The good: 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 keep the driver's hands on the wheel while navigating.

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

The bottom line: 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.