Garmin nuvi 1450 Review

Garmin offers dozens of GPS automotive devices to drivers of all kinds from entry-level GPS users to frequent travelers that need advanced GPS functionality. Now Garmin is broadening their nuvi lineup by offering ultra-thin products that have the same features as the three-digit models with the Garmin nuvi 1450 topping the lineup because of its larger screen display and other useful features.

Design

The Garmin nuvi 1450 is simple and elegant with its ultra-thin design making it a handy mobile GPS unit that can be taken out of the car. Unlike any of the older three-digit nuvi models, the 1450 proudly boasts a 5-inch touchscreen display which means more map coverage when zoomed out and more detailed zooms in both map views.

Interface

The user interface complements nicely with the larger screen display. The screen resolution also remains the same as the 4.3" models having a 480 x 272 resolution which means the icons are much larger as well as the buttons and text. Not much has changed presentation-wise so previous Garmin nuvi users shouldn't get lost with the interface.

Not many changes are necessary anyway because Garmin nuvi devices are generally very easy to operate and the Garmin nuvi 1450 is no exception. Turning on the device will immediately show the two main options - "Where to?" and "View Map" along with other smaller buttons that are responsible for configuration and connectivity purposes. Clicking on the "Where to?" button allows simple planning for a quick route, while the "View Map" button highlights the driver's current position and any points of interests nearby in a detailed colorful map. The view can easily be changed from 2-D to 3-D and vice-versa for driving convenience. These two features allow first time users to navigate with ease even if it has advanced features. A small, but nifty addition to the interface is the ability to scroll between screens by simply sliding the finger across the screen.

Navigation

In addition to the core navigation features, the Garmin nuvi 1450 is packed with great features to make driving safer and reaching destinations faster. Many of the features present in the 700 series are present in the 1450 such as the lane assist feature which automatically determines which lane the driver needs to be based on the planned route. This eliminates the hassle of missing that turn just because the driver is in the wrong lane. Drivers that find themselves in unfamiliar intersections can now navigate confidently by viewing the 3-D graphics as reference because road signs are enlarged and large arrow indicators are displayed.

Route planning is more in-depth than the budget models allowing up to 10 routes to be saved all at once. It also takes full advantage of the large display when the routes are simulated. All that is required is to set the points and the 1450 does the rest by automatically calculated the most efficient route for deliveries and other errands. After the route is completed, backtracking is easily since up to 10,000 points are logged in a "bread crumb" fashion. Utilizing the ecoRoute feature allows more efficient routes to be planned with gas saving in mind. The text-to-speech capability allows the street names to be spoken as the route is underway.

Like all of the other Garmin nuvi units, the 1450 comes with City Navigator street maps that cover North America along with over 6 million points of interests. These maps are detailed with updated information including digital elevation information to get a better idea of the surrounding terrain. These maps can be further enhanced by downloading the optional cityXplorer to add pedestrian navigation features. This is a great feature for travelers to get a better understanding of their surroundings in remote towns and cities. The subscription lets users know the areas where they can catch a bus or subway along with walkable routes.

Extras

The 1450 comes with several extras including a JPEG image viewer, currency and measurement converters, a simple calculator, and a world travel clock. The Garmin Connect service can be utilized to download photos that the map can use. MicroSD cards can be used as medium for the device to read photos and audio files.

The Garmin nuvi 1450 is the only 5-inch Garmin nuvi device alongside the 1490T. However, the 1450 is more affordable at $449.

List Price: $499.99