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
Hi Rich,
Yours is just the site I’ve been looking for. We have a Nuvi 350 that has been amazing–until recently when it froze up and left us in our driveway. We’d like our next GPS to have Europe maps. Is it better to buy a unit with the maps installed or try to do it ourselves? I’ve read stories of people not having the memory to install Europe and I don’t really understand how the memory cards would work. Which model would you recommend?
Thanks for your help.
It’s usually cheaper to buy them pre-installed, though you can buy a City Navigator Europe micro-SD card and add them via the slot on the side of any nuvi, and memory won’t be an issue. The current models with preloaded European and North American maps are (most recent to oldest) the 2475LT, 2370LT and 1370LT.
What a fantastic public service you’ve provided! Thank you so much!
@Kathe – You’re welcome!
Of the 3 voice choices on the nuvi 1490lmt that I just purchased, the voice language that I prefer, American English, does not speak street names. Is that true of each model? Thx
You need to choose one of the text-to-speech, computerized voices like American English – Jill.
If I purchase a nuvi model with lifetime maps for 48 states and at some point want to add maps for Hawaii and/or Canade. Will I be able to do so once (not every time)? Will there be enough room in memory? What cost is involved?
I think you would have to buy the full North America mapset. Here’s the link, but it’s also available from other sellers cheaper…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=1456
If there isn’t room, you can always put it on a microSD card.
It’s cheaper to buy a model with full North American maps.
Do any of the newer GPS units have an MP3 player? I have a Nuvi 660 and use the mp3 player feature constantly, but it does not seem to be included anymore. I want to update my maps, but do not want to spend $90 on lifetime updates when I could put that towards a newer model that includes the lifetime updates.
Not in the US. The 7×5, 8×5 and 5000 were the last series to have it. The 3490 has an audiobook player, but doesn’t support MP3s. I’ve seen it reported that Garmin had promised an MP3 player add on for the 3790, but it sure hasn’t shown up yet.
IMHO, there’s no sense in having a MP3 player on the nuvi 37xx or 34xx series as the devices don’t have any way to output stereo sound (i.e. they don’t have an audio out jack and there isn’t any way to get stereo sound out of the powered mount either). Who wants to listen to their music collection in mono??? Certainly not me, and I’m betting that’s the reason why Garmin didn’t add an MP3 player. An audiobook player is fine as there’s no real need to have stereo sound for audiobooks.
Excellent points.
Which Garmin Nuvi is better the 2012 model 50 LM or the the 2011 model 1450 LM?
Which Garmin is better the 2012 model 50 LM or the 2011 model 1450 LM ?
Probably the 1450, which has multi-destination routing and better controls for clearing trip history from the device.
Rich,
Again, thanks for all of your guidance and information. You indicated on my earlier post that the 40LM or 50LM would probably be good for me because I indicated that I was a novice and wanted some basic features. The features that seem to interest me most are: speak street names, lane assist, speed monitoring, ability to use the GPS when walking (not hiking just walking in neighborhoods), favorites, ability to delete some history without deleting all history, lifetime maps. And the ability to add maps for the Caribbean. I wasn’t this detailed in my first post from the other day – you don’t know, what you don’t know.. To be honest I am learning more and more from your site (just enough to be dangerous. LOL).
Based on your response to Randy, do you think that I should go with the 1450LM instead of the 50LM (I plan to purchase the GPS this week so not sure if it will be considered a 2012 model or 2011)? Based on your site it looks like the 1450LM is a little less expensive, but provides more functionality.
What is your best advice? I truly appreciate the help because I am really at a loss with all of the options available.
Thanks,
Kai
Given that you said “ability to delete some history without deleting all history,” I would definitely go with the 1450LM over the 50LM.
Thanks for your website! It made shopping for a replacement GPS much easier. We currently have a 265wt and I found an excellent deal on a 50LM at Staples. With some discount I had, it was about $100! Thanks again for taking the time to help others.
Hi Rich,
Thank you for providing this website. It is extremely helpful. I am interested in buying a Garmin that speaks street names, has lifetime maps, is fairly easy to maneuver (I really am a novice user), and includes maps for the Caribbean.
Are there any that you recommend?
