I did not realize the power and convenience of using a GPS for car device until I went to Tasmania last December for my son’s convocation. We took the opportunity to drive around the vast expanse of the island.  I told my wife an up to date map, good intuition and a sense of direction were sufficient. My son thought otherwise and have actually bought a Garmin GPS from an online store before we arrive. It was a wise decision as it really made a big difference to our travel plans and experiences. I don’t know what would have happened without it.

So I thought why not share my experiences of the Garmin GPS device by writing an honest and thorough review? This may be helpful for people who have been researching and reading countless reviews on the best GPS brands and models  and still undecided on which one to invest in?

The Garmin GPS nüvi 1390LMT

Product Features

Unit Dimension

4.8″W x 2.9″H x .6″D (12.1 x 7.6 x 1.5 cm)

5.7 ounces (161.6 g)

Just about right. If the unit is too heavy it may drop-off from the suction cup mounting unit, especially when the weather is hot and where the roads are bumpy, as we experienced on some country roads of Tasmania. Clean the windscreen before attaching the mounting unit.

Display size and resolution

3.81″W x 2.25″H (9.7 x 5.7 cm); 4.3″ diag (10.9 cm)

480 x 272 pixels

Clear and bright attractive colors. The size is just right, not too big to obstruct view or too small to read the details.

Touch screen

WQVGA TFT touch screen with white backlight.

With its widescreen display, you can view map detail, driving directions, photos and more in clear brilliant color.  Even under bright sunlight it is easy to read, from any direction. If touch screen is unresponsive or inaccurate, calibrate it. This is explained in details in the user manual.

Battery and Battery Life

Rechargeable lithium-ion. Up to 4 hours depending on usage and settings.

Remember to charge the battery with your car cigarette charger or your PC. Some users expect the battery to last forever without charging it.

Preloaded street maps

The Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS is preloaded with detailed City Navigator® NT street maps, nearly 6 million points of interest (POIs) including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions, 2-D or 3-D maps. Of course our unit came loaded with the maps of Australia. The Garmin 1390LMT comes with  free Lifetime Map and Traffic updates. Traffic information is updated constantly, and map updates are available for download up to 4 times a year. Both features are ready to go, right out of the box, with no subscription or update fees and no expiration dates. Real value for money.

Waypoints/Favorite/Locations

You can save up to 1000 of these combinations. This is useful for frequently- visit places, like the restaurants, banks and hospitals.

Navigate City Transit

If you are exploring an unfamiliar city on foot then Garmin nüvi 1390LMT is the perfect companion. It tells you where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation, and how long it will take to get there. But you need to first download the optional cityXplorer™ which cover selected cities throughout North America and Europe.

Voice Prompts and Speak Street Names

The GARMIN nüvi 1390LMT GPS provides voice-prompts, turn-by-turn directions, distance to the next turn and speak street names to your destination. This text to speech feature is very useful as it keeps you focus on the road instead of looking at the screen, a “must have” feature.

Lane Assist with Junction View

Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS for car takes navigation to the next level with lane assist. You don’t have to guess which lane to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate.

It realistically displays road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. Lane assist is available in select metropolitan cities. For me this is really a wonderful feature.

Auto Reroute

Sometimes you may missed an instruction to make a turn or take a wrong route. No worries. The intelligent Garmin 1390LMT GPS automatically recalculate the route for the destination.

Route Avoidance

You can define custom avoidances such as highways, tolls, construction and school zones. Some users like this option as they are familiar with some of the bad areas in town and want to exclude them in their routes.

FM Traffic

The nüvi 1390LMT receive alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Simply touch the screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area. Traffic alerts work only where there’s traffic service. To check whether your area is covered, go to http://navteq.com/rdstraffic/

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Works well and easily setup. Remember to update to the latest firmware.   Go to http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp.   The nüvi 1390LMT integrates A2DP Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Just pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the 1390LMT while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nüvi’s touchscreen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap the screen and speak into its built-in microphone. I really enjoy the convenience of one-touch dialling for contacts and points of interest.

