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Garmin Nuvi 1690

Garmin Nuvi 1690
Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690Garmin Nuvi 1690
alaScore 92

497 reviews

Jun, 2025

alaTest has collected and analyzed 497 reviews of Garmin Nuvi 1690. The average rating for this product is 3.4/5, compared to an average rating of 3.9/5 for other GPS for all reviews. Reviewers really like the maps and screen. The price and performance are also mentioned favorably, but some have doubts about the memory and reliability.

usability, performance, price, screen, maps

reliability, memory

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other GPS the Garmin Nuvi 1690 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 92/100 = Excellent quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 497 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (30% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (26% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (15% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (14% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (16% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

usability
  Show positive (76%)Show negative (24%)(Show all)
performance
  Show positive (74%)Show negative (26%)(Show all)
reliability
  Show positive (43%)Show negative (57%)(Show all)
price
  Show positive (57%)Show negative (43%)(Show all)
screen
  Show positive (71%)Show negative (29%)(Show all)
maps
  Show positive (60%)Show negative (40%)(Show all)
durability
  Show positive (60%)Show negative (40%)(Show all)
design
  Show positive (83%)Show negative (17%)(Show all)
size
  Show positive (68%)Show negative (32%)(Show all)
route planning
  Show positive (69%)Show negative (31%)(Show all)
memory
  None yetShow negative (100%)(Show all)
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Showing 435 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 360 of 435 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (59)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Garmin Nuvi 1690

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 241 user reviews of Garmin Nuvi 1690 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 3.2/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.9/5 for other GPS on Amazon.co.uk. Reviews about the durability and maps are generally positive. The price and performance also get good feedback. Comments are divided on the screen, and some have doubts about the reliability.

usability, performance, price, maps, durability

reliability

63% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Jun, 2025

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Garmin Nuvi 1690

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 109 user reviews of Garmin Nuvi 1690 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.4/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other GPS on Amazon.com. People really like the size and screen. The price and performance also get good feedback. Some have doubts about the memory and maps.

usability, performance, price, screen, size

reliability, durability, maps, memory

69% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Jun, 2025

Expert review by : James Morris (trustedreviews.com)

Garmin nuvi 1690 Sat-Nav

 

Garmin's latest top of the range takes on TomTom's LIVE service with real-time traffic and POI updates.

Frequently updated database ; Built-in mobile data connection ; Year's free subscription

Not all features work abroad ; Subscription costs

We’ve waited a long time for another manufacturer to put up some competition for TomTom’s LIVE, and finally Garmin has met the challenge and even upped the ante somewhat. It’s a shame that the traffic provision is not as powerful as TomTom’s HD...

Jan, 2010
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Expert review by (stuff.tv)

Garmin nuvi 1690 review

 

It's here to take on the TomTom 950 – is it heading in the right direction?

A fine, fully connected sat-nav, and the “fit-and-forget” price (at least for a year) is a real bonus

Jan, 2010
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Expert review by : Craig Ellison (techadvisor.co.uk)

Garmin Nuvi 1690 review

 

The Garmin Nuvi 1690 shares many of the features found on the recently reviewed Nuvi 1370T, including a 4.3in screen, text-to-speech conversion (which enables the device to announce street names), Bluetooth phone connectivity, and lane assist with...

If you're a fan of the Garmin navigation experience, the added NuLink connected services will only enhance the experience. As a first version of new technology for Garmin, the Garmin Nuvi 1690 represents a very good effort.

Sep, 2009
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Expert review by (gadgetheaven.co.uk)

Garmin nuvi 1690

 

The nuLink service will even let you know about the fuel prices in your area, so if you are on the road regularly you can quickly find the nearest but not dearest place to refuel. It also has access to Google's search function which can provide you...

The nuLink service requires a subscription in order to cover the data transfer needed by its various functions. However, the Garmin nuvi 1690 comes with two years free subscription so you will not have to worry about any additional costs for a good...

Dec, 2009
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Expert review by : Dean (technical-itch.co.uk)

Garmin Announce Nuvi 1690

 

Garmin have recently announced the new Nuvi 1690. Probably the most notable new feature is a built-in wireless module which allows you to access online information like Google search, weather and fuel prices. Garmin have dubbed this nuLink, and it is...

Sep, 2009
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Expert review by : Ross Catanzariti (goodgearguide.com.au)

Garmin nuvi 1690 GPS unit

 

Described by Garmin as Australia's "first online GPS," the nuvi 1690 includes an integrated wireless module that allows access to real-time, online in...

nuLink online services, sleek look and feel, straightforward and easy to use UI, excellent overall navigational experience, live traffic updates, great lane guidance, Bluetooth

No FM transmitter, Bluetooth hands-free microphone isn't the best quality

Garmin's nuvi 1690 is Australia's first online GPS. The nuLink service adds to what already was an excellent overall navigational experience. If you're in the market for a top-end GPS with all the latest features, this is a must-have.

Oct, 2010
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Expert review by : Antuan Goodwin (cnet.com)

Garmin Nuvi 1690 review: Garmin Nuvi 1690

 

Garmin made a pretty big splash last year when it debuted the Nuvi 880, its first-ever Internet-connected portable navigation device (PND) featuring MSN Direct data service. With MSN Direct scheduled to go offline in the very near future, Garmin had to...

The Garmin Nuvi 1690 features free (and ad-supported) access to Garmin's NuLink data service, which provides traffic data, fuel prices, Google Search for points of interest, and a host of other features, including Bluetooth hands-free calling help to...

The move to microSD media renders all old Garmin SD cards obsolete. Touch screen exhibits weird flickering when the data connection is being accessed.

By itself, the Garmin Nuvi 1690 is merely a solidly performing GPS device, but it earns its keep through the free NuLink service, giving users easy access to up-to-the-minute data for safety, convenience, and entertainment.

Nov, 2009
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Expert review by : Jamie Lendino (pcmag.com)

Garmin nüvi 1690

 

the device displays ads.

Accurate directions. Slick software design. Google-powered services are a boon. Solid traffic reporting. Useful elevation readings

Bundled data subscription expires after two years. Displays ads. Still requires extra-cost map updates like any other GPS. Connected services not integrated with main POI database. On-board EDGE radio caused GSM buzz in our car stereo

Garmin's impressive nüvi 1690 integrates connected services and offers plenty of routing options, but the high price and mandatory ads—even when you're not using said services—are turn-offs.

Nov, 2009
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Expert review by : Jamie Lendino (pcmag.com)

Garmin nüvi 1690

 

Garmin's impressive nüvi 1690 integrates connected services, but a high price and mandatory ads are turn-offs.

Accurate directions. Slick software design. Google-powered services are a boon. Solid traffic reporting. Useful elevation readings.

Bundled data subscription expires after two years. Displays ads. Still requires extra-cost map updates like any other GPS. Connected services not integrated with main POI database. On-board EDGE radio caused GSM buzz in our car stereo.

Other Features and Conclusions All the typical secondary features you'd find on a high-end GPS device are also here, including Bluetooth for hands-free calls with a cell phone. When paired with my BlackBerry Curve 8330 , calls sounded tinny and...

Nov, 2009
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Expert review by : Craig Ellison (pcworld.com)

Garmin Nuvi 1690 Review - PCWorld

 

I tested a late preproduction unit of the 1690, so the final shipping product will undoubtedly include some code changes. Though I saw room for improvement, I came away impressed overall.

Purchase price includes two years of service

POI and Google Search could be better integrated

Garmin's first connected GPS device is a good start, but it has room for improvement.

Sep, 2009
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Price comparison for Garmin Nuvi 1690