Garmin GPS model history Discussion Thread.

My first GPS was the original yellow eTrex. My first GPS from this list was the nuvi 200.

The FAQ has been updated to include the 2017 Drive 51/61, DriveSamrt 51/61, DriveAssist 51 and DriveLuxe 51. I put an estimated availability date of 2/2017. If anyone hears of these models being in stock and actually shipping, please reply on this thread so I can update the FAQ.

While a list of model numbers is nice a list to show features would be helpful as well. There seems to be no rhyme or reason behind the numbers / models except for screen size.. and reading this forum it seems even that is changing.

I for one would be interested in a unit that was intelligent enough to realize that on a "route".. if I deviate 2~3 times going to the same place it would remember that. I would like one that had a "pause" button while on a route. One that had the option "most sensible route" as well as shortest (which goes through too many back alleys) and quickest (which on occasion adds several miles to a trip)

Some nuvis/drives already do so ... look for one that has myTrends or use this list

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42522

But then of course, most of us who have it turn myTrends off.

... very true

I tried myTrends when I first started using my GPS.. Goofiest program ever...And once I figured out how to turn it off.. Off it went.

I tried myTrends when I first started using my GPS.. Goofiest program ever...And once I figured out how to turn it off.. Off it went.
Sorry for the duplicate.. would delete it if I knew how

Not a problem. It happens. It is impossible to delete a duplicate post. The best you can do (assuming no one's replied to the the duplicate as I'm doing right now ) is to edit the duplicate as you've done. Some folks edit their duplicates to remove the text or Subject leaving just a character or two, but then doing this can also confuse other readers. The easiest thing to do is simply ignore your duplicate or edit it as you have done above.

I'm not sure if we've ever had a full explanation for the cause of duplicates. What I find can cause a duplicate is to tap the "Post Comment" more than once very quickly before the site starts to process the first tap. I'm not sure who holds the record for the number of duplicate posts but I seem to remember some threads that had a user post a reply with a good half dozen or maybe even a dozen or more duplicates.

And to get this reply On-Topic, I may be one of the few that keeps myTrends enabled. It hasn't offered much help to me, but it also doesn't cause me any grief.

I sometimes do a duplicate post with careless use of the combination of browser back arrow and refresh after making a post.

The suggested destination part is about half good, half bad, for me. But I've had at least two repeatedly travelled paths for which the unit has eventually started offering my preferred route instead of the simply calculated one. I liked that, and have not noticed harm from this function.

I suspect the MyTrends haters are more likely to comment, so estimating usage by posts is likely inaccurate.

Thanks, you made my day.

I know it doesn't mean much, but I noticed that theGPSStore.com is now listng the 2017 Garmin Drive models with a projected availability date of 1/27/2017. GPSCity.com has them listed with a projected date of 2/16/2017

B&H Photo now claims they have certain versions of the low end Drive 51/61 in stock and shipping today. I am not sure I believe them though as I don't see it in any other online stores yet.

Why don't you order one to find when they state it'll be shipped. Wait, don't.

TheGPSStore and B&H Photo are now both showing the 2017 Drive and DriveSmart models as in stock and shipping. DriveAssist and DriveLuxe still showing as preorder.

I have a suspicion that theGpsStore.com and B&H photo jumped the gun on listing the DriveSmart 51/61 in stock and shipping last week (see my post directly above this one). They now both show this model as preorder only, and I have not read any reports anywhere about users actually receiving one of these models. I have changed to FAQ to show an estimated release date of 2/2017.

The Drive 51/61 models are still shown as in stock and shipping, although again, I have not heard of anyone receiving one of these. But for now I will leave the release date as 1/2017 in the FAQ.

As of today (2/20/17), theGPSstore.com is showing the DriveSmart 51 LMT-S and DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S as in stock and shipping. So far the DriveSmart 61, DriveAssist 51 and RV 770 are still showing as backorder, expected 2/23/17.

Edit: And now Crutchfield is showing the DriveAssist 51 LMT-S in stock and ready to ship.

I have 2 dezil models and still am using a 205W ha all work just fine

Thanks for posting and updating the list alandb. Still using my 1390T from 2009. But, going to upgrade to the DriveSmart 51 LMT-S when they show up here.