Thanks,
Kai
It sounds like an entry level unit, like the nuvi 40LM or 50LM would be good for you. None come with Caribbean maps though. Here are a couple of sources, one that isn’t routable (http://rwsmaps.griffel.se/) and one that is (http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/)
I went out looking at GPS unit today as my 855 was stolen last week. I looked at so many today, Rich you had a interesting comment that the 1450 would be better than the 50LM because of easier controls for deleting history, I could never figure out how to delete history on the 855 other than wipe out all history. So your comments make it sound like there is a way to delete some history but not all on some machines and in particular the 1450? thanks
This should be the method on the 1450… Tools > MyData > Clear Trip Log
Hi,
I am travelling to the US for a ski trip (Summitt county colorado) and was going to take my Nuv 1390 but to pay US maps was going to cost $70 and i can get a new simple GPs from walmart for $68, so am now looking on ebay or can one buy a SD microchip with the US map loaded.
Are the maps specific for each type of nuvi? I have an idea they can only be used on your registered GPS unit?
They are locked to one unit. Outside of cities, this is probably the cheapest option…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=28765
At last! Someone with real epxeirste gives us the answer. Thanks!
I have a 855T that I love (steering wheel device and all) but the buttons are taking longer and longer to work when spelling out streets, etc. I purchased last year the Lifetime Maps for $80 and the device is up to date. Do you think these “sticky” buttons are a sign of the unit failing? I have assumed it is. I moved from a huge city to remote area and see errors all the time, esp in speed limit signs. I was thinking a new Garmin that had all my 855 features plus accurate speedlimit signs might be the way to go.
I am very close to buying the 3790LMT. There was a mention the “near” feature is gone – does it not say what businesses are near? Now I can press “restaurants” and it will list them in order of proximity – does that happen with the 3790? I used to be in traffic constantly, now I’m not except when taking my GPS with me for business travel — is it worth it to get the one not ad supported? Do you think this will eventually go away?
Finally, I love that I can track where I’ve been, I use that all the time. Would I lose this? I also do see why or when one would use this for music, reading books or looking at photos — but all the other options in the top chart I need in a new Nuvi. Is the 3790LMT the right one for me? I can get a deal on this for around $225. Also, can I re-sell the Lifetime Maps I bought?
Thanks, this is SO very helpful!
First of all, I would try updating the firmware. If that doesn’t work, back up your favorites and do a hard reset…
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=24536
The 3790 will list POIs in order of proximity. The “near” option allows you to choose what to search near; I think the feature may be there once you tap the menu icon.
If you’re not using traffic much I wouldn’t pay for the ad-free option. The 3490 is ad-free BTW; the 3790 isn’t.
Speed limits won’t be better on a new unit than they are on the 855 with up to date maps.
All recent units have the trip log, letting you see where you’ve been. You can’t sell the lifetime maps; they’re tied to your 855.
Hope this helps.
Hello,
I think that either your chart is wrong or just outdated. The nuvi 40LM does indeed have a voice command. I was at a store this weekend and was looking at one of the 40LM’s.
Ah, I should be more clear. This means models that you can control with your voice.
thanks so much for your help, I went and bought the 50 lm tonight, Radio Shack was no longer carrying the 1450 model you liked, but you also liked the 50 lm so bought that one, thanks so much, sure appreicate your help.
Thanks for a really useful website/advice site.
I have a Nuvi 750 and am considering a newer model as mine as of late is taking a really long time (~5 minutes) to acquire satellites and this was not always the case.
1) any idea as to why the slowness of satellite acquistion?
2) am I able transfer my favorites to the new device? if so, how and is there a cost or does garmin provide this as a tool with a new device?
cheers/a healthy 2012 to you
If you aren’t using it often, that could be a cause. When you start your GPS, it begins to look for satellites. Once it locks onto them, it also begins downloading the satellite almanac data for the next week or so, speeding satellite acquisition for that time period. It can take up to half an hour for this data to be fully downloaded. If you use the GPS infrequently, or for short five-minute trips, the data will expire or not get fully downloaded. If this is the case, you should try leaving the GPS on, under open sky or on your windshield, stationary, for a full 30 minutes and see if that helps.
If you are using it regularly, is the firmware up to date? You can update it by using http://garmin.com/webupdater.
To transfer favorites, just connect it to your computer and copy the current.gpx file. Then transfer this to the new unit.
THANK YOU. Thorough and concise. I will be hyper-linking this website to mine as this is an excellent community service. The best of 2012
Thanks Robert. Glad to help!
