Review on Garmin nüvi 1300LM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator: Discontinued by Manufacturer - Best deals, Reviews, and more by Lamar Vanderburg

This is the first GPS unit I have ever owned, so I am not too knowledgeable when it comes to comparing this unit to other models with larger or better specs. I know it's VERY easy to use right out of the box and set up is a breeze. I charged it first via a USB connection to my computer and then downloaded software updates through Garmin including initial map updates. Initially, these updates can take up to an hour, but a secondary update I recently performed took just a few minutes. Incidentally, a USB cable is included in the box, although it's not listed here at Revain. BUT - it's not long enough for my liking and I ordered the longer one recommended by Revain. I LOVE the touchscreen features. One reviewer complained that this device doesn't come with a compass, but in fact you can select the "Detailed Map" option under the "Extras" option and not only see the direction of travel, but also the altitude, vehicle speed and time data. One thing I've noticed about routing is that the nüvi will always try to direct you to the nearest freeway, even if it's not the shortest (or preferred) route. When you start moving in the desired direction, the nüvi recalculates, but occasionally attempts to direct you to the interstate. Also, when you pull into a parking lot, the nüvi seems to "get lost" and tell you that you're going down an alley, down a nearby street, or just going in a certain direction. Setting up favorite places and destinations is VERY easy - the nüvi database already contains several popular destinations including shops, lodging, banks, parks and other points of interest, or you can create your own (by address or name) using the on-screen keyboard. The screen image changes from a white-backed card to a dark-backed card as lighting levels decrease, and this minimizes the bright light image on the dashboard at night. You can customize how your vehicle appears on the screen on the Garmin website. Use different options (including "holiday" images), navigation voices, download JPG images to adjust details, fetch games (although I swear on my life I don't know WHY you are playing games on a GPS need device) and subscribing to traffic information (LM stands for get lifetime free map updates but if you want traffic information you need to subscribe to this feature) So far I haven't traveled more than 20 miles with GPS guidance but I will update this one review. with deep appreciation when I do. I RECOMMEND purchasing a Garmin "Beanbag" wearable friction mount rather than using a suction cup on your windshield. short time (instead of unplugging the device and putting it in a pocket). This allows the device to keep charging while you shop or run other errands.