Speed Limit indicator

It tells you the speed limit on most roads, and very accurately too. Every time the posted speed limit changed, the Garmin 765T GPS would note the change within 10-20 feet of the sign! If there is no speed limit, the unit displays your current speed. Speeding fines in Australia are hefty in addition to the demerit points. So this feature is really Cool !

Where Am I

This interesting feature keep track of yourself and your car. Just tap the “Where Am I?” emergency locator to find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection. It also shows your exact latitude and longitude coordinates. You will never get lost.

ecoRoute

This feature calculates your vehicle’s fuel economy, carbon footprint, and the fuel price of navigating to a destination thus improving overall fuel efficiency.

 

Custom POIs

Garmin nüvi 1390LMT allows you to search and download thousands of points of interest (POIs).

World travel clock, currency & unit converter, Calculator

These are additional functions which are useful for foreign visitors and I particularly find them of great help.

Garmin Lock

Garmin Lock is a theft-deterrent system that locks your Garmin nüvi 1390LMT. Each time you turn on the nüvi 1390LMT, enter a PIN or drive to the security location, like your Home. When you are at the security location, you do not need to enter the PIN. My advice is not to depend too much on this feature. Either detach the GPS device from the mounting unit or take it along with you when you leave the car. GPS for car devices are so popular nowadays, I have heard about cases of smashed car windscreens and missing GPS !! Take care.

Overall our two weeks in Tasmania has been wonderful and we have to thank our Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS for saving us a lot of time, hassles, and stress.

So Who is this Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS for?

If you are looking for the following features then this is a great choice.

 

The Pros

• easy to install, setup and use (ideal for people who hate to read manual)
• good display and sound system (soothe your senses)
• very quick in acquiring signal (save time)
• accurate and up to date information (never get lost)
• voice prompts and speak street names (keep your eyes on the road)
• hands-free making phone calls (you can focus on driving)
• auto re-routing to destination (reduce your stress)

 

The Cons

• power cable is thick, maybe it carries antennae wires as well
• commercials, but they are small in size and not really intrusive
• need to install new software to update maps, but only once every 3 months, not a big deal

Summary

People searching for a GPS system have different needs and preferences. The 3 major brands (Garmin, Tom Tom and Magella) and their numerous models are made to satisfy these needs and preferences. The Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS for car has all the basic needs of a GPS system plus the bells and whistles. There is no perfect GPS system but the Garmin nüvi 1390LMT comes close.

If you still want the features of nüvi 1390LMT but at a lower price then you may like to consider the Garmin nüvi 1390T. Most of the features  found in nüvi 1390LMT  are also available in Garmin 1390T except there is no lifetime update of maps and traffic.

Check out the price of Garmin nüvi 1390T GPS at Amazon.

Many Amazon’s customers voted the Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS a 5 stars purchase. Check out the latest offer from Amazon. Click here.

Let me show you what some users are saying about the Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS for car.

Easiest GPS I’ve used ever

I’ve been skeptical about getting a separate GPS device since I own a smartphone- I often Yelp/Google search a destination, then copy that address straight into Google Maps/a GPS app. The problems I ran into: THE GPS ON SMARTPHONES ALL SUCK.

I’ve tried Google GPS Navigation on my Samsung Captivate, Motion X and Magellan Roadmate for my iPhone 3GS. I gotta tell ya- they don’t come close to having an actual separate GPS device.

Smartphone GPS’s are glitchy, slow, crash often, and when you receive a call while its navigating things get real ugly! The Garmin 1390LMT is punctual, simple, straightforward, and convenient.

I love the way the 1390LMT looks- slim, black, sharp.
UI is very simple & easy to use- never opened up the user manual, got everything down the first day.

Turn-by-turn navigation is again, punctual and responsive. Every turn is captured immediately and should you make the wrong turn or decide to go a different way, it recalculates in under 15 seconds (my estimate average for the areas I drive, which are city urban to sub-urban areas).

I’d def buy from Garmin again- but I won’t have to because this product is everything I need to get around!

