Garmin nuvi 1490T Review
A GPS device should excel in three main characteristics with
the first being the accuracy in navigation in which the device
should be used for. Secondly, the device should be easy enough
to use for people who are not familiar with GPS devices to get
started with and finally, it should have good enough features
and safety components to compensate its price. The
Garmin nuvi 1490T has all of those features
with the navigational features far better than the rest of the
automotive models.

Garmin
nuvi 1490T GPS Navigator
Design
Anyone who is familiar with the design of Garmin nuvi models
should expect the same minimalistic design. However, the screen
is much bigger than the rest at 5 inches measured diagonally.
It is commendably lightweight (7.8 ounces) and
extremely thin (0.6 inches thick) and makes it
easier to carry in your pocket.
Interface
The interfaces of all the Garmin nuvi products were always
praised for its simplicity inviting new users to pick up
immediately. Now the same interface makes it to the big screen
making it even more pleasing to the eyes. The “Where to?” icon
makes it real simple for people to set their next destination
and the “View Map” icon equally makes it simple to access the
map and gain any statistical information and access other
features. Exclusive to the 1490T is a rather cool feature that
lets you easily scroll between screens just by sliding your
finger.
Navigation & Performance
This large screen powerhouse has all the best features of
the smaller Garmin nuvi devices including the preloaded maps
including street maps with 6 million points of
interest scattered across North America. Simple routes
can be made rather easily, but when the longer trips are
needed, the Garmin nuvi 1490T can plan up to 10
routes complete with simulation and sorting
capabilities. While the trip is underway, a trip log can also
be made with a nifty “bread crumb trail” feature capable of
generating up to 10,000 points so you can trace what places you
have been to along the way.
The trip experience has both convenience and safety in mind
with turn-by-turn directions that speak the names of the
streets thanks to the Text-to-Speech
technology allowing you to stay focused on the road. Maps can
be viewed in 2-D or 3-D mode both featuring good graphics on
the 5” screen and the zoom levels look just as good with
elevation maps noticeable on higher zoom levels. The HotFix
satellite prediction feature makes it even more convenient by
accurately calculating your current position and constantly
updating it as you move.
Once the action shifts to the highway, the Garmin nuvi 1490T
keeps you prepared by letting you know what lane you should be
in to make the exit that is set based on your chosen route.
This makes navigating through unfamiliar intersections a breeze
even if there are plenty of road signs to stay focused on
because these signs are brought to better view as well.
Unfortunately, the battery life isn't quite up to
scratch for a device intended to be portable. A
fully-charged 1490T lasted just over 2 hours before the "low
battery" message came on the screen. Not a big deal if you're
in the car, but for a device designed to be carried with you
everywhere, it is something to take note of.
Other Features
The nuvi 1490T allows you to connect to your
Bluetooth-enabled phone so you can make hands-free calls just
by using the GPS. Just like the other T models,
lifetime traffic updates are included free so
you can receive real time alerts on traffic and road issues.
The ecoRoute feature also lets you travel using as little fuel
as possible.
What really shines in the Garmin nuvi 1490T is the large
screen and slightly improved interface. Combined with the other
praised features, the 1490T is a GPS device that stands
out.
Product Features
- It's easy to see where you're going on nüvi 1490T's
5-inch touchscreen display. View map detail, driving
directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant
color.
- With route planning you can save 10 routes, specify via
points and preview simulated turns on the 1490T's wide
screen.
- Pre-loaded with City Navigator NT Maps for North
America, including more than 6 million name-searchable
points of interest
- Bluetooth wireless technology enables hands-free
calling with a compatible phone
- Lane assist with junction view guides you to the
correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making
unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate.
- ecoRoute suggests fuel-efficient routes to save drivers
money and fuel
- Turn-by-turn directions with spoken street names
(text-to-speech)
- Integrated FM traffic receiver and free lifetime¹
traffic updates
Technical Details
- Faceplate Color: Piano Black
- Dimensions: 5.4"(W) x 3.4"(H) x 0.6"(D) inches
- Display size : 5" Widescreen (Diagonal)
- Display Resolution: 480 x 272 pixels
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
- Battery: Built-in lithium-ion battery
- Battery Life: Up to 3 hours
- Connectivity: USB
- Bluetooth : Yes
- Additional Storage: microSD card slot
- Voice prompts : Yes
- Text-To-Speech : Yes
- Lane Assist (with Junction View) : Yes
- MSN® Direct compatible: Yes
- FM traffic compatible: yes (receiver and lifetime
traffic included)
- Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos):
Yes
- Picture viewer: Yes
- MP3 player: No
List Price:
$499.99
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Garmin nuvi 1490T
Review
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