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| 1490T Lane Change Assist |
Introduction: As a performing musician, I often travel to new places for gigs. Showing up late or getting lost can spell disaster for a wedding or event. I have tested several GPS brands and models and have owned and used quite a few -- and, in my opinion, the nuvi 1490T is a cut above the rest. Why? Certain features set it apart.
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| 1490T Speedy Route Calculation |
Features: The nuvi 1490T shines where so many GPS models can leave you (literally) lost in the dark. Namely, it acquires satellites almost instantaneously and calculates your route very quickly. Many GPS models struggle when you travel a large distance and may take quite some time to re-acquire satellites (I've experienced up to a half an hour delay in other GPS brands). Not so with the 1490T, which, when tested on a recent trip from Minnesota to California, adapted almost immediately to a location thousands of miles away.
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| 1490T mounted to Hertz GPS |
Then, there is the added lane change assist, which was a lifesaver especially on the California highways. Although our Hertz rental came with a GPS built-in, so impressive is the 1490T that we turned that Magellan into a stand for the Garmin! Navigation was also accurate and quick, and it was nice to have speed limits on-screen that change color if you are going too fast. The unit also tells you what street to turn on, rather than merely indicating how many feet until the next turn (which is a fairly standard feature in most GPS models aside from entry-level units).
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| 3D Map View 1490T |
Screen: The 1490T's screen is a pleasure to behold, with it's wide aspect ratio and bright colors. Further, the touch screen is extremely responsive, another feature that sets this model apart. In addition, the 3D navigation view is very easy to follow. In the picture at left, I actually calculated a route from inside a building -- another testament to the strong satellite acquisition prowess of this unit.
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| Side profile 1490T |
Fit and Finish: The 1490T feels sturdy in the hand, and, while it isn't the thinnest GPS available (with the shift toward Iphone-like form factors for recent GPS releases), it certainly isn't bulky.
Price: The 1490T is available for around $250. Although refurbished models are cheaper, I have noticed some issues with GPSs purchased from less than reputable sources such as screens that have diminished touch sensitivity and freezing of the software. I strongly recommend buying a new model from an established dealer.
Conclusion: If you are looking for a GPS that truly gets the job done -- getting you to your location efficiently without hassle -- you can't go wrong with the Garmin nuvi 1490T. Some of the more newly released GPS models may have more bells and whistles or a thinner casing, but there have been reports that this sacrifices satellite acquisition. This unit is perfect for anyone who wants a GPS where navigation is truly the priority.
Lisa Berman, Simply Violin
