Garmin Nuvi - In Car Navigation

Satellite Navigation is something that is becoming so common there are a lot of people ready to upgrade their unit, let alone the many looking to buy for the very first time.

For the last month I've been testing out the Garmin Nuvi 1260 and 1390T.  These units are not exactly entry level pricing at $349 and $549 respectively (See final line for a note on pricing), but they certainly do pack a lot of punch.

The most important thing with any SatNav is the map interface - is it easy to see, easy to use.  Certainly, one very impressive part of these units, and common to many new models across the sector is the Touch Screen interface.  Very responsive and not temperamental.

You can scroll around the map and pinpoint a destination just like you would perhaps on Google Maps or similar - which is quite useful when you just don't know the address but know where the destination is - you're just looking for the unit to fill the gaps between start and finish!

The screenshot facility meant I could post real images here on this article which is great, because one of the most impressive features is the 'Junction View'.  I discovered this not by reading the box, or a press release, or heaven forbid the manual - I was driving over the Harbour Bridge here in Sydney, and all of the sudden a PHOTO appeared on screen.  The street signs were all in it, yet many were greyed out, and one highlighted as was the lane I was supposed to take!  This is vital in a place like that and will become a huge feature.



This is a feature of the WhereIs maps - and is across many different brands - frankly it should be in all WhereIs enabled devices - but as with the 1260 many units need to hit a lower price point - so features that are not hardware based, instead simple software 'toggles' are not included.

The 1260 lacks this photo feature, as with Lane guidance generally - and you have to think - WHY? - the only explanation is trying to reduce the price.. It's hard to fathom..

In fact, if you compare these two devices on the Garmin Website - You'll see that once you get past the actual physical device (size, weight, screen) There are actually only TWO differences.  The one I've mentioned and another that I found quite frustrating, the inability to choose the type of keyboard layout you like to use - so on the mini 1260 you have ABCDEF etc, not QWERTY - which is understandable given the size of the screen.

You're looking at the extra price for the 1390T for a bigger screen (4.3inch plays 3.5inch) - so, is that worth it?  Yes, if you can afford it, it's worth it - plus don't forget the 80+ locations where you'll get that Photo Lane guidance.



There are numerous other features in these units - image viewer (I'm not sure who is bothering to load photos onto these so they can show friends!), Eco Calculator - This is very handy, especially if you are on the road a lot for clients - enter the fuel consumption of your vehicle and the price of fuel and you can get trip pricing!



Of course there is a huge database (driven by WhereIs/Sensis of Points of Interest) so you'll never miss parking or petrol again.



Here's another simple thing - when you turn the car off - they notice the loss of power, and offer to shut down in 30 seconds, do nothing and they power down - VERY handy!



And then there is the route information - I'm not talking about which way to turn, I'm talking about Speed signs posted on screen at all times, alerts - both audible and visual for Red Light and Speed cameras, and - to top it all off - Live Traffic information, showing alerts on the route for heavy traffic.  These Garmin units are using the SUNA FM traffic system - and your route can be updated in real time just by pressing the traffic button.  Excellent stuff!



All that said I think you'll struggle to find these listed at the RRP - so shop around, you might find a remarkable bargain!

Let me know what you look for in a SatNav system, or what you're favourite is - comment below or follow me on twitter - @trevorlong


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