We travel a lot and like having a GPS system to help us stay on track. We had a Tom Tom in the past and wanted to get another one but the reviews weren't very good so we went with this Garmin because we got a very good deal on it. So far we have not been disappointed. My main problem is I don't like the voices. They are very mechanical. Processing Speed It doesn't recalculate as quickly as I would like if we miss a turn or aren't exactly following the route the system gives. Map Quality & Accuracy The map quality and accuracy is very good. When you are coming up on an exit it will show you the lanes and which lane to be in and what the sign looks like. That is very helpful when in a city. Ease of Use We had some growing pains when we were first setting this up. It is a pain to put in a location to travel to.

d1a1v7e8

Lincoln, DE

This is my second portable Garmin GPS navigator. My initial purchase was Garmin 200W nuvi. I loved it except for three reasons. One, I could not charge the unit while navigating and since battery life was five hours - I had limited time if going on long trip(s). Two, It took a long time to navigate - especially, if the weather was bad i.e., rain, cloudy, foggy, then it may not even work. Three, It was outdated so for days when it did work, new locations would not be recognized and because I didn't want to pay extra for map updates, I ended up using printed online Google or MapQuest for directions. For the reasons noted above, I decided to upgrade- by purchasing a new Garmin - 50LM GPS! This Garmin came with lifetime map updates, which was a Plus. I like this Garmin much better. It only takes 3 minutes to turn and provide directions I need and can use device while charging. Similar to previous purchase (Garmin 200W), I like Garmins for the following reasons. It's portable device and gives good driving directions. The picture onscreen is good to navigate and gives speed limit your driving and goes red if it's over the limit. I also like the fact that you have several options in viewing the map - "trip log", which shows the path of your directions; "track-up" - view from top (i.e. helicopter) versus "north up" and "3-D" . You have several language options: two American, two Spanish, 2 france, Korean, Brasil, and Portugal as well as Asians. I opted for American English- Micelle. (Note: American English - Samantha is hard to listen and understand the directions even when the volumn is turned high.) Also as with language, keyboard comes with many languages. However, when compared to my old Garmin, I wished few things still remained the same. My old Garmin prompted a message "re-routing" to advise me that the directions have changed when you missed the route from original directions. This new Garmin just provides new directions and you would never know if you missed the original directions. The old Garmin had several usage settings from automobile, bicycle to pedestrian. (Since it was portable, I used to take it along when touring big cities on foot. I haven't tried new garmin so I can't provide feedback as to directions; but this new Garmin only has one usage option - automobile). Also, when viewing map, the direction gives only street name but doesn't give advance directions - example left or right turn until your near the turn. The old Garmin provided advance directions (left or right turn) with street name. (This is the most annoying lack of feature! because I like to know in advance when to make such turns. However there is lane map, located upper left corner of screen which provides number of lanes and hi-lights your turning lane. Also if you tap or press on the street name, it will prompt you to a menu, listing all directions. So I guess I just have to get use to these new features - viewing lane map or tapping onto the street name. Overall, I like the fact that this new Garmin takes 3 minutes to boot up and provide directions. I've had this device for about a month and directions are pretty good. The only complaint is that it comes with free map upgrade - but, everytime i log on to the site - it prompts an error message that the site is unavailable. Bummer! Processing Speed Takes 3 minutes to boot up and provide directions. Map Quality & Accuracy Thus far it provides good and accurate directions. I've had this unit for a month, and still unable to upload the free map. For this reason, I'm giving it a 2 star instead of 4. Ease of Use It was bit odd at first - had difficulty viewing the directions...but, after few attempts, I finally got it to work. I think it just took awhile to boot up and start the gps. It's working fine except I'm unable to upload map.

nvgirli

Bethesda, MD

We got this Garmin as a gift and it has come in handy in many situations! We have used it to drive across the country from Ohio to Colorado. We made it the entire way without one wrong turn. I have also used it for quick trips around the city when I'm not sure where I am going. The device is very easy to use and you can set the volume and voice to your liking. When driving, it will say the next direction for you out loud so you don't need to continually look at the screen, making it very safe to use while driving. The only thing I don't care for is having to update the software. We keep it in the car and don't always remember to update the software. When we do remember, we are in the car already on our way and it is too late. Sometimes it may not find the location or it will take awhile to find. Overall, I like this Garmin though.

amsweigart

Grove City, OH

I got the Garmin nuvi 50LM GPS Navigator as a gift. Its good for giving you general directions but really doesn't tell you the best way to get from point A to point B. Generalization without giving the best route or telling you all your options. You would do better on map quest.

NancyFiorenza

Campbell, OH

I think this Garmin is a great GPS. It's easy to figure out, easy to change settings, and the display is a good size. It definitely takes you where you need to go, and has recognized all the addresses I've put into it. I love that you can get Maps for life with it, as with other GPSs the cost of updating the maps, is basically the cost of a new GPS. I like all the accessory options that Garmin offers as well.

minaob

Bradenton, FL

This GPS system got me from point A to point B. A being Norfolk VA to Redding CA. so it does what it is supposed to but the graphics on it could deffinitely be improved in cities with multiple freeways it is pretty confusing at times. also I did have a problem in the middle of my trip where it was shutting off due to needing an update UMMM i did not exactly have a laptop in the middle of no where to do this so this deffinitely needs an update thank goodness for my atlas! like i said it does what its supposed to but make sure you dont just plan on it being amazing right out of the box.

Bcrawford22

USA

We just purchased the Garmin Nuvi 50LM and are loving it! The display screen is large enough to see easily and read. We also love the larger-sized screen because as a touch screen, it's easier to navigate. Our children have noticed that it posts the speed limit right alongside your current speed. If you are speeding, your speed display turns red and our children love calling us out when they see red. We love the fact that we can opt to display the time, (instead of the direction of travel) as our car's clock display has been on the fritz. The functions are very intuitive and we have not had to utilize the user's guide for very much. We opted not to purchase the maps for life since we figured we would be buying an updated version of the GPS in the next 5 years anyway and we rarely ventured into unmapped areas with our last GPS.

wendieva

Spokane, WA

This GPS unit is handy to have when exploring new territory. Give it a destination and it will take you right to it. These GPS units are genius. Processing Speed The unit is quick to process the data. When traveling out in the country it takes a bit longer to retrieve the data that is needed. Map Quality & Accuracy We have used our GPS many times and each time we have arrived at our destination. Takes all the pressure off while traveling and makes the trip a breeze knowing that the unit is guiding us in the right direction. Ease of Use This GPS unit is quite easy to use. The unit is designed to navigate easily. Has many options to choose from.

cheekoo

Saint Anne, IL

i really like my garmin. we bought it when on a trip for a wedding out of state. it has a really clear map and recovers real quickly. it has an easy to read screen and is pretty easy to understand how to use it. there are some that cost alot more money, but this seems to do the trick for the average traveler wanting directions.

gingerrae

USA

This GPS is very user-friendly. I have owned quite a few- magellen and tom tom both and really like this garmin best! It has a large screen and it looks up addresses as you type. It is also extremely accurate! I use the points of interest options most, which lets you see what is near your current location and it will take you there!

brendajean87

Daggett, MI