The particular model we have to review today is the Garmin nuvi 2597 LMT. This is part of the 2507 series of Automotive GPS devices within the Advanced Range released by Garmin in early 2013. So, without any further ado let’s delve a little deeper and see exactly what we get for our money.
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- Lifetime Maps & Traffic Updates
- Bluetooth Compatible For Handsfree Calls
- Fast ‘Lock’ Onto Satellites
- Voice Operated Commands
- Improved POIs
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- Traffic Information Can Be Hit & Miss
- Display Is Difficult To Read In Sunlight
- No Navigational Suggested Spelling
- Voice recognition Can Struggle With ‘Accents’
- Garmin Traffic Not As Good As TomTom
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Garmin nuvi 2597
Design
After reviewing a number of the Garmin GPS devices it becomes rather difficult to say something different about their devices. They all practically look the same. Essentially they are all a black and grey rectangle device, except on this occasion there is a silver, yes a silver strip along the bottom of the screen! Well, the excitement I just couldn’t contain and all of sudden my expectations of this device were sky high!
Take a look at the picture on the right to check out the silver strip! Nice huh! 😉
Screen
The Garmin nuvi 2597 has a nice and responsive 5inch screen. As if to prove the point I even managed to put in my destination whilst wearing a pair of gloves – great for when the weather is really cold! It also has Dual orientation as another feature. This means that when your driving you can use it in both the portrait and landscape position. I’ve never felt entirely comfortable with the sat nav in the portrait position. However, I do see the benefit of having it there if you like to place the device on the window side of the driver’s seat.
I have only one gripe with the screen of the nuvi 2597. It’s difficult to read in direct sunlight without some serious squinting. On the plus side at least you get to exercise those facial muscles! There have also been complaints from other users that the screen appears ‘washed out’ and perhaps a little bland. Certainly, the colors on the screen don’t jump out at you in the same way that they do with some other devices available on the market.
Navigation
One of the best features of this device is the Active Lane Guidance. This works by letting you know which lane you need to be in when you come up to a junction. Sounds like the previous Lane Assist with Junction View like the Garmin nuvi 55LM had right? Well, I guess the answer is yes and no. The feature now, for me anyhow, seems far clearer and easier to understand. Whilst it’s similar to the older version of the software there are some crucial differences. Now you can see in real-time where you are in relation to the junction. previously you only got those static pinky/purple arrows telling you to get into the right-hand side lane. Now you get to see your movements in real-time and how you should get there. Although it doesn’t sound like much of an improvement, trust me it makes a huge difference. These kinds of improvements are always welcome as they remove the stress from driving. Good job Garmin with this feature!
Driving Guidance
Just like the Garmin nuvi 55LM that we recently reviewed the nuvi 2597 comes with the ‘Up Ahead‘ feature. Essentially it tells you in the right sidebar upcoming POIs of interest to you. Perhaps you may want to see a list of any upcoming restaurants or perhaps a gas station? This is useful information when your driving as you don’t have to navigate away from the main navigational screen. Last week this feature proved to be a lifesaver as I needed to find an ATM to get some money so I could go out to watch a match!
Garmin Traffic
Garmin Traffic will provide you with updates as to any traffic problems on your route. It is kinda difficult to gauge how well these Traffic Alerts work on all sat nav devices. I’ve lost count the amount of times I’ve been pre-warned of a minor issue or light traffic jam up ahead. The problem is that by the time I get there the roads are more or less clear. That could be one of two things, either the problem didn’t exist or it has resolved itself. I think we’ll give the sat nav the benefit of the doubt.
Why? Well, when it tells you that there’s a major traffic jam ahead it pretty much hits the nail on the head every single time. Your journey time will adjust accordingly depending upon the severity of the jam up ahead. However, you don’t have to sit in the jam as the sat nav will give you the option to take a ‘detour’ around the congestion. If you take one of the alternative options provided then your journey time will once again be recalculated.
Garmin Real Directions
Garmin Real Directions makes an appearance on this unit. For those of you that don’t know, this is a feature that will point out a landmark to you along your route. It doesn’t point out these landmarks in a ‘tourist guide’ manner, rather it uses them instead of street names. For example instead of being told to ‘turn left at Orleans Avenue’, you’ll be told to ‘turn left after the Riverside Hotel’.
It does take some time to get used to being told to keep an eye out for certain landmarks on the side of the road. To be completely honest, I’m yet to be convinced of the added value of Garmin Real Directions. Perhaps the more I use it and the more Garmin roll out the feature then I’ll become a fully-fledged fan. However, until I’ve used it a lot more and it’s convinced me of its usefulness, I’ll withhold my judgment for the time being! I shall, of course, keep you posted as to progress.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
- nüvi 2597LMT
- Lifetime maps and traffic
- Lifetime traffic antenna/vehicle power cable (vehicle power cable is the traffic antenna)
- Vehicle suction cup mount
- USB cable
- Quick start manual
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