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Garmin DriveSmart™ 51LMT-S Portable navigator with 5" display

Item # 150DS51LMT

Garmin's been doing GPS guidance for a long time, so they didn't just give up when smartphone mapping came along.

Garmin's been doing GPS guidance for a long time, so they didn't just give up when smartphone mapping came along.

2 questions - 5 answers

Item # 150DS51LMT

Shop all Garmin Portable GPS Navigation

About the Garmin DriveSmart™ 51LMT-S

Dominic DeVito

Guidance and smartphone integration

Garmin's been doing GPS guidance for a long time, so they didn't just give up when smartphone mapping came along. They found ways to make portable navigators and phones complement each other, as exemplified by their DriveSmart 51LMT. This handy co-pilot boasts a 5" display, free lifetime map and traffic updates, Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi® connectivity, plus thoughtful features that ensure you don't miss an important text or call while you're in transit. It can even help you find nearby parking and keep you abreast of special road designations up ahead.
 

Guidance and smartphone integration

Garmin's been doing GPS guidance for a long time, so they didn't just give up when smartphone mapping came along. They found ways to make portable navigators and phones complement each other, as exemplified by their DriveSmart 51LMT. This handy co-pilot boasts a 5" display, free lifetime map and traffic updates, Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi® connectivity, plus thoughtful features that ensure you don't miss an important text or call while you're in transit. It can even help you find nearby parking and keep you abreast of special road designations up ahead.
 

Garmin DriveSmart 51LMT-S portable navigator

The DriveSmart can show you incoming texts and calls from your connected smartphone.

A 5" display with ample room for detail

The 5" display gives you access to preloaded maps of the U.S., Canada, most of Mexico, and several Caribbean islands, along with millions of points of interest. You can even add your own favorite destinations. And you can manually adjust the screen orientation by 90 degrees, if you prefer a lengthwise view that's more in line with your smartphone display. You can find and select businesses right on the map screen without having to go through time-wasting menus. The screen's pinch-to-zoom interface lets you scale and move the map easily for the best view. And with one tap of the screen, you can view "Up Ahead" details for services that lie ahead on your route, including restaurants, gas stations, and more. 

Save time with Wi-Fi updates

Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity saves you the hassle of having to connect the device to your computer when it's time for a map or software update. You'll see a prompt on the navigator's screen when an update is available, and if you're within range of a Wi-Fi signal, you can start the download with a tap of the screen. In many cases, you'll be able to update without removing the DriveSmart from your vehicle at all.

Bluetooth and voice-activated guidance

With one spoken command, you can "wake up" the navigator to respond to your voice. You can search through menus on the 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 on through the Garmin's integrated microphone and speaker.

Phone notifications 

Reduce distracted driving by avoiding the temptation to grab your phone whenever you get an incoming text or call. When your phone's paired with the DriveSmart, you'll see customizable notifications on the map screen for incoming calls, texts, calendar reminders, and select app alerts. You'll need to have the Garmin Smartphone Link app on your phone, and data charges may apply.

Let your friends track your travels

The DriveSmart also offers Garmin's LiveTrack, which provides your selected contacts a link to a web page where they can view your vehicle's location in real time. This can be helpful for concerned parents of new drivers as well.

Connect with Garmin Smartphone Link

You can download Garmin's free Smartphone Link app to your phone and connect to the DriveSmart. Once 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 to import destinations to your navigator from your phone.

Find a place to park or avoid crowded roads

Live traffic updates come through the Garmin Smartphone Link app. Live parking gives you pricing and availability in nearby lots and garages as you approach your destination, and also works through the app. You'll get coverage in most metropolitan areas. The traffic reports are free, but data charges may apply for your smartphone.

Garmin Live Services

You can also launch Garmin Live Services from the app, so you can keep informed on local weather reports, real-time photos from traffic cameras, and area gas prices. Some Garmin Live Services require a subscription. Data charges may apply for using Smartphone Link — you'll want to check with your service provider.

