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Build Quality
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Performance
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Design
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Battery Life
Summary
Is it a perfect GPS navigator? No, but it does get very close and to be honest we never found one that is. We have been using Garmin for years now (motorcycle and car) and we are still very satisfied with the high quality. You will always encounter unexpected roadblocks or roadworks, but the Garmin helped out of a few tight spots when Google Maps was still goofing around.
User Review
( votes)Garmin Nuvi 57LM 5-Inch GPS Navigator Sat Nav
Garmin Nuvi 57LM is one of the best sellers navigation systems on the market.
It features a 5.0-inch dual-orientation display, it uses a Garmin Real Directions guide for landmarks, buildings and traffic lights and Foursquare that is a kind of POI in Igo Software to find for example restaurants or shops. It has sound and visual alerts for streets, speed, speed limit and arrival time, school zones, etc..
In the box, the Garmin Nuvi 57LM navigator comes with a power cord for automobile socket, a cord for computer and a window suction cup and the instructions for map downloads. The route calculations and recalculations when you are out of the route are very fast and the processor seems to do a great job.
This is the LM version (lifetime maps), so if you want traffic info you need the LMT (lifetime maps traffic) version that will give you lifetime maps traffic, or simply use Waze or other smartphone apps. So if you drive many miles you should buy a dedicated GPS navigator to avoid smartphone battery drainage or many other reasons. When we started to test Garmin Nuvi 57LM navigator we were surprised by the accurate directions and the satellite acquisition that is very fast, sometimes a few seconds!
To update the software and maps it took around 15-20 minutes. You can create waypoints, sometimes you cannot find locations, but keeping your device updated can solve this problem, but not every time.
The screen is good, no glare, it has microSD and mini USB slots, the battery is ok, depending on how much and how is used will drain fast or last longer (less than 2h as an average). A battery replacement is relatively inexpensive so you might want to consider buying one. It is compatible with BC 30 Wireless Backup Camera, sold separately if you want to worry about reversing.
So an easy navigator, with lifetime updating maps, in its price range is a bargain! It does not so advanced features like more expensive Sat Navs, but for daily usage is great!
