The Garmin nuvi 1690 is the TomTom arch-rival’s first crack at a connected satnav with local search, just like LIVE, and we’ve just seen the nuLink web-friendly GPS taken for a spin. Can it drive the TomTom Go 950 LIVE off the road? Check our photos and see for yourself.
When it comes to standalone satnavs, Garmin reverses over TomTom repeatedly. Its mapping and software are clear and snappy compared to what the Dutch have to offer. But TomTom’s leapt ahead with LIVE, local Google search and up to date traffic details.
The Garmin nuvi 1690 is an attempt to play catch-up: mapping wise, it’s identical to the 1490T, but it’s got 3G skills to bring you Google, fuel prices, weather forecasts and even international directory lookup if you don’t have your contact’s phone number to hand.
Read our Garmin nuvi 860T review now
What services the slim, 4.3-inch Garmin nuvi 1690 offers via its net connection are well made: they’re fast, cheaper than LIVE (free for a year, then £69.99 a year after that) and will work in 15 countries across Europe for continental roadies.
But, and it’s a big but, the Garmin nuvi 1690 is missing the triffic HD traffic skills of TomTom LIVE satnavs, by far the most useful feature TomTom gives you for £7.99 a month.
Have a look at what the Garmin nuvi 1690 can do though in our gallery, and watch out for it to hit shop shelves next month.
Out November | £TBC | Garmin
