ExpoMike
Well-known member
So what's the verdict on the new unit?
Sorry, I have been meaning to do a review but have been busy.
Overall I am happy with the new unit. Vehicle nav works great and is about as fast rerouting as my Crossover. I really like the "lane view" which at some freeway interchanges, it will show you a "real life" view of the road, signs and what lane you want to be in. It looks just like what you see out the front window. The "live traffic" part is nice too, as it will let me know if there are congestion problems ahead.
As for topo maps, I used the link to GPS File Depot and when thru downloading and importing SoCal topo maps for our trip into Joshua Tree NP. Since these are free maps, I really can't complain too much as they are somewhat outdated. A number of roads up in my area are not listed an these are 20 year old routes.
In the dirt, with the track view turned on, it shows me where I have been (breadcrumb) so I can find my way back should I need to. Again, compared to the Crossover, which had a very surprising number of dirt roads and trails I would not have expected to see, the free topo's are useful but more for terrian views (hills, valleys, etc.). I want to do some research and find out if there are some good, pay for topo maps that are more current and have better number of routes.
One thing I really like is the much smaller and lighter size. I was actually able to put the windshield mount above my rear view mirror and the GPS fit above it and the head liner. Also the ease of docking and undocking the unit in it's craddle. I was also pleasently surprised that even in the mounting location I had it, which was behind the forward edge of the windshield, it got rock solid sat signal. I really thought I would need an external antenna but as it seems, I won't need on. It's nice that I have that option though, should I need it.
Overall I have to say this Nuvi 7x5 series does very well and for the price of $200 I paid, it is not far from my Crossover in function. Since I paid more than twice that for the Crossover, I am sure not getting twice the function or useage. Only thing I would like to see would be built in Topo maps but for the average non-offroad person, this would be useless.
Side benefit is that I feel Garmin is much better at supporting their products regarding map updates and such. Megellan is seriously lacking and honestly, had they come out with a newer update to fix a couple minor issues with the Crossover, it would still be a perfect unit that I would still be happy to use.
Hope that helps some.
