The Garmin 1300 GPS navigator features a widescreen, ultra-slim design (approximately 25% thinner than previous models), enhanced user interface, ecoRoute, public transit mode, and text-to-speech on all models. The nüvi 1300 series are the first nüvi devices to offer pedestrian navigation capability enabled through optional CityXplorer maps, which are available for select tourist destinations in North America and Europe and can easily be downloaded directly to the nüvi. The nüvi’s enhanced user interface features improved graphics and a new slide control for menu operation, while ecoRoute suggests fuel-efficient routes to save drivers money and fuel. Also, Garmin’s new public transit mode allows you to navigate using b [Read More...]
Buy Garmin nüvi 1300 Series 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator at Amazon
If you’re looking for a Garmin with basic GPS functions, you may want to consider the nüvi 1300.
It works as advertised, but is missing a lot of features found in other GPS models for a lot less cash. A traffic receiver is available from Garmin for a $118, however check out other Garmin models which have this receiver included. A speed limit sign is not available in this model, but can be found on the 1350, $50 more than this one. A USB cable which is inexpensive to buy, should have been included.
Bluetooth is another recommended feature. In the 1300 series, you have to go up to the 1370T model to get both Bluetooth and traffic receiver included–at an additional $200 over the price of the 1300!
A more sensible solution would be to go to another Garmin model like the 265WT which includes: (1) FM traffic receiver, (2) USB cable, (3) Bluetooth compatibility, and (4) Speed limit info. The 265WT is currently on Amazon for $30 LESS than the 1300 but loaded with all these features and latest mapping software.
Yes, the nüvi 1300 works as advertised, but is just not the value GPS that you can find in other models.
I agree with the previous reviewer: it is way cheap that Garmin doesn’t include a USB cable with the unit. However, mine came with instructions (and was very easy to set up, much easier than my previous Garmin, a nuvi 360) and found my current location quickly and accurately.
There are a few notable improvements I’ve found so far as compared to the Garmin 360–(1) the touch screen is much more responsive and accurate (2) there seem to be more POI (though, of course, there are still locations that are not listed) (3) there are lots of extra features like the ecoroute thing, which allows you to track your gas mileage and the cost of driving from 1 location to another.
As far as the negatives, the lack of accessories is the biggest problem. Ironically, if you want to register your product to get a 10% discount on accessories, you have to have the USB cord accessory so that their website can recognize your nuvi. This is not going to bode well for the number of people who will register their Nuvi 1300s, and I assume Garmin will come up with some solution to this in the future (i.e.–a way to register without connecting the nuvi to your computer). When I called Garmin, they promised to send me a USB cord for free, so that might be something to try.
Overall, great GPS with a few small problems.