Garmin nüvi 1690 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth Navigator with nüLink! Services

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Garmin's existing lineup of GPS devices for vehicles is very impressive with the entry-level devices sporting an easy interface for first timers to get into while higher-end devices have advanced navigation features that work quickly and accurately. With a good selection of entry-level devices available, Garmin decides to add to the selection of the feature rich devices with the new Garmin nuvi 1690 which has plenty of new connectivity features along with the same clean interface and familiar features to frequent Garmin users.

Design

The design of the Garmin nuvi 1690 looks a bit different in the way the frame was designed with the chassis more curvaceous, but bears a similar glossy appearance to the nuvi 1390T. It does not have the 5- inch display that the nuvi 1490T proudly has, but the 4.3 inch display should be good enough for most drivers to see their surroundings in the different map views. The size of the microSD slot has been reduced as well.

New Features

The nuvi 1690 basically takes the same features of the previous top models and coat it with greater connectivity features to make navigation more convenient. On the hardware side, the nuvi 1690 is souped-up with a special wireless functionality called the Garmin nuLink! that grabs certain online content that is up-to-date in real time. The nuvi 1690 will be the first device that will take full advantage of these services.

Services include a powerful local search that is powered by Google that lets you key in any search phrase location and then utilizing Google's search features to locate any relevant results that are within the area. The search is smart with accurate results to Google-like queries. Choosing the result automatically calculates the route and switches to the map view where directions are presented in the usual Garmin nuvi fashion.

It also includes a real-time traffic feature that is far more reliable than the previous traffic services as it includes route optimization to calculate the quickest available route so the destination is reached in the shortest time despite the traffic interferences. Other special connectivity services include the Gas Prices service that shows an updated list of the best gas prices in the area. Choosing that price will select that particular station and then calculating a route to that station.

There are even some handy additions that are normally not found in GPS devices like the social network integration with the Ciao! Service that helps tracks the location of others. Other nice services include updated weather reports, movie times, flight updates, local events, and white pages search. As long as you are in the US, you can take advantage of all these features.

CityXplorer maps

The nuvi 1690 can utilize the pedestrian / mass transit navigation features of these maps, as shown below.

Other Features

Old Garmin nuvi models boasted millions of points of interest, but now this model claims that there are virtually unlimited points of interest with the preloaded maps more updated than ever. All of the navigation features present in the previous top models are found in the Garmin nuvi 1690 including the easy interface consisting of just two simple options with the first letting you decide where you wish to head to and the other that leads to the map in 2-D or 3-D view. After the route is planned with ease through the touch-screen interface, the rest of the technologies take place.

When on highways, the Lane guidance and junction view feature helps keep track of the planned route by displaying visual cues on which lane to be in before that upcoming turn. In addition, all the important road signs that are found on the highway are brought to detail as they come into view to help decide the lane.

Multiple routes may be planned using the multi-point routing feature when several errands need to be done in an organized sequence. With the aid of HotFix Satellite Prediction, location tracking is much faster when on long routes as it saves the satellite location and predicts the next location of up to 3 days in case the device is turned off. The ecoRoute also makes an appearance that helps save fuel by choosing the most fuel-efficient route.This feature adds a "less fuel" option to your routing choices and gives you fuel and mileage reports, estimated fuel cost for trips, and even a “driving challenge” to improve your fuel efficiency.

Technical Details

• Faceplate Color: Piano Black
• Dimensions: 4.8"(W) x 2.9"(H) x 0.6"(D) inches
• Display size : 4.3" Widescreen(Diagonal)
• Display Resolution: 480 x 272 pixels
• Weight: 6.2 ounces
• Battery: Built-in lithium-ion battery
• Battery Life: Up to 4 hours
• Connectivity: USB
• Bluetooth : Yes
• Additional Storage: microSD card slot
• Voice prompts : Yes
• Text-To-Speech : Yes (you’ll hear "drive one-half mile, then turn left on Oak Street." instead of just "drive one-half mile, then turn left.")
• Lane assist : Yes
• Junction View : Yes
• MSN Direct compatible: No
• Garmin nuLink! Services : Yes
• FM traffic compatible: No (traffic included with nuLink! Services)
• ecoRoute: Yes
• Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos) : Yes
• Picture viewer: Yes
• MP3 player: No

Bottom Line

Connectivity features are what define the Garmin nuvi 1690 and the Bluetooth connectivity couples with it nicely adding hands-free mobile phone interaction as well. Although a subscription for the Garmin nuLink! services are required, navigation is a whole lot easier overall with the Garmin nuvi 1690.

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It seems that Garmin is trying to create a nuvi for everyone, but with so many models in the marketplace, they’ve also created quite a bit of confusion. To help you navigate your way to the ideal nuvi, buyer guide written below will be useful starting point.

First of all, Garmin nuvi can be categorized into these groups.

