Garmin nuvi 1350LMT Review

GPS devices haven't really evolved all that much in the past couple of years but if you see the latest models right now, you will notice some things regarding the design. The devices are getting thinner and there are a greater number of larger models to choose from. Garmin is also one of the companies that offer some 5-inch models. Even tablet manufacturers are equipping their large 7-inch and 10-inch tablets with GPS features so you can see some detailed maps or see more of the surroundings without the need of zooming out. Of course, you have to spend more on these large models and if you are not willing to do that, Garmin still offers some of the traditional 4.3-inch models. In fact, the Garmin nuvi 1350LMT is a great low-cost choice if you need the exact same features found in the nuvi 1450LMT but want a smaller display.

Design

5.0-inch devices are pretty attractive at first glance but you shouldn't count out those classic 4.3-inch displays. When they were first introduced, they were much superior to the much older 3.5-inch displays because of the widescreen aspect ratio. In fact, you won't have to worry too much about looking at maps because the Garmin nuvi 1350LMT has the same 480 x 272 resolution as all of the other 5-inch Garmin devices. It also has a pretty slim profile so it is easy to carry around or slip in a pocket or purse. Since this is an automotive GPS device, it comes with a vehicle suction cup mount so you can mount it on the windshield or dashboard.

Features

Like many of the other the Garmin nuvi devices, the interface is one of the best reasons to consider the nuvi 1350LMT. Even if you never used a GPS device before, you will find out how easy it is to use right when you turn on the device for the first time. You should see a screen with two large icons labeled "Where To?" and "View Map" respectively. If you need to plan a route really quick, all you need to do is touch the "Where To?" icon and follow the simple directions from there. Once you specified a direction, you can stay focused on the road while you can let the Garmin nuvi 1350LMT guide you.

The "View Map" icon is needed if you want to see where you are on the map right now and what points of interests are nearby. You can change the view of the map at will so you can use the 2-D view whenever you want to zoom in and out or scroll to a different area to see as much detail as possible. When you are driving and following a route, you can switch the view to 3-D so you get a friendly perspective that updates your location in real time.

You should have no trouble in planning a route because the Garmin nuvi 1350LMT comes with over 6 million points of interest preloaded into the US and Canada database. Since the device is more than a year old, you should make use of the map updates so it can connect to Garmin servers in order to obtain the latest maps so even more points of interests are added while other map data is updated. One of the best things about this particular model is that you can update your maps 4 times a year to make sure you always have the latest maps. Garmin promises lifetime map updates to the Garmin nuvi 1350LMT and you won't have to pay for any subscription fees.

Because you don't have to spend for any extra features, you can optionally take advantage of the cityXplorer content if you ever venture to new cities. This inexpensive feature can give you some useful public transit and pedestrian information complete with walking paths. Even if you do not have a car, you can use your Garmin nuvi 1350LMT to find the nearest bus stop or subway and that shows that the nuvi 1350LMT can serve as a great handheld GPS device as well.

The navigational features are on the barebones side but you still get the ever useful lane assist with junction view feature. You can only use this feature in the highway because the feature is designed to solve a very common problem for GPS users. GPS devices without this feature can properly tell drivers what exit to take but it fails to give an alert on which lane you need to be in. You need to be in the right lane in order to be allowed to take that turn so the lane assist feature graphically highlights that and even highlights some useful signs to pay attention to.

The Garmin nuvi 1350LMT is also useful even if your routes do not involve highways. The text-and-speech features can kick in while you are driving so you do not have to keep an eye on the screen whenever it calls a turn. The street name is called as well so you won't make any accidental wrong turns. While the nuvi 1350LMT gives you freedom in planning the route, you can take advantage of the ecoRoute feature if fuel consumption matters. Routes created this way are specially designed for saving fuel which leads to saving money and possibly travel time. Even more time can be saved with this device since it features lifetime traffic updates as well.

You can also view images or play audio files as there an included MicroSD slot. Other extra applications include a world clock along with a measurement converter and a currency converter.

Bottom Line

The lack of Bluetooth and other extras help keep the price low and considering the age of this device, you should be able to pick this device up for less than $150. This is an amazing deal because lifetime traffic and map updates are included. The Garmin nuvi 1350LMT is a great entry-level GPS device to own for first time users.

Actual user review:
• "I purchased this product to replace a Garmin that I have had for a few years that was no longer holding its charge. I liked the features on my previous Garmin and that is why I purchased another one. This product has a good viewing area, clear voice directions, and has gotten me to the exact address each time I have used it. I have not had it long enough to appreciate the lifetime map and traffic updates, but I think this will be a very useful feature in the future. I would recommend this product." - PAtraveler (USA)

Product Features

Technical Details

More user reviews:

• "My parents (80 and 83) couldn't stop talking about how impressed they were with my Garmin, so I bought them the same one as an early X-mas present. They love the ETA and traffic ahead warning features. Lifetime maps is a must when you live in a big city where new roads and street modifications are a regular occurrence. Garmin will never be able to anticipate and give the short-cuts known by locals, but the prompts and basics to easily get you from A to B are hard to beat for the price." - L.Kat (USA)

• "The Garmin nuvi has been awesome to have. With all the traveling I do, I no longer have to print out maps, put on my reading glasses and try to read the small print while driving. The unseen voice guides me all the way in..even when I detour because I think I know a better way. From gas, specialty stores to the nearest auto parts store, The Garmin finds it all. Not only that, but my husband and I are finding all kinds of new places around where we live to enjoy that we never knew existed. Its a heck of a lot more than just a GPS Navigator its a open door to another world. "Thanks Garmin" for a great product!" - V.Rivera (USA)

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