Friday, September 7, 2012

How to Pick a GPS for Car?

I am looking for a GPS unit for a family member. My findings may be of interest to others. Or someone may be able to correct any misconceptions I have, hopefully before I buy. Given that most reviews seem to favor Garmin units, my review focuses on Garmin units and further just on 2012 models to minimize obsolescence.

Interpreting the different models
In the Garmin model name, "LM" indicates lifetime map updates and appears to add $10-$20 to MSRP (or more for the “essential series”). "T" (or "LT") indicates lifetime traffic support. The cost of traffic update alone is difficult to determine, because models adding this also add voice activated navigation, Bluetooth, and smart phone link.

As opposed to the 2xxx models, 3xxx models provide:
* Pinch-to-zoom;
* 3-D landmarks & terrain view;
* Lane assist adds "Bird’s Eye" to photoReal junction view;
* Powered mount for fast docking;
* Thinner profile; and,
* Lifetime traffic (if included) is HD Digital (may require HD Digital Traffic receiver for advanced capability).

x4xx (and older x7xx) models provide a 4.3" screen. x5xx models provide a 5" screen.

xx9x models add:
* Voice-activated navigation;
* Bluetooth (perhaps really only effective with Android?); and,
* Android (not iPhone) app.  

The "essential" series (30, 40, 40LM, 50, and 50LM) does not provide traffic services, dual-orientation display (auto portrait/landscape), or enhanced exit services (what services are available at next exit). The series appears to provide lane assist but without photoReal. Map support may be more limited.

My recommendation
My primary preference is for the larger screen (5” screen) due to safety concerns viewing a small screen while driving. I would probably prefer the 3xxxx model over the 2xxx models and “essential” series assuming that the 3xxx models are Garmin’s future focus. The powered mount, terrain view and pinch to zoom also seem to add value. Finally, I am not sure that traffic support (except for frequent heavy traffic drivers) or xx9x models (except for Android users) really add much value. The primary options seem to be: the 3550LM, $350 MSRP; the 2555LMT, $200 MSRP (Best Buy and Walmart offer refurbished for $150); and the 50LM, $180 MSRP (but Buy.com lists at $121). I also recommend purchasing a mount (~$25) so that the device can be safely viewed while driving.

Amazon lists the 3550LM at $350 (same as MSRP) and the 2555LMT at $200 (new, same as MSRP) and $152 (refurbished). Walmart lists the 3550LM at $350 and the 2555LMT at $150 (refurbished). Buy.com lists a 3550LM for $350, a 2555LMT for $170 (refurbished), and a 50LM for $121 ($59 less than MSRP). Best Buy lists the 3550LM at $370 (more than MSRP!) and the 2555LMT at $150 (refurbished) and $200 (new). Target lists the 50LM at $153. Garmin's Powered Suction Cup Mount with Speaker (for the 3550LM) costs $25 at Garmin’s website. Mounts for the 2555LMT and 50LM are similarly priced.

To download maps, one installs Garmin Map Updater on a computer. With LM, 4 updates/year are free, although certain maps may still cost. Users must download at least every 24 months or lose free updates. Transfer updates to from computer to device via USB.

Traffic apparently is updated in real-time via a radio protocol called RDS-TMC.

MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) from Garmin's online store for 2012 models.
* nüvi 3450: $300
* nüvi 3450LM: $320
* nüvi 3490LMT: $350
* nüvi 3550LM: $350
* nüvi 3590LMT: $380
* nüvi 2455LT: $170
* nüvi 2455LMT: $180
* nüvi 2475LT: $210 (less features than 2495LMT, but higher price)
* nüvi 2495LMT: $200
* nüvi 2555LT: $190
* nüvi 2555LMT: $200
* nüvi 2595LMT: $230
* nüvi 30: $110 (only a 3.5" screen)
* nüvi 40: $120
* nüvi 40LM: $160
* nüvi 50: $140 (5" screen)
* nüvi 50LM: $180

Good articles on buying GPS devices
C|net, "GPS buying guide", 27 Aug 2012
Consumer Reports, "GPS buying guide", Aug 2012
PCMag, "How to Buy a GPS", 30 May 2012  
PCWorld, "Today's Best GPS Devices", 25 Jan 2011 

PC Magazines “The 10 Best GPS Devices”, 29 May 2012
* Garmin nüvi 2350LMT ($200) Editor's Choice
* Garmin nüvi 3590LMT ($380) Editor's Choice
* Garmin nüvi 3790T ($240-350) Editor's Choice
* Magellan RoadMate 5045-LM ($110-150)
* TomTom GO 2405 TM ($175)
* TomTom GO 2535 M LIVE ($200-250)
* Magellan RoadMate 1700 ($130)
* Magellan RoadMate 9055 ($200)
* TomTom GO LIVE 1535M ($200-210)
* TomTom VIA 1535TM ($175)

C|net “Best 5 GPS navigation systems”, 28 Aug 2012
* Garmin Nuvi 3490LMT GPS receiver ($326-400)
* TomTom GO Live 1535M ($200-250)
* Garmin Nuvi 50 ($115-154)
* Magellan RoadMate 5175T-LM ($211-225)
* TomTom Via 1535 ($220) 

TopTenReviews “2012 Best GPS Navigation System Comparisons and Reviews”, NO DATE!
* Garmin Nuvi 3790LMT (rating: 9.6, $370)
* Garmin Nuvi 3760LMT (rating: 9.4, $300)
* Garmin Nuvi 2460LMT (rating: 8.8, $235)
* TomTom GO 2535 TMWTE (rating: 8.43, $304)
* Magellan Roadmate 3055-MU (rating: 7.1, $120)
* TomTom XXL 540 S (rating: 7, $95)
* Garmin Nuvi 550 (rating: 6.68, $262)
* Magellan Maestro 4350 (rating: 6.5, $150)
* TomTom XL 340 S (rating: 6.33, )
* Magellan Roadmate 1700 (rating: 6.28)

Sites regarding traffic updates 
http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/expert/how-gps-real-time-traffic-works.aspx http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traffic_message_channel http://www8.garmin.com/traffic/ http://gps.toptenreviews.com/navigation/should-you-spring-for-gps-traffic-updates-.htm