Quick request for opinions (Nuvi 1490T)

[Andy_P]

A friend has asked my learned opinion on a new Garmin Sat-Nav. Unfortunately I'm not very learned at all about Garmins!

He's an existing Garmin user and uses an old Nuvi on his big motorbike, so I assume he already has a RAM mount or similar.

He's now wanting a larger display and is looking at a Nuvi 1490T.

Any thoughts about suitability, and other plus/minus points?
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"Settling in nicely" ;-)

[sussamb]

The 1490 is a good GPS, I had one for many years. Later software updates made it a very stable GPS, don't remember any unexplained reboots in the last few years.

However it's now quite an old model, so ensure your friend doesn't pay too much for it

[Andy_P]

Thanks sussamb

I've now taken my 5" screen TomTom to show him and he went "ooh, I didn't realise it was that big".

So I think he needs an equivalent 4.3" model instead.

I got a little bit more info from him about what's important to him too.
1. Free Traffic
2. Lifetime maps if poss.
3. Good visibility (he doesn't use voice instructions)
4. Needs to be able to convert his existing Garmin/RAM mount to fit.

He has rejected the TomTom Rider models in the past as being too expensive. Am I right in thinking the Garmin Zumo bike models are similarly eye-watering in price?
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"Settling in nicely" ;-)

[sussamb]

They certainly are ...

The equivalent 4.3" is the 13xx series BUT, and probably a bit but for him, they're not capable of storing/using anything but the simplest route ... start and end and up to one via point.

So he really needs to step up to one of the 2xxx series, some detail here:

http://www.satnav-discounts.co.uk/garmin/nuvi-2400-lmt.htm

[Andy_P]

Marvellous, thanks. I'll pass it on.
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"Settling in nicely" ;-)

[AliOnHols]

@sussamb, is there a layman's guide to the Garmin Nuvi numbers which relate to the product so that us dissatisfied TT users may start tuning in to what else is available for our next purchases? i.e. generation, screen size, map coverage, etc. or a link to anywhere? Or do you need to be "in the know"?
Thanks.
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Garmin Nuvi 2599
Android with CamerAlert, OsmAnd+, Waze & TT Europe.
TomTom GO 730, GO 930, GO 940 & Rider2.
SatMap Active 10 & 20.

[sussamb]

Try here http://gpstracklog.com/2010/05/dissecting-the-garmin-nuvi-series.html and here http://gpstracklog.com/compare/garmin-nuvi-comparison-chart

Although it's a bit US-centric

Anything else just ask

[AliOnHols]

Many thanks sussamb.
_________________
Garmin Nuvi 2599
Android with CamerAlert, OsmAnd+, Waze & TT Europe.
TomTom GO 730, GO 930, GO 940 & Rider2.
SatMap Active 10 & 20.

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