How reliable is the traffic feature? does it update continuously or in realtime as 'Waze' or the radio's reports every 10 minutes?
139779
It is a continuously-updated feature, but not 100% accurate. The updates rely on what has been reported by state/county DOT sources, which are not 100% accurate. Therefore, sometimes you will find traffic jams from accidents, which may not be reported, or delay notifications on the Garmin which are not actually there (no construction on Sundays, for example). Needless to say, this is a newer technology that compliments your own common sense about traffic conditions.
990361
Not that I have ever experienced with mine. I do like its downloadable No, it doesn't send alert that vehicle has resumed movement.
2177529
Mine has been working for over four years without interruption. Suggest checking your registration and contacting customer support. It could also be a problem with the cord/"antenna" piece that picks up the traffic information. Hope it helps.
213156
Well, it is the updated model...with the features mentioned, plus speed limits for major roads and an indication if you are exceeding it. The maps aren't up to date (at least on mine ordered in Oct. 2012) If you have a memory card that fits the unit you can upload new maps. I had to buy one. I found that (once I had the memory card) the first download of maps took less than an hour when I used the 800 number--unlike the 4 to 5 hours mentioned on line. (I had registered the GPS online.)
1705167
I got the maps,traffic option and there is a car charger with the traffic option. There is s computer cable for the lifetime map update.
1801668
I do NOT believe there is. I am using their "Content Manager" to keep my content GPS updated and it's as slow as the first day I got it. Many times I've already passed a road and/or executed a turn by a couple of seconds before my position is actually recognized (and I am talking about suburbs with no building obstructions.) If you are reading this before purchase, do yourself a favor and consider something else.
1508255
Don't waste your cash on Blue Tooth or traffic through a GPS unit. The traffic is never up to date, only gives you major highways, is rarely useful or correct if ever, and only in major areas. Oh traffic in NYC? Really? No crap. :) ... and the BT isn't loud enough on the highway. Just use a good ear piece.
1944507
The USA version of this unit does NOT have traffic alerts. So NO -No traffic alerts, but it does pop up speed limits and Yes you control the GPS volume seperately
827938
All models with the "t" suffix use the ad-based "free" traffic feature. I do not find them a bother whatsoever (YMMV). Matter-of-fact, I rarely see them, especially when driving, and it's something that does not take any user input (you won't have to mess with the touch screen). After I've reached my destination an ad will pop up, but usually I've already turned my Nuvi off. Occasionally, I'll actually read the ad out of curiosity. If you hate the ads, just turn off the traffic component via tools / settings / navigation / avoidances (and uncheck traffic).
2271260
I have unlimited Data with my Verizon plan, but honestly the greatest amount of Data used by cell-phone maps is the map itself. Since I cannot even get the local map to pull up with GPS signal alone, unless I have my data connection turned on, I assume that my Android-based phone waits and downloads the map information through Google-maps live, on the fly, and only stores a small amount of whatever is near me through the route calculated to my stated destination. I actually think it too bad the user does not have the Option with Android to retain all map data once it is downloaded, perhaps up to a certain volume (200MB maybe?) and allow the live feed to simply 'correct' whatever is newer as it comes in. I would seldom miss the live Traffic info that colors the route green-yellow-red on my google navigation. When in the Cobra-App, it is just like having your Navigator in MAP mode (no routing or navigation shown). The amount of extra data to download the live user-reported risk areas from Cobra would be insignificant next to that. So if you are already using your phone for navigation, you should have 'about' the same level of data usage, regardless. I will say that I have found it particularly useful having a live download of stationary camera locations. Drivers have to be extra-vigilant around red-light intersections and speed-watches, since camera-tickets are notoriously inaccurate and occasionally found programmed to maximize the profit of the company getting a kick-back based on how many tickets are generated, rather than truly penalizing only the reckless drivers. On having a Radar Detector in every car: My state puts up construction signs with radar onboard, which results in an audible and flashing alert to watch carefully that you are at the correct speed for every Construction zone. You REALLY don't want to accidentally be cruising into one of those at 65 mph.
1722188
I would suggest you do the system update right away. I used mine for a trip from Baltimore to Toronto, and I definitely should have done the update (because there are now roadways which weren't there a few years ago when this model released). Do the updates and your Garmin will work better than ever.
1933824
No it does not. But you can purchase a map upgrade that you can then use for the life of the unit. It does however come with lifetime traffic updates.
1593028
It based on GPS join with locations DB that update continuously.It works really good. but the update application is terrible :-(
1928384
I have not heard of 3D Traffic Updates? but the HD Traffic Updates are on the latest GARMIN nüvi® 3597LMTHD updates every minute and this one every 5min!
1763650
Had mine for over a year the traffic feature is useful. 2 cars will show up on the screen Green=normal traffic, Yellow=traffic slowing, Red=traffic very slow or stopped and gives you a (estimate) on the delay to your destination. It has been very useful on the interstates if say there is a accident and traffic is stopped i use the detour function on the unit to jump off at next exit and take alternate way around. The ad's are no problem at all and only appear when you are stopped and the bluetooth is very helpful when you receive a cell call press 1 button on the unit and talk away.(Got one for teenage daughter while driving.) because teenagers will talk on cell anyway while driving and i figured this would be a better no hands solution. And the 285 doesn't come with the lifetime traffic and will cost $49.99yr with that unit.
122816
If you are talking about 340TM unit (Lifetime Maps and Traffic), it does not have the Live services capability. The traffic on the 340TM unit comes through an RDS/FM receiver which is built into the car power supply. According to my experience, the traffic information is quite useful, e.g., it avoided closed roads in Boston. I have seen slow traffic reported only on highways but never on local roads (however, I've only used the unit for 2 days).
2283562
I like the 2555LMT, it has all the features that I need, the directions it give are very good and the traffic alerts seem to be pretty accurate too. But be prepared for a long download time when you're updating your maps. I would recommend it.