Garmin GPS Recommendation

I have not used the 25x5 series, but if you hurry you can get the nuvi 2595LMT today only on Amazon for $114.99 (Amazon Gold Box Daily Bonus): http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ref=cs_top_nav_gb27.

Consider a smartphone or tablet app... yeah, there's a lack of custom POI ability... but it can be made up in ability to search the internet for things on the go.

Thanks for the input. I decided to go with the 2595LMT from Amazon. With the one day sale over the price went up $25.

For $115 I don't think you can go too far wrong. Let us know how you like the 2595LMT after you get it.

We have a 2225LMT and a 1450LMT. Navigation is equally poor (mostly unacceptable) as far as I can tell (use Mapquest / Google Earth, then let the Nuvi nail the last couple miles). Traffic is meaningless on both. Both equally good as casual travel companions.

The 2225 is a later model than the 1450, however I find the colors & contrast on the 1450 superior to the 2225. Junction view is split screen on the 2225, full screen on the 1450, I prefer the latter. Both units are stable w/o problems, w/fast recalc. But the 1450 is probably no longer available. I bought the 2225 as a birthday gift last July w/o regrets.

(BTW we would agree that you are onto something using a KIS strategy for a NUVI).

The 1450 & the 1490 are discontinued but Amazon still has new units for sale. Steep price though & make sure you buy the LMT model.
I am happy with my two models since Garmin fixed the problems with these units.

I have the smaller version of the 2555LMT and believe it is the same software/insides except for the screen. I upgraded from 855, and have really liked it. Lifetime maps, stored routes are good features. Only negative that I have is that I cannot transfer routes/waypoints with my computer. Making routes is pretty easy on the unit, but I miss making them on the computer and downloading them.

I've never heard of a 2225LMT model, is this possibly a typo?

I've had mine for over a year and it's worked great. Make sure you get the latest update so the time will change to where you are if you want it to.

It depends on the features and your budget.

I've owned every top-end Garmin and currently own the 3597. I love it for all the features. I use WAZE when I want to use "real" traffic but besides that it's a great model.

You can't go wrong with any Garmin model.

I have the Zumo 390LM and it gets satellites very fast and show the upcoming streets etc. I have this on my Motorcycle and it works great.

I have the Garmin Nuvi 3590LMT. It is slightly older than some of the models listed above but not too old. I think it might be a 2012 model year. It's price has dropped quite a bit since I bought it over a year and a half ago. I think you could probably find one for around $240. It comes with "lifetime" maps but does have HD traffic.

Very happy with my 2555LMT. Quick to get satellites.

Don't get traffic where I live, but handy when I do travel to areas where there is coverage. Drove to Toronto last Sunday and back yesterday. Traffic gave me a good heads up to trouble.

Good size screen. Speaker a bit tinny and I find that Jack is more clear than Jill. Otherwise it's fine.

Love the dashboard options.

Trip Planner good for multipoint trips.

Yes, you are absolutely correct, my intent was to compare the 1450LMT w/the 2555LMT. Thanks for your sharp proof reading eye.

I have a similar need. My 2555 just bricked after a free "lifetime" map update. While it appears operational, roads are missing and it totally gives incorrect directions. So unless there's a known fix, I'm resigned to buying yet another Garmin. This one replaced my last bricked one (reasons unknown), a 1490T. I'm shocked at how expensive these are, especially the discontinued 1450/1490s. I absolutely want trafic so the low end models 40/50 won't do me any good. I just hate to spend much more than $100, especially at this time of year when deals should be out there. Any thoughts by the community? Thanks in advance.

If you 2555 still boots and is recognized when you plug it into the computer, it is fixable. Just redownload and install the map update. If you are short on storage, you may need to add a SD card and install the map there.

Garmin Express doesn't seemt to allow me to choose the SD card. It "sees" it as it shows the 2555 full, with an empty SD card installed. So I wonder if it thinks I simply want to re-install to the device since I didn't have the SD card in it the first time. I'm also wondering if I just download to the PC first and then to move to the SD card, if that will work.

If your computer has a SD card reader, you might want to try the "cloning method". It seems to work for some folks when the other methods fail. See the FAQ here: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/39231

Don't use GE. It has a nasty reputation of doing the same thing to other users. It's almost random as some can use GE, but most report it fails. Use the Map Updater and reload.

I just ordered a 2495LMT from Costco last week. I prefer the 4.3" screen over the larger screens. It should be here any day now.

It's my understanding that Garmin Express won't make the option available to send the map to SD card if it THINKS there is room in internal memory. That thinking may be incorrect. Use MapUpdater instead of Garmin Express, the option to send to SD card is always available with that program.
PC Version
http://download.garmin.com/lmu/GarminMapUpdater.exe
MAC version
http://download.garmin.com/lmu/GarminMapUpdater.dmg

I love my 3790LMT. Just wish it was a 12 in.

If you don't need a 5" screen , the Garmin Nuvi #2495LMT is a great bargain on Amazon, because it has every function you'll ever need.

It offers Bluetooth (syncs easily with the iPhone 5s,) voice location activation, and lifetime traffic and map updates.

I've been using it for 3 months now, and it never fails. I just yell out the location I want to go to and it picks it up 9 out of 10 times

I've been overall happy with my 3490.

Some good prices on that model right now too.

I just purchased my first standalone GPS a Garmin Nuvi 2595 LMT from Costco. Previously I was using the Navigon iPhone App for GPS.

After "playing" around with the Garmin, a few things I noticed:

Nuvi 2595

Pros:

1) Nice large screen and easy interface
2) I like the programmable POI's
3) Voice command works very well
4) Acquires satellite signal quickly
4) Bluetooth for Mobile works well
5) Very user friendly

Cons(compared to the iPhone Navigon App):

1) The street maps are not as clear or as detailed
2) Voice directions not as detailed

Overall I really like the Garmin Nuvi 2595 and would purchase it again. Maybe with future upgrades they could improve map details and turn by turn voice commands to be more like the iPhone Navigon App.

I'll second the recommendation for the Garmin 3490. As far as I can tell, it has every feature. I was actually going to return it to get a Garmin with a 5 inch screen but the price difference was too high so I will keep it.

Alandb, Box Car, and Meull9K, thanks for your help and proving that once again that this community is both helpful and it knows its stuff! Taking all your ideas together and re-installing the maps using updater seems to have my 2555 working fine again (tested on a few trips today).

I've been out of this forum for some time, but POI-Factory is like a (good) soap opera: it doesn't matter where you left off, when you come back, everyone is just as good. Thanks again!

when portable GPS were far better than factory units, I think those days are gone. Again, I think spending less is better than spending more, no need to spend any more than $160, even less during Thanksgiving (I never paid attention but it's as if everything unilaterally drops online during that week, nuts).

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-2457LMT-4-3-Inch-Portable-Lifet...

What do you mean? What is this "portable" versus "factory" GPS idea? Do you really think that Amazon is building GPS devices? If they are marked Garmin they are from Garmin factory. If Tom Tom - that's who build them. "Portable" means it is stand alone unit which can be moved from place to place or car to car without using additional tools. On opposite side is "build in" GPS, that you can see as screen in dashboard of cars, but those are yest very expensive yet and have very expensive and rare maps updates.