 5″ screen a bad thing (maybe so big it shakes, or other negatives)? Please recommend my best options.
I don’t think the 5″ screen would cause more shaking, but I tend to use dashboard friction mounts, which may be why I don’t experience the issue. The 1450 is a very popular model and should serve you well.
Is it worth the extra money to buy the 1450T to get lifetime traffic? (Or am I misunderstanding the difference between the 1450 and 1450T?) I do live in a metro area with traffic info provided. Thank you!
Probably. Live traffic info is far from perfect, but it’s pretty good. Still, you can expect quite a few false positives (reports of traffic issues where there aren’t any) and false negatives (unreported traffic problems).
I am new to the GPS world and shopping for a gift. From reading some of the other info, I have picked up that the T at the end of a model is for the Live traffic option. Is that correct? If you purchase a model without the T, does that mean that is not available, or that you have to pay for it? What exactly does the Live traffic provide to the user?
Thanks for any help and direction in my purchase.
Hi,
If I buy a Garmin in London or Dubai, will I be able to use it in South Africa?
I’m looking at getting the Nuvi 215W. I am told it’s a good device to have, as it has Bluetooth & can pick up speed cameras.
Tnx,
Sam.
Yes, but you’ll want to add maps for the area:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=15535
Also, expect it to take awhile to lock onto satellites after flying to a new destination.
Thanks for the quick reply!
Will i have to buy the SA maps, or isnt the 1st download within 60 days free?
You’re welcome! I’m afraid you’ll have to buy them. The free download applies to an update of the preloaded maps that come on the device, to ensure that you aren’t stuck with an out of date map.
I’ve owned 2 Garmin Nuvis (260 and 200), and both had problems maintaining signals in urban areas like Washington DC and Baltimore,MD. Both units would “recalulate”, sometimes resulting in new directions being given. This would require me to recall the original route that was given and disregard the new instructions. Usually it would recaluate again and go back to the original route. This didn’t happen all the time, but even sometimes is too often. This would sometimes occur even outside the DC city limits in places like Arlington,VA.
The 2×0 series was the first with an internal antenna. The technology has improved quite a bit since then.
Thanks for the reply. Does this mean that newer series Garmins such as the 1000 and 2000 series units have much better reception in urban areas? Thanks.
They are better. I’m not an urban dweller, so I can’t say how much. I can give you some best practices to improve reception though:
– Frequent use (strong satellite lock will take longer if its been days or weeks since use)
– Wait until you have satellite lock to start moving. Driving before hand will dramatically slow lock.
I am new to the GPS world and shopping for a gift. From reading some of the other info, I have picked up that the T at the end of a model is for the Live traffic option. Is that correct? If you purchase a model without the T, does that mean that is not available, or that you have to pay for it? What exactly does the Live traffic provide to the user?
Thanks for any help and direction in my purchase.
Yes, the T stands for live traffic. You can add it to some models without it by paying extra. Generally, the T also means free lifetime traffic, which is supported by small, unobtrusive ads. Traffic coverage is restricted to larger metropolitan areas. Basically, it will reroute you to a faster route if significant traffic is reported. But its not perfect. You can expect reports of traffic where there is little, and no reports where there turn out be problems. It can still be quite helpful though.
Are there any GPS’s Garmin) that you don’t have to upload and pay for new maps every year? I understand if you don’t, they slow down and die out? I only drive around a small area, and would like to update it only every 3 years
for the new roads and streets.
You don’t ever have to update them if you don’t want to.
I live in SW VA and in the mtns. My garmin always takes me on a long winding route instead of to the Interstates via main roads here. How can I resolve these routes. I already have it set to fastest route but no matter which route I alter it always drives me the long and winding roads. Also, how do I set my 1450T to stay off the gravel roads. My old Garmin had a setting for this. Thanks
Also. which units have the elevation settings in them. I really need that feature and dont want to spend a fortune on my GPS.
First of all, go to Tools > Settings > System > Usage Mode and make sure it is set for Automobile.
You can set avoidances under Tools > Settings > Navigation > Avoidances. Double check these settings and see if there is a problem with them.
