Product Description Summary /Analysis Draft 3

Practicality of GPS device is dependent on its ability to guide drivers to their destinations, where Garmin stands out from its competitor, TomTom with the ability to calibrate routes based on real-time traffic conditions. Garmin's product description page (n.d.) introduces the GPS device's features and functionalities. Nuvi 4592 LM, an in-car-GPS device developed by Garmin, provides detailed maps with places of interest that comes with complimentary lifetime updates (n.d.). Voice activated navigation, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built-in to allow drivers to navigate and answer calls safely hands-free. The 4592 LM allows the driver to mention the full address before navigation, and replies interactively to remind drivers that hands can remain safely on the wheel (Garmin, n.d.). It comes with a magnetic cradle that charges device when plugged in. An integrated driving recorder backups indisputable evidence in the event of accidents which can be viewed on a laptop (Garmin, n.d.). 4592 LM also allows sorting of multiple destinations, rerouting of path on-the-go, diverting the driver away from traffic and avoiding specific routes/tolls (Garmin, n.d.). It has unique features that predict the driver’s favourite routes (myTrends) and suggest eco-friendly routes (ecoRoute) (Garmin, n.d.).

Goodwin (2011) discussed TomTom’s features and functionalities, a competitor of Garmin’s in the product review page. Goodwin has listed TomTom GO Live 1535M’s location searching applications such as Yelp, Expedia, Trip Advisor and Google. Integrated within are voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth; gas stations and speed cameras are also displayed. GO Live 1535M recommends places of interest determined either by home address, destination or any place selected. Goodwin also noted that others can be informed with tweets of the current location and estimated time of arrival. TomTom has a mobile application MyDrive, which allow drivers to access their GPS (n.d.).

Nuvi is more practical than TomTom given its features, such as rerouting on-the-go and routes avoiding heavy traffic.  Driving experience is enhanced as myTrends allow driving on routes that drivers are more comfortable with, avoiding tolls and traffic. Compared to TomTom, Nuvi plans the route for the driver whereas the driver has to plan the route based on TomTom’s preview of traffic conditions. Its competitor TomTom lacks these features, and only offers locating parking places. Even though Nuvi’s GPS cannot be used on the phone like TomTom’s, the GPS mainly supports usage of safe driving navigation, not mobility of device.  GPS already estimates trip timing prior to the trip; thus the ability to update arrival timing on Twitter for TomTom is redundant. Nuvi is also more appealing as it has a valuable feature of integrated recorder filming continuously. Thus, in the event of an accident, it eases insurance claims.

For the above reasons, Nuvi is a more practical device as it has vital features that cater to the comfort of the driver, while insuring them. With this, it provides a positive environment for the driver to get to their destinations with ease (myTrends) - the main function of GPS.

References

Garmin Corporation. (n.d.). All in one, Garmin is the ONE. Retrieved September 28, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/

Garmin Corporation. (n.d.). Nuvi 4592LM SG/MY. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://www.garmin.com.sg/products/ontheroad/nuvi4592lm/#specsTab

GARMIN LIVE TRAFFIC. (n.d.). Livetraffic.jpg [Online Image]. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from http://static.garmincdn.com/emea/com/sites/traffic_v2/images/livetraffic.jpg

Goodwin, A. (2011, October 13). TomTom GO Live 1535M review – Roadshow. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/auto/tomtom-go-live-1535m/review/

Roadshow. (n.d.). Tweet. [Online Image]. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://htpr.cnet.com/p/u=http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/10/13/v_tweet_441x197.jpg&h=1YdU8jDiWeEgbW2oQCfXdw

TomTom International BV. (n.d.). Navigation | TomTom. Retrieved October 06, 2016, from https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/drive/car/#mydriveydrive