By Curiousnessness05 - December 14, 2010

To see the full review click here.

 

Best GPS unit

Well, this is easily the best GPS unit I have used so far.
I have Garmin 350, 650 in the past and they were good too. I bought this because of lifetime maps.
So far I have used it for a month and have had no problems. Well, if u compare it to a Magellan or Tom Tom it is the best that there is.

Apart from all the routine features, I like the traffic updates(unlike others users), it has saved me a lot of trouble. This feature has helped me on my way to Dallas from Fort worth….trafffic can be very busy on 35…

ecoRoute is helpful as well, as it calculates mileage for you…
I give it a 5 star…

By Babu – December 13, 2010

To read the full review click here

 

Great price!

Love my Garmin! My son gave me a Tom Tom last Christmas and I just couldn’t get use to it. My co worker bought a Garmin 1390 MLT on QVC and told me what a great price and great GPS it is. So I looked on Amazon and found the same Garmin for 40.00 less than she paid! So I ordered it and LOVE it !! So easy to use !! My Tom Tom was donated. Thank you Amazon.com
By Cat - January 18, 2011

 

If you wish to buy the Garmin nüvi 1390LMT GPS for car , check out Amazon.com latest offer. Click Here

 

Garmin design a wide range of different rangefinders including the G-Series and also the new watches that have recent hit the golfing market.  The G5 is still their standard bearer product and is the device that comes with the most functionality.  This Garmin golf rangefinder is waterproof plus comes with thousands of pre-loaded golf courses.  I’ve used it mainly on the south coast of England over about ten different courses so far – and each and every time it has helped me with my distance control as I’ve known the exact amount of yards to the hole.  Read on for my personal review and perspective on the Garmin G5, which might help you to make your mind up as to whether to buy one or not… it could improve your game just as it has done for me and give you a competitive advantage over your friends!

 

How the Garmin G5 Rangefinder Works

It’s a clever gadget, and the range finding capability included is all achieved by Garmin’s award winning GPS technology.  There is a highly-sensitive GPS receiver within the Garmin Golf G5 which calculates your shot distances plus shows the exact and precise distance to fairways and greens… plus of course any hazards which is essential if you want to reduce your shot numbers and want to bring your handicap down.

 

Lightweight and Comes with an Easy to Use Touchscreen

It is very light to carry weighing in at only 6.8 ounces – sometimes I clip mine to my belt, or just carry it in my golf bag.   The accuracy of the data readings mean I no longer need to estimate my shot distances so much – not only that, as I am also finding that I am making better selections with my clubs.

One of the cooler feature and functions that I really love is the fact that I can use the Approach G5 as a scorecard if playing with a friend or partner.  It’s simple to set-up and you can do this with numbers of up to four other players.

 

Comes with Thousands of Pre-Loaded Courses

In terms of golf courses, there are thousands pre-loaded onto the Approach G5 GPS.  Theirs is no need for you to subscribe to get the golf course data and any updates.  I really love this aspect because Garmin are definitely thinking of the average golfer it is possible to download courses for free whenever they are added to, and then uploaded to the online database.  You can download new data and courses direct from the official Garmin website with no subscriptions fees.

 

Simply to Operate and Intuitive Touch Screen

The Approach G5 Golf GPS has a simple to use and understand touch screen.  For me I found it very easy to quickly locate all the features – and this was despite having not having consulted the instructions (which I am sure applies to the majority of golfers who just want to get out there and play with little fuss or messing around).  I love the way in which I was able to interact with the touch screen.  All you do is touch the digital golf course on the display and the Approach G5 then tells you what the distances involved are.  In truth there’s lots of additional detail on the courses, and not all of it you will use, but the most important aspect is distance and the awareness of what hazards and trees are going to be in your way.  Using this part helped me to line up my shots correctly and (hopefully) avoid getting stuck in the rough , water hazard, or a sandy bunker.

