Review on 📍 6.95” High-Res Display Garmin DriveSmart 65 - Voice-Controlled GPS Navigator with Built-In Features by Todd Stovall

I purchased the DriveSmart 65 after switching from a Garmin Nuvi to my cell phone as my primary navigation tool. Cell phone navigators are great, but I miss the convenience of offline navigators. In particular, I didn't like the following aspects of mobile phone navigation: 1) The inability to easily see navigation apps when manually using the phone to make calls. 2) lack of navigation due to lack of cell phone coverage; for example, if you are in remote areas of the Rocky Mountains. If you have not previously downloaded offline maps with Google Maps or used any other application. 3) Offline Maps for Google never worked properly for me, there always seemed to be a solution problem that I couldn't solve despite several attempts. Also, I couldn't always get offline mode to work. I've tried some of the other free offline navigation apps but they seemed to be lagging behind in updates and didn't seem to have been improved, leaving me with a slight but ever-present apprehension. 4) I didn't like the small screen size in portrait mode even though I have an iPhone Plus. 5) Whenever I needed to do something with my phone, like an app, the navigation app had to run in the background and be inherently invisible. 6) I missed all the highly visible travel information offered by Garmin car navigation devices. E.g. altitude, time remaining to destination, arrival time and total kilometers to destination etc. (app navigators had similar trip info but wasn't as easy to see as Garmin). I chose the DriveSmart 65 because it was only an order of magnitude more expensive. than 55, and the extra screen real estate cost me a few dollars more. EQUIPMENT: The screen is beautiful! Excellent resolution and brightness. (I leave the brightness on all the way). 6.9 inch is the perfect size for me as I love having all the trip data features on screen at all times and leaving enough space for the map/navigation which is the most important part. The screen appears to be glass and will hopefully be scratch resistant like glass should be, but I'm not sure. The bezel within the frame is minimal, adding to the visual appeal but facilitating accidental touches when trying to adjust the device's position/angle on the mount. The screen is touch responsive and there is a slight lag when navigating the menus, as there should be for a device in this price range. The speaker is loud and clear even with my poor hearing. I don't know what processor is in the device, but I'm hoping it's an upgrade from last year's model. I think it's wise to get the best hardware within your means, especially if you intend to use the device for several years, to ensure software updates can run efficiently. I don't like how the power cord connects to the back of the unit like all Garmins do. It would be nice if it plugged in on the side or bottom, as a power cord protruding from the back makes it difficult to flush mount the unit individually or lay it on its back when updating software or working at a desk. This is a standard Garmin mount that works well for a window mount, but in my experience it always seems to end up losing suction and falling off the windshield. For this reason I bought one of Garmin's Friction Dash Mounts which has worked well so far. The battery is rated for 1 hour, but I didn't unplug it for as long as I was using it, so I can't report my results. SOFTWARE: Very efficient and easy to use. It seems that Garmin's years of experience in the industry has given it time to iron out most flaws. The highly detailed map option offers a lot of detail as the name suggests and the topographic map helps the user navigate from a geographic point of view. The map has a zoom in/out option, as all Garmins do, but unfortunately if you zoom out with the intention of using it that way indefinitely, the device will automatically reset you to the default settings, as it really doesn't the case is. want you to have full control over this feature. You can sync your phone with the device via Bluetooth, so you can get phone notifications for email/SMS/etc. can be obtained that are displayed on Garmin. In addition, the device displays the weather and allows you to make and receive calls while syncing with your phone should you need that feature. The device has a WiFi function for updating software and maps without using a computer. However, after trying to update the maps this way 4 times, I got an error code each time and the device aborted the process. Maybe it's because my internet connection isn't very fast, but I'm not sure. It would be nice to see if many other people have the same problem. In any case, the maps must be updated via synchronization with a PC. CONCLUSION: As expected from Garmin, the device performs well. Precise navigation and excellent route planning. The screen is excellent, bright and high definition for a sat nav. The size is right in the sweet spot. The price is a lot higher than Garmin's lower end and I'm not sure the features offered by this device are practical enough to justify the higher cost. If the processor is better than last year's model given the screen and great performance, then that's good value for money. VERDICT: It's nice to have a standalone navigator again and not have to use your phone as the main navigation system. Navigation. I am satisfied with the purchase despite the above disadvantages. Would buy again and recommend to anyone looking for a great offline navigator.