Alerts for all kinds of drivers

The DriveSmart delivers GPS-based alerts for upcoming sharp curves, school zones, red-light and speed cameras, railroad and animal crossings, and more. The navigator will tell you when there's a change in the posted speed limit on major roads and give you a visual warning if you're exceeding it. It can also tell you if you're going the wrong way down a one-way street. 

TripAdvisor® and Foursquare® points of interest

Foursquare's crowd-sourced database of points of interest gives you a whole new take on where to stop for gas, food, lodging, or shopping. You'll see the most relevant Foursquare results at the top of the search bar, so you'll know the destination is verified by actual users. Paired up with the Smartphone Link, you'll also see helpful info such as ratings, hours, and price range displayed on the navigator's screen. And if you're a Foursquare user yourself, you can check in nearly anywhere through the navigator when it's paired with your phone.

The DriveSmart also includes TripAdvisor ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions which are provided by fellow travelers to this popular platform.

Hear directions in an ear-pleasing manner

Voice prompts speak the instructions to you like a friend would, using a personable, human-sounding voice to describe easy-to-see landmarks, buildings and businesses, and traffic lights, rather than streets with tiny signs that you might not see in time.

See a more realistic picture of the road ahead

You'll see 3D representations of select buildings, landmarks, and terrain aspects on the Garmin's screen, making it easier to figure out where you are. Garmin also incorporates several other helpful visual tools to keep you on the correct path:

  • Active Lane Guidance shows you colored arrows for the correct lane for an upcoming turn.
  • Bird's Eye junction view gives you a detailed look at complicated interchanges from above, to give you a better perspective.
  • photoReal junction view displays realistic images of intersections, including signs and surrounding terrain, along with colored arrows for the correct lane.

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. This Garmin's also compatible with the optional Garmin BC 30 wireless rear-view camera so you can add an extra layer of safety when you're backing out of your driveway.

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Product highlights:

  • portable GPS navigator
  • 5" (480 x 272 pixels) multi-touch dual-orientation display with pinch-to-zoom touchscreen control
  • nüMaps Lifetime subscription (receive free map updates as they become available through Garmin's website)
  • live traffic and parking updates available through Garmin Smartphone Link app and connected smartphone
  • suction-cup windshield mount
  • car power adapter, mini-USB cable and built-in rechargeable battery with up to 1 hour of life
Navigation Features:
  • accepts spoken commands and voice address entry
  • millions of points of interest (allows custom points of interest)
  • includes Foursquare and TripAdvisor points of interest (with ratings when connected to smartphone via Smartphone Link)
  • preloaded with maps for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, plus most of Mexico and several major Caribbean islands
  • text-to-speech voice prompts announce actual road names at turns
  • 3D representations of select buildings, landmarks, and terrain
  • Direct Access provides door-to-door directions to destinations within select malls, airports, and universities
  • Real Directions gives instructions using landmarks, buildings, and traffic signals, with human-like voice announcements
  • Active Lane Guidance with voice prompts
  • Bird's Eye and photoReal junction views
  • speed limit and school zone indicators
  • Up Ahead feature informs of nearby services
  • driver alerts include:
    • upcoming sharp curves
    • red-light and speed cameras
    • railroad and animal crossings
    • wrong way on one-way streets
    • fatigue warnings
  • multi-destination routing: route optimization
  • transport modes: auto
Connectivity:
  • Wi-Fi for wireless map and software updates
  • Bluetooth for hands-free calls with your compatible cell phone
  • onscreen notifications of incoming calls, texts, calendar reminders, and app updates via connected smartphone
  • LiveTrack allows others to track your vehicle's location
  • allows Foursquare check-ins via connected smartphone
  • works with Garmin Smartphone Link app for iPhone® and Android™ phones
Expandability:
  • microSD™ card slot
  • compatible with optional Garmin BC 30 wireless camera
Other Features and Specs:
  • dimensions: 5-1/2"W x 3-3/16"H x 3/4"D
  • weight: 6.1 oz.
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # 010-01680-02

What's in the box:

  • Portable GPS navigation device with 5" LCD screen
  • Mounting clip (with ball socket)
  • Suction cup mount
  • Car charger with 68" power cable and right-angled Mini-B 2.0 USB connector
  • 20" USB cable (Type A USB on one end and Mini B 2.0 USB on the other end)
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety and Product Information

Customer reviews for Garmin DriveSmart™ 51LMT-S

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More details on the Garmin DriveSmart™ 51LMT-S

Mark G.

