I decided to treat myself by buying a new satnav for the car. My car doesn't have a satnav built-in, which with hindsight is a good thing.
The new model is a Garmin DriveSmart 76. My main reason for upgrading was to get lifetime map updates, which are installed via WiFi, directly onto the satnav (no PC needed). For me this is a major benefit, as otherwise map updates require a Garmin app running on Mac or Windows. The new unit will replace a Garmin Nuvi 65 LM.
@fitheach My last car had everything for satnav, except the sd card. The manufacturer wanted £400 for the sd card 😬 But I got one off a well known auction site, from ummm Russia for £45. Worked exactly as it should, connected to the manufaturer's app no problem with updates and everything.
@Glencoe
Did the maps go on the SD card?
My unit has 32GB internal storage. I've no idea how much has been used. It also has a slot for a micro-SD card. I'm not sure what this can be used for. The unit also has apps, but, they don't seem to be any different from functions. Maybe there are additional apps I'm not aware of.
@fitheach Yes the maps are on sd card. Updated via a PC app. Once the card has been inserted into the slot on a particular vehicle for a short time it becomes locked to that veihicle forever.
The first improvement I noticed is the larger screen (7 inch instead of 6 inch). Not only was the screen slightly larger, but, it also appears to be brighter and sharper (I haven't checked the relative specs). Otherwise, the menu system is almost identical, which is a good thing.
Certain actions can also be activated by voice command. This works much better than anticipated. It mostly copes with Scottish placenames. 😃
One of the first things I did with the new unit was setup WiFi, and install a software & maps update. This worked flawlessly, & completed in 2 minutes. Highland roads don't change often, so, weren't out of date. Not so with Central Belt roads. The map update should make a big difference.
The new satnav also supports Bluetooth, which means that calls from my mobile can be handled by the Garmin. Very useful. Unfortunately, handling SMS and notifications requires a Garmin app.
Why don't separate satnavs also have media player features? Vehicles without integrated satnavs likely don't have media players either. That's certainly the case with my vehicle. I use a spare 'phone for media playing in the car. Reducing the number of in-car devices by one would be good.
@garry
Same here. I never use the radio, and the CD player I've used once, just to satisfy my curiosity. For some strange reason my car has twin phono plugs attached to the Aux in of the "HiFi". I have my 'phone attached to this via the headphone socket. My music collection (in opus, ogg and mp3) then plays on the car speakers. All works nicely.
@fitheach You've got me thinking about an upgrade. I have to plug my Nuvi in to upgrade software and maps, and it's hit or miss whether the Garmin Express software actually recognises that it's plugged in.
@garry
I've only used Garmin Express once, as it is only available for Windows and Mac, neither of which I have. I did once fiddle about with GE in a VM, but, that was too much hassle to repeat.
The new satnav has the map update, nicer screen, and updated speed limits. That last feature, which includes audible alerts for going over the limit, is the thing I find most useful.
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