Garmin nuvi 2300 and 2300LM Portable GPS Satellite Navigation Devices Review

Garmin’s nuvi 2300 and 2300LM portable GPS navigation device has a widescreen 4.3 inch touch display for easy viewing of the preloaded regional maps and navigation instructions. Other highlights are myTrends predictive routing and ecoRoute which can deliver fuel savings from the calculation of the most economical routes. The LM version is recommended as it comes with Lifetime Maps which provides map updates for the lifetime of the device ensuring routes are correct.

Garmin nuvi 2300 GPS Navigation Device

Navigating with the Garmin nuvi 2300

With their navigation interface Garmin delivers a combination of intuitive simplicity along with multiple options for entering a destination. Destination entry can be via the touchscreen keypad, browsing the map and double tapping a location, searching the POI database (which with 6 million entries is large enough to be useful), geotagged photos (own or downloaded from Garmin Connect) or using a Google Maps/Mapquest feature which allows one to download a destination you have found (GPS coordinates and address) directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.

You may not even get to enter your destination as the included new Garmin myTrends feature uses clues such as the time and location you turn on your GPS to predict what your intended destination may be.

It’s possible to configure the calculation of routes to include different priorities such as; avoid highways, avoid toll roads, shortest distance, fastest time and fuel minimization.

If you do happen to wander off your calculated route, the nuvi 2300 will quickly calculate a new route to get you back on track.

The map screen conveniently sows speed limits for most major roads in the US and Europe. Maps can be rendered in either 2D or 3D perspective view depending on preference.

A useful safety feature of this GPS device is Where Am I? which provides ones current location to supply to emergency services and can also locate the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.

ecoRoute

As mentioned, the relatively new ecoRoute feature assists drivers wishing to save fuel by determining suitably optimized routes. The 2300/LM route calculation takes into consideration; fuel consumption rates, estimated driving speeds and vehicle acceleration data. Fuel conservation habits can be strengthened through feedback from ecoRoute’s Fuel Report and Mileage Report.

Pedestrian Navigation Mode

In portable mode (on batteries out of car) the navigation device will last up to 2.5 hours without a recharge. If you’re intending to use the device for pedestrian navigation it’s worth considering purchasing cityXplorer maps with enhanced pedestrian navigation features such as; directions for where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation. In some cities, transit schedules, such as subway or bus times, are available. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe for a very reasonable price.

Read our technical guide to GPS III and discover how the soon to be launched next generation of GPS satellites will significantly enhance pedestrian navigation.

Other Features

The nuvi 2300/2300LM comes with some useful travel tools such as; a picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, calculator, currency converter and measurement converter. For loading photos and maps there is a microSD slot for which one might need an adapter for a standard size SD card from a digital camera. The 2300 will not play audio files (MP3).

Garmin Nuvi 2300 and 2300LM – In the Box

nuvi 2300
Preloaded City Navigator NT data for the lower 48 states, Hawaii and Puerto Rico
Lifetime maps (for LM model)
Vehicle suction cup active mount
USB cable
Dashboard disc
Quick start manual