DELIVERY:
The 2597LMT offers a lifetime map updates (during service life of the unit up to 4 times per year) and a TMC-Pro traffic subscription. The packaging are vehicle power cable with receiver for traffic traffic, and suction cup mount, USB cable and quick start with (ditto 3597, GO500). is often criticized. The vehicle power cable is quite rigid and perhaps even thicker than that of the Becker / TomTom.
Features / functions:
The 2013 he 2597 is the enhanced successor to the 2595 and Garmin's top device in the middle segment. The (plastic) screen is 480 x 272 pixels and is easily readable even in direct sunlight, the display can manually switch between portrait and landscape mode. The built in speaker makes in conjunction with Garmin's Real Voice a good job.
After a little more than twenty seconds after a cold start, the device is ready for use, while a wake-up from standby, immediately done. The satellite signal is found in the normal case quickly, in urban canyons of large cities, it takes ever longer. But always tolerable. Positioning is accurate enough.
The speech recognition (unfortunately only 14 commands) is functional and allows the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel. The unit should be positioned in proximity to an adequate speaker, said disk in a mini van may already be too far away here, however. Basically, the noise should be reduced at the input to a minimum. The also existing Bluetooth handsfree doing its job well, but is naturally no substitute for a good portable variant (Parrot Neo) or even fixed installation.
The user menu is clearly structured, logical and requires little training effort ..
"Real Directions" are driving instructions that are to facilitate navigation on landmarks like buildings and traffic lights. In my trips so far the benefit was small, since the driver is usually a lot more points of reference perceives as are stored in the device and the hip thereby are not always clear. In "3D Traffic" the traffic information will now be displayed, as in the old TomTom Go series via traffic messages in split-screen next to the map and output by voice prompts. The quality of the resulting information is due to the (premium) TMC base not the best. Here, at least for frequent travelers, the recommended optional coupling of the smartphone and one-time payment in the amount of 30 EUR available Live service. Although this provides much more recent information, he still does not come close to matching the TomTom's Live service. Crossing are "Photoreal" represented, speed warnings are accurate (and without tolerance). Routes can be planned, with milestones and the database of POIs is extensive, although not always up to date. For me personally, the default revolving POIs overkill, which is why I have turned off the display. Custom POIs can be easily copied to the SD card. Blitzer may also be purchased.
The 2597 has at the bottom of a cockpit indicator that provides information about speed and time. The speed indicator located at the bottom left is fix. Underlying this is the on-board computer with all of its functions. The display on the bottom right is variable (eg residual kilometers, time, etc.), but allows only one entry. The simultaneous display of remaining kilometers and time is therefore no longer possible.
As with all tested navigation devices, the selected route is not always compelling comprehensible even with this. I would basically like to see a setting that could be preferred in the main streets. At least 2597 but offers alternate routes between which the user can select and the existing routes were, in my view absolutely fine.
CONCLUSION:
Mattes (non-glossy) display, Real Voices, ease of use, fast route calculation, good routing. These are the essential for me results of the use of 2597. Measured by value (Warehouse Deal "like new" less than 160 EUR), it provides for me the currently most complete package. Sure, it does not have the design of the 3597, not the higher resolution, but also shiny glass display, not the magnetic active holder with additional speakers. There is, however, currently about 90 EUR cheaper with the same software and thus the same navigation features. Mir is the 3597 no longer value since the experience with the 2597 the extra charge.
Why the TomTom GO500 is despite unmatched live traffic mE after not really an option, you can read if you are interested in my corresponding review. In this context should be pointed out that Garmin currently surrounded on "3D Traffic Live via DAB +" and for the available-x7 he models (including the 2597) a corresponding receiver and firmware updates are announced. The whole by registry and from availability for a reduced amount of 39 EUR. To say that the new Traffic TomTom Traffic is seriously challenged, would be irresponsible because of lack of experience. The manufacturer promises to test in the UK but rapidly available information. DAB + is already receivable by digitalradioDOTde in many urban areas and along the main roads and will be further expanded. These are at least no bad conditions for the later receipt of the fifth star.
