Garmin Nuvi 5000 Review

A big, bright screen for your GPS is a major plus while driving your RV or truck. The attractive Garmin Nuvi 5000 boasts a 5.2-inch (diagonal) screen, making it the widest screen Nuvi to date. It brings other impressive features while lacking in a few areas.  Here are the pros and cons for the Nuvi 5000:

 

Pros

Cons

 

Pros

Large Display

Truckers with distant windshields will appreciate the 5.2" display. Like other high-end Nuvi's, the 5000 has a touch-screen interface with an auto-dimming backlight.

Composite Video Input

Blinds spots behind you can cause accidents while backing up.  A composite video input allows you to connect to a rear-view/safety camera to reverse safely. You will need an AV adapter cable (not included) to connect the camera to  the Nuvi 5000.

Customized Routing

The Nuvi 5000 gives you the ability to specify roads or areas you would like to avoid. This user-defined avoidance is great for truckers and RV drivers, who often need to bypass certain roads or highways that restrict the passage of  large vehicles.

Multi-Destination Routing

Like the Nuvi 760 and the StreetPilot 7200, the Garmin Nuvi 5000 allows multi-destination routing. This feature is particularly useful if you have several stops to make along your journey. You can save up to 10 routes and each route allows you to enter a number of "via points" or stops. The Nuvi 5000 will calculate and plot the most efficient route for your journey.

Text To Speech

A common feature in the newer Nuvi models, text-to-speech allows you to keep your eyes on the road.  Instead of "turn right in 200 feet," it will say, "turn right on Beecher Street."  It will also serve you well when driving through unfamiliar area.

Traffic

Real time traffic information is available with the purchase of the MSN Direct Receiver($125) or Garmin GTM 20($215).  In addition to traffic data, MSN Direct also provides weather, gas prices, news and lots more!  The Nuvi 5000 will use the traffic information to plot the best route for your journey.


Cons

No Internal Battery

Even though this unit has no internal battery, it does not preclude out-of-vehicle route planning as it can be hooked up to your PC via an AC adapter (not included). Hence, this is not a severe limitation in my view. It may still be an issue for you though.

No Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology allows hands-free calling so you can hear your cell phone through the Nuvi’s dual speakers. If this feature is important to you, consider perhaps the Nuvi 760 or other models in the Nuvi 7xx/8xx line.

No Remote Control

Unlike the StreetPilot 2720, 2820 and 7200, the Nuvi 5000 comes without a remote nor is it compatible with any. A remote can be very handy for truckers while driving. I wish Garmin included a remote for this unit.


Conclusion

 

The Garmin Nuvi 5000 is an excellent choice for owners of trucks and RVs. It comes with a large, colorful 5.2" screen and provides accurate directions. Useful features include Customized Routing, Multi-Destination Routing and Text-To-Speech.  It also facilitates a connection to a backup camera, which can save you a lot of expense, via the composite video input jack. If Bluetooth hands-free calling or an internal battery is essential to you however, this GPS device may not suit your needs.