First look: Garmin Nuvi 3790T GPS gets new features and look

Garmin's new top-of the line GPS navigator comes loaded with an array of advanced features, vivid graphics, and one of the best voice-recognition systems on the market. As you'd expect, it provides the same simple, easy-to-use interface that has impressed us in other Nuvi models. But what will dramatically set it off from its GPS competitors is the thinner, more elegant design that--in a nod to growing competition from smart phones--mimics the look and feel of an iPhone.

Like other models in the new 3000 series, the Nuvi 3790T is just .35 inches thick, making it about half the thickness of previous-generation Garmin models. While the smooth, gloss black case and chrome trim lend a more upscale look to the Nuvi, the practical benefit is that the device now slides more easily into your pocket.

The 3790T has a new 4.3-inch wide glass touch-screen with sharper colors than before, and it feels more sensitive to the touch. Like an iPhone, the navigator provides a pinch feature to zoom in or out of map views and switches between landscape and portrait views as you rotate it.

The suction-cup mount includes a larger speaker for better sound quality in the car, while a smaller speaker is built into the unit for pedestrian use. New features include trafficTrends, which uses historical traffic data when planning routes, and myTrends, which remembers frequently visited destinations and suggests alternate routes based on road and traffic conditions.

The 3000 line is due to go on sale at the end of July, and includes the 3760T and 3750 in addition to the tested 3790T. Features and prices vary by model, but all have the same look and 4.3-inch screen. We paid $450 for our test unit.

Features of the 3790T include:

• Voice command
• Predictive text entry
• Free, advertising supported traffic info
• 3D views
• trafficTrends
• myTrends
• Bluetooth
• ecoRoute technology to plan fuel efficient routes
• Pedestrian mode
• Lane assist with junction view
• "Where am I" feature for emergency help

Initial impressions
Overall, we're impressed with the 3790T so far. It's performance, ease of use, and reliable directions are on par with previous Garmin navigators, which have always scored well in our Ratings.

Two new features, myTrends and trafficTrends seem promising, but will require further testing before we can pass judgment. Garmin says myTrends anticipates where you are going based on routes you've traveled before, such as commuting to work. If it senses you're returning to a previous destination, it will automatically calculate the best route based on current traffic conditions and provide an estimated arrival time. Using historical data, trafficTrends calculates routes based on predicted traffic flow.

Voice command has been made simpler to use than on previous Garmin devices, with the elimination of a button needed to activate the feature.

Like some other devices from Garmin, however, the 3790T is pricey, and it lacks some multimedia features, such as a video or music player, that are often found on less expensive navigators.

We'll follow up with complete test results soon.

—Jim Travers