Garmin nuvi 5000: Review

Posted to GPS 2009-05-31

Garmin Nuvi 5000 Review:

The Garmin Nuvi 5000 GPS is a navigation device that offers a huge bright screen and great features; including games, but the company made a poor choice when they decided not to add an internal battery to the GPS. This of course, renders it completely useless when it is not plugged in. The battery oversight alone sends the stock of the Nuvi 5000 plummeting quickly in my book.

In spite of the fact that it does not have an internal battery, the Nuvi 5000 does have some redeeming qualities. The unit has a large 5.2 inch LCD screen that is nothing short of spectacular. The image is crystal clear from all angles and the wide screen allows you to see more of your surroundings. The Nuvi 5000 also has a video composite input which can be hooked up to a backup camera. The backup camera option is nice for people who are rendered incapable of parallel parking (like me!) or anyone who drives a large SUV.

Rating:

3.0 out of 5

Quality

The Nuvi 5000 is a nicely made product. The device itself feels substantial in your hand and the mounting system is also well constructed. Some companies like to skimp on the mounting hardware and while it is a great money saving option for the company it really turns off a lot of customers. The mounting system is not a problem with the Garmin Nuvi 5000. The hardware is nice and substantial and removing the GPS from the mount actually requires a pretty solid tug. I wouldn't worry about the piece going flying across the car during a sharp turn like I would with the mounting systems of other GPS devices. The screen on the on the other hand, cannot be beat, but there are some significant quality issues with the actual navigation component of the Nuvi 5000. While it locks on quickly to a signal the directions are pretty abysmal.

Features

The large 5.2 inch screen is probably the most notable feature on the Garmin Nuvi 5000. If you are looking for a mediocre GPS with a great screen this one will probably work for you. You can view the screen with relative ease even when there is moderate sun glare. The MSN Direct Content option is an absolute lifesaver and is probably one of the best features any GPS can have.

Summary

I usually really like Garmin products. I have been a fan of their GPS devices for sometime but the Nuvi 5000 just misses the mark. The company has left out some features that are expected and necessary in a GPS device in this price range. The lack of hands-free calling and internal battery leaves me wondering what Garmin was thinking when they released this product.

Pros

Big 5.2inch screen
MSN Direct offers traffic updates, movie times and other cool features
Solidly built with nice mounting hardware

Cons

No internal battery
No hands-free calling