Best Reviewed
Auto GPS
- Budget car GPS Garmin nuvi 1350T *Est. $155
- Big-screen GPS Garmin nuvi 1490T *Est. $195
- Best overall GPS learns traffic patterns Garmin nuvi 3790T *Est. $250
- Internet-connected GPS device Garmin nuLink 1695 *Est. $320
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- Pedestrian/public transit navigation
- Some owners complain of routing problems
Several sources recommend the Garmin nuvi 1300 as a good basic budget navigator -- but more often, they recommend the more feature-rich Garmin nuvi 1350T (*Est. $155) instead, as there's very little difference in real-world prices between the two. The nuvi 1300 lacks the free lifetime traffic alerts, lane assist, speed limit indicator and Canada and Alaska maps you'll get on the nuvi 1350T. Both units allow you to buy pedestrian/public transit maps for major cities worldwide (*Est. $10 to $18 each). These models do omit some features that you'll find on step-up units like the Garmin nuvi 1490T (*Est. $195) , such as a bigger 5-inch screen, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and multi-point routing (which allows you to enter several destinations and get one route to hit them all).
Both ConsumerReports.org and GPSTracklog.com test the Garmin nuvi 1300 and compare it with other auto GPS units. Amazon.com and Walmart.com both post hundreds of customer reviews for this model.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Garmin nuvi 1300 is one of 137 GPS navigators that ConsumerReports.org puts through its thorough testing procedure. Editors rate each model on six performance and usability criteria and then rank them from best to worst.
Review: GPS Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. GPS Tracklog
Rich Owings names the Garmin nuvi 1300 to his list of the best GPS buys. This full, test-based review covers all of the nuvi 1300's major features and includes a video review.
Review: Garmin nuvi 1300 Review, Rich Owings, Aug. 16, 2009
3. Amazon.com
About 1,600 customers have posted reviews for the Garmin nuvi 1300 series here, giving it an average score of 4 stars out of 5. This collection includes reviews for more advanced models in the series, including the top-rated 1350T.
Review: Garmin nuvi 1300 4.3-inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator, Contributors to Amazon.com
4. Walmart.com
With more than 600 reviews posted, the Garmin nuvi 1300 earns an average of 4.5 stars out of 5 at Walmart.com. Most reviews are glowing, but some users complain of software problems.
Review: Garmin nuvi 1300 4.3" GPS Navigator, Contributors to Walmart.com
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