Features & specs

Features
Maps Free lifetime updates
Map Coverage USA (50) CAN, MEX, USVI,
Points of Interest Millions
Multiple Destination Routing Yes
Screen Size 5"
Bluetooth Capable Phone
Text To Speech Yes
Voice Control Yes
Traffic Information North America
Dynamic Content Services Live Parking, LiveTrack
Removable Memory Type microSD
Battery Life 1 hour
Warranty
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year
The Garmin DriveSmart™ 51LMT-S replaces these items:

Product Research

General Features
Navigation Features

General Features

Overview: The Garmin DriveSmart 51LMT-S, part of the 2017 Garmin Drive series, is a portable GPS navigation device that provides automatic routing and turn-by-turn voice directions. The unit receives data from overhead global positioning satellites, not cellular signals, for reliable navigation directions. Garmin DriveSmart devices include driver awareness alerts for upcoming hazards such as sharp curves, railroad crossings, school zones, and speed limit changes. It can also provide a fatigue warning after you drive a long period of time without a significant break. The DriveSmart series also includes Bluetooth hands-free calling, access to live services through the SmartLink app, and voice-activated navigation. The DriveSmart 51LMT-S features free Lifetime Map Updates and Lifetime Traffic Avoidance.

5" Capacitive-Touchscreen LCD: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S features a 5" (diagonal), dual-orientation, color TFT capacitive-touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels. The screen can be viewed in either landscape or portrait orientation, and can be switched in the Settings Menu. The glass, capacitive-touch screen acts like your smartphone display, allowing you to use a pinching action to zoom in or out of the maps.

Wi-Fi: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S makes it easy to receive software and map updates with its built-in Wi-Fi. When connected to your home network, you'll be notified when a map or software update is available.

Bluetooth: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S has built-in Bluetooth technology, which allows you to sync the unit with a Bluetooth-enabled device for hands-free calling through its integrated microphone and speaker. You can make and receive phone calls as long as the devices are within 33 feet and paired.

Smartphone Link: Smartphone Link is a phone application that allows the device to download live data using your phone's data connection, and transferring the data wirelessly via Bluetooth. The free Garmin Smartphone Link app provides access to Garmin Live Services, which includes free and subscription-based plans for viewing traffic data, photoLive traffic cameras, weather, dynamic parking, and fuel prices. Garmin Smartphone Link is available for iPhone in the App Store (iOS 9.3 and later) and for Android in the Google Play store (Android 4.0.3 and up).

Smartwatch Compatibility: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S can be paired to your Garmin smartwatch (select fēnix, Forerunner, and vívofit models with Connect IQ) for extending navigation features, receiving notifications and driver warnings, and locating your car in a parking lot.

Smart Notifications: When connected via the Smartphone Link, the DriveSmart 51LMT-S will display calls, texts, and other notifications from your Android or iPhone. This allows you to answer your phone, or read or hear your messages without having to pick up your phone.

Voice-activated Navigation: You can use your voice to activate and operate the DriveSmart 51LMT-S. Voice Command allows you to use the device by speaking words and commands and following the voice prompts. After speaking a predetermined Wakeup Phrase, you can enter the names and/or address of popular, well-known locations. If necessary, you can disable voice prompts without muting the device, so you'll still hear the audible directions as you travel.

Preloaded Maps: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S contains NAVTEQ's City Navigator NT North America with detailed road maps of the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, and Mexico, plus Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Bahamas (New Providence Island and Grand Bahama), French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, and Jamaica.

Note: Optional maps are available for this device via microSD card or download directly from Garmin.com.

nüMaps Guarantee: If you register your device on Garmin's website within 90 days of acquiring satellites while driving, you can check to see if a free map update is available. You must be able to connect your device via a high-speed internet connection in order to check the loaded map version and download the map update.

microSD Card Slot: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S has a microSD card slot so you can store and use optional maps (available from Garmin), or download custom voices and vehicles from the Garmin Garage.

