Drivesmart 51 or Drivesmart 55?

marksfish · Posted: Sat May 04, 2019 6:14 pm Post subject: Drivesmart 51 or Drivesmart 55?

I am umming and ahhing over upgrading my Garmin. The Drivesmart 51 LMT-D Europe is on offer at Currys for £147. The info shows that it is a 2016 model, so relatively new in comparison to my current. While looking, I have also seen that Halfords are selling the Drivesmart 55 MT-D Europe for £209 with 12 months 0% interest, better in my account for a few months than someone elses Smile

I haven't seen much in the forum regarding use of the 55 and am wondering if the extra price is worth it and will it take the PGPSW files? All I can see about it is that it is a newer model and has 3D buildings. This in itself makes me think the will be 55 will be supported for longer than the 51. Also, none of the 55's I have seen mention the lifetime maps any more, although Halfords website mentions "frequent updates"

All thoughts gratefully received.

Mark
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Garmin Drivesmart 51 LMT-D Europe

sussamb · Posted: Sat May 04, 2019 7:07 pm Post subject:

It has a six inch screen, to me that's too big. If it were me I'd go for the 51. Garmin support devices for many years so the fact one is a newer release than the other really shouldn't be an issue.

Both, indeed all, Garmins will take the PGPSW files
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M8TJT · Posted: Sat May 04, 2019 7:41 pm Post subject:

I also think that the 'L' in the model number indicates lifetime map updates and you said the second one was a Drivesmart 55 MT-D model, so be careful unless you have made a typo.

marksfish · Posted: Sat May 04, 2019 7:50 pm Post subject:

No, not a typo. I did think the L meant lifetime too, but Halfords state regular map updates and Argos state free lifetime map updates. I have asked Garmin the question, but won't get an answer until sometime after the bank holiday, if they reply at all. I've tried to find reviews about the unit, but any reviews are only just after people have taken delivery and not when it comes to map update time.
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Garmin Drivesmart 51 LMT-D Europe

marksfish · Posted: Sat May 04, 2019 8:28 pm Post subject:

So Googling tells me that LMT means Lifetime Maps Traffic. Google can't tell me what MT means, I assume it means Maps Traffic. That doesn't make sense though. Why not just call it a T?

I am thinking maybe buy from Argos and take it back if no free updates. If I screenshot their webpage, they can't argue they didn't provide incorrect information.
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Garmin Drivesmart 51 LMT-D Europe

marksfish · Posted: Sat May 04, 2019 9:20 pm Post subject:

A reply from Halfords on a bank holiday Saturday evening, i'm impressed.

sussamb · Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 5:15 am Post subject:

Without checking every model I can't be sure but I'm fairly confident all Garmin models now come with lifetime map updates, so you should be fine Smile

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Kremmen · Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 5:47 am Post subject:

The Garmin map updates in their OEM Honda implementation is just 5 years then you must pay.

Maybe they've spotted a trick.

I agree with your screenshot the webpage ploy to throw back at Argos.

I wonder if Garmin have also spotted the Microsoft ploy of saying 'at 5 years old we no longer support that model as it's reached its lifetime'

As an aside, I find my 2699 far easier to use than my 2599. It's called old eyes syndrome Smile

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cliffbrown · Lifetime Member Joined: Mar 06, 2008 Posts: 182

I would expect free updates during the guarantee term.
just gone onto Garmin website, if you search for lifetime maps it lists 126 items the 51 is there the 55 isn't!!!! Rolling Eyes

cliffbrown · Lifetime Member Joined: Mar 06, 2008 Posts: 182

nothing to do with the post, just noticed the time of posting is an hour behind

M8TJT · Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 9:33 am Post subject:

Then edit your profile to use BST

marksfish · Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 10:04 am Post subject:

Kremmen · Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 10:25 am Post subject:

I'd be trying to get the full t&c from Garmin themselves.

The fact that it's not mentioned anywhere what the actual map update timeframe is makes me very suspicious.
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Kremmen · Posted: Sun May 05, 2019 10:37 am Post subject:

https://www.worldshop.eu/en/product/Garmin-DriveSmart-55-MT-D-Full-EU-Navigation-Device-Black/1756625?p=_Nx6phlpfuc

Termed here as 'Lifelong map updates'

MichaelCahill · Regular Visitor Joined: May 23, 2008 Posts: 132

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