Who needs a portable navigator?

Portable GPS puts you in touch with the world when you're on the road. Tap the restaurant icon, and it asks you what kind of food you're looking for. Type in "Mexican," and you're eating a burrito before you know it. A portable navigator not only gets you to your destination, it can also find museums, theaters, and other spots along the way. Many navigators receive traffic reports, so you can avoid jams. Other cool features range from hands-free calling to 3D graphics and lane guidance. Best of all, you can move a portable easily from car to car, a big plus for multi-car families.

Voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth® means safer driving

Garmin's nüvi 2597LMT portable navigator gives you the confidence to travel to and within unfamiliar locales, with spot-on guidance that won't waste your time or gas. And even if you're just using it to run errands or commute to work, you'll still find its ability to find shorter routes tremendously beneficial. If you're safety conscious, the nüvi 2597LMT features voice-activated navigation that recognizes your speech, so you can keep your hands on the wheel. And Bluetooth connectivity not only lets you enjoy hands-free calling with your compatible phone, but you can also wirelessly connect to Garmin's free app for Android™ phones to get valuable real-time info the navigator can't provide.

Hands-free control

Voice-activated navigation is quite simple: with one spoken command, you can "wake up" the navigator to respond to your voice. You can then search through menus on the 5" screen, then input addresses and destinations without touching the screen. The Garmin will respond to your words intelligently. Built-in Bluetooth lets you sync your compatible phone to the navigator for hands-free conversations you carry through the nüvi's integrated microphone and speaker.

Android phone users can download Garmin's free Smartphone Link app to their device and connect to the nüvi 2597LMT. When paired, the navigator can use your phone's existing data plan to share information such as saved and recently found locations, where you parked, and your current destination. You can then use your phone to give you step-by-step directions back to your car in a large parking lot, for example, or import destinations to your navigator from your phone. You can also launch Garmin Live Services from the app, which give you local weather reports, live traffic updates, real-time photos from traffic cameras, area gas prices, and nearby parking help. Some Garmin Live Services require a subscription. Data charges may apply for using Smartphone Link — you'll want to check with your service provider.

Hear things clearly

The nüvi 2597LMT offers Garmin Real Directions with Garmin Real Voice, a combination that helps keep you relaxed as you drive. Real Directions voice prompts speak the instructions to you like a friend would, using easy-to-see landmarks, buildings and businesses, and traffic lights, rather than streets with tiny signs that you might not see in time. With Real Voice technology, you'll hear directions spoken in a personable, human-sounding voice that you'll easily understand.

Eye-catching 5" screen

The nüvi 2597LMT's 5" touch display makes it easy to follow along, and you can view its maps in either portrait or landscape orientation. You'll have access to preloaded maps of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean islands, along with millions of points of interest; you can even add your own favorite stopping points. You can find and select businesses right on the map screen without having to go through time-wasting menus. Speed limit displays with visual warnings on major roads help keep you in check, and you'll even be notified of school zones. And with one tap of the screen, you can pull up details for services that lie ahead on your route, including restaurants, gas stations, and more. You also get free updates on traffic along your route and quick solutions for avoiding delays, as well as up to four free map updates per year to keep you updated on road changes.

Stay on course

Garmin incorporates several helpful visual tools to keep you on the correct path:

You'll see all three visual features in a split-screen with your overall route so you won't lose sight of what's further down the road.

Garmin Traffic

The nüvi 2597LMT features free lifetime traffic updates using Garmin's Traffic service, which is more expansive and timely than ever. Garmin Traffic incorporates data from active devices on the road, historical traffic patterns, and other factors like construction, concerts, and sporting events to give you a comprehensive look at congestion in most metropolitan areas, including a few cities in Canada. Garmin Traffic is also voice activated, so it can respond to the sound of your spoken words. Best of all, you won't have to pay a penny more for this service over the life of your nüvi.