Garmin DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S

 

I went to a Micro Center near me yesterday to buy my wife a new laptop computer. While I was there, I found out that they also had the Garmin DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S in stock. I decided to try it and see how it compares to my Garmin Nüvi 3597LMTHD.

When I got home and opened the box, one of the first things I noticed is that the device itself has a micro USB, instead of a mini USB, like the Nüvi 3597LMTHD has. I will say that it is probably about time. It does seem like Garmin has been slow to switch to the now probably more common micro USB connector.

The magnetic mount itself, while similar to the Nüvi 3597LMTHD magnetic mount, is not the same. It does, however, still retain the mini USB connector.

One of the next things that I noticed is that this no longer comes with a GTM 60 HD Digital Traffic Receiver. I did take the traffic receiver from my 3597 and they are compatible. It did take a few minutes for the DriveLuxe 51 to pair with it, but it does work.

As a side note, I did see that the Garmin website lists both the GTM36 and the GTM60 as being compatible with either the 3597 or the DriveLuxe 51. Both of them list an MSRP of $69.99.

Next, I connected DriveLuxe 51 to my home wifi. I must say that, too, seems to have been a long time coming. That may well be very helpful for a lot of DriveLuxe 51 users. Sure, finding a computer, a cable, and updating maps is almost second nature to many of us here. However, imagine being somewhere that a computer isn't readily available. Having the ability to update via wifi is a nice addition.

In fact, I am somewhat surprised that the Garmin Smartphone link is Bluetooth only and not wifi, too. Perhaps there is some reason that I am unaware of that makes Bluetooth only a better option. Could it be that wifi frequencies could interfere with GPS reception on the satellite frequencies?

I did eventually connect it to my desktop computer so that I could delete the non-English voices, keyboards, texts, etc.

I haven't used it on a road trip yet, but I should get that opportunity later today or tomorrow.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/552012

Good report

Thanks for the info.

Congrats on buying that model. As one who prefers a powered mount, the new DriveLuxe is the only Drive model designed for automobile use that comes with a powered mount and is the Drive model I'd also buy if I needed a new device.

Regarding the micro USB socket, the old nuvi 2460, introduced 2/2011, and probably other models introduced at that time used the micro socket. I will confess I prefer the mini socket, partly because I think it may be a bit more mechanically robust and because I find that I am more likely to try to insert a micro plug upside down. redface

Yes indeed, there's been discussions here regarding the new On The Road Garmin GPS devices having dropped giving a FM or HD traffic receiver with the new models and substituting instead the Smartphone Link app. Garmin must have made the decision that they could make more profit or maybe sell new units at a lower price without having a traffic receiver either built into the GPS device or included as part of the power cord and also made the decision that smartphones are now so commonly owned that requiring a smartphone to access traffic for free on the newer Garmin GPS devices will not be an undue burden on GPS shoppers, buyers and users. Also, it seems clear that except in large metropolitan areas, the traffic data is much more complete with the Smartphone Link app than from the older FM or HD broadcasters.

I see that the DriveLuxe 51 is not listed yet in the "internal memory" FAQ. If you check yours, please contact bear007 with the information to update the FAQ:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/34375

PS: What English language voices come stock on your DriveLuxe?

Garmin DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S

CraigW wrote:

...I see that the DriveLuxe 51 is not listed yet in the "internal memory" FAQ. If you check yours, please contact bear007 with the information to update the FAQ:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/34375

PS: What English language voices come stock on your DriveLuxe?

I just checked and it shows:

Internal Storage 8.16 GB free of 14.2 GB

The voices are:

English_American_Samantha

English_American_Michelle

If I recall correctly, my Garmin Nuvi 3597 only has about 8 GB of internal storage. I suspect that when it lists 14.2 GB that it is a 16 GB of internal storage then?

Also, I forwarded a link to Bear007 about this. Thank you for the reply and additional information.

Voices

Jim1348 wrote:
CraigW wrote:

PS: What English language voices come stock on your DriveLuxe?

The voices are:

English_American_Samantha

English_American_Michelle

Aha, I had suspected that, one TTS3 voice and one non-TTS voice. Remember that you can add six more English language TTS3 and three more non-TTS voices should you desire to do so:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/42708

16 GB.

It is a good move on Garmin's part to finally put in 16 GB of internal storage ... especially nice for our friends in Europe who need more than 8 GB for the full Europe map update with all the accessory files.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon