Garmin Drive 50 USA + CAN LM

I bought my first Garmin in 2005 -- a Nuvi 350 -- and it has served me very well for more ten years. Although it still works, I finally decided to purchase the latest model, primarily because I did not want to pay to update the maps. This model is bigger (which makes it inconvenient to stash in a pocket) and it has more useful navigation features (which, unlike the older model, require you to read the manual to use them.). I've learned to listen to the directions and don't rely on the screen which I believe is a bit safer, so the size of the screen does not matter much to me. Unlike my older Nuvi, it does not play MP3s and audio books and does not have an audio out jack. I liked those features because the music would pause when directions were given and now I have to lower the sound on my car radio whenever directions are given by the device. The battery on the new model only lasts for an hour, much shorter than on the older Nuvi. And unlike the Nuvi, it did not come with a charger or a case. Fortunately, the charger from my old Nuvi works with the latest model. The car charger on the new model is not as sturdy as the charger on the older model. It does not inspire confidence. You need to buy a case for this model because it is too big to fit in pocket comfortably. I had no problems installing the latest maps and software, but there were absolutely no instructions in the box that provided guidance for doing this. If you don't know how to find information on the Internet, it might take a long time to figure it out. I know that less is more, but Garmin takes it to the extreme. The interface remains excellent. Easy to use and very intuitive. The directions always get me to where I want to go, but it may not be the best route. If you know the shortcuts or traffic patterns in you neighborhood, you might be disappointed by some of the directions provided. I have driven in nearly every state during the past 10 years and the device has never let me down. It has been especially useful in snow and rain storms in which I could not read the street signs or see exits. It's much safer to drive with a GPS in a new area than it is to do so without one. The search function is much faster on the latest model, which is a good reason to get this model if you are using an older one. It also boots up much faster and the screen is quicker to respond. The trip planner is a very useful for long trips. The Foursquare database is very extensive and useful for travel away from home. The categories section is also useful and very intuitive. Compared to my older Nuvi, the voice is much more natural than in the past. While I never liked to hear "recalculating" when I missed a turn, I miss having it on the new model. There should be an option to use it. I'm not sure how useful the audible driver alerts will be if they require you to look at the screen for more information. I don't like to look at the screen when I'm driving. There is no way of telling how reliable this will be in the long run, but based on my past experience with Garmin products, I am confident that it will last. Update (April 28, 2016) - I had the opportunity to use this GPS on a trip and wanted to scout out a location in advance and see what was in the area. With the Garmin 350, the device went into a "simulation" mode when the antenna was folded down. I have found no way to turn off the GPS with the Garmin Drive 5O and enter the simulation mode. It searches for a GPS signal -- which can take a very long time -- and only when it can't find one, allows you to enter the simulation mode and "set" a new location. This is very inconvenient and has proven to be a nuisance. Update (April 29. 2016) - I finally found a way to turn off the GPS. Settings > Navigation > GPS Simulator (GPS Simulated for indoor use). It's not intuitive and requires several steps, but it works.

I tried a different brand and returned it. Only Garmen has the option to save your home address with the navigation option “Take me home” no matter where you are 💕

This is my 4rth Garmin GPS. I notice that Garmin is no longer using "NUVI" as its produce line name, but calling it Garmin Drive. I generally like Garmin and I generally like my new Garmin Drive 50 LM 5". However, there are some sources of frustration. The first thing I did was to attempt to perform a map update. All the documentation, and the update section in the device settings said this is to be done with Garmin Express. I downloaded a fresh copy of the Garmin Express software, started it up and plugged in my Drive 50. It did not register. I downloaded the full manual, and in response to a stated requirement that the USB port should not be off a hub, but directly on the computer box, I tried moving the USB cable around (no effect). I decided to use the pre-installed maps, which were not likely to be too far out of date. After using it (and thus charging the internal battery) the device registered succesfully, so the run-around with the USB was unnecessary. BUT, Garmin Express was still unable to update this model of GPS and gave a message to use the Garmin Map Updater. After finding and downloading the updater, I was able to update the maps (it takes about 2 Hours). In the past, Garmin Express also allows the customization of vehicle and voices. This is not available using Garmin Map Updater. This is not a big thing, but I liked using the Australian accented female voice, and an Eagle for my vehicle Icon. In use, I liked some of the new features like the warning when the speed limit changes. The curve warning seems very if-fy. The software that decided when so notify needs some work. Other warnings seem superfluous, but they can be turned off. Some of the things that annoyed me in the past are unchanged. You can turn auto-zoom on or off. But, when it is turned on, it often zooms in too much when approaching a turn or off-ramp. I like to get a preview of how close I am by just very quickly glancing at the GPS and returning to looking forward. When the GPS zooms in, it is not as quick to estimate how close the turn is. I definitely do not have time to 'read' the distance in the upper left corner. I also like to see beyond the turn I am making. Zooming too far precludes this. Turning Zoom off and I have to choose between seeing more of the route and seeing details of the turns. All in all, I like my new Garmin Drive, but it could be improved. There are a lot of features like the locations of stores and restaurants, parks, etc that seem to be expanded in this device. I occasionally used them in the past, and will probably occasionally use them in the future, but are not high on my list of features I need.

Little larger screen. Hopefully better overall. Larger screen than my older gps. Hopefully better overall.

works great

Purchased for a trip to Alberta and BC. Found it accurate, easy to use, very useful. Found gas stations and restaurants in a flash. Screen is not too crowded. 7 inch screen might be preferred by some but totally unnecessary. Would recommend.

This unit is easy to use, and update. Functionality of the unit itself is great, allowing you to change settings fairly quickly. It is easy to enter an address and maps are accurate. Has a night mode where the screen will darken once the ambient lighting in the vehicle starts to darken making it easy to see the maps and route at night. Voice assist is volume controllable, and the directions provided come in plenty of time to allow a safe lane change or exit from a highway. All in all a great unit for the price point and it works well

Fantastic! Dad loves how simple it is. Great directions on the road, can use it right out of the box. Only gripe I have is that the touch screen is a bit odd when trying to scroll around the map, but it’s not a huge deal.

For the price, you do get a basic functioning, no frills GPS. I did not want to spend that much on a GPS as TomTom was way more expensive but you get what you pay for and now I am sorry that I didn't choose TomTom. The interface is clumsy to use, I hate it. Instead of choosing country, state/province, and then city; it makes you type in the house number and then street...only to come up with results that are in the wrong province, the wrong city, and the wrong country. Then the interface makes you start over again with many error messages of "Address not found." I am taking this portable GPS and using it in a rental car just in case the car navigation system is too difficult to use. If only I had puchased TomTom in the first place. Very disappointed.

C était correct