What a great place to finally be able to sort out all of this info. My husband has started a job where he has to deliver packages to all different destinations. What is the best GPS to help give him multple destinations the easiest way possible?
Any of the units listed above with multi-point routing will do this. Are there other criteria you’re looking at? A 5″ screen might be nice, maybe voice command too.
I am moving to Germany soon and have been looking for a garmin with the europe maps included( will be back in three years so the north america maps are a must have) but i would also like the lifetime maps feature. I see that none of the garmins have both of these features and would like to know what model you would recommend, I’m thinking that if I want the lifetime maps ill probably have to buy the sd card for Europe.
Thanks!
The SD card is probably a good option. Theoretically, Garmin provides the tools for you to load partial maps to internal memory too, in case you run out of space. I like the 24×5 series, so you might want to check out the 2475LT, but I’d read the comments on the review and maybe ask some questions…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/10/garmin-nuvi-2475lt-review.html
thank you for your input, it is very much appreciated!!
My Nuvi 780 will only run on battery power for about 5 minutes before shutting down. Can the battery be replaced? If I need a new Nuvi, would like a recommendation that includes the lifetime maps and traffic. Thank you
Whist the official answer will be that Nuvi batteries are NOT user replaceable, if you search on YouTube you may find that it is possible.
I have seen websites selling Batteries for my Nuvi 255 and found a Video showing how to open a Nuvi 255 and change the Battery.
Whilst I have no need to do this currently, it is good to know the option to try a repair is possible, and the cost of the replacement screen seemed worthwhile thing to attempt if you have some dexterity to get the unit open and some skills with a soldering iron.
Thanks David. I was aware of this but am assuming that most folks don’t want to tackle it.
My Nuvi 780 will now only run on battery power for under 5 minutes before stopping. Is a new battery available or is it time to get a new unit. If a new unit, please recommend one with the Lifetime maps and traffic. Thank you
Most nuvis, including the 780, don’t have owner-replaceable batteries. You would probably need to go through Garmin to replace it. I think you would end up being happier with a new unit, given the cost of replacing the battery.
Here are some current recommendations, but if you let me know what other features you are interested in, I might be able to help more…
http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/auto-gps-buyers-guide
For a basic model with lifetime maps and traffic, you might want to check out the (from older to newer) 1350LMT, 2350LMT or 2455LMT.
Thanks for the input. A new Nuvi it will be.
This site is awesome, especially for those of us that do not understand the many nuances of technology like the nuvi. I got to ask my question and the answer was exactly what I needed to hear and learn. Thanks
Glad we could help!
Hello – I’d like to find out if you know whether the Garmin 2475 LT has street maps in England/ UK? It says Europe, however that can mean only so much. Thank you for your reply. Great webiste.
Mike
Yes, there is a picture of map coverage in my 2475LT review: http://gpstracklog.com/2011/10/garmin-nuvi-2475lt-review.html
I have a Garmin 680 that has most of the features I want/need but had MSN Direct which I will miss. The Garmin GTM 20 traffic accessory lists as compatible with the 680. Will this unit provide me with traffic data integrated with my 680 maps as well or better than the MSM Direct traffic alerts, or is it not really compatible with my 680?
It should work fine if you get the right one. There are two GTM 20 models. The following, from Garmin.com support, should help:
“In October 2009 Microsoft announced that their MSN Direct Service would be discontinued on January 1st,2012. Discontinuation of the MSN Direct service means your supported device no longer receives the MSN Direct content such as Weather, Traffic, News, etc. Other device features not dependent on MSN Direct Content, such as navigation, will not be affected by the discontinuation of MSN Direct service.
The power cable once used to receive the MSN Direct content will continue to provide power to your Garmin device. If you would like to add the ability to receive traffic alerts from our traffic provider NAVTEQ please utilize the links below to purchase the correct traffic receiver for your device:
For customers with GDB 50 MSN Direct receivers please purchase a Garmin GTM 20 with Lifetime Traffic: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=36249
For customers with GDB 55 MSN Direct receivers please purchase a Garmin GTM 35 with Lifetime Traffic: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=68325
Microsoft customer support is available to answer any questions about existing subscriptions, refund eligibility, or questions about the discontinuation of the MSN Direct Service at 1-866-658-7032 until January 31st, 2012.”
i currantly have a garmin 350 seems to be fine is there any reason i should get a more advence model is there any major advantages on the newer models i notice that some features thats on the 350 is not avalibel on the newer models like mp3 etc. so whats on your mind
MP3 players are no longer offered on current models, though some now discontinued models are still available with that feature. But yes, there are plenty of new features offering reasons to upgrade. A few of the most common or important are: speed limit display, trip log display, lane assist, multi-destination routing, traffic and lifetime map updates.
