Garmin nuvi 1690 Review

£350Jan 2010

Stuff says

A fine, fully connected sat-nav, and the “fit-and-forget” price (at least for a year) is a real bonus

Images

Stuff magazine Sun, Jan 31 2010, 5:11PM

The nüvi 1690’s job seems clear: to take on TomTom’s Go 950 LIVE. That’s a tall order given that the nüvi is more expensive and lacks North American mapping.

But then, it does come with a year’s free SIM card-powered nüLink services including traffic and safety camera warnings, Google Local Search and fuel price info.

Over a year, it actually works out cheaper than the TomTom.

TomTom or go?
While it’s a close-run thing, we’d take this over the TomTom, and not just because of the money. Graphically it’s got the edge – although the rival Navigon’s better still – making it very easy to use.

Review continues after the break...

Plus, its speed camera and fuel updates are available in 15 nations, unlike TomTom’s five.

Garmin scores bonus points for its Flight Status service – it’s particularly handy for timing tricky airport pick-ups.