Ensure simplicity. We don’t mind that this is currently the sat nav industry’s catchphrase. Additionally, it is exactly what the new Garmin nuvi 58LM is made to do.
This isn’t a high-tech, multifunctional gadget. It isn’t intended to impress you with its size, slickness, or features. Instead, it aims to complete the task at hand quickly and effectively for a fair fee.
Of course, navigating is that task. Naturally, competition from smartphones is the biggest issue that products like the 58LM face. Nowadays, almost everyone owns a smartphone, and almost all of them have some form of navigation for no additional cost.
They lack standard navigation, which is arguably something that has been developed over many generations and is well optimized for cars. Yes, there are paid apps available that check those boxes. However, some people prefer a semi-permanent and dedicated device to fumbling with their smartphone in and out of the automobile. And within that framework, we’ll talk about the Garmin nuvi 58LM.
Features
The Garmin nuvi 58LM is a five-inch gadget with a very basic 480 by 272 pixel display (there is an equivalent 68LM for people who prefer a larger 6-inch screen). Additionally, the touchscreen is resistive rather than capacitive, the latter of which is now standard in smartphones due to its improved responsiveness and accuracy.
It includes free lifetime upgrades and entire European maps as standard.
It lacks all networking and communication, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular. It is an offline, standalone sat nav with a single use. Given the reasonably modest price point of £89.99 / $145 (about $AU180), this is not a huge surprise. It is inherent in the situation.
For some people, the lack of real traffic data will be a deal-breaker. However, Garmin has developed a clever workaround for the nuvi 59LM’s offline restrictions. It contains an integrated Foursquare point-of-interest database that you can update whenever you want by connecting the gadget to a PC.
The speed camera database for the 58LM is the same. To update the database, you simply drag it in from the automobile when needed because it is locally stored.
We believe that is a clever approach to the situation. The databases won’t be entirely up to date, of course. But without the expense and complication of the data connection, you still benefit to a great extent.
In addition to all of that, there is the standard suction-secured mount and an adaptor for a 12 volt automobile power plug. Oh, and the system is compatible with Garmin’s wireless reversing camera as well.Screen
The Garmin nuvi 58LM’s screen isn’t its best feature, that much is clear. The 5-inch display’s 480 by 272 pixel resolution is borderline laughable in an era where smartphones have uber-high resolutions and produces images with a gritty quality you might have assumed had long since vanished with the loss of gadgets like PocketPCs.
The sheer graphical attractiveness of the maps and interface won’t worry companies like Apple either. However, none of this actually affects functionality. It is sufficiently vivid and bright to be readable. Perhaps that’s all that matters?
Performance
If there are any visual issues, the interface’s logic and the mapping’s quality are to blame.
As an illustration, the most recent TomToms just require two finger swipes to bring up a list of nearby gas stations.
And unlike Garmin, which presents a text list of results, TomTom displays the outcomes as points on a map. You ought to have the option to decide. However, we believe that the map option is typically far better for making a quick choice regarding what is most practical. The issue with the text list is that the option that is closest may not necessarily be the most practical.
Nevertheless, the newly streamlined search function makes it simpler to enter a destination directly rather of having to sift through countless menus to find the appropriate box to enter cities, postcodes, or, well, whatever.
Meanwhile, the mapping and navigation functions have largely been transferred from other Garmin devices. They are among the best for accuracy because of this. However, the graphics are somewhat jarring to the eye and oftentimes difficult to understand quickly while driving.
The functionality, including full postcode support, is entirely there except for this minor issue. However, for simplicity of viewing and comprehension, we prefer TomTom’s most recent maps. Probably time for Garmin to update the graphics engine.
The actual performance of the CPU and graphics is also quite bad. The 58LM is by no means the only vehicle with this widespread sat nav issue. The most advanced TomTom Go 6100 that we recently tested performs equally poorly.
Verdict
The Ronseal of navigational aids is essentially Garmin’s more affordable satellite navigation systems. They carry out their stated objectives.
No exception applies to the Garmin nuvi 58LM. It’s not at all exciting. Additionally, it misses some of the more beneficial functions that come with a data connection, which are glaringly absent. However, at this price, that is to be expected, and the 58LM is unquestionably a very efficient means of transportation.
We favored
It is inexpensive. It makes no sense. It will carry you far. Additionally, the speed camera and Foursquare POI databases are wonderful small extras. Additionally, Garmin’s navigation and mapping remain quite competitive.
We objected
There is a lot of nasty going on, the graphics aren’t great, and the screen is quite poor resolution. Even then, the CPU has trouble keeping up. Even though it is not a practical choice at this price, the absence of linked services like live traffic will be a deal breaker for some people. And the power adapter is a bit awkward.
Final judgment
You must be realistic with your expectations given the price. HD displays and a variety of streaming data functions will never materialize.
But there are worse options if you want a straightforward offline navigation system for your automobile. Just a little polishing on the graphics would be nice from Garmin.
You can also check Acura ILX review and all the details about it
