Garmin nuvi 3790T review

Posted to GPS 2010-12-29

Garmin nuvi 3790T review:

At the very top of the Garmin 3700 series is the Garmin nuvi 3790T GPS, which offers the complete best in features, capabilities, and performance over the two preceding slim-line models. Unfortunately, the price does not seem to be able to justify its potential, and the presence of "pop-up" ads in traffic updates deters many consumers from purchasing this device. All in all, the 3790T excels with advanced features and capabilities but falls short with the most minor issues.

Measuring 4.8 x 2.9 x 0.35 inches and weighing only 4 ounces, the nuvi 3790T, like its two other counterparts, is one of the thinnest, full-featured navigational devices currently available. While the price tag may deter many consumers, Garmin remains confident in their product by pointing out features that users cannot find elsewhere. For example, in coordination with nuRoute Technology, users can experience "trend-based" navigation calculation, which is much faster than re-entering your directions every time. So while many would ignore this GPS based on the high price and pesky pop-up ads, nevertheless, there is still hope for the Garmin nuvi 3790T.

Rating:

4.4 out of 5

Features

You have to hand it to Garmin, as far as features go, this GPS offers pretty much everything except direct Internet service. Unlike both the nuvi 3750 and nuvi 3760T models, this device comes with voice-activated navigation and ready-to-use 3D terrain and buildings to aid drivers in determining the region. And unlike the nuvi 3750 model, this one includes Bluetooth hands-free calling. Other features include advanced lane guidance and subscription-free traffic updates, but the updates have drawn some controversy from many consumers due to the pop-up ads.

Ergonomics

As reported in the other nuvi 3700 series GPS devices, the Garmin nuvi 3790T is possibly one of the most ergonomic GPS products on the market. Its platform is a mere 9mm thick, coming in at about the same thickness as a #2 pencil. The glass 800 x 480 resolution display offers dual viewing orientations- horizontal or vertical- much like the classy style of today's smart phones or Apple products. Needless to say, users who are prone to dropping things should probably consider a different device, as this one tends to be understandably more fragile.

Summary

The Garmin nuvi 3790T would be the nearly-perfect navigational system had Garmin reinforced the thin and sometimes flimsy device platform, as well as taken steps to alert consumers of the pop-up ads. Many consumers purchase the GPS with "lifetime traffic updates" thinking that they paid enough money for the device that no ads should be displayed. Needless to say, if you don't mind the occasional ribbon-size ad showing up every now and then, then this is perhaps a good choice.

Pros

Adaptable- comes with myTrends and trafficTrends capabilities
Ultra-portable- one of the thinnest GPS devices ever marketed
Expansive- feature-packed with Bluetooth, voice-activated, 3D territories

Cons

Expensive- a comparable smartphone performs nearly the same
Pesky- does not indicate pop-up traffic ads until they show up