GarminDrive 51LMT-S 5-Inch Satellite Navigation System with Lifetime Map Updates for UK, Ireland and Western Europe - Black

I used to have a cheap RAC Route 66 based Sat Nav, and then a couple of years with Google maps on my phone. I bought the Garmin as it was a dedicated Sat Nav with good reviews.I t has a lot of nice features and, for the money, it's an excellent product.I was, to be honest, expecting a higher level of mapping, being used to Google Maps.The 'Lane Assist' feature does not appear all the time, again, I'm used to Google Maps.Junction view , again, is only at certain junctions, but it is a nice/useful feature.Manipulating the map on the device is a nightmare, but you can send locations from the linked phone software.The PC mapping software, Basecamp feels very 'Techy' and old fashioned, You can plan trips and add locations, but it is easy to end up with multiple duplicates on your device.If your destination is on a retail or industrial site, then double check the access route provided, as I have, twice, been offered a route to an entrance that doesn't exist.Despite the above, it is well made and the Bluetooth link to the phone's data connection, works really well and, for the discounted price of £89.00 (£159.99 on the Garmin website), it is excellent value for money.I am enjoying using it and do prefer it to Google Maps (despite what it may look like).If Garmin could offer Google Maps level of detail and offer a more up to date, user friendly mapping app, those 3 stars would be 5.

My first satnav was a Garmin, which I was not impressed with, so when I needed a replacement, I bought a Tomtom which was superb in every way. After some years of faithful service, it finally gave up the ghost and, having read the reviews, I foolishly gave Garmin a second chance, purchasing it in time for a holiday in Cornwall. Previously, my Tomtom found and directed me straight to Porthcurno (a very small place, I admit). However, the Garmin did not recognise it and insisted on offering a substitute. I needed to get there on time for a theatre performance, so I typed in Sennen instead, knowing I could find my way from there. It correctly took me via Penzance but promptly got lost in the backstreets, then lost the route completely. My daughter however, immediately found Porthcurno on her mobile phone's Google maps which unhesitatingly and unerringly took me straight there! If both Tomtom and Google maps can do the job, what's the point of owning a device that is clueless? I am returning it for a refund because it is not fit for purpose, and I will purchase a Tomtom instead! The end.

This is my first satnav, I did a lot of research beforehand to find one of the best budget satnavs around and this seems to be it! Clear display, really intuitive for new users like myself and so easy to set up and get going. A few times, I've deviated from the 'planned' route and it is quick to recalculate an alternative route to your destination based on your new direction. There are really helpful diagrams of complex junctions, and helpful commands telling you which lane to be in at junctions or if any lanes turn off the desired route. Battery life is disappointing, but this seems to be an issue across these kind of products. In essence, for all journeys that are far enough away to warrant needing satnav directions, you'll need to plug in to a usb port or cigarette lighter. I've used my car cigarette lighter with the provided power converter which works a treat. The touchscreen is good enough, but not quite as sensitive as phone screens I'm used to - sometimes takes longer to type things out than I would like. It seems to pick up car parks/restaurants/shops very well, and receives updates via a desktop app which is simple and easy to use. I'm impressed with the speed camera and speed limit information which is kept up to date with temporary limits and mobile camera areas around roadworks, and has a good live speed function. Fantastic handset for the price, I don't feel like I'm missing anything from it, look no further - it does everything you need, and well!

My previous satnav was a TomTom. I was looking for a replacement with more user friendly support software at a reasonable price and this product is ideal. So easy to setup, we have two, one for me and one for my wife and it's so easy to update and manage multiple devices. It has lane guidance for junctions and gives clear instructions about upcoming turns. Only slight negative I've found is the default size of the screen map display which is a bit small for my liking but there is a plus/minus button at the side of the screen, I find incresing the size by a single push on the plus does the job. Also forgot to mention, an address programmed in to one device can be shared with the second device, no need to programme the address in to both separately.

Great little gadget - clear visual and audio instructions, decent size, has a lock on the suction cup to hold it in place. Also like how it actually speaks the street name and uses landmarks to help you, though some of the pronunciation has left me laughing. I bought this to replace my ten year old TomTom and I love it.