Garmin intros super sleek 5-inch nüvi 1490T navigator

Just a month ago, Garmin came clean with the nüvi 1390T as part of its 1300 lineup, and today we're being formally introduced to the numerical successor. The nüvi 1490T sports a chassis that's some 25 percent slimmer than most nüvi models and an expansive 5-inch touchscreen. As with other new Garmins, this one also arrives with free lifetime traffic alerts and lane assist with junction view. Other expected amenities are also included, namely multiple-point routing, automatic time zone transition and a speed limit indicator that displays speed limits for most major roads. As insinuated, an integrated traffic receiver comes standard, and there's even an ecoRoute feature that suggests the most fuel efficient path. Finally, prospective buyers can count on Bluetooth technology for making and receiving handsfree calls, and the support for optional CityXplorer maps makes this suitable for the pedestrian in you, too. Expect it on store shelves everywhere this July for $499.99.

[Via GPS Tracklog]

[ramsr @ Apr 16th 2009 8:49AM]

sry tat was my first...lol
bt i wonder wat will happen after the appstore starts having GPS nav systems and these kinda products start losing their place in market...

[Pete @ Apr 16th 2009 9:33AM]

You know, last time I checked, people still used their (smart)phones for things other than GPS services. Add to that the fact that most GPS screens are quite a bit larger than the average phone screen, and you get a huge reason to continue to manufacture standalone GPS devices.

[ramsr @ Apr 16th 2009 10:07AM]

yea but i mean u start seeing trends here, people want all in one devices. mp3 players and phones are merging, cameras and phones, and now the smartphones are becoming almost like a netbook...
i mean the average consumer wouldnt want to buy a GPS device, especially in this economic times, if he can merge it with a device he already owns.

[Spinfusor @ Apr 16th 2009 9:03AM]

I wonder when Garmin will redesign its disgusting GUI.

[Rob @ Apr 16th 2009 9:45AM]

Just out of curiosity, what is it about Garmin's UI that you don't like?

I have a TomTom and a Garmin nuvi 760 and have used a two-year old Magellan on numerous occasions, and for me the UI on the 760 blows the other two out of the water. It's simplistic but very usable and that's the point isn't it? Not having to fiddle and fumble with controls while driving while also clearly getting all the information you need at a glance.

[Sketh @ Apr 16th 2009 9:05AM]

They're right down the road from me in that picture on the GPS.

Gotta love Ann Arbor.

[Adam @ Apr 16th 2009 9:16AM]

Isn't that Chicago?

[Jeremy W @ Apr 16th 2009 9:46AM]

It is Chicago. Ann Arbor (or the surrounding area) does have both a Michigan Ave and a State St though.

[inteller @ Apr 16th 2009 9:04AM]

completely unnecessary.

what's next, the deluxe 14" model that requires a wall mount?

They should work on a device that provides good, clear voice direction.

[pigs @ Apr 16th 2009 9:17AM]

That's really cool, if I only I had more places to travel to.

[Jeff @ Apr 16th 2009 9:20AM]

Wow!!!! it looks like every other nuvi! what inovation!!!

[inteller @ Apr 16th 2009 12:20PM]

yes but with more cowbe....er I mean screen.....you gotta have more screen baby!

[MioTheGreat @ Apr 16th 2009 9:22AM]

Garmin needs to release their devices without the GPS, bluetooth and software as development kits. I'd buy two in a heartbeat for various projects....

[stryker412 @ Apr 16th 2009 10:06AM]

What is the difference exactly between this and the 1390t? Just the 4.3" and 5" screen?

[Garmin Owner @ Apr 16th 2009 10:14AM]

Is this a truly integrated traffic receiver? Other models only integrate it into the car adapter, which makes it less than convenient to use it in a non-permanent mounting (like a rental car), or if you are trying to use it to check traffic before getting into the car. Garmin, when you say "integrated", it should mean it is part of the device, not something at the end of a tether.

[johnny @ Apr 16th 2009 11:14AM]

why is a new gps announced so often by garmin when they have no new innovations in the products? Every gps now has all these features, theres nothing new or innovative.

[engadget @ Apr 16th 2009 11:19AM]

When is the iPhone version coming out?

[Brian @ Apr 16th 2009 12:04PM]

Hell yes Michigan Avenue! Now if only the GPS could guide me to a Hugo BOSS store that sells super sexy $4000 mink/wool overcoats for $100, I'd gladly buy one of each.

[TIMMAH! @ Apr 16th 2009 12:23PM]

Yeah the standalone GPS market is going to start dying in a big way. If you can put out standalone units for < $100, it seems it's just a matter of time before every car manufacturer starts including it as a standard feature. Then what, you subsist on selling map updates to people? What they really need to be doing is making strategic partnerships with the automakers so they don't get left out.

[Tony @ Apr 16th 2009 2:58PM]

I agree with this, I would love to be able to go into a dealership and purchase/lease my next vehicle with a Navi system "powered by Garmin/Tom Tom/ etc". It would make perfect sense for them to move in this direction. They could strike deals with the automakers similar to how how some automakers had XM others Sirius or some had audio systems by Bose other's Sony, etc. While they are it, strike up deals with the after market. I know Garmin has a deal with Kenwood and Tom Tom has a deal with Eclipse, they should strike up similar deals with other makers.