These days, it seems like virtually everyone uses GPS navigation. Of course, as you have probably already discovered for yourself, GPS navigation, and especially for personal use, has changed quite dramatically in recent years. It was not all that long ago that people had to rely on GPS devices which could be mounted in their vehicles, but today most people simply rely on their smartphones.
Have smartphones totally wiped the traditional GPS devices on which so many people relied? To a great extent they have, although some manufacturers, such as Garmin, have risen to the challenge, and they have enjoyed considerable success. The people at Garmin knew that if they had to find a way to survive the smartphone revolution, and they did find a way. Rather than trying to compete with today’s smartphones, Garmin decided to work with them, and the company’s DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD GPS model is a perfect example.
Introducing the Garmin DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD
When you order this model, you receive a mini USB cable, a very well-made magnetic suction cup, and the unit itself. Now, in case you are wondering what “LMTHD” stands for, it stands for Lifetime Maps and HD Traffic. For the like of you and I, this basically means that users won’t need to choose between complicated data plans. Instead, you will automatically receive traffic information and map updates for your Garmin DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD .
This unit features an 800×400 resolution 5.1 TFT screen and it attaches securely to the front of the suction cup. You will need to have this plugged into the supplied mini USB charger in order to receive up to date maps and traffic information. There is also a mini SD Card port for storing things such as map updates, although there is no SD Card included when you purchase the unit.
With or Without Your Smartphone
These days many people use their smartphones to navigate, but doing so uses up a lot of data. If you use the DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD as a standalone device, you are not using up your data, and this is a very strong selling point. However, this unit can work together with your smartphone, in which case you can set it to check emails, social networking messages and etc. You can even get it to read emails to you while you are driving. Additionally, using Bluetooth and a free Smartlink application for iOS or Android, you connect to your phone, and this will allow you to make and receive Bluetooth calls while you’re driving. Actually, there are several other really impressive features, but rather than trying to go through each of them right now, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons:
PROS
- Voice Recognition – The Garmin DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD has a very reliable voice recognition feature which allows you to conduct search and so on without ever having to take your hands off the wheel.
- Bluetooth Calling – A free downloadable “Smartlink” application (Android and iOS) allows you to easily take advantage of Bluetooth calling on the move.
- Street Level Instructions – Navigating your way around unfamiliar places has never been easier. Rather than just telling you to turn right or left after the next 200 meter, this unit also incorporates real-life landmarks in directions given. For example, it will tell you to turn right just after passing the next Starbucks or whatever the case may be.
- Free Lifetime Updates – You no longer have to worry about choosing the best data package in order to receive all the very latest map updates, because this unit includes free map updates and traffic updates for life.
- Screen – The TFT 5.1 inch screen is of a very good quality, and it is big enough to ensure that you can read any information being displayed without having to strain your eyes.
CONS
- Complicated Routes – As with any and all GPS devices, including dedicated units and smartphones, theDriveLuxe 50 LMTHD does, on rare occasions, present you with a route which is more complicated than need be.