This might be a good starting point in considering a newer model: http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/auto-gps-buyers-guide
the mappinng itself is there any diffrents in the newer models vs. the 350
Well, you would have newer data. And lane assist is part of the map data base.
Hi, I like your site. I recently upgraded from a Nuvi 350 to a Nuv 40. My old Nuvi gave me more advance warnings of an upcoming turn but the 40 seems to wait until the turn is maybe 50 feet away. Can that be adjusted? Also I liked the Austalian female voice on my 350.
It should give you a warning well ahead of the turn, and then again very close to it. There’s no adjustment, but if it’s not then something is wrong.
Settings > Language > Voice Language lets you change voices. Let me know if you don’t see the one you want and I’ll tell you how to download it.
Great site! I just got a Nuvi 40, should I upgrade the maps now or wait later until closer to the 90 day cutoff for a later version?
Wait…
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=17527
Awesome, thanks for the prompt reply!
Does the 2595LMT provide bluetooth support for cell phones? On the chart on this site it says NO. However in the features discussion on this model is says excellent bluetooth sound on the 2495LMT even though I am looking at the 2595LMT? Thank you
Yes it does. I think you’re looking at the wrong column.
Which models have a video input for a rear view camera (physical jack or bluetooth)?
The only nuvis to feature a backup camera were the 855, 885 and 5000, all now discontinued. The backup camera setup was problematic on many of these.
The newer Garmin dezl trucker series features a composite video input for a backup camera…
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/04/garmin-dezl-560lmt-review.html
Can I load two maps on Nuvi 50, preloaded with Australia/NZ but I want to load US map because of my trip to US.
What is the best approach to do this?
Download or microSD card
MicroSD is definitely the easiest way. Your unit probably won’t hold all three countries, so otherwise you’d have to temporarily remove some maps or only install a portion of the US.
Thank you very much, this is my first time doing this so how easy is this to do. I know it takes a week to buy the map and I will be traveling in three weeks time so need to have this set up urgently.
I have a lot of maps and I keep them separate on SD-cards. In the past, you could have one supplementary map stored on the internal memory of the GPS and one supplementary map stored on a SD-card. The standard file name for supplementary maps is gmapsupp.img, but newer GPS units ( sorry, I do not have a nuvi 50 to test) have allowed for custom naming of the .img file type. I believe the supplementary maps on SD-cards must still have the gmapsupp.img file name. So when transferring supplementary maps be careful not to overwrite any gmapsupp.img files you already have. Note that maps that came preloaded on your GPS have a different file name or are not accessible by the usual means. Again, the safe way is to put each country on a separate SD-card. And remember you can always see which maps are loaded on your GPS on the Settings > Map > Map Info screen. Make sure the map you want is enabled and be careful not to have two maps enabled which overlap in coverage. More answers to frequently asked questions on my web site.
Thanks Doug. And for anyone interested in checking it out, Doug’s site is http://www.travelbygps.com/.
Doug,
THank you very much, I only need Nevada and California this time, does it mean I don’t have to download/load all other states. Please see my question to Rich. I am now going out to get the nuvi 50.
Million thanks to you and Rich.
This might be a good option for you then…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=28765
Doug and Rich,
I decided to buy Nuvi 2350 instead because of the free life time map offer in Australia against nuvi 50. Also I already ordered the US Map on micro SD as suggested by you both.
Thanks again for your help.
I hope nuvi 2350 is as good as nuvi 50 if not better..
Cool! IMHO, the 2350 is a better unit. Good choice!
Terrific info you provide. This makes choosing so simple. I’m from Hawaii where many addresses outside the city are five-digit hyphenated numbers (eg. 98-300). My Tomtom One 130S could not enter these. I hope the later Garmin models have this capability.
Mahalo (Thank You) from Honolulu
Give me an example and I’ll try it.
O.k., here’s one: 92-605 Makakilo Drive Kapolei, HI 96707.
