Garmin - nüvi 55LM 5" GPS with Lifetime Map Updates - Black

I read lots of reviews before coming to buying decision for the GPS

Right out of the box the unit worked. Battery was almost fully charged. the down side was the Suction Mount, would not stay stick to the glass. Essay fix ordered a ChargerCity EasyBlade Car CD Slot Mount . No more problems. Love Garmin 55LM 5" GPS, the registration and updates went very well too.

I bought this never Garmin unit to replace an older one I gave my son for his travels to a new job on New York. I love the Lifetime Map Updates feature and really appreciate the split screen with the intersection diagrams when travelling in unfamiliar areas.

I never had a GPS device before, so I really was not sure what to expect, in my opinion this device is remarkable. In addition to giving directions, both verbally and on the screen, it tells you your present speed, the speed limit of the roads you are on, names of streets you are on as well as names of cross-streets as you approach them. The verbal directions it gives allows you to continue to drive without taking your eyes off the road. I wish I would have bought one of these sooner as it does make driving easier if you are in an unfamiliar area.

I received this GPS to replace an earlier Garmin Nuvi model that had simply died of old age and over use. I rely heavily on these things and decided that this model with a screen slightly larger than my old one would be a good choice. I have used the device a number of times now and it has worked very well. The only problems I have are with the bracket used to mount it to the windshield and the contrast of the display. I have a Ford Focus with a deep windshield. I leave the suction cup attachment attached to the windshield, but remove the GPS when not in use. The problem I have with this model is getting the GPS mounted in the suction cup holder. It's easy to do when you have both items in your hands, but a REAL pain when trying to reach across the dash. My old model snapped right in ... this on is far more difficult. The second problem I have with this model compared to my old one is the image contrast. I am familiar with the brightness settings, but regardless of how I adjust them when in bright sunlight the image is difficult to see. Works great on a cloudy day and obviously at night, but in the direct sun you really have to look at it to see the image. Everything else in fine ... it got me where I needed to go today and I fully expect it to do the same tomorrow.

I'm really amazed at how well these Garmin Nuvis work. Inputting a destination is intuitive and quick, and the unit's spoken turn by turn directions are clear and well timed. Graphics are bold and crisp and the 5-inch screen is easy to see while it's sitting on my dash. Out of the box I plugged it into my computer (Mac) to register it and found a firmware update and minor map update available. This procedure is quick and painless via the Garmin Express application that you download to the computer. I have both the Nuvi 55LM and the older Nuvi 52LM and they have slight differences. My only disappointment with the 52 is that it doesn't work well with Garmin Base Camp, which I use to look at routes and waypoints from my hikes with my hand-held Garmin E-Trex. As said, the Nui 52 isn't compatible with Base Camp. The Nuvi 55 is designed to be compatible with it. Missing from the 55 is the ability to input a Zip Code as a way to get started finding a destination. The 52 has input for that. Finding by street address is simple with either one. And with both, you can touch a spot on its map with your fingertip and it will take you there if you want to do it that way. Both units are excellent and easy to use.

This is a good entry level gps for the person who just needs one occasionally. Has all of your basic stuff. If you want the Bluetooth versions they would be great for the person who does alot of traveling. This is my first one that I have owned personally but have borowed friends gps' and prefer the Garmin hands down to a Tom Tom.

Works as a GPS system should. FYI the screen isn't split screen all the time as it shows on the box. It is normally a full wide screen map, and then when you get within a mile of an exit ramp while driving on a free way it goes to split screen. Also a cool little feature is it shows little arrows at the top left of the screen which indicates what lane to be in when on a multi lane street so you are ready for the next turn.