And again a bit better

That is part of the Advanced series' manufacturer Garmin 2598LMT-D features the new Live Traffic via DAB +. I was curious to see how it will behave in practice well, especially compared to the estimated predecessor (2597) and the TomTom Live services.

[FEATURES]

- Resistive (reacting to pressure) 5 inch (12.7cm) touchscreen
- Matt display with a display resolution of 480x272 pixels and a variable (manual) Display orientation
- Passive holder (already secure the cable to the device better)
- Improved voice (over typical Garmin Accent "old series)
- Real navigation (turn by turn with distinctive points such as buildings and traffic lights)
- Photorealistic junction views
- Active Lane Assistant with continuously animated representation of the road layout
- Alternative routes
- Voice commands
- Bluetooth
- Smartphone Link (Android and iOS)
- Lifetime map updates for 45 countries EU
- Lifetime traffic information via DAB +

[EXPERIENCE:]

After a little more than twenty seconds after a cold start, the device is ready for use. A wake-up from standby takes place immediately. The satellite signal is found in the normal case quickly, in urban canyons of large cities but it has lasted even longer. Positioning is accurate enough.

The 2598LMT-D displays speed limits, the current tempo and the exact arrival time. The Cockpit screen at the bottom can be partially adjusted.

Routes can be planned with milestones. POIs are extensively available, the display can be adjusted. Furthermore, custom POIs on the POI Loader (Garmin website) can be transferred easily.

Although speech recognition has significantly fewer commands than the Speak & Go models from TomTom but is functional and allows me in most cases, the hands on the wheel. Basically, each device should be positioned with voice control near the speaker and noise should be reduced at input to a minimum. The Garmin is no exception.

The Bluetooth hands-free doing its job well, but is naturally no substitute for a good portable variant or even a fixed installation.

The perpetuity of maps and traffic information, as usual, limited until the end of the useful life of the device or to Garmin no more map data / no longer receives traffic data from the traffic service provider from his third.

So far for me was the live service from TomTom the best jam Warner. With the rest of this manufacturer of the equipment, especially the new series, but I have some problems (s. This my reviews). The conventional TMCpro (Navteq Traffic) provides contrast after considerable delay, the most necessary information for motorways and a few major roads.

Where is Live Traffic via DAB + to settle? When Live Traffic via DAB + digital radio traffic reports come on. Garmin cooperates with Nokia Here and evaluates a variety of sources for traffic reports from. Among the users of NAVIGON select app and also sensor data from vehicle fleets and measuring instruments, which are placed along roads. The received DAB + Common Problems were even outside of motorways, very closely and have been regularly updated. Because DAB + but is not yet universally available currently in Germany, it happened, is that the DAB + signal is lost. In this case, the navigation system automatically backed out on TMCpro.

That's better, I thought to myself, and activated simultaneously with the DAB +, the Live Services. Stupid idea. On the other driving me annoyed almost every minute new and often conflicting traffic reports. So there appears to be no automatic prioritization and the menu I was not even able to find. So disabled Live service and on it went. Because DAB + as opposed to the mobile-based Live services but only provides for the reception of data and not the sending, an active search for free parking at the site was now of course no longer possible.

[Conclusion]

DAB + is, if available, a greater improvement to TMCpro. Whether the Garmin Live Services with respect to the pure traffic information are better, I could not find on my trips. Their advantage is probably more in the additional, locally paid offerings. Subjectively, I think the TomTom Live service at the moment, at least not for the best transport service. Alone due to its higher coverage. But even the rest of the equipment (software, menu etc.) ...

The overall package of 2598LMT-D convinces with regard to comparable machines from other manufacturers. The already good navigation of the predecessor is enhanced by the better, because more current traffic information again. A strong buy recommendation.