The closest my 2495LMT got was 92-962 but yes, it does appear to support this address format.
Sounds good… Thanks Rich!
Hello, I just bought a NUVI 50 a month ago and on my first out of state trip, (had used it in Oregon)but went to Florida and it took about 1 hour for it to locate satelties. My old unit when I brought to Florida. took maybe 5-10 minutes, is this normal, should I bring it back? I charged it all up before I left and used it so it got some work in before I went to Florida, thanks, when it takes a hour to locate satelites that is quite slow compared to my older model, thank you, Bill
No problem with the unit. This should help you lock satellites much quicker next time…
http://gpstracklog.com/2012/01/what-to-do-about-gps-reception-problems.html
I am going to buy my first Garmin. It will be used mostly in US and Canada but have a trip planned to Scotland. Would it be best to buy the 2475 with US/Canada/Europe maps preloaded or just buy the US/Canada and then a microSD card?
A better option is to buy the less expensive model and then purchase the SD-card version of the Europe map, specifically: Garmin City Navigator Europe NT 2012 Map Card MicroSD/SD. This is particularly advantageous if you are not planning to take many trips to Europe, because with the map on the card, you can share it, give it to a friend, or you can sell it! So, it is like renting the map. If you purchase the download version of the map it will be locked to your GPS and you can not recover your cost unless you sell the entire GPS unit. Also, if you decide to upgrade your GPS, or it stops working, you can use the map on SD-card in your new GPS.
Good advice Doug. And Gary can save even more by buying the UK map instead of the entirety of Europe.
Doug and Rich,
As I have said before, I bought the nuvi 2350 with pre-loaded Aus and NZ Maps. We have order the micro SD Card for Norht America and we have received it.
Now, we are able to insert and see the North America Map under the tools, setting, my maps. That said I can see two maps, one for US (North America) and one for Australia and NZ.
Questions:
Am I able to test the US Map even if I am still in Australia?
If not, how do I activate the US map once we reach the US?
Thanks for your help.
regards,
jun
How do we
How do we test
Hi Jun,
On the 23xx series, I believe you look under the Settings > MyMaps to see which maps are loaded. Make sure the map(s) you want are enabled ( green check mark ). If the maps do not overlap coverage area, you can have all enabled all the time. You can test the map by putting the GPS in demo/simulation mode. Then you will want to set your location to where you want to pretend you located. Do this by browsing the map and then tap the SET LOC button. You should then see the little car or arrow showing at the new location. For here you can search local points of interest and even test drive a route. More detail about the procedure on my FAQ page and I have a YouTube video embeded on my Training page.
Doug,
That instructions given by you really helped and now I have the assurance that I will be able to use the North America Map in the coming weeks.
We did the simulation as you have suggested. Not only we know it works but we know we got the right map.
Thanks.
Thanks Doug. It’s a huge help when you and other folks help answer questions. And feel free to drop links to relevant pages.
I have an old NUVI 660 with Europe maps loaded.
I am still happy with sat nav but was after newer maps and possibly lane assist to be loaded if possible.
Would I be better just buying a new sat nav or can you update the maps and add lane assist for a fraction of the price and would the unit still be as good as ever?
You can’t add Lane Assist to the 660. And I’d say go with a new one anyway, since there have been many great features added since the 660.
Love your website! You have more information on Garmins than I can process! Here’s my question:
I have an older Nuvi 750 that is becoming non-responsive to touch commands and generally unreliable. I was about to buy a new Garmin 2460LMT on sale for $199, but then learned the 2460LMT is being discontinued. Is that a red flag? Should I stay away from a unit that is being discontinued? Does it have fatal problems? Or . . . is it just a really good deal BECAUSE it is being discontinued?
Your advice? Thanks.
The 2460LMT has not been discontinued. Even if it was, it wouldn’t be a big issue, as Garmin continues to support discontinued products for years. Your 750 is still supported.
I’m not sure that’s a great price though. For $30 more, you can get the new version with a lot of new features…
Garmin nüvi 2495LMT 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map & Traffic Updates
I was going to buy the Nuv1390LMT (on sale at Costco), but a friend told me to look for a gps that includes mp3. MP3 no longer a column on comparison chart that this gps is on, so will it play mp3? Not really a deal breaker for me.
There are no current models with MP3 players. Apparently that wasn’t a very popular feature. Here are the discontinued models that have it.