 

Access to Loads of Useful Stats

Throughout my golf games the Approach G5 gave me a constant analysis of all the golfing statistics important to me.  I have been able to better understand what my game’s weaknesses are and learn how to improve upon them. I honestly never believed that I would be able to improve my game with a golf GPS rangefinder – however over the last six months my handicap has visibly improved by a score of three which I think is superb progress and much more than I ever expected to do.

 

Conclusion on the Garmin Approach G5 Review

As an overall conclusion I would say if you want to improve your game then definitely consider buying the G5.  Whether you are a beginner to the game or even a seasoned pro then I believe that the Garmin Approach G5 GPS rangefinder can help you game – and best of all it is completely legal in the global rules of golf.  Here are some features and specifications to help you make your mind up:

Features & Specification

• 2.3 inches wide, 4.5 inches high, 1.4 inches deep
• Display size is 1.53 inches wide & 2.55 inches high
• Display resolution 240 x 400 pixels
• Transflective colour TFT touchscreen display
• Weighs 6.8 oz or 192.7 g with batteries
• 2 AA batteries
• Waterproof
• GPS-enabled & high-sensitivity receiver
• USB interface
• Touch-targeting
• Manual pin positioning
• Course preview
• Tracks stats
• Digital scorecard
• Computer scorecard review
• Legal under the Rules of Golf

 

Author Bio:  Robin Gittens has been playing golf for two years and regularly contributes to golfing websites with his views and opinions on the game.  If you want to purchase a Garmin G5 rangefinder then we would recommend that you buy direct from Garmin due to the support that they offer.

Please check the following link to see if you can get any money off your purchase with a Garmin Discount Code: http://www.gpsnavigationdvd.net/garmin-discount-code

Many of the more recent Chrysler cars come with the option of having a pre-installed navigation device built into the dashboard.  There are various pros and cons when opting for this additional extra, but one aspect often over-looked by drivers is that the map software will need to be updated on the system every year.  The reason for this is down to the fact that the maps are loaded into the device, rather than being beamed down by satellites (a common misconception).

In order to keep the Chrysler maps up to date, the driver will need to order a new Navteq DVD online, and then load the new database software in via the disc drive in the entertainment console.  The new 2012 disc is now available and is compatible with the following Chrysler vehicle models:

• Chrysler 200 (2011 model)
• Chrysler 200 Convertible (2011 model)
• Chrysler 300 (2004 to 2011 models)
• Chrysler Aspen (2004 to 2009 models)
• Chrysler Pacifica (2004 to 2008 models)
• Chrysler Sebring (2004 to 2010 models)
• Chrysler Town & Country (2004 to 2011 models)

Order a New Navteq Navigation DVD Online

But how exactly do you get the new DVD with all the new North American and USA maps on it for your model and year?  Well, it’s surprisingly easy and can be done in a number of simple steps as follows:

1. Visit the official Chrysler store and navigate to the “Owners” section.  Once on this page look for the option to update your Navteq maps and select it at which point you can then click on the “Buy Now” button.
2. You are now on the official Navteq online map store, and this gives you the ability to firstly select your Chrysler model from a drop down list, and then subsequently select the year of manufacture.
3. A new page will now load in your browser which shows you exactly which Navteq map update you need to purchase – and you can do this by clicking on the “Add to Cart” button on the bottom right hand side of the page.

Installing the New Chrysler Navigation DVD for 2012

The new Chrysler DVD will take around seven working days to arrive, and when it does make sure you do not discard the packaging because this contains the all important customer identification number which you will need when loading the new disc in.  Loading the new DVD is also very straight forward, and can be done in the following easy steps.

1. Turn the ignition on.  This should boot the entertainment console display up.  If it does not come on automatically press the large “NAVIGATION” button to enable it.
2. Now eject your existing Chrysler navigation DVD which should still be in the disc tray.  You can now insert your new 2012 software update which should be recognized by the console.
3. A message will appear on the display stating “NAVIGATION MAP UPDATES”.  Click “yes” to confirm and the rest will happen by itself with no further need for your input.  The whole new map software install can take up to half of an hour so be prepared to be patient during this time.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Make sure you don’t turn the Chrysler GPS navigation system off whilst performing this software update.  This has been known to ruin the install process and mean you need to consult a qualified engineer to fix any subsequent issues that could arise.

