| Garmin Nuvi 1690 Traffic Satellite Navigation System with UK & European Mapping | 
| Brand: Garmin
Category: CE
List Price: £279.99
Buy New: £152.00
as of 8/9/2010 21:05 BST details
You Save: £127.99 (46%)
New (21) from £152.00
Seller: Amazon.co.uk
Rating:  35 reviews
Sales Rank: 74
Media: Electronics
Batteries: 1
Batteries Included: No
Display Size: 4.3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 0.6 x 5.4 x 3.4
MPN: 010-00822-10
Model: 010-00822-10
UPC: 753759100209
EAN: 0753759100209
ASIN: B002NPC0P8
Release Date: November 15, 2009
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 35
 Garmin's debutante December 13, 2009
Paul Madge (West Sussex UK)
91 out of 91 found this review helpful
I bought this for my girlfriend who drives from West Sussex to Hemel Hempstead most days as an early Christmas present. I was slightly apprehensive as this satnav marks Garmin's first excursion into live update services - an area that Tom Tom have been in for some time. However, I need not have worried the live traffic and speedcam updates are excellent and save having to connect the satnav to the PC, and, obviously the updates take place in close to "real time" too. Traffic updates are swift but not instant. The unit also displays local speed limits and your current speed with the latter figure appearing in red if you are overspeed.
The 1690 satnav looks like a premium unit, although, the piano black surround to the screen is a magnet for fingerprints. The mounting hardware is good quality too with the electrical connection being made to the cradle rather than satnav itself, which, in my experience, is much easier to manage. Also, because the traffic update is received by the satnav unit rather than the usual "in line" traffic receiver the connection cable is slimmer and easier to store.
The 4.3 inch screen, software and ergonomics are up to Garmin's usual high standard, although, sometimes you still "discover" features that do not appear in the quick start guide or on-line PDF manual. Mapping appears good and you have up unitil 60 days after purchase to download an updated version. The only slight issue being sometimes the refresh can be a bit slow as can the switch off process - but these are marginal issues. I can recommend purchasing the Garmin dashtop friction mount to use with this unit.
The range of functions beside traffic etc. is amazing - live weather updates, flight arrivals, Google search etc. take this satnav into a new league. For the technically minded this unit uses "Edge" technology akin to that used by Blackberry's etc.
The unit comes with a "free" one year subscription to Garmin Live Services (in the US it is two years free) A matter of curiosity to me was the cost of future years Garmin Live subscriptions and I am told it is going to be £69.99. Although it sounds steep, given that the Garmin Cyclops Speed Camera database subscription is around £30 alone, the cost of Live Services isn't too bad if you are someone who drives a lot at peak times.
In summary, a landmark product for Garmin which delivers what it says it will - I suspect there will be further developments soon in Live Services. Recommended.
What Problems? June 25, 2010
Grumpyoldman (UK)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Bought this to replace a TomTom OneXL but was a little apprehensive because of some of the comments on Amazon and elsewhere. Then again most of the alternatives I was considering had equally worrying comments and I wanted the sort of features that the Garmin nuvi 1690 offered. I needn't have worried because the Garmin hasn't given me a moments trouble and I am very happy with it and all the features work very well.
I find the Garmin much better to use than the TomTom and certainly the Garmin website is way better but then it didn't have much to beat, in my view. That's not to say that the nuvi is perfect because there are a few minor failings - I have made a few journeys where the nuvi occasionally told me that I am in a national speed limit area, when the permanent marker posts at roadside clearly showed it was 40 mph and that suggests the data isn't as always up to date - but the important things are spot on.
Nuvi 1690 July 30, 2010
Vincent
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I bought this for moving to Switzerland. I have used it every day since and have had absolutely no problems with it. The large screen is great and is easy to see and follow when driving. It is very easy to use (I have never had one before)and was able to use it without reading the instructions to get started. I think this has already been mentioned in a previous review but when I changed the distance to KM the voice still says the distance in miles, however on the screen it appears as KM so not a problem. Would recommend this product.
Feature packed and so easy to use! July 19, 2010
TimmySteel
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
It was time to replace my old Sony Nav-u Sat nav which I have had for years and having tried most makes and models I loved the simplicity of the Garmin devices.
With a simple "Where To" and "View Map" option the system is really aimed at all users especially those new to using a sat nav.
The brackets and fitting are simple to use and nicely compact.
The 1690 features some awesome features like the live updates using the Garmin servers and real time flight time updates. All very cool but just a little gimicky! Perhaps I should become an Airport Taxi driver!!!
The new 1690 has Bluetooth which is actually a better system than my built in Honda system and connectivity is excellent.
The only real bugbear that I have with the 1690 and all of the new UK range is the lack of an external audio socket. It would be really handy to plug it into my stereo but nope Garmin have REMOVED the headphone jack.... They had it in the old 600 which was great.... oh and the MP3 player is now gone!
All in all the lack of features do not let this system down and the lane guidance is excellent.
5 Stars!
If you can afford the extra 20-odd quid over the 13 series then buy the 1690!
It is Brilliant.
so glad i got this one August 5, 2010
Mr. K. Aylett (uk)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
ive had the 1690 now for 2 months and its great the clear mapping and photo realistic junctions are a real help
the other great feature is the internet that lets you find local information fuel prices etc its easy to use my wife likes it aswell. which is a bonus cant think of anything bad to say about it but to fair ive not used it that much before i finish its also realiy easy to download things from garmins website i also have the friction mount which works really well hope this helps oh and do get the case
Showing reviews 1-5 of 35
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