Garmin nuvi 50LM Portable GPS

Comments about Garmin nuvi 50LM Portable GPS:

Older version has more accurate maps. Have used for less than a month and have found numerous errors.
So much for upgrading.

Comments about Garmin nuvi 50LM Portable GPS:

Easier to use than the Tom Tom. Larger screen as well.

Comments about Garmin nuvi 50LM Portable GPS:

I recently purchased a replacement for use in our wrecker. We have purchased other brands; however, none have been as reliable as the Garmin. When we were not receiving accurate information due to construction or new address listings; we decided to purchase one with lifetime maps. We had found the cost of updating the information as often as it needed to be done so that we had accurate information while on service calls was prohibitive compared to the cost of purchasing a new unit with life time maps included. We have Garmins in each of our vehicles.

Comments about Garmin nuvi 50LM Portable GPS:

I feel more secure traveling when I have my Garmin.

Comments about Garmin nuvi 50LM Portable GPS:

This is my first GPS so, I can't compare it to any others. I have an Android phone, but I got fed up with it when I discovered that the navigation apps on there were not working when I really needed them, even when there was a mobile connection. Fortunately, the Garmin doesn't have this issue. I seem to get GPS signal whereever I go.

One strength a dedicated GPS unit has is the larger screen. Another is the fact that you can get navigation without draining your phone's battery.

The setup was easy. You could even use it right out of the box without updating anything. However, for some destinations, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENED you have a some sort of computer because you'll be able to transfer infomation from Google Maps into the GPS. Without the information from Google Maps, the Garmin won't be able locate certain streets when you're trying to type in a destination. Even if you don't use Google Maps, Garmin Express allows you to update the maps on the unit and more.

In my opinion, the greatest weakness of this device is the battery life. It seems to last fewer than 2 hours, which presents a problem for longer commutes. Fortunately, the charging time isn't that bad. (For example, if I charge it during a job interview, when I come back to the car, there's enough charge to get me home. It won't necessarily get me all the way home, but it'll at least get me onto familiar roads so I won't need navigation.)

For my purposes, the course-correction functionality is usable. In the cases where I made a wrong turn, the unit either offered me an alternate route within mere seconds or the correct route remained highlighted on screen, such that I was able to make the corection myself.

The screen has resistive touch, which means you can use it while using gloves. In my use case, a capacitive touch screen would've been better suited, since I have a light touch, but I'm not going to complain. It's probably cheaper this way, anyway.

One other great feature this unit has is on-screen speed information. It shows you how fast you're going, how fast you should be going, and indicates whether you're going to fast. It also notifies you of nearby speed cameras. It's usually accurate, however, there are some brief periods (less than 20 seconds) where there is no speed limit information, which can be somewhat scary for a newer driver.

Overall, if you're not driving more than 90 minutes straight and you have a computer/tablet, this GPS device will get you where you need to go.