• Basic Model (nuvi 2xx)
• Crossover model (nuvi 5xx)
• High end without voice control model (nuvi 7xx)
• High end with voice control model (nuvi 8xx)
• Portable GPS navigators (nuvi 12xx,13xx,14xx,16xx,5000)
• GPS navigators for RV and truck drivers (nuvi 5000)

Basic Model (nuvi 2xx)

• It has maps of the entire U.S., except for Alaska (49 states). Like all the nuvis, the it has around 6 million points of interest (POIs), name of geographic point that may be of interest to you.
• 3.5 inches screen size
• Track display – See where you’ve been. It can be helpful in finding your way in unfamiliar areas.
• Speed limit display – First implemented for major highways, we’re now starting see it on other thoroughfares as well.

• Live traffic – A nice feature that isn’t quite ready for prime time. Expect lots of inaccurate reports as well as incidents that aren’t reported. Delivered via FM, this service is provided by the Traffic Message Channel, hence you will sometimes see it referred to as FM-TMC. Unlike most other brands, Garmin traffic receivers are incorporated into the vehicle power cable. Also see MSN Direct for another traffic option.
• MSN Direct – This service provides gas prices, live traffic, weather and movie times. For nuvi 7xx and 8xx series models, second-generation MSN Direct adds even more features, including “Send to GPS” via the Internet. In terms of which is better for traffic, MSN Direct or FM-TMC, this often depends on which metro area you are in.

• Maps of all 50 states and Canada.
• Speaks street names – Formally known as text-to-speech, this function allows the device to call out the name of the street for upcoming turns, so you’ll get “in one-half mile, turn left on Oak Street,” rather than just “in one-half mile, turn left.” A very helpful feature.

• Live traffic
• Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use

Crossover model (nuvi 5xx)

High end without voice control model (nuvi 7xx)

• MP3 player – Some people don’t like this, but I really do. It’s nice to have the name of the artist and song on the GPS screen. Though it varies by model, typically the music is paused or the volume reduced when navigation instructions are given.
• FM transmitter – This can work well enough in small cars in rural areas, but expect problems in urban areas with a crowded FM band. The distance to your antenna impacts reception quality, which can be problematic in larger vehicles with the antenna embedded in the rear window.
• Multi-destination routing – A very nice feature, but not a critical one. if the model doesn't have it, you can only enter one destination and one via point. This isn’t problematic since you can easily find locations under Favorites or Recently Found.
• Lane Guidance - With the new Lane Guidance feature built into the nuvi 7x5 series, you'll never question which lane you should be driving in again. It provides you with a view of what lane you should be in for upcoming turns. And with the 3D Lane Assist Junction View, you'll be able to see a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. The signs that aren't needed for navigation are faded compared to the appropriate lane signage. This features is included in TomTom One 140-S which is the budget model of TomTom. However this feature isn't included in basic model of nuvi.

High end with voice control model (nuvi 8xx)

• 3-D buildings
• A2DP Bluetooth
• ecoRoute
• Recent cities and streets folders that speed searches (though these aren’t really necessary if you’re using voice commands)
• Customizable data fields

• Removable battery
• Dual speakers
• Voice command
• Custom avoidances (avoid specified streets or areas)
• Backup camera input

Portable GPS navigators (nuvi 12xx,13xx,14xx,16xx,5000)

GPS navigators for RV and truck drivers (nuvi 5000)

• External analog video (e.g., a back up camera)
• Customized routing to avoid select roads and areas
• Digital elevation maps that shows details about the surrounding terrain

Discontinued model which I don't recommend

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At the risk of upsetting the nice PR folks who provide me with review units, I've decided to share my thoughts on what brand of GPS is best. Clearly this is subjective — its my opinion and mine alone. And things do change. However, based on models I've tested over the past year, this is how I see things shaking out.

• Garmin – Garmin receivers are intuitive, easy to use units with an uncluttered interface. If you want a simple out of the box solution that just flat out works, this brand’s for you. They are easy enough that your parents or even grandparents can use them. While Garmin isn’t always the first to introduce new features, they generally nail them when they do. Finally, all their nuvi units have around six million Points of interest (POIs), name of geographic point that may be of interest to you, whereas most other brands will drop the numbers on lower level models.
• TomTom – The one place TomTom out paces Garmin is on customization. If you want to tinker with your device, get under the hood and play with settings, a TomTom may be your best choice. That flexibility can cost you though – there are more menus to navigate and a more cluttered screen. Having said that, TomTom does the best job of balancing lots of options with an intuitive interface. TomTom often leads the way in innovation too, though first to implement doesn't necessarily make for the best implementation. One other note — TomTom uses Tele Atlas maps while Garmin uses NAVTEQ. Both do well in urban areas, but in my experience, Tele Atlas maps underperform NAVTEQ in rural America.
• (TIE) Magellan and Navigon – These brands will perform basic navigation and get you from point A to point B, usually as well as a Garmin or TomTom. But along the way you may experience frustrating things like confusing interfaces, excess steps, lockups, etc.
• Mio – Before switching to the Navman interface, I would have ranked Mio higher. They dropped some advanced features in the changeover though, and I found routing problems in recent review units. Perhaps next year’s switch to Windows Embedded NavReady will improve their rankings.
• All the rest – Don’t go there. Stick with one of the companies above that have been doing this for years. Check the GPS rankings on Amazon and after scrolling way down to find the off-brands, read their reviews and you’ll see that the problems just get worse.

Car GPS Brand Summary

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