So as you can see, getting the latest maps into your Chrysler is not actually that hard.  The only issue you might consider is whether the initial outlay is worth the money every year.  With new map DVDs sometimes costing more than $150 US Dollars they can be expensive, but you should weigh this up against the fact that this is probably less than it would cost to buy a new cheap standalone GPS from Garmin or TomTom.

About the Author:

Bob Simmons is a respected automotive blogger who frequently has his work published online by car and vehicle websites looking for advice on Chrysler GPS navigation.  Bob personally drives a Ford F-150 and lives with his wife and two cats. Whilst not maintaining his specialist GPS websites, Bob likes to keep fit with street running and mixed martial arts.

When it comes to finding your way around, nothing is more efficient than a GPS navigation system. These high-tech devices provide you with real-time directions, show you exactly where you are on a map and provide you with several routes to reach your destination. Many newer model vehicles come with navigation systems, but you can easily install one in your dash if your vehicle does not have one. When choosing a GPS navigation system, it is important to consider the features and price of systems before making a purchasing decision.

Traffic Updates

One disadvantage of using online map services for directions is that they do not provide any real-time information about traffic conditions. Although you may have the appropriate directions, you can experience serious delays if something is stalling traffic. To alleviate this issue, some GPS models offer alternate routes if the directions provided are in construction zones or if there is heavy traffic due to an accident. In most cases, the traffic information is pulled from FM airwaves. For an additional cost, some GPS devices come with even more advanced features such as weather reports, movie times and gas prices.

Widescreen

One thing to consider when selecting a GPS navigation system is the screen size of the device. Most standard models have a 3.5-inch screen, which can make it difficult to see the route details. A model with at least a 4.3-inch widescreen makes it much easier to see. Although this may not seem like a necessary feature, it makes a big difference.

Hands-Free Speakerphone

Another feature to look for when choosing a GPS navigation device is whether it has a hands-free speaker phone. This feature eliminates the need to read the device while driving. It is important that the sound is easily heard, even in noisier environments. Having a speaker phone can help prevent unnecessary accidents because it allows you to remain focused on the road and not on working your GPS device.

Point-of-Interest Data

You may want to consider a GPS device that has point-of-interest data. This feature pulls up common places near your destination, such as hotels, banks and restaurants. Make sure that the system updates the information on a regular basis.

Tracking Devices

An increasingly popular feature in GPS navigation devices is tracking devices. Individuals who are usually interested in tracking devices include parents with teenagers who drive and employers who have company-owned vehicles driven by employees.

Installation and Price

The installation requirements should be considered when choosing a device. The installation of some systems is more complex than others, especially for devices that display data on large monitors. Once you find devices that have the features you desire, eliminate the ones that are not in your budget. Although you often get what you pay for, there are plenty of well-made GPS navigation devices available to budget-conscious consumers.

 

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With countless apps available for download these days, it can be hard for drivers to find the best ones with awesome features. The advancement of technology has made it possible for drivers to enjoy certain luxuries even before getting into the car. Here are the top 3 must-have apps to make the entire driving process easier.
1. Viper SmartStart

Most drivers know how brutal it can be to walk out on a cold morning only to sit in a freezing car. But with the Viper SmartStart app, drivers can eliminate this chore and remotely start the car without even getting inside. This app requires a module to be installed into the car but the benefits are worth it. Here are some other features that SmartStart has to offer:
• Monitor and unlock car
• Cloud technology and SmartSchedule
• Release trunk
• Locate vehicle
• Speed and lockdown alerts
• Social check-in
• Multiple users
SmartStart is a great addition and extremely handy for drivers because there are so many options that can be customized by the user. Also, more users can be added if there are other drivers for the same car. Other car apps do not offer nearly as many features in a simple to use interface.
Other advanced features like SmartFence make this app even more helpful because drivers can set alerts that notify when their vehicle enters or departs a certain area. Anything from social check-in, popping the trunk open, or locating your car has never been easier.
2. iOnRoad

