Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic, GPS Navigator, 5.5” Display, Simple On-Screen Menus, Easy-to-See Maps
In an era where navigation has become synonymous with convenience, the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic GPS Navigator stand as a shining beacon of user-friendly technology. With its simple on-screen menus, easy-to-see maps, and intuitive design, it has redefined the way we navigate our world. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into every facet of this remarkable device, exploring its features, benefits, and how it surpasses the competition.
| Wireless communication technologies | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| Connectivity technologies | Bluetooth, USB |
| Special features | Voice Assistant; Wireless Updates; Live Traffic and Weather; Traffic Cams And Parking; Hands-Free Calling; Smart Notifications; TripAdvisor; History Database; National Parks Directory; Garmin Real Directions™; Driver Alerts |
| Display resolution | 1280 x 720 |
| Other display features | Wireless |
| Human Interface Input | Touchscreen |
| Scanner Resolution | 480 x 272 |
| Color | blue |
| Whats in the box | Garmin DriveSmart 55, vehicle suction cup mount, traffic receiver/vehicle power cable, USB cable, quick start manual |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
Unpacking the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic
A GPS Navigator that Makes Life Easier
The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic GPS Navigator is not just a gadget; it's a reliable companion for your journeys. Its 5.5-inch edge-to-edge display provides a clear and crisp view of the road ahead, ensuring that you never miss a turn. The device comes preloaded with detailed maps of North America, offering you confidence in your travels, whether you're navigating through city streets or exploring remote backroads.
Effortless Navigation
Say goodbye to the days of complicated menus and fumbling through settings. The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic boasts simple on-screen menus that are a breeze to navigate. With just a few taps, you can input your destination, customize your route, and access various features, making your journey as smooth as possible.
Crystal-Clear Maps
One of the standout features of this GPS navigator is its easy-to-see maps. The high-resolution display ensures that maps are sharp and legible in any lighting conditions. Whether you're driving during the day or night, rain or shine, you'll have no trouble reading the maps, ensuring you stay on the right path.
Beating the Competition
When it comes to GPS navigation, the market is saturated with options. However, the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic distinguishes itself from the competition in several key ways.
Superior User Experience
What sets this GPS navigator apart is its focus on the user experience. The interface is designed with the user in mind, ensuring that even those who are not tech-savvy can use it with ease. The simple menus and intuitive controls make it a standout choice for individuals of all ages.
Live Traffic Updates
The inclusion of live traffic updates is a game-changer. Thanks to its real-time traffic data, the Garmin DriveSmart 55 can provide you with alternative routes to avoid traffic jams, accidents, or road closures. This feature alone can save you valuable time and reduce the stress of your daily commute.
Voice-Activated Navigation
In an age where multitasking is the norm, voice-activated navigation is a blessing. The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while issuing voice commands to the device. It's like having a personal navigator right in your car.
Exploring the Benefits
Effortless Travel Planning
Planning your trips with the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic is a breeze. The device not only provides you with accurate directions but also offers suggestions for points of interest along the way. Whether you're looking for a restaurant, gas station, or scenic overlook, this GPS navigator has you covered.
Detailed Lane Guidance
Navigating complex interchanges and highway exits has never been easier. The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic offers detailed lane guidance, ensuring that you know exactly which lane to be in for your next turn or exit. This feature eliminates the last-minute lane changes and uncertainty that can lead to missed exits and frustration.
Lifetime Map Updates
Worried about outdated maps? With lifetime map updates, your Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic will always have the latest information. You can rest easy knowing that you have access to the most current road data, ensuring accurate navigation.
Safety First
Garmin prioritizes safety in the design of its products, and the DriveSmart 55 and Traffic is no exception.
Driver Alerts
The device comes equipped with driver alerts to keep you aware of potential hazards. Whether it's a sharp curve, a school zone, or a speed limit change, the Garmin DriveSmart 55 will notify you, helping you stay safe on the road.
Smart Notifications
Stay connected without distractions. The Garmin DriveSmart 55 can sync with your smartphone to display incoming calls, messages, and notifications on the screen. With voice command integration, you can stay informed without taking your hands off the wheel.
AIDA Copywriting Formula: Attention, Interest, Desire, Action
The Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic GPS Navigator capture your attention with their sleek design and promises of effortless navigation. As we've explored its features and benefits, your interest has undoubtedly grown, envisioning the convenience it can bring to your daily travels.
Now, let's delve into the desire phase. Imagine a stress-free commute with real-time traffic updates, clear lane guidance, and lifetime map updates. Picture yourself confidently navigating unfamiliar roads, exploring new places, and arriving at your destination hassle-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic
Q: Is the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic compatible with both Android and iOS devices?
A: Yes, it is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, allowing seamless integration for notifications and voice-activated navigation.
Q: How often are the map updates released?
A: Garmin provides lifetime map updates, typically released quarterly, to ensure that you always have the most accurate and up-to-date maps.