You can press the left data field on the map and select Elevation to display it. If you want to display more data fields, choose Tools > Settings > Maps and scroll down to Map Data Layout. Switch it from Standard to More Data, then press OK. The data fields will move to the right of the screen, but you’ll gain two extra ones. Press them to alter any but Speed. Note that the settings and options are different, depending upon whether or not you are currently navigating.
Hope this helps.
Which Nuvi 4.3′ models snap into cradle. Car chrger plugs into cradle rather than direct into GPS unit?
Thanks
Of the current models, the 295w, the 7×5 series, the 1690 and the 37xx series.
I have been reviewing the 3790T, as it appears to have all the features I am looking for. Reading all the professional and user reviews, there seems to be problems with this unit, such as aquiring satilite, blue tooth reception on the other parties end, incorrect locations and directions, problems with voicew commands, and others. It’s hard to root out what is real and what may be false statements. I have 2 questions:
1. Is it prudent to wait for the next generation of 3790’s to come out, so the problems can be worked out?
2. Is there a different model that will provide a higher degree of reliability and have most of the features of the 3790T?
1. There are new problems with each product line. You get the newest technology or you buy older that has had a few rounds of firmware updates.
I did not notice significant reception problems, but I don’t live or travel much in urban canyons either. Bluetooth quality is not as good as the 7×5 series.
2. Not really. I would need to know what features are most important to you to make an alternative recommendation.
I am searching for a new GPS. I have a Garmin 2620 which includes a feature I use a lot – it has the ability to select from a menu of vehicle types (car, bus, motorcycle, semi)and adjusts a route accordingly. Since we drive both a car and a large RV this is very helpful. I cannot find a feature in the current model lineup that does this. Is it offered? Your reccomendations will be appreciated.
Thanks!
All Garmin nuvis have this feature.
Hmm, I take that back. It’s in a 660 I checked this morning, but on my 765T I only see Automobile, Bike and Pedestrian modes. Let me know what model you are looking at and I’ll try to find out. It should be in the manual for each one.
Rich,
Thanks for following up. So far I have not narrowed down the choices. My first requirement is the ability to choose between a car and a large vehicle, second I would like to display altitude continuously, a larger screen would be OK. I do not need traffic info or bluetooth. I would like the more current technology without all the bells and whistles.
I bought a 255 – it didn’t have a large vehicle choice and I ended up giving it to my daughter.
Your suggestions are appreciated.
Wow, shows how much I know. The 600 series was the last to feature the ability to select a truck mode. The only current nuvi with this feature, as far as I can tell, is the trucker-friendly nuvi 465T, which allows you to switch between auto and truck modes. But you can’t display elevation on the map screen.
Thanks for putting this together – it’s very helpful, given the fact that Garmin has so many different series and models. I have couple of questions:
1. Does Garmin provide life time map update? Or you have to pay for that? I plan to get 1350T, and I saw a bundle with life time map update for like $70 more, this seems to imply that the regular model doesn’t have life time map update. But then I heard from a friend that he was able to update maps. Does the map update applies to refurbished units?
2. I am debating between 1350T and 855, 1350T has traffic update, the place I live is within coverage, but the traffic is not too bad to make this function essential; on the other side, 855 has bluetooth and voice command, which are not essential to me either. And the 1350T is about $50 more expensive, however, based on reviews, 855 locks up frequently… any recommendations on that?
Ok, ignore my first question, on their website, it says 1 update per unit within 60 days. I am okay with not having life time map update, guess I will get rid of it in 2-3 years anyways.
Well, the 855 has been discontinued, but Garmin will continue to support it for years to come. It has a powered mount, so you don’t have to fiddle with the mini-USB connection each time, which is nice. But the 1350T is newer. Tough call. I think you’d be happy with either one. The 1350T had shutdown problems, but a recent firmware update should have fixed that. I haven’t heard of many lockup reports on the 855.
Hope this helps.
I am only interested in units with lifetime map updates and lifetime fm traffic. Which units are the cheapest and have both features?
Hmm, thought I answered this the other day. The nuvi 1350LMT is the lowest level one officially available, though you may find other units bundled with lifetime maps / traffic at various retailers.