The next app on the list is iOnRoad and with many good reasons why. It allows drivers to transform a smartphone into a traffic tracker. Drivers will be forewarned about traffic ahead so a detour can be taken before piling into delays. This app utilizes the sensors in a smartphone such as the built-in GPS and camera to display audio and visual notifications. More advanced features are available with iOnRoad.
• Collision warning system
• Distance alert
• Web dashboard
• Car locator
• Auto-drive detection
• Snapshot assistant
• Notification narrator
With iOnRoad, drivers will not have to worry about getting into accidents from everyday distractions. The advanced collision warning system uses the distance alert to warn drivers when there is insufficient distance ahead. With the personal web dashboard, all notifications and alerts are quickly organized for easy access.
A unique feature available on iOnRoad is the snapshot assistant which allows you to take a visual of anything with just a tap of the icon. Whether you forgot where your car is parked or want automatic detection for when you are driving then iOnRoad is the must-have app for drivers.
3. Alternative Fuels

The last app on the list of must-haves for drivers is Alternative Fuels. Since hybrids are becoming more popular these days, there are more drivers looking for gas stations in the area. Before driving long distances just to fill up, download Alternative Fuels to shorten the ride. More features of this great app can add to convenience and help save time:
• Search nearby fuel stations
• Locate various forms of fuel
• Compare fuel prices in the area
• Customize search for other areas
• Directory of roadside assistance
Alternative Fuels is the best apps available for drivers with hybrid vehicles. Not only can it locate stations that offer biodiesel, but also liquefied petroleum gas, electric, ethanol, and compressed natural gas. Drivers can search stations in the area by entering the zip code but also for other locations as well without physically being there.
Aside from filling up the tank, drivers will not have to worry about navigating to the station of choice because detailed driving directions are provided. The best part of Alternative Fuels is that in the event of a breakdown, there is a handy directory to find roadside assistance. Not many apps can cover different needs but this one is certainly promising.

 

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Many states are beginning to ban the use of cell phones from drivers while they are operating a vehicle. Studies have found that texting and talking are about equally dangerous, because they take your mind off of the road. We are going to give you some safety tips on how to use a phone in the car safely, but overall the recommendation is to not use your cell phone while driving. Studies have shown that cell phones can be more distracting to drivers than driving while drunk. Different people will have different capacities though, and it is important to honestly asses how distracting your phone is to you.

Check your phone

Before getting into a car, make sure that your phone is setup to enable safe driving. It is important to put your phone somewhere that you can reach it if you are going to use it. Don’t leave it in your pocket, purse or back seat. These will obviously take your eyes and attention off of the road.

Tie up any conversations before leaving

To avoid wanting to use it though I have some great tips. First off, before you leave tie up any texting or phone conversations. While this may be impossible in some cases, if you tie up a conversation you won’t think about it while driving. If conversations are finished, you won’t need to send that urgent text, email or phone call.

Put your phone on silent mode

When you get in the car put it on silent mode. This way any new emails, texts or phone calls will not need to be answered while you are in car. They can wait until you are off the road. To further hide your phone you can put it in a case or sleeve, so that you cannot see the phone in addition to not being able to hearing it.

Head set is crucial

If you must talk on the phone while in the car, start the phone call before you depart. Make sure that you have a head set before even considering making a phone call while driving. This way all the dialing is done before you leave, and it is one less distraction from the phone. Do not start another phone call while you are in the vehicle. You must remember to keep your eyes on the road whenever possible while doing this. Do not get to involved in the conversation that you forget what you are doing on the road, and if it is a complicated conversation it is probably best put off until you can give it you undivided attention.

Overall, I recommend that you do not use your cell phone while driving. We survived as a species for a long time before cell phones, and no matter how urgent a phone call is it is not more urgent then your life or others around you.

Guest post by Mateusz, owner of LookupExpert, website offering cell phone number lookup.