Sorry if this sounds like a noob’s post, but I haven’t had to buy a new GPS for some time. However, since GPSs are like harddrives (ie, it’s not a matter of if they’ll fail, it’s a matter of when), I’m now stuck in this position. This may be a long post, but if anyone can offer any help it would be greatly appreciated. Some background:

• I’ve been a POI-Factory member for more years than my profile shows (I had to create a new one after my old one ‘expired’).
• In that time I’ve had a 255, 855, 1490, and now a 2555LMT. The 2555 lower left hand function (the return arrow) no longer works making the unit inoperable.
• I don’t want to use my iPhone or Note 5 as my GPS, so no phone/app based capability desired.
• No need for Bluetooth as it would probably compete with the built-in capability in my car.

Now, the most important needs:
• My favorite feature of the 2555 is the ability to show “time to destination” in the bottom bar. So I have setup Arrival Time, Arrive In, Time to Via, and Speed. (My wife’s Nuvi 50/55 doesn’t seem to have that capability for example.) I find this particularly helpful with my saved trips, so that via’s such as time to the next service plaza (eg, 1:27) is easy to manage vs. only knowing the arrival time and I have to calculate the duration. This for me is a “must have.”
• Speaks street names.
• Lifetime maps and FM traffic. Better traffic is nice, but any traffic is better than nothing.

I believe that over time, Garmin has reduced capability so unless any new units have the above capability, I might be stuck trying to buy a discontinued model. There’s also a second problem: refurb units vs new in box. The refurbs are priced okay, but the NIB units are outrageously priced. Any advice on riskiness of refurb units would be helpful too.

So that’s it. What models fit the bill? I'm seeing 3597s being highly recommended. I consider this community to be the best out there and I thank you in advance for any help.

Jim

All of the current crop of nuvis/drives should do what you want, provided you buy one with LMT in the model version.

I believe this FAQ will allow you to set up the various types of information display you want even on your wife's Nuvi:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/41428

Most any of the newer Nuvi or Drive models will speak street names.

Any model with an T or LM in the model name will have Traffic(T) and Lifetime Maps(LM). For example, Nuvi 3590LMT is a model 3590 with Lifetime Maps and comes with a Traffic receiver.

There is NO risk in buying a refurb Nuvi. They are restored to new condition and come with a new 1 year warranty, the same as a completely new one would. Most people can't tell the difference between and new and refurb.

If you can find a refurb Nuvi 3597 I think you will be very pleased with your purchase.

Talk about a quick, comprehensive reply---thanks!

I should have added that I had also done research here for previous posts, GPS review sites, amazon, Garmin, etc. without any success or info as much as was provided in your response and link to the previous post. This community has come through again in a big way.

I think that I will look for a 3597 whether refurb or NIB if the price is right.

Jim

As I stated in my request, knowing with certainty whether or not the newer models include the "time to via" has been hard to determine. All the images seem to focus on the split screen view and don't include the entire information banner across the bottom as I've become accustomed to using.

If the new units can provide that information too, maybe my choices have expanded. Thanks!

Glad you found the FAQ post helpful. I had my 3597 for a long time before I discovered the ability to customize the various display feature on the 3597. There have been a number of models introduced since the 3597 and AFAIK they can all be customized in the same way.

I have both units and they are both great units. The 3590 has some features that the 3597 doesn't have and vice-versa. But, I think you would be happy with either unit.

I agree with your recommendation as both of these devices are great choices with stable software and good reputations. However, because of their age (2012/2013 releases), I think it will be hard to find these models as new or refurb.

Another good choice might be the DriveLuxe 50LMTHD (2016 model). It is very similar to the nuvi 3597LMTHD. Now that the 2017 DriveLuxe 51 is shipping, I would expect to see some DriveLuxe 50's showing up as refurb's within the next few months, hopefully for $200 or less.

New 3597's are still out there. Factory Outlet Store.com has them in stock for $399.95 :

http://g.factoryoutletstore.com/details/75964/garmin-nuvi359...

Or Amazon for $427 :

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-3597LMTHD-Portable-Bluetooth-L...

The best price I've seen for a new unit lately is on eBay for $330 :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Garmin-nuvi-3597LMTHD-Prestige-S...

Refurbished units are getting hard to find at a good price. I do see them occasionally on eBay though.

I have noticed this trend on Garmin GPS models. Once the refurb supply starts to dry up on a given model like the 3597, the prices jump way up for a year or two on the few remaining devices left in stock, and even on used devices of that model. Consider that just a couple of months ago, 3597 refurbs were selling for $179. Even though I love my 3597, I will not pay $330 to $427 to get another one if mine happens to die. I will move on, either to a newer model or a smartphone app.

Actually in common with most recent Garmins it does, although it's via a sidebar and not along the bottom.