Universal Mount: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S features a universal mount that holds the unit securely in place, but can be easily removed. The circular Universal Bracket mount clips into the socket on the back of the unit, and fits the ball mount found on Garmin windshield and dash mounts.

Power Requirements: The Garmin DriveSmart 51LMT-S is powered by a built-in Lithium-Ion battery, which will provide up to 1 hour of use when fully charged. The unit comes with a 12-volt car charger for powering and charging the unit while you travel. The unit can be powered by your computer when it is connected via the supplied mini-B USB cable.

Compatibility: You can connect the unit to your computer with the supplied mini-B USB cable for downloading map updates, custom POIs, voices, and vehicles. The DriveSmart 51LMT-S is compatible with Windows XP or newer and Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Navigation Features

Free Lifetime Map Updates: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S offers free lifetime map updates (of the preloaded map software) so you'll always have the most up-to-date maps, POIs, and navigation information. Map updates are available for download up to 4 times a year with no subscription or update fees and no expiration dates. Free Lifetime Map Updates are subject to Terms & Conditions.

Live Traffic: Live Traffic helps you avoid traffic tie-ups that may delay your travel. Here (formerly NAVTEQ) collects, processes, and distributes real-time traffic conditions. Live Traffic requires the use of a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone loaded with the Garmin Smartphone Link app. Traffic data is refreshed every 60 seconds, with more than 1000 messages received with every update. Updates appear to the side of the map, so your driving map remains onscreen at all times. The updates can give you details about the situation, including the estimated length of the delay. Free Lifetime Live Traffic requires no subscription or activation, and is subject to Terms & Conditions.

Note: Traffic updates are available in approximately 124 markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Location-relevant pop-up ads and coupons may be received when traffic is enabled on the unit.

Live Parking / LiveTrack: In addition to Live Traffic, the Smartphone Link app enables the use of Live Parking and LiveTrack on your DriveSmart 51LMT-S. Live Parking from Parkopedia.com shows you helpful parking information, including pricing and availability trends for on-street public parking. LiveTrack lets you share your location to your friends so they can track your whereabouts.

POIs with TripAdvisor: The built-in maps include millions of Points of Interest (POIs) such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, attractions, and ATMs. Many of the listings show ratings from TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. Additional search information sourced from Foresquare. In addition, you can download additional points of interest and add them to the unit's memory (Custom POIs). The free POI Loader software can be downloaded from the Garmin website to assist you in creating Custom POIs.

Map View Options: You can choose from a 3D map view or two 2D map views (Track Up or North Up) as you navigate to your destination.

Garmin Real Directions: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S announces your upcoming maneuvers with a clear spoken voice. Using Garmin Real Directions, the spoken turn-by-turn directions utilize traffic lights and recognizable landmarks to guide you. For example, the unit uses phrases such as "Turn left at the traffic light" or "Turn right at the gas station."

Active Lane Guidance: Active Lane Guidance with voice prompts lets you know in advance which lane you should to be in to make an upcoming turn. In select metropolitan areas, the DriveSmart 51LMT-S will enter split screen mode to display a realistic depiction of the junction, complete with road signs and brightly-colored arrows to indicate the proper lane for navigation.

Speed Limits: As you travel along a major road or street, the speed limit is displayed on the screen alongside of the vehicle's speed display. If you are exceeding the speed limit, the color of the vehicle speed indication changes to red. If the highway's posted speed limit has changed since the last map update, you can change the speed limit display on the unit.

Driver Alerts: The DriveSmart 51LMT-S features audible and visual alerts to help you drive more safely and increase situation awareness. Warnings include alerts for Speed Limit Reduction, Speed Limit Exceeded, Slower Traffic, Animal Crossing, Railroad Crossing, School Zones, Red Light and Speed Cameras, and Sharp Curves. Each situation can be selected or deselected in the menu.

