4.3" vs. 5" Displays

Bigger is always better

But is it worth the price???

For me smaller is better. 3.5" is best because I travel frequently, and having a small GPS makes it easier to pack and carry.

The GPS has loud verbal instructions so I really do not need a huge screen.

I would call it a matter of personal preference. DIfferent strokes for different folks.

I love my 4.3" Screen. HUGE difference in my Nuvi 760, than my previous 250, which had a smaller screen.

Bigger is better... I like running GPS navigation software on my laptop computer that has a 15 inch screen, a full sized keyboard to type in destinations and the ability to select waypoints with a single mouse click....

Of course, a laptop is far too bulky to use on anything but long haul trips.. For around town when I'm getting in and out of the car, I get by with my current unit that has a 4.3 inch screen.

I'd go for a 5 incher.... Perhaps some day when I upgrade.

I like the 3.5, 5 would be too big.

Even for navigation only?

A lot depends on your own eyesight. As my eyesight worsens I find the larger screen more vital. I also like the idea of more map data on the screen when navigating. A larger screens gives a better chance of seeing what roads are around my current location. I also think the larger screens look less cluttered.

The other consideration is how the size and weight increase affects your mounting options. A larger and heavier unit is harder to mount.

This really is a matter of preference. I still like my little I5 for it's small size and replaceable battery for traveling. But you can't beat how much info and how it easy it is to see the 4X3 screen. I'm not sure any much bigger would be that much useful in a car but never tried a bigger one....

I think the portability of just slipping it to your pocket might be in jeopardy, or least be asked, Is that a Gps in your pocket or are you glad to see me..

LOL!

Thanks for your replies, guys. Personally, I don't think 0.7" difference would justify 250 extra dollars or more. I'm currently looking to buy 755T when its price drops after new models come out in July.

bigger may be better ?? but the 4.3 seems to be the perfect size for the price on my 255W .... i don't think the extra expense for the miniscule addition is worth it

I like my new NUVI 5000 -- large screen and easy on the OLD eyes. I have a special mount attached to the dash and do not mount it on the windshield or top of dash. It does not have all the bells and whistles as some of the others, but at $215, it works for me.

A screen that size would be quite nice. That said, it would have to come down in price significantly before I would think it even remotely worth the additional cost. Thankfully steep reductions in prices for silicon-based technologies are quite normal a la Moore's Law.

People will begin to buy big one for driving, then shift the smaller/older one for other purposes, such as walking, biking....
It is not unusual to have more than one GPSr.

I always prefer a bigger screen helps a bunch!

I definitely like the 4.3 over the 3.5 and am very satified with the size (viewable yet still portable). Don't feel the need for a bigger screen yet.

I'm fine with the 4.3 size for now. When the prices come down and if I need a new one, then I'll look at the 5" display. Don't need to waste money when not really needed.

Afraid this one falls into the realm of personal decision. Each person's situation is unique - cost considerations, usage of the device, size/bulk of the device, eye-sight and ease of use consideration.

I like a bigger display to see more of the map, but even at that, there would be limits to what I would like to have (and it's bulk) and the cost one has to pay. So, there can be no canned answer to your question.

I like the good ole bang for the buck theory. Get as much as you can get for your money.

1490T is reportedly 25% thinner.

But again, the size doesn't justify the cost.

As with anything it depends on personal choice and needs, for me bigger is better.

I prefer the small screen on my Samsung Blackjack II - or would that be compact screen? Same as everyone else - personal preference.

I have used the laptop screen on some trips, down to the screen on my Windows Mobile SmartPhone, or the standard GPS 3.5" screen. Just depends on the trip, and what I'm going to be doing / where I'm going.

Don't the models with the bigger screens also result in shorter times when running on batteries?

That's a safe assumption.

i have a nuvi 5000 and its got a 5" screen and i love it works real well as my back up cam too

nuvi 5000 and nuvi 200w
(lifetime maps)

This is the funniest post I've read today.

Depending on where you put your GPS...

I know in my wife's car 5 would be too big, because she can only put it on the upper middle part of the window (to be able to reach it), but in my minivan 5 would work because it's in the lower left corner and out of the way.

Also depends on how good your eyes and ears are and how long you arms are

I'd have to test the bigger screen, plus it would matter what other options it came with... but then around here that's just preaching to the choir

Excellent points...

I plan to get an air vent mount for various reasons.

Pro: Easier to read
Con: Depending on where you mount it, it will block more of your visibility.
(Also Cost?)

It does matter when you are over 60, like me, and you need reading glasses!

Well, that's what the TTS is for.

I cant hear you:)

LOL!

GM can make profit from making auto-driving vehicles now.

I wish!!!

Dear Metric,

I use tri-focals. The middle window is perfect for reading the GPS.

david

P.S. Turned sixty last December.

I have tried the laptop thing a couple of times and that just didn't work too well. Just too big.

When there are 2 or more people in the vehicle, the laptop version works quite well; otherwise, it's too bulky and dangerous.

I like my Nuvi 250w, I think it is the right size for my vision and to put in a windshield. I am 64.

laptop version work on my Dad's RV very well. Plenty of room there.

My wife and I just took the 1490T on a driving trip through New Hampshire and Vermont and found the large screen most helpful. We're in our sixties and the old eyeballs just arn't what they used to be. It also makes the touch screen easier to select (not to mention the backlite display really stands out during the day.

Being able to compare the screen data from both my 200W and my 1490T, I can definitely say that I enjoy the screen data better on the larger screen. However, as a GPSr, the 1490T is terrible for its software issues, while the 200W has never given me any problems.

So far, the 1490T is so unreliable, I still travel with the 200W as a backup until I can get a reasonable answer from Garmin tech support about the 1490T's issues.

If not going portable, the bigger screen get my vote. Is the battery life different with the larger unit?

One of the disadvantage I can think of the bigger screen is, when you mount your GPS on the windshield or dashboard, the bigger the screen which meant the bigger GPS size and it obstruct your view more while you are driving.

Here in TX, where I rent cars all the time, I find the DMV stickers more of a nuisance and obstructing than the size of the GPSr. I mount lower LH side of windshield and don't see it obstructing any important part of my view.

I prefer a bigger screen. But I'll wait till price come down.

I went from a Nuvi 200 to a Nuvi 255W.
It was well worth the price for the bigger screen. $149.00 at BestBuy on sale.
Also like the choice of keyboards--QWERT is easier for me to use.
guy

I think that a 4.3" display is just right for me. Larger is usually better in any kind of display but there is a definite cost and I don't think I would pay the premium at this point in time. Of course, in a couple of years we will have heads-up displays in all of our cars just like fighter pilots; our discussions now will seem "cute".

I do think 4.3" is just perfect; besides, you can always zoom out when you need to see a "bigger picture."