What's this? This score mainly reflects how easy a navigation system is to use, combined with factors such as information given, portability, and routing options. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Approximate retail price:
$170
We expect this model to perform similarly to the tested Garmin Nuvi 50 although it may differ in price and features.
The Garmin Nuvi 50LM is a GPS available from
Garmin.
The Nuvi 50LM typically costs
$170 .
Consumer Reports recommends that you match the features on a model to the needs you have. Here's
our take on some of the specifications and features that are commonly available on GPS
models like the Nuvi 50LM.
Screen size (in.):
The diagonal length of the display screen measured in inches and rounded to the nearest tenth on an inch.
Weight (oz.):
Measured weight of just the unit (excluding mount) in ounces rounded to the nearest tenth.
Spoken street names:
Commonly referred to as "Text-to-Speech," this helpful feature is the ability to pronounce proper street names. For example, a system with this feature would say, "Turn right on Truman Avenue" rather than, "Turn right in 500 feet." Spoken street names allows the driver to confirm directions with street signs without looking at the screen.
Tested Model
The Ratings of Garmin Nuvi 50 were applied to untested model Garmin Nuvi 50LM, which in our judgment is enough alike in its performance, features, and specs that our test results apply to both.
By far the biggest selling brand, with more than 50 percent of the market. Based in Olathe, Kan., Garmin was founded in 1989, and today it has 7,000 employees. Garmin GPS navigators have consistently scored near or at the top of our ratings. In addition to portable GPS units, Garmin makes a variety of fitness training devices and products for marine and aviation use. The company announced plans to sell its own telephone with built-in navigation two years ago, but the scheduled release date has been pushed back several times.
Features & Specs - Garmin Nuvi 50LM
Screen size (in.) The diagonal length of the display screen measured in inches and rounded to the nearest tenth on an inch.
Screen size (in.)
5.0
Weight (oz.) Measured weight of just the unit (excluding mount) in ounces rounded to the nearest tenth.
Weight (oz.)
6.3
Bluetooth hands-free calling Allows user to make and receive hands-free telephone calls using the unit's internal speaker, microphone, and screen. Automatically quiets directions while call is being made. Can display user's telephone book, and shows caller ID on the screen. Can also dial phone numbers of point of interest locations. Requires a Bluetooth-compatible telephone.
Bluetooth hands-free calling
No
Spoken street names Commonly referred to as "Text-to-Speech," this helpful feature is the ability to pronounce proper street names. For example, a system with this feature would say, "Turn right on Truman Avenue" rather than, "Turn right in 500 feet." Spoken street names allows the driver to confirm directions with street signs without looking at the screen.
If you use the map that came with the device, you should be OK. To register for the Lifetime Map Updates, you have to hook-up the device to a PC and logon to the Garmin website. Lock-ups would always happen so I just continued using the original map data, which was no big deal. Last week while in use and plugged in, the unit just died and it now only shows the GARMIN Logo on the screen. Resetting by turning it on and off while both plugged in and uplugged do not seem to make any difference - it's just dead. I'm still trying to figure out what's going on and where to send it for a repair if that what it needs. The experience is a hassle.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By jmrpilot
from Philadelphia, PA
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Limo Driver Tested
12/27/2012
Pros
Acquires Satellites Quickly
Compact
Easy Menus
Easy To Read
Easy To Set Up
Large Screen
Reliable Performance
Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
Faster Routes
Finding Specific Address
Rural Navigation
Urban Navigation
Comment:
As a limo driver I spend thousands of hours per year behind the wheel. A Garmin GPS, in my case the 50LM, is an indispensable resource. Just received a new one as a gift which replaced an older nuvi. The new unit is amazingly fast and I was able to use it right out of the box with almost no learning curve. I can attest to its accuracy in both urban and rural settings. I would recommend this unit to anyone.
How long have you owned it:
A month or less
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By Boat Builder
from Upper NYS
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
3.0
Poor visual info
12/16/2012
Pros
Cons
Inaccurate
Best Uses
Comment:
when going fromn Main Street in a village continuing on a county or state route the unit says that you are still on Main Street even when on the open highway.<br />Gives info for turns by street name instead of turning next right etc. This is fine in daylight but questionable when the sign is missing ot too dark to see. More informative if take right in so many feet etc and indicate with a beep or whatever when at the actual turn. If I had the opportunity to try before purchase I would NOT have purchased!o
5 people have reviewed this model.
Screen size (in.)