Where Am I?: The "Where Am I?" feature gives you instant access to important information in case of an emergency. When you touch the vehicle icon on the map screen, the "Where Am I?" feature provides the coordinates (including elevation) of your current position, plus the nearest address and intersections. There are also buttons to help you locate the nearest hospitals, police stations, and gas stations. You can also save the location for future reference.

Up Ahead: As you travel along your route, the Up Ahead feature constantly indicates the location of nearby businesses, including gas stations, restaurants, lodging, rest areas, parking, and banks/ATMs. The locations are shown as icons, some with brand logos, and when the icons are touched on the screen, details of the services are displayed, and you are given the opportunity to navigate to that address.

Last Spot: To assist you in finding your parked vehicle, the Garmin Locate feature saves your location to memory when you remove the device from the windshield mounting cradle while the device is on. You can search for your vehicle's location using the Last Spot button in the menu.

Destination Search: When the Where To? button is pressed, you can use the search tools to find your destination and plan your route. The search tools allow you to search for cities, addresses, intersections, or coordinates. The Search Bar lets you directly enter a category, brand name, address, or city name. The unit's memory stores the last 50 locations you have found so you can quickly find a previous destination.

Vehicle Icons: The unit offers your choice of nine standard icons, such as arrows, sports cars, trucks, and compact cars to represent your vehicle. The online Garmin Express offers dozens more vehicle icons that you can download for free. In addition, you can purchase icon and voice bundles that you can load to an optional microSD card.

Trip Planner: You can create and save a trip with multiple destinations using the Trip Planner. Once you have entered your destinations, you can manually set them in the order of your preference, or allow the device to calculate the most efficient route. Trip itineraries can be saved in memory for future use.

Trip Data: The Trip Data feature is a customizable tool to provide helpful statistics about your trip. Numerous data points can be selected, and three of them displayed on the main map screen. Selectable data points include: dual trip odometers (Trip A/Trip B), Direction, Current Speed, Maximum Speed, Moving Average Speed, Overall Average Speed, Stopped time, Moving Time, Total Time, Time of Day, Elevation, Location Coordinates, and GPS accuracy.

Where I've Been/Trip Log: The Where I've Been application allows you to view your previous routes and places you have stopped on the map. In addition, the device keeps a Trip Log, which is a record of the path you have traveled. The Travel History setting must be enabled in order for the Where I've Been and Trip Log features to function.

GPS Simulator: When indoors, you can activate the built-in GPS simulator and practice using the unit. This turns off the GPS receiver so it's not searching for satellites, saving battery power.

Optional Backup Camera: You can add the optional Garmin BC30 wireless backup camera to the DriveSmart 51LMT-S, allowing you to view on the screen what's behind your vehicle when it is in reverse.

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Customer Q&A

2 questions already asked

Q
Can you have more than 1 phone paired? I have work phone and personal phone. Want voice activated
mitzi  Apr 01, 2018
2 answers
A
I've looked in all our information as well as anything I can find on Garmin's site on this unit. I didn't find any mention of exactly how many devices can be paired at once. So, I watched a video on this unit showing how to pair a phone from Garmin's site and based on what I seen in the menu's I think it only pairs to one device at a time My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101
jason  Apr 09, 2018 (Staff)
A
Sorry, don't know about that, but you get an answer if you download the manual.
richard  Apr 07, 2018
Q
How does the 1 hr battery life work? Can't you leave the unit on charge through an extended trip and not use the battery? Newbie
richard  Mar 25, 2018
3 answers
A
You keep the unit powered up all the time and it will operate indefinitely. Once it's disconnected from power the built in battery will last for an hour, or so they say. The only time this could be an issue is if you are using it for navigating when walking somewhere.
david  Mar 25, 2018
A
Mine is connected to a 12v socket in my car that switches off with the engine. The unit powers off automatically after about 15 seconds. When I start the car, the Garmin comes on. During normal operation the unit appears to run off of the 12v supply and charges the battery.
joseph  Mar 25, 2018
A
I leave mine plugged up the whole time! You shouldn't have any issues. It's a great product.
jamey  Mar 25, 2018

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