The Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT vs TomTom XXL 540TM

Two amazing SatNavs. Take a look at some of the features that regular users want to know about...

Garmin and TomTom are two well known brands. In fact, I consider them to be the best Global positioning systems (GPS) available on the market at present.

They keep bringing out better and better versions of their SatNavs and each one is an improvement on the one before.

When I started work, I had to use maps on my steering wheel to get around! (not the safest) So finally I succumbed to the pleasures of a SatNav and life became considerably easier.

Here are two of the more popular versions available on Amazon and they are both really great.

Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT

With a huge 5 inch screen, the Garmin Nuvi 1490 LMT is amazing with its ability to present a great amount of information on screen. If you ever had one of the smaller screens, you would not be going back after this one.

The screen is anti-glare so even when the sun is shining brightly overhead and through your windscreen, you will still be able to see where you are going.

Updating this SatNav can be a long process especially if your computer is not that speedy but you can leave it to do its thing overnight if necessary - No, it will not actually take that long.

Lots of options available for you to choose from in terms of the routes and traffic. It also comes with lifetime traffic information - definitely a bonus for Mum's taxi.

Ocassionally, the Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT can take you on weird routes if traffic avoidance is enabled. The solution to this concern is to keep traffic information on in the settings but switch off traffic in the avoidance settings (Confusing, I know but come back to this page when you get it and it will all make sense then!). Doing this means you get the best of both worlds as it tells you where the traffic is and suggests alternative routes which you can ignore or accept if you like.

The Nuvi 1490LMT has bluetooth on it and easily pairs with your phone. The reception is great so your caller hears you pretty clearly.

The Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT

Garmin nüvi 1490LMT 5-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Li...

Only $259.99

View on Amazon

Garmin Portable Friction Mount - Frustration Free Packaging

~~$33.99~~ $26.99

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Garmin Nuvi

The one thing that can happen if left in direct sunlight (which just might happen when using on the dashboard) is that the 1490LMT may overheat and require rebooting. Thankfully, that does not take too long.

You can get an AC charge cable from Amazon as well. So you can recharge it elsewhere, not just in the car.

TomTom XXL 540TM

The TomTom XXL 540TM also has a 5 inch screen.

TomTom usually come with this great feature- Mapshare. This is where consumers can adjust the maps and upload the corrections for other TomTom Users. So, even if you did not get updates on your map for free, you could always connect your TomTom to a computer and get the uploaded corrections at no extra cost.

With the XXL540TM model, you get official updates for free so this Mapshare feature may not seem essential. You would be wrong though as Mapshare is updated continually by consumers so you could stay up to date while waiting for the official update to be released.

There is no way to add extra memory on the TomTom as just regular use of the SatNav fills up almost all available memory. This could prove annoying if you want to use other features with a high requirement for space on your device.

The TomTom 540TM

TomTom XXL 540TM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime...

Only $199.95

View on Amazon

The TomTom 540TM also has an itinerary feature so you can set various destinations the night before and just be asked which one you would like to go to when you switch it on. This means you do not have to fiddle with the SatNav when you start your journey. Just press a button and off you go on your trip for the day.

Overall, this is another great navigation device that has a good battery life. Its maps are very accurate and the lifetime updates are extremely helpful.

Updated: 02/24/2012, MuminBusiness

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