
I bought the Garmin - DriveAssist 51 LMT-S 5" GPS primarily because it had two features/capabilities that I was seeking: trip planning and an integral dash camera. I need to visit a number of locations throughout my county every so often and I have a limited amount of time to do so. Previously, I had to locate each address on a map and, after plotting them all, figure out the most efficient order for my route to avoid backtracking and wasted time. That was time-consuming and frustrating. The trip organization function allows me to enter addresses at random and then, with a push of a key, put them into the most efficient order for me to visit. YEA!! The high-definition dash camera was something I’d been wanting. It also provides a certain amount of security by automatically saving imagery in the event of an accident/sudden stop. This is a good feature. Other key features are Forward Proximity warning; lane departure warning; changes in speed limit; and “traffic is moving” alert (so you know when the backed up traffic in front of you finally starts moving because you were killing time doing something else in the car). An nice optional add-on is Garmin’s rear view camera (which must be purchased separately). NOTE: You will have to add a micro SD card for additional map and data storage as none is provided. A 4 GB micro SD card is supplied for the dash camera but I recommend you also replace the provided 4 GB video micro SD card with a larger capacity micro SD card to hold more video. (Make sure you get a card that supports video and not a slow data card.) This GPS device accepts micro SD cards between 4 GB and 64 GB. The higher capacity cards provide more storage for your money. It’s going to take you a while to get familiar with all of the features of this GPS (there are many) so be patient. Unless you live in/visit the “big city” there are a number of features you won’t use but that’s OK with me. I also strongly recommend you purchase a carrying case (none is provided) and be sure it protects the camera lens. You’ll also want to buy an AC power adapter so you can charge it and/or load trip information without being in your car. I bought my case and AC adapter from Garmin’s web site because I couldn’t find them at my Best Buy. Also, if you already own another Garmin GPS, you can transfer your favorites to the new GPS via the My Garmin web site. Recommended.
Posted by EdInFL
I just love this device,it does help alot in traffic, ALOT!
Posted by Crifox34
Like most people, I use my phone as my GPS, but I started to wonder what current GPS devices offered. I was an early adopter back in the 2000s, so I’ve seen these devices evolve over time. But what blows me away is the quality of the voice command and the camera system. I definitely would spend extra to buy one of these higher end devices, as it does more than give directions. It is virtually hands free, where I simply declare “Voice Command” and it turns on. The degree of accuracy has been inconsistent, but I figure it will learn over time. Surprisingly, it worked well in Hawaii, where every other letter is a vowel. As you arrive at a location, it gives a live view and points out the location for you. The interaction with your Smartphone still needs some work, but it is ultimately effective, although a little tedious because you have to turn on your app and have it connect with your GPS device. I wish the device was easier to connect and disconnect, like the magnetic connection on the DriveLuxe model. But ultimately, I went with the DriveAssist version for the camera. But I preferred the DriveLuxe ease of disconnection. The cord is somewhat awkward as well, as it is an old USB mini connector instead of micro. The unit does not hold a long charge, so you need to keep it plugged in more often than you’d want. I would buy it again, but wish I could try the DriveLuxe. The camera isn’t as important as I thought because it takes some work to turn it on.
Posted by SharkFin
Customers commend the DriveAssist 51 LMT-S for its excellent camera, which is frequently praised for accident protection, and its user-friendly GPS navigation system. Many appreciate the ease of use and the helpful voice command features. While some users mention limitations in battery life and memory card functionality, the positive feedback on the core features outweighs these concerns.
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