Garmin nuLink 1695

It's pricey, but the Garmin nuLink 1695 offers one feature you won't find on cheaper Garmins: It connects to the Internet, so you can search Google for unlimited addresses and points of interests, plus get traffic information, the latest weather, local gas prices and more. Expert testers say the Google search is speedy and reliable, and owners agree; although you'll have to put up with pop-up ads, most users find them unobtrusive. Since the nuLink 1695 gets its traffic information via cell signal, one expert says it will work better in fringe reception areas than the FM traffic other GPS units use, but unlike other Garmins, the nuLink 1695 doesn't include free lifetime traffic (traffic comes with the nuLink services, which cost $60 per year after the first free year).

The nuLink 1695 also has the ability to learn traffic patterns in your area, as well as your favorite routes. Experts say this really helps the unit create more efficient routes, although it can take longer to generate the route initially. Some owners disagree, though, saying the nuLink 1695 doesn't always pick the best route, and it can be slow not only while creating a route, but also when recalculating after a missed turn. If you don't need the Internet services, the less expensive Garmin nuvi 3790T (*Est. $250) also has the ability to learn traffic patterns.

GPSTracklog.com and ConsumerReports.org both conduct thorough tests of the Garmin nuLink 1695 in the U.S., and Which? magazine performs equally excellent tests in the U.K. Some users at Amazon.com find flaws the pros don't.