Garmin nuvi 1450LMT

Let me start by saying that I'm a gadget guy and work as a service manager. I tell you this because I have found that buying my first GPS was very confusing but I want to clear up some points that I learned in the process.
I also read something during my research that I will echo here: There tend to be more people that will post negative tilting reviews then people who got a unit, turned it on, and were using it in less than 5 min.
The 1450LMT (LM is lifetime map upgrades and T is traffic) is great, big 5" screen with the same interface that other Nuvi models have. Very easy to use. It is crazy how many models are out there with only small difference in features.
The registration process was easy and the Map update took about 1.75 hours via my ATT U-verse (mid speed plan).
I wanted a model that could store "Routes" but I did not want to shell out more than ~$230 (got the 1450LMT on sale at Best But for ~ $180). This unit can only store 10 routes but once I understood the difference between Route and Waypoint and navigation I realized that 10 would be enough for me. {A Route is a series of point-to-point flags that forces the system to drive a pre-determined route and not just whatever way the unit decides to take you.} I wanted routes from planning drives with my local MINI owners club. This is where I ran into my first roadblock.
In order to use a PC to manage waypoints and routes you need the MapSource software and several research reviews on MapSource said that it is just the program and you need to buy the maps for it separately. So I ordered the US map set Saturday on DVD (as the DVD version comes with MapSource). I bought my 1450LMT on Sunday. Everything worked great and I found that MapSource installs during the registration and map update process. Called Garmin right at 8am Monday morning to cancel the map I ordered. 5min wait to speak to very helpful women who said my order had not made it off the web system into the order fulfillment system but "She will check every 5min and cancels it when it comes over. 1 hour later I got an email that the order was canceled. Great!
The 2nd thing I ran into was that MapSource installed onto my desktop PC during registration and map updates but I needed it on my lap top. Email to tech support was answering in less than ½ hour with info on how to get the program onto my laptop using the MyGarmin page that I setup during the registration process. Hope someone finds this helpful.
Mike

A new trucking job all over Seattle and King & Pierce counties clear over to eastern Washington last spring and this GPS never failed to find the address and get me to my destination. From back alleyed downtown Seattle loading docks to hauling steel to Hanford with jobs in between, this thing always got me there. Looking back and I'm thankful I listened to the guy at Best Buy when he explained the difference between this one with the lifetime update feature compared to some cheaper models that don't have that. It was easy to setup and get going right out of the box. Anyway, after 8 months of everyday use in the cab of a big truck and I guess that my only complaint is that it's NOT a "truck driver" orientated GPS unit per se (if there is such a thing), pointing out weigh stations, diesel truck stops and the best greasy spoon restaurants on the interstate, but isn't that what your I-phone is for??? For an easy to use, dependable, easy to see & hear GPS unit that's outstanding for basic, everyday use in most ANY vehicle, do yourself a favor - make the easy choice, and buy this one. That's what I did and I couldn't be happier. Thumbs up!!! That Garmin sure makes me look good, on time and it look like I've been there before!!! Oh, and if the time comes I ever want to replace this one with a unit with more features and a higher cost, you can bet I'm going with Garmin....again!!

Updated on Oct 18, 2011

I bought this unit because I needed to create efficient routes. This machine lacks that function. The route it planned for me had me driving over the same roads multiple times, and a 15 hour drive was 3 hrs longer than needed. Magenta route marking did not follow roads. I went over the same bridge (toll) 5 times, when 1 would do. I could not edit the route manually due to touch screen freezing up on this unit. Support does not read actual issue typed. They search for keywords them cut and paste boiler plate data. Totally useless.