Garmin Nuvi 5" GPS (1490 LMT) Review

The price of quality, name brand GPS systems has been steadily decreasing over the past couple of years. This can mainly be attributed to the prevalence of GPS systems being included in new vehicles, as well as people using their smart phones for that same purpose.

A quick browse through any electronic store's inventory will reveal numerous good deals on GPS units, but there is one unit in particular that I would like to highlight - the Garmin Nuvi 5".

As a name brand product, the price definitely caught my eye. But as I read over the specs of this unit, I was surprised at how good of a deal this actually is. Equipped with Bluetooth hands-free calling and free lifetime updates, this unit contains most of the features you need, and leaves out the ones that you would probably never use. See the below chart for more details.

Bluetooth Handsfree Calling - Yes

 

Dimmable LCD - Yes

 

Keypad Interface - Yes

 

LCD Resolution - 480 x 272

 

LCD Screen Size - 5"

 

Touchscreen Interface- Yes

 

Vent Mount - No

 

Windshield Mount - Yes

 

Address Book - Yes

 

Audible Directions - Yes

 

DC Car Adapter - Yes

 

Distance Log - Yes

 

Downloadable Maps - Yes

 

Downloadable Voices - Yes

 

External Antenna - Not Applicable

 

GPS Chipset - Multiple

 

Includes Lifetime Map Updates - Yes

 

Includes Lifetime Traffic Updates - Yes

 

Integrated Antenna - Yes

 

Points of Interest Yes - 6 Million

 

Programmable Waypoints - Yes

 

Product Depth - 1.6 cm

 

Product Height - 8.6 cm

 

Product Width - 13.7 cm

 

Product Weight - 221 g

 

Remote Control - No

 

Warranty Labour - 1 Year(s)

 

Warranty Parts - 1 Year(s)

Garmin has always been known for standing behind their products, and creating quality technology to being with. In a store, you can expect to pay at least $200 plus tax. I did some searching around, and it seems that Amazon is the cheapest place to buy the Garmin Nuvi. Even with shipping, it still usually works out to be cheaper than buying it in store.

I recently ordered a couple of these units  that I intend on using as Christmas gifts this year. Why not shop early before the price goes up?

Ferrari Gives the Finger to Electric Cars

Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari's president, said his company will never make electric cars as he doesn't believe in them.

I agree with di Montezemolo's assessment of environmental alternatives, such as Hybrids, since they will be much more practical for Ferrari from a business perspective. Who in their right mind (and who isn't a celebrity) would actually purchase an electric Ferrari? A fully electric engine would detract from the rich engineering history that encompasses Ferrari's vehicle line-up.


"You will never see a Ferrari electric because I don’t believe in electric cars, because I don’t think they represent an important step forward for pollution or CO2 or the environment. But, we are working very, very hard on the hybrid Ferrari. This should be the future, and I hope in a couple of years you can see it."


The hybrid system that is alluded to in the above quote is rumored to be Ferrari's KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology which the company currently uses in its Formula 1 cars. 

Smaller, High-Revving Turbo V8 in the New Corvette C7?

If there's one thing I hate doing, it's jumping on the "rumor" bandwagon - but with the current C6 generation Corvette coming to an end soon, I'm finding it difficult not to partake in the speculation that GM may be substituting its large V8's for something smaller.

It's no news that basically all manufacturers are going the "forced induction" route when it comes to pushing their vehicles to their limits, but the Corvette is an icon of American muscle! Will it really be the same without a massive traditional V8? Well, as I was reading on The Detroit Bureau,  the new C7 will be targeted towards a completely different demographic. Corvette owners have typically been older American males, so GM wants to cater to a younger crowd with a European-styled V8 that could be as small as three liters, but still deliver around 400 horsepower! Some aesthetic rumors have implied that the C7 may bring back some historic features, such as the split window of the 1963 model - but that rumor is of course unconfirmed.

What I can confirm, however, is that GM’s global design chief Ed Welburn admits that the current interior of the C6 is a massive disappointment, and he is personally overseeing the design of the C7's interior. Since he considers himself a long-time fan of the Corvette, he promises the new design to be "world class," but I'll have to see it to believe it.

Back to the engine, is this a good change? I'm asking myself this very question right now. Since the Corvette's debut in 1953, it has always been stuck to the philosophy of "there's no replacement for displacement," indicating that this is a HUGE overhaul for this sports car. I really can't predict how the C7 will do on the market, but GM really has to make this a work of art in order for it to succeed. There's no word on price yet obviously (which should answer the majority of the comments on this post), but price is really irrelevant at this point anyways.

Handsfree Options For Your Vehicle - Don't Get Busted!

If it's illegal to talk on your cellphone while driving in your state or province, you could be facing some hefty fines for breaking this law. For instance, I live in British Columbia and the penalty is $167 - pretty pricey for doing something that was considered common a little over a year ago!

Luckily, for less than the fine, you can purchase "hands-free" equipment to ensure you can talk on your phone legally. There are a few different types of hands-free equipment to look at...

1. Bluetooth Headset / Wired Headset

Most phones (such as the iPhone) will come with headphones equipped with a microphone. If you want something wireless, you can pick up a Bluetooth headset (assuming your phone is equipped with Bluetooth) for anywhere from $10 to $300. The difference in price reflects the reputation of the brand, the features it has, the level of radiation it emits, the battery longevity, and the design. There are far too many Bluetooth headsets to review, but here's a reputable Motorola headset for sale at a very decent price: Motorola H790 Bluetooth Headset (Silver)

2. Bluetooth In-Car Speaker

This device is quite self-explanatory, in addition to being very easy to use. The device is mounted in your vehicle (usually on the sun visor) and you press a button on the device to answer an incoming call! It has a microphone built in, so it's like the person you are speaking with is actually in the vehicle with you. Of course, this device requires Bluetooth capability. Like the headsets, there are many varieties with varying features (such as full-color LCD displays) at a wide range of prices. For prospective buyers, check this one out: Motorola T215 Bluetooth Portable Car Speaker (Black)

3. In-Dash or Stock System

If you're fortunate enough to have a new car that is equipped with a Bluetooth stereo, read no further! You already know how it works and don't need to hear me babbling. If you don't have one, perhaps it's something to consider purchasing after market. Especially if you're in the market for a new stereo because you can kill two birds with one stone. If I could afford it, I'd buy this: Pioneer AVH-P3200BT In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Receiver. The music automatically turns itself down when you have an incoming call, and you don't have to charge either of the two devices I mentioned above. If you can afford it, it's definitely the best way to talk on your cell phone legally in your car.

Even if you can't afford any of these things, just make sure to wear your polar bear hat if you get pulled over. There is not a single recorded ticket EVER issued to someone wearing a polar bear hat. It's definitely something to think about, because you can't argue with statistics. I always keep mine in my back seat in case a cop decides to pull me over.