1. What is the difference between the 500 and 600? 2. Does traffic work w/o a phone?
1090228
1) Screen size. The 600 has a 6 inch screen, the 500 has a 5 inch screen. 2) No. I can't answer whether or not traffic will work on this device if you purchase a separate traffic receiver cable, but traffic will not work without a phone based on what comes in the box with the unit.
1090229
I own the 600 and it appears to be bigger in size than the 500. It is very large.
1004781
NOT SURE, Robert . . . I was on Century Link with a Westell model and the 600N really 'blows-it-away', SIMPLY WITH A MUCH NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN SPEED. I use mine 'hard-wired' with my iMac and MagicJack using 2 of the 4 Ethernet ports. Now, "ASSUMING" that ATT and basically ALL 'PROVIDERS' use the products that 'win' their 'bid' at the LOWEST cost, (like NASA), I have to "ASSUME" it may be of the same, LOW PERFORMANCE as what I originally had. I used theirs for the FREE, one-year period, and got this IMMEDIATELY afterward. But, unlike NASA, selecting the LOW-BID / MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS products isn't gonna "KILL" anyone! I am glad / happy with my choice, NOT being a 'techie' or 'geek'. - Jay NOT SURE, Robert . . . I was on Century Link with a Westell model and the 600N really 'blows-it-away', SIMPLY WITH A MUCH NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN SPEED. I use mine 'hard-wired' with my iMac and MagicJack using 2 of the 4 Ethernet ports. Now, "ASSUMING" that ATT and basically ALL 'PROVIDERS' use the products that 'win' their 'bid' at the LOWEST cost, (like NASA), I have to "ASSUME" it may be of the same, LOW PERFORMANCE as what I originally had. I used theirs for the FREE, one-year period, and got this IMMEDIATELY afterward. But, unlike NASA, selecting the LOW-BID /... » Read More NOT SURE, Robert . . . I was on Century Link with a Westell model and the 600N really 'blows-it-away', SIMPLY WITH A MUCH NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN SPEED. I use mine 'hard-wired' with my iMac and MagicJack using 2 of the 4 Ethernet ports. Now, "ASSUMING" that ATT and basically ALL 'PROVIDERS' use the products that 'win' their 'bid' at the LOWEST cost, (like NASA), I have to "ASSUME" it may be of the same, LOW PERFORMANCE as what I originally had. I used theirs for the FREE, one-year period, and got this IMMEDIATELY afterward. But, unlike NASA, selecting the LOW-BID / MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS products isn't gonna "KILL" anyone! I am glad / happy with my choice, NOT being a 'techie' or 'geek'. - Jay « Show Less
2268610
I was most interested in bluetooth.... SO I purchased the 285 W/WT, what is the cost of the MSN Direct. How do buyers like the traffic information? Don't you think another provider will step in when MSN Direct stops???
270987
The 6000 is capable of 2 full plus a half charges for my phone. It seems that 2500 is needed for for a full charge so figure that the 9000 is good for 3 charges and change. Choosing between the 6000 or the 9000 depends on how many times you need to charge for a given time away from an outlet. Also size and weight is something to consider.
1285971
That plays a significant part in it, yes. Less powerful mobile devices will have more difficulty keeping a solid signal over distance. However, the adjustable power output of the 700 helps mitigate some of those issues in smaller to mid-size environments. I can get adequate signal with a 700 on one corner of the block all the way to the other corner with low-end laptops, and every smart phone I've tried so far, still keeping the power output pretty low. All in all, it's a pretty good device.
1888532
Just went through this debate myself. In the store, my husband noticed how different the screens were. The 500 series was much brighter than the 300 and sure enough, it states so on the garmin comparison page. Here's your link, hope it helps. http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/us/ontheroad/streetpilotcseries
572696
I'm trying to decide & in comparing both models, I DO see more than a Bluetooth difference, if it matters to anyone: The 1490LMT has the lane assist function, but takes it one step further, in that it will show a real view of the lane you need to be in AND it shows all the highway signs that you will see up ahead, with the signs where you need to go Highlighted, and the signs you Don't want, dimmed I do NOT want Bluetooth, but just having gotten lost in Queens NY yesterday, both upon going in AND heading out, this particular feature would have helped greatly, as I just couldn't find my way onto the Triboro Bridge when leaving the area of Queens where I had visited. We have GPS in out new car, but I didn't have access to that car yesterday; all the more reason to put a GPS in the old car, and a 1490LMT is what it'll be!
1023676
If the cell phone signal is weak it works slower and maps load slower. I have not had any big problems with performance due to weak cell phone signal.
517092
This is good as I am also trying to decide between the two of these models. Bluetooth means nothing to me, But I do like having the lanes shown better so that leans me more towards the 1490LMT. But again, I am also concerned that the 1490 LMT has worse reviews than 1450LMT..maybe because of Bluetooth??
2010033
It does not give traffic. I have no idea where you live, but in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan market i say "who cares?". When the original cord with the traffic reception worked, the best I could hope for is that - after I'd been sitting still on a Beltway for 1/2 hour - it would say "traffic ahead". I'm glad to be rid of it. With regard to your specific model, I can't be sure. Having said that, I'd really be quite surprised if it didn't work. For me, this has been a great replacement charger at a fraction of the cost of a charger that has the traffic receiver. But if the traffic notifications actually work for you in your area, you might want to buy one from Garmin.
1495686
The ads are how they are able to offer free lifetime traffic and only show up if you are using the FM traffic receiver. The ads are not too obtrusive. I tested the traffic feature in Southern California for a couple of weeks, but decided that it wasn't useful enough. I'd be interested if others have found it useful.
1195975
I'm not sure what the traffic option is. If that is something that you need to subscribe to a service for, then I don't have that. I really like this GPS and what it does. I'm just not sure what the option is that you're asking about. Sorry.
72232
I think you have to have an antenna for traffic reception. I'm looking for one now. If you can get the traffic report it will then. a Garmin will reroute you if you take a different course. the big ones are actually made for trucks, but to us that means they won't tell you to U turn 486 times because a truck can't. 1 advantage.
1986008
The bigest differene is you can update your own maps. For a fee, you can upgrade your current maps. I didn;t think the older models had voice quidance. I think you need a $125 cable for the real time traffic data.
49709
Power and internet outages are of such short duration here it is of no concern to me except I do use a battery backup. One thing to be very concerned about when considering the 600 is you do need a static IP address or you will loose remote communication with the 600. This I learned the hard way. My internet provider charges $10/month extra to have a static IP address. Had I known this before getting the 600 it would have been a deal breaker.
1801037
Garmin's website is still showing $60/year for the FM Traffic subscription. Are you sure about your info? I just bought the c580, so it's not really a concern for me, but if the price continues to drop I may replace my other c3xx series GPS (the c580 went to my wife) with a 550 or 580.
1046619
I have Verizon's GPS. Although I don't recommend it (for other reasons), it has a "truck" option we use when pulling our 5er. I'm looking for a Nuvi with that option but haven't found it yet. The 506LT/LMT is way more expensive and looks like it's in "truck mode" all the time. Btw, isn't towing your dogs against the law? ;-)