There are a huge amount of different GPS navigational devices on the market today. When you’re trying to decide which one to buy, it’s important to have a good picture of which features you absolutely need and which you might be able to do without. A GPS device without Bluetooth may cost a lot less than one with Bluetooth, but if Bluetooth is a necessity for you, you may be willing to shell out the extra cash.
The Garmin Nuvi 1260T has a select array of features and specs that will be perfect for some users and unacceptable for others. Where most GPS devices on today’s market have the standard new screen size of 4.3 inches, the Nuvi 1260T sticks to the old specifications with a display size of only 3.5 inches. Although this makes little to no difference in real-world navigation, it does make a huge difference in the price. The smaller screen allows this little 1260T to comparable favorably price-wise to an array of devices that aren’t nearly as feature-rich.
Besides the smaller screen, the disadvantages of the Garmin Nuvi 1260T are few and far between. It comes with the Bluetooth interface that many of its larger competitors are sorely lacking, which will be a make or break factor for many potential consumers. The Bluetooth interface allows it to pair smoothly and comfortably with most smartphones and laptops for an enhanced experience.
The Nuvi 1260T comes with an extensive array of detailed maps of the entire continent of North America already installed on the machine. Additional maps can be downloaded and install for a low price, but the included maps should cover the needs of most users, even when vacationing in Mexico or visiting relatives in Canada.
The standard map views provided by most Garmin machines are also tucked neatly into device including the View Map main menu and the Where To menu. One thing this device does not include is the handy Lane Assist feature found in many other Garmin GPS machines. This feature helps you to determine the ideal lane to be in when maneuvering on an unfamiliar highway, and its exclusion could be a serious drawback for many potential users. The Garmin Nuvi 1260T also lacks a full Qwerty keyboard, although it does feature the smaller ABC keyboard, which should do just fine for most users.
Like most newer Garmin GPS machines, the Nuvi 1260T features the great new case design, which is nearly a quarter of an inch thinner than most older models. This sleek design allows the device to fit more comfortably in your pocket.
Other great advantages of this device include the addition of an included lifetime traffic option, which is supported by advertising. It also offers the green ecoRoute feature to help you calculate your fuel usage on a trip. This feature pairs nicely with the included fuel-efficient routing feature that can help you choose a route that will use the least amount of fuel possible. With a price tag of only $190, the Nuvi 1260T also comes with a standard array of system tools such as a calculator, a currency converter, a photo viewer, and a world clock.