Like the best GPS models, the 55 can also connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, which lets you send destinations to the device, get incoming messages on-screen, and receive extra trip and traffic info. The TomTom Go is a good alternative to take along if you frequently travel outside North America because it offers free downloadable world maps, which are separate, expensive purchases for Garmin models. While the Go provides many of the same features as the Garmin DriveSmart 55, we prefer the 55 for US use because it gives more specific directions and clearer lane guidance, it has a sharper display, its menu system is easier to use, its voice controls are more extensive, and it offers more driver alerts.
Like the DriveSmart 55, this budget model gives you a best-in-class user interface and points-of-interest database, and top-notch directions, but it lacks its high-resolution display, Bluetooth connectivity, voice commands, and Wi-Fi updating. It was about the size of a small desktop computer and could track your car on a digital map, but it left it up to you to plot your own route. But if you tend to drive in rural areas or off the beaten path, where data coverage is sketchy, you may have found that you were unable to get directions through your phone, perhaps forcing you to resort to a paper map or, gasp , even stop and ask for directions.
Similarly, on long road trips, you may have found that navigating with your phone depleted its battery—or your data plan—too quickly. The best GPS devices can pair with a phone via Bluetooth to get up-to-date traffic and weather info, display text messages and calendar reminders, and allow you to conduct hands-free calls.
You can also send destinations and routes from your phone or computer to your GPS device, which can be more convenient than inputting them while sitting in your car. Thinking of buying a new car? All car GPS devices have a common suite of features. If you miss a turn, it automatically recalculates the route. Most models include digital mapping of the US and Canada, and virtually all of them provide free lifetime map updates, which you download either via Wi-Fi or by plugging the device into a computer, depending on the model.
Most have a 5-inch display measured diagonally , although larger 5. In addition, while scouring the specs and features of all current models, we looked for the following options, which can make a device easier to use or more useful:.
The differences often come down to the way you interact with the device: The best models make it easier to navigate by offering more precise visual and verbal directions, clearer lane guidance through tricky intersections, a more driver-friendly screen layout, and easier methods for inputting destinations.
So for each update to this guide, we sought out the latest models from the major brands, set up each in a car, and put them through their paces in environments ranging from rural countrysides to the urban depths of New York City.
We evaluated the driver-friendliness of the screen layout, the accessibility of the menus, and how quickly we could input a destination and get a route—both by entering it on the screen and, when possible, by using voice commands.
We tinkered with the settings, evaluated the routing, assessed how easy it is to update the map and POI data, and judged the sturdiness of the included mount and simplicity of installation and removal of the device. We also paired each unit to a smartphone, when possible, to see what advantages that provided. This latter feature results in a larger, 5.
As with your smartphone, the 55 allows multi-touch gestures, such as pinching or spreading for easier zooming on a map. This is a clear step up from the resistive displays of less expensive units, which allow only single-finger gestures and require you to tap on the plus and minus buttons to zoom in or out. Like some TomTom models, the DriveSmart 55 and its larger sibling, the DriveSmart 65 also now include 3D mapping; in some major cities, it shows familiar buildings and landmarks as recognizable 3D images, which can help you more easily orient yourself with your surroundings in an unfamiliar area.
Android phone android version 4. Iphone iPhone 5 - iPhone 7 plus version can realize one-way control. It can access some of your favorite apps directly on car dash. Station Memory function can record your favorite radio station.
You will find it easier to go to a new or complex place, travel has never been so convenient! Personlize with your favorite color. After connecting to wifi, you can use various maps perfectly and browse the web online. You can go anywhere without getting lost and adding a joy to the tedious journey! The reversing line is displayed on the player, which can help you safely park in reverse gear. Car stereo receiver supports FM with 18 preset stations, which can search channels in full-automatic ways.
Forbes Wheels tested five leading portable GPS devices. New Cars For Sale. Used Cars For Sale. Sports Cars. Used Cars. Vehicle Care. Ford Edge vs Ford Escape. Toyota Highlander vs Toyota 4Runner. Kia Telluride vs Hyundai Palisade. Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander. Toyota Camry vs Honda Accord. Toyota Avalon vs Toyota Camry. Toyota Tundra vs Ford F Ford F vs Chevrolet Silverado Back To Forbes.
Wheels Accessories. Rik Paul. Updated: Feb 28, Forbes Wheels independently tests and reviews cars and automotive accessories. We may earn an affiliate commission from links on our site. The analysis and opinions are our own. Read More. Read Less. Any of these five tested models provide Best Overall. Garmin DriveSmart 55 And Traffic. Why We Picked It. Which Navigator.
Are you planning to buy a Garmin GPS? Garmin is a fantastic company and makes a range of GPS units from the budget gps devices for your car, to those designed for your Truck , RV or even your motorcycle. Today it produces over 90 different models for a range of uses from car gps units, to handheld gps units that you can wear on your wrist and still give you direction.
As an example, all the latest Garmin GPS units come with free lifetime map updates and traffic alerts, whilst TomTom , you need to buy an additional subscription to be able to use traffic alerts. As a driver this is a major problem as the last thing that you want is to be stuck in traffic when you should be getting to your destination. Garmin has really come on in the last 12 months with a range of new gps units, however whilst we do love some of the new models below, we still think that the Garmin LMT that we reviewed here is as good and if not better than some of the new models that have been brought out over the last year.
The all new range of Garmin gps units consists of The DriveSmart range of gps unit, the Drive Assist 50LMT which comes with both turn-by-turn directions and a built in Dash-Cam to help you record your journey and any problems that you have and finally the Garmin DriveLuxe 50 NA LMTHD which is the top of the range gps model and comes with a range of new and improved features that have been designed to help you with your directions and ensure that you drive in drive in a safe manner and thus provide you with a range of connection features and driver alerts to keep you on the road.
The others are terrible when compared to the Garmin and they actually do answer their phones when I had a question. Thank you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Garmin DriveSmart 55 with Garmin Traffic, 5. Garmin DriveSmart 65 with Traffic is a road trip-ready 6. Garmin Traffic comes ready to use right out of the box without use of a smartphone.
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