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