Help me decide

Would you want a power mount on just the cord connection.
Don't know what they come with now but if mine didn't have the power mount I could take just the Nuvi 2450 and a car plug on the airplane for the rent car. As it is I have to carry the power mount also..... I don't mount it anywhere as I look at it while my husband is driving. I do have it on a mount to set on the console.

The 3597 is the best choice IMO, but I think you will find that the HD traffic will not meet your expectations if you compare it to Google traffic or other "online" traffic services. Maybe you should be looking at smartphone applications instead of a stand alone unit if connected traffic is your most important requirement.

As far as the mount, I currently use and prefer a portable friction mount so the magnetic/power mount on the 3597 doesn't do much for me. In fact, I do move the unit from car to car infrequently and also like to take it on driving vacations for the rental car.

Thanks for the comment on the Google traffic vs Garmin HD traffic! I don't want to use my phone as a GPS, I would prefer a dedicated GPS unit. I figured the HD traffic would not keep up with Google, but I am curious if it is appreciably better than the standard traffic in large metro areas (I'm in the NY Metro area NY/NJ/CT)

I have used both standard and HD traffic in the SF (south) bay area. The HD traffic is definitely superior than the standard traffic. The traffic conditions are pretty much spot on for the freeways during commute hours with HD and about 5-10 munute delay with standard. HD also shows much better coverage for local major streets. But the traffic conditions on local streets are hit and miss.

I also have Smart-Phone-link traffic. As far as I could tell, the smart-phone traffic is on par with HD traffic.

I can receive traffic coverage as far away as Santa Cruz/WatsonVille/Monterey, ~ more than two hours drive away from SF. The coverage area is wider than indicated on the Navteq web site. The coverage could be from the Smartphone Link through. Maybe I will do some "scientific" comparison next I go down to Monterey, if I can remember to do it.

much appreciated info! The Smartphone link feature is interesting. I wonder why it's not available on the 2639/2689?

The live traffic stuff that goes from your phone to the GPS is only supported for the I-can't phone and Android phones. Nothing for the Windows phones

that's OK, I'm android for the foreseeable future

Glad to be helpful once in a while.

Also AFAIK the only requirement for Nuvi to support Smartphone Link is that it needs to have Bluetooth.

The spec overview of 2689 on Garmin's Webpage indicates that 2689 is Smartphone link compatible.

Note: One of the potential drawbacks of Smartphone Link is that it does consume a small quantity of your data plan.

again you help me by pointing out the 2689 specs. I was going by this:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-go/apps/smartphone-li...

but I should know better than to trust that Garmin has updated that list.

Not concerned about data, as I have pretty much true unlimited data via a corporate plan.

Stick with what you got ... for now.

Own a 1450 & 2555 LMT. The 1450 is still my "go to". Of course if you have access to newer inventory, hand evaluate later models by getting a pass. & bring your 1450 into the store and evaluate the less obvious like color saturation, screen contrast etc.

As for actual purchase of later models, I would certainly wait to see what if anything financially/retail develops after the elections / post Black Friday. ...

350Zee, if I am leaning toward the 3597 (which is apparently discontinued and full price except for refurbs) would you still say wait for now?

... there are just for too many things going on now that can potentially effect various factions of world/U.S. retail market demand/pricing. Then there is also the matter of Garmin's own idiosyncratic marketing, supply & product placing.

I recently purchased the 2555LMT for $114+ tax which I figured to be the equivalent of 2 tanks of 87 gasoline. Worth it for me as a family spare considering I needed a new power cord for the 1450 anyway. I have no idea how you value things; so much of what we all do has an emotional component.

My suggestion was simply to offer you a third option. There is always: this, that, or maybe something later. By all means have fun, perhaps check out the many threads on various units & features on this forum, & certainly savor your dilemma.

If you decide you want a 3597 refurb, GPSNation has them right now:

http://www.gpsnation.com/p/refurbished-garmin-nuvi-3597lmthd...

I'm in no hurry, but the 3597 does look really good. I also saw it refurbed at PCNation.com (I assume affiliated to gpsnation) for the same price. It's tempting.

Ouija board ?

What dead person would you suggest to be consulted?

I'm researching, but I cannot find a Quija board that has the "HD Souls" feature

As usual, threads turn entertaining.

On a more serious side, I will pick the 3597 with the HD soul over any Ouija board with its supernatural spirit any day.

Over the last year or so, I am very happy with my refub 3597. It has served well and I expect it continues to do so for a while: taking me to places that I specify, guiding me out of unfamiliar area without failure through reasonable routes, providing fairly accurate indications of (highway) traffic conditions and suggesting alternatives that sometimes work.

3590LMT that I am very satisfy with. Does everything that other GPS does. Plus it has 3D which I like.