Q: Can I customize the voice prompts on the Garmin DriveSmart 55?
A: Yes, you can choose from a variety of voices and languages to personalize your navigation experience.
Q: Does the device offer multi-point routing for more complex trips?
A: Absolutely! You can plan routes with multiple stops, making it ideal for road trips or errand runs with multiple destinations.
Q: Can I use the Garmin DriveSmart 55 internationally?
A: Yes, the device includes maps of North America, but you can purchase additional maps for other regions if needed.
In conclusion, the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic GPS Navigator is a game-changer in the world of navigation. Its simple on-screen menus, easy-to-see maps, and host of user-friendly features make it an invaluable tool for both daily commuting and adventurous road trips. With its ability to outperform the competition in terms of user experience, live traffic updates, and voice-activated navigation, it's a wise investment for anyone seeking stress-free and efficient navigation.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your travels. Make the Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic your trusty companion on the road, and experience a new level of convenience and safety. Say goodbye to navigation woes and hello to effortless journeys. Your next adventure awaits, and the Garmin DriveSmart 55 is ready to guide you there.
Top Reviews
First, this is a good product. Good hardware. The issue was the software setup. When I tried to connect to the network it just gave me a constant waiting hourglass connecting to the network. I canceled that. Tried to hook up the USB cable to my Windows 10 computer, but no go even trying different cables, restarted the GPS and computer. I even downloaded Garmin USB drivers from the Garmin site and just got the trying to connect sound over and over. I did finally get the computer to see the Garmin device but not sure what to recommend trying so many things. I was able to get Garmin Express to update several things including a firmware update. Then it magically connected up to my wifi automatically. It was a pain but everything updated and it now works wonderfully. It's well worth it if you get a discounted price.
In my opinion, I look at Garmin devices in three generations of products. My very first GPS was a tiny square screen that had a miserable resolution. Saved points needed to be entered onto the tiny screen by typing on it. I figured out a way to edit the XML files with a text editor and put saved POIs onto the device over the USB port. I do not miss it.
The next generation of products improved the screen and provided a number of utilities e.g. basecamp and Garmin Express which allowed me to read write POI and create routes. This was a welcome update although it was a bit quirky. I've been very happy with Garmin but decided to make yet another upgrade to this model.
This is what I refer to as the third generation. For the same screen size, it has 3x the screen resolution and weighs 1oz less - which is important since they tend to droop over time. First the bad news. Garmin broke everything. Basecamp and Express no longer recognize the device. It no longer appears in Finder on my Mac. I downloaded the latest Express software and it simply hangs up. So, I went back to my Win7 laptop and downloaded the Windows version of Express and it just will not run at all.
It prompted me to set up the "Drive" app on my phone but it took me half an hour to get it to pair over Bluetooth. The previous Garmin app wouldn't work with it so I needed to download the latest app which is really stripped down. After wrestling with Bluetooth pairing and getting the Drive app to find it, the performance is a great improvement. The app is solid and responsive, as is the GPS.
Two really cool features were that this connects directly to WiFi and does its own map and firmware updates without the aid of a computer. This was good because I can't communicate with it from any computer I own. yes, I have tried several official Garmin USB cables and no it does not work at all. Garmin appears to have ditched Apple - hey, I don't blame you. Apple and Microsoft are competing for who can create the world's least useful operating system. So, Garmin appears to have gone rogue and designed a smartphone type of device that doesn't need helper apps like Express and Map Update. When there's an update, it will do it by itself over WiFi. Be sure to keep it plugged in tho.
I had the least problems using the car adapter indoors with a 12v socket adapter to bypass the USB cable/hub / non-hub / transfer/power issues. Then, I just let it do its updates on its own.
The very first annoying thing I don't like is every time I do any type of update the GPS asks me to enter my default language again and again and again, every time. I still speak English. Perhaps the GPS could remember that? This annoyance is offset by a feature I have been waiting over a decade to make its way into a GPS - read my texts out loud to me. Finally! We've had this technology for years but it takes until now to get a device to simply talk to me, "Don't forget the milk." Wonderful.
Too bad about breaking every Mac and PC app I have since it appears to be running on the Android OS, the sworn enemy of iOS and Apple. So, I can no longer see it as a disk drive on the Mac mini. eh, I don't really need that. I found that I can use my Galaxy contacts, copy the address on the phone, then paste it into the Drive app and say "go." Now I've got most of my POIs at my fingertips again, independent of both Apple and Microsoft hell.
Since we've gone rogue and cut the cord, perhaps we can add an Android app to manage POIs and create routes? How about, since the GPS is connected to WiFi, give it a web server like my printer has so I can manage it with my web browser. The Drive app is still kinda primitive and featureless but that's just software and easily developed.
There is lots of room for improvement but this is a great update. I will continue to hack at it to see how to get my old ones into the unit.
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