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The Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT is a new GPS device that Garmin launched. It has similar features to the Nuvi 1490LMT but it contains other additional features. One of these features is BlueTooth wireless technology, which allows users of the device to integrate a Bluetooth cell phone that is compatible into the Nuvi 1490LMT. It allows users to talk hands-free through a microphone speaker that is built in.

This GPS device does not come with voice-activated command features and this makes it necessary for you to dial the number by utilizing the numbers found on the touchscreen while lightly tapping the display as you answer calls. LMT stands for Lifetime Map and Traffic and Garmin offers free of charge and lifetime updates to traffic and maps information. The Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT is therefore very useful if you reside in areas that experience a lot of traffic jams. The device also gives information on nearest traffic situations such as road constructions.

Key Specifications of the Unit

• Unit weight of 221.1g or 7.8 ounces
• Screen resolution of 480 x 272 pixels
• Unit dimensions of 5.4”x3.4”x6”
• Uses a lithium-ion battery, which is rechargeable and offers 3 hours of battery life

The Cons

• The Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT lacks voice-activated navigation, which is a feature that allows you to operate the device using voice commands. You can download custom voices from the Garmin website if you do not like the robotic speaker.
• This GPS device lacks an option to calculate the routes according to predicted traffic flow. It also does not contain other high-end features that are found in high-end Garmin devices such as myTrends, which functions in predicting the destination depending on the route taken by the driver.

The Pros

• Voice prompt

This unit features an internal voice prompt speaker, which gives out street names in addition to providing directions according to every turn you make. You can set the voice prompt to speak a foreign language even though street names are available only in the English language. The speaker guides you on where to turn with timely intervals and this depends on the how fast the car is moving and the speed limit. The speaker also speaks when performing route recalculation and as it searches for a lost satellite signal.

• Lane assist

This is a feature that prompts you to change lanes as you get closer to an intersection or exit. It contains a junction view, which allows you to know your way through foreign intersections. This feature also shows you accurate road signs, which look just like the signs that are visible from your windshield. Lane assist is however visible mostly in certain major and particular highways.

• Automatically sorts multiple destinations

This unit reviews all the routes that you can possibly take to reach your destination and offers the best route that will take you there in the shortest time possible. This is a useful feature when making deliveries, errands and in emergencies. In addition to this, it recalculates off-route and detour when you meet slow moving traffic suddenly and you want to opt to travel to another route. It also allows you to preset the route you choose for faster travel time in order to avoid toll stations, off road routes and highways.

• Where Am I Feature

This feature allows you to find the nearest gas, police and fire station in addition to the closest addresses, hospitals and intersections. It comes with about six million POIs to know about landmarks like restaurants, malls and BestBuy locations.

• Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates

Garmin provides Lifetime Map and Traffic updates free of charge and you can download them at Garmin’s website. Even though maps are not always up to date with the latest information on road changes or landmark constructions, you receive the assurance that they are free and get updated at least once a year or once in two years. You can also add Points of Interest in your Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT.

• EcoRoute

This feature serves the purpose of calculating a more fuel and time-saving route. It offers you an EcoScore, which shows if you are driving efficiently or wasting gas. Another thing it does is to show you how many miles you have covered, the amount of gas spent and how much your last trip cost you. The information is kept in the GPS and you can recover and log it into your computer.

Bottom Line

The Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT is appealing to use if you are adept in using a touchscreen as you drive. You can also choose to take your Nuvi as you travel through public transit. All you need to do is download the cityXplorer and then drive to your destination by riding in a public transport bus, train or by walking. This device does its job in a very accurate way and it also features a picture viewer, world travel clock, calculator and a unit and currency converter.