Alandb, a suggestion, or perhaps a request, for your FAQ listing the history of the various Garmin models. If it's not too difficult, could you possibly list the models from the most-recent to the oldest? Somehow it would seem to be more readable. Thanks.

Phil

The RV 770 is now shown as "In Stock" at theGPSStore and B&H Photo. I assume Amazon, GPS City and the Garmin online store will show them in stock within the next few days. This means that all of the 2017 Garmin automotive devices that have been announced are now shipping. I have updated the Release Date FAQ.

In spite of all the good advice from folks here re the 35xx series, I bought a refurb 2639LMT for $115 off Amazon and I'm pretty happy with it. I must say that with my older eyes the glass screen and the 6" size is really nice.

Now for my question. With my 2555 the traffic receiver was in the power cord. This came with a simple power cord. According to the seller the 2639 is a model with the traffic receiver built in. However, I've never been able to acquire a traffic signal in the month that I've had it.

Does anyone know what is needed for the 2639 to receive traffic reports? Thanks in advance for any help.

P.S. It is true that the later models have my fave feature--now on the right hand side of the unit. With the wider display, I guess it's the best place for it.

From the Garmin page for the 2639, it shows that a GTM Traffic/Power cable (GTM 36 or GTM 60HD) is needed for traffic:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/148402#accessories

Without one of these traffic cables, you only have a nuvi 2639LM without the T so the Seller is incorrect. Even for the models with the traffic receiver built into the device, a special power cable/antenna is required (which will be a Garmin model TA... ) rather than a simple power cable.

Your options are to contact the Seller or eBay if you want to return it for a refund, or look for a used GTM36 or GTM60HD cable to replace the simple power cable you now have. The traffic/power cable for your old nuvi 2555 will work with your 2639 and give you traffic if the cable is still around and working.

[/quote]
From the Garmin page for the 2639, it shows that a GTM Traffic/Power cable (GTM 36 or GTM 60HD) is needed for traffic:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/148402#accessories

Without one of these traffic cables, you only have a nuvi 2639LM without the T so the Seller is incorrect. Even for the models with the traffic receiver built into the device, a special power cable/antenna is required (which will be a Garmin model TA... ) rather than a simple power cable.

Your options are to contact the Seller or eBay if you want to return it for a refund, or look for a used GTM36 or GTM60HD cable to replace the simple power cable you now have. The traffic/power cable for your old nuvi 2555 will work with your 2639 and give you traffic if the cable is still around and working.
[/quote]

It turns out that my 2555 power cord is a GTM 26 so it may be a no-go. However, armed with the intel you've provided I will contact the seller and get some kind of compatible cord. The Factory has come through again; thanks.

Alan:

Here are some earlier Garmin model release dates:

GPS II - 8/1996
GPS II+ - 3/1997
GPS III - 8/1997
GPS III+ - 1/1999
GPS V - 3/2001
Streetpilot III - 3/2002
Streetpilot Colormap - 11/1999

At one point, I owned them all. Still have the GPS II+ and GPS V.

Rick

Thanks for the information Rick. I have updated the dates for the StreetPilot models. At this time, I don't think I will include models older than the SP.

The only new models Garmin has introduced in the Automotive line since the January 2017 announcement of the Drive x1 series are a Dezl 580 (9/2017), zumo 396 (4/2018), Dezl 780 and Dezlcam 785 (expected 6/2018).

For Garmin, this is a very long "dry spell" with no significant new model announcements for their hallmark product line. Have we seen the last of the stand alone GPS navigator as we have know it for so many years now?

I still have my 350 & it's working just fine.

Fred

The industry certainly has come a long way since the Etak navigator was introduced in 1985.

https://www.fastcompany.com/3047828/who-needs-gps-the-forgot...

Declining sales due to smartphones and built in automotive navigators is probably the biggest reason fewer stand alone GPS units are being brought to market.

Garmin has always made a quality product, perhaps too good. As many of us here know, if cared for, their GPS receivers last a very long time.

There is also a struggle to come up with new features to entice buyers to purchase new receivers when their 10+ year old unit still works fine.

With much better alternate maps easily available.. Google Maps for one.. Garmin is stuck with a dinosaur. They (Garmin) would do well to change to a better map source.

I can load any section of the world easily on my tablet from Google Maps at will.. I can easily search for any number of POI's, develop routes etc.. That.. is the new technology and Garmin needs to get on board.. to survive.

Having owned both, Garmin beats Google hands down.

Has anybody here been keeping track of new Garmin announcements lately? I think this thread was focusing on automobile navigators, but I am interested in other Garmin products, too, like RINOs and other outdoor recreation products.