Hi Rich,
I’m currently living in USA, but actually from INDIA and i need to know few things which would help me decide which model to buy.It would be great if you can help me.
1. Need to know if there are any external map updates for INDIAN roads.
2. I need a Garmin having Mp3 player, bluetooth, split junction view,
lane assist with free lifetime map and traffic updates (only for US)
Do let me know if there is any model to suit my needs because i see that many of the mp3 player models are discontinued now … wondering why so ???
You can buy this…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=65217
There are no current models with MP3 players, which apparently wasn’t that popular of a feature.
Garmin’s support of mp3 is odd – in other countries they are still offering it. Some people have gone so far as to hack the firmware to enable the mp3 player on US models even.
Look at page 47 of the 34xx user manual and you will find a section “Using the Media Player” with instructions on how play songs. Then note the caveat “The media player may not be available on all models.”
Personally I don’t need a media player, but I wonder why Garmin withholds this feature in the US. Is there some kind of license fee for the software perhaps?
Ibrahim, you might want to check the specs on the Indian versions of the Nuvi (assuming such a thing exists). It’s possible that they could include the media player.
Rich,
I’m preparing to buy my 3rd Garmin GPS. I started with the IQUE 3600 PDA version about 10 years ago. It worked alright but was quite difficult to use. In 2008 I bought a NuVi 750. Like a previous writer, mine is becoming unreliable in that it won’t boot up especialy when it’s been warm. Today I’ve had it on a AC charger (Garmin Product), in a cool place and it still won’t start up. So… I think it’s time to replace. And this brings me to my question for you:
Why are there so many different Garmin products? I just want something fairly equivalent to the NuVi 750 but am go around and around in circles trying to figure out which one is most suitable. What can you recommend?
The 2495 has features that I don’t need (Bluetooth and traffic updates) and I would rather keep the cost down.
Thanks for your advice,
Henry
It must work for them market-wise (to have so many).
For current 4.3″ models, I’d consider the 40 or 40LM. If you want more features, I’d look at the 2455LMT, even though you don’t need traffic. (There are no 24×5 models without traffic.)
We have just been posted to Finland for the next few years. Can you recommend a Garmin that will work well here. Do not think traffic support is a feature we need – doubt they have any English traffic updates. Would the LTM updates also apply here in Helsinki. I am new to Garmin so any extra advise that I have failed to ask will also be appreciated. Thanks!
Any of the x7x or xx7x models will work.The 2475LT is the latest, and it is the one I would recommend to get the most current maps. Lifetime map updates are not included with x7x or xx7x models. Alternatively, you can add this to any nuvi:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=8427
Whether you will need traffic or not, I have no idea, but if you want it you would need a local subscription…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=268&pID=36800
Thank you for the info – really appreciate your input.
I can see that the 2475LT will work well here in Helsinki but thinking long term would the 2595LMT be a better prospect because whenever we get back to the US and after this post we will be able to benefit from the LTM feature on this unit. How often would you estimate people typically upgrade to new units? Should the LTM feature influence our purchase now when we will really only benefit from it in 3 years time? I know many of these questions are subjective but would appreciate your view. Thank you.
I’d probably go for the 2475LT. No telling what changes there will be to the techniology and features in 3 years.
I need to update my old garmin. But I found all the garmin gps offer free lift time update with advertisement and coupon pop up in the center of the monitor, the pop up needs to be manually remove. Is that true for all the garmin gps?
I need a newer version of map (us and candada), lane assistant. which model do you recommend?
thanks.
Most T, LT and LMT units have ads. LM units, without the T, do not.
Are you wanting traffic or just lifetime map updates?
Hi Rich,
I just got a Nuvi 2455LMT. But I could figured it out the main map files. In Nuvi 255W, I can see gmapprom files, which are main map files.
Can you guide me where to find these files or main map files in Nuvi 2455LMT.
Thanks
They are now hidden files, under the .System folder.
I currently have a Nuvi 350 that I like. Can you recommend a good upgrade from that unit?
Thanks
I would need to know more about your needs. Are you wanting something functional but cheaper or do you want all the bells and whistles? Do you need traffic, Bluetooth, and/or voice command?
Is their any one to completley rework nvi 1300 series that refuses to do anything right.
You could do a hard reset (link) but there may be simpler ways to resolve it. Can you tell me more about how it “refuses to do anything right?”