Here’s a deal on the 1350LMT…
http://bestgpsdeals.net/six-auto-gps-deals-at-buydig-com/893/
Hey Rick, GREAT help reading this site – thanks! Can you point me towards a unit that would keep “tracks” we could download for a week or more, and that has multipoint routing? Our total stops right now are under 40, with 10-15 a day being the norm. Tracks should suffice for IRS reporting I’d think. The wifi connection sounds super cool – can we use it for anything else? Like can we download tracks using wifi? Can we send the driver a message? Powered mount sounds like it would be best, considering our drivers aren’t the best at being “gentle” with things. We’re in rural upstate NY, so I can’t imagine traffic would matter. Nor Maps for that matter. Reliability always matters, of course … Truck or Auto route might matter too, although we don’t have big rigs, just RV sized. Thanks in advance for any suggestions… My head is spinning with the choices! lol
Any of the newer models will allow you to access archived tracks from the Garmin/GPX/Archive foilder. These include the nuvi 5xx, 7×5,8xx, 12/13/14/16xx and 37xx series. I’m not sure if that’s available on the wifi 295W though, and if it is , I don’t think you could access it via WiFi. You could always email the driver though. Multi-destination routing is available for all those except the 12xx and 13xx series. The powered mount would narrow it down to the 7×5, 8xx, 16xx and 37xx series. Feel free to follow up with more questions!
I’m looking at the list of current Nuvi’s and there is only one that supports Voice Commands. In the discontinued models list, there are quite a few. Is Voice Commands just not a selling point for Nuvi’s any more? I would have thought it would be a good option to be more hands free. I would like a Nuvi with Voice Commands, but would also like more options to choose from.
It is a popular feature, and will be on the forthcoming nuvi 2360 & 2370 models. I wouldn’t necessarily shy away from the nuvi 855 either, which Garmin will continue to support for years to come.
There’s little rhyme or reason to the way Garmin spreads out features, but they tend to reserve voice command for the top of the line, though the 23xx series will be cheaper than the 3790.
I went to buy a Gamin 1300lm and te store gave me a 1300t. Before I go back to he store is there any significant difference. Which is the older model?
I went to buy a Garmin 1300lm and te store gave me a 1300t. Before I go back to he store is there any significant difference. Which is the older model?
Neither. 1300lm = lifetime maps.
1300t = traffic.
1300lmt – lifetime maps and traffic
Thanks
What is the better deal. Free traffic at a cost of $189 for the unit or free lifetime maps for a unit cost of $169
What features are important to you. I suggest you look at the comparison chart above and consider what you want/need.
How about a 1350LMT for under $200? I found that using bountii.
If traffic is important, you may want a 1695 or 3xxx model with traffic trends. The new 2xxx models may offer traffic trends too, but I can’t remember.
You can buy lifetime map upgrade for ~$70 on so online too.
The lifetime traffic receiver and nuMaps lifetime are both running around $70 at Amazon, so the $169 unit may be the better deal.
I use a pickup or a motorhome in my travels and have been looking at the nuvi 1490t. I have a magellan 4040 that is not supported with maps or software. I liked the features but did not use the bluetooth and I would not use The FM feature. I like the multi-point routing. It is usesful in making the route go the way I want to go. Is there a better garmin unit that would replace the magellan 4040.
I also need a gps for ATV and Snowmobiles That would show roads and trails be waterresistant, long battery life and work in cold weather (-5 F). It would be used in the Northwest US. I have snow on the ground and snowing could be I will need the unit.
The nuvi 1450T drops the Bluetooth, so that may be a good one to look at.
I assume you’ll be looking at something ruggedized and waterproof for ATV/ snowmobile use. Perhaps the Garmin Oregon 450 or GPSMAP 62s…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/garmin-gpsmap-62s-or-oregon-450.html
I used to have a 250W that was recently stolen out of my car. I bought this unit several years ago and it more than met my needs. I live in a metro region. I don’t care to have Traffic transmitter. Can you recommend something under $200, preferably under $150. I saw that Taget in my area 1300 on sale([$109], but I did notice it does not have Canada. I don’t drive to Canada, but I’m just annoyed my other one was stolen and want at least the minimum of what that one offerred.
A while back a 700 series model was recommended to me, I can’t remember which though.
Thanks in advance for your recommendations!
If you REALLY want Canadian maps, you could go with the 1350, which looks like its running around $160 right now. The 7×5 series is nice, but they all have traffic. That 1300 deal is pretty sweet though.