Instruction: Answer the given question using the supporting document.

Input:
Question: For Traffic data, do you need to buy a data/internet plan? Or is it like GPS, free?
Document: You can buy Live Traffic with it... pretty redundant since you have Lifetime Free HD Traffic already. You can buy traffic camera data.... who has time to pull up traffic cams on the fly and study them? The free app is Parking info which could be very useful to someone who lives and/or parks in the city. Unless you do that it's again..pretty useless. You can purchase live gas prices...but..GasBuddy anyone?
These days, IMO, you still need a stand-alone GPS, especially if you have Android and Google decides to scrap the little navigator app they had and not tell you. That was a bad day to be out on the road with just the phone (which I was).First impressions:I like the fact that the magnetic mount has the mini-usb data and power plug (looks like a mini-usb but isn't).
But that is just window dressing if the map database is limited to in-city use and the voice driving prompts sound like gravel rolling around in a barrel.If you need a reliable GPS, save yourself the aggravation and buy another brand.
I work at multiple sites around town and this GPS navigator is awesome. I get traffic updates every 30 seconds showing jams and slow areas, get advisories when there are construction areas to avoid and it connects to my phone for hands-free Bluetooth functionality when I need it. The screen is nice and large and the functionality is easy to customize. I would recommend this to a friend.
You don't need it. It's overkill to spend this kind of money on a device to simply travel around town or around the state. Buy a device that cost half as much OR if you're never out of cell coverage use GoogleMAPS.Previous Unit:Garmin nuvi 3790T 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic (Discontinued by Manufacturer)New Unit: 3597LMTHDI felt it was time to upgrade as the 3970 was 2010's flagship model and was getting a little old.
Try Biltmore -equal riot. Try grocery. try..., etc.The smartphone weather is novel. The traffic mediocre. I have the Inrix (free) traffic app on my phone. Inrix is right all the time. The Garmin traffic app is right probably 65% of the time. The rest of the time it's looking for data that never arrives.I liked setting up a dashboard.
I bought this due to the fact that I use my personal vehicle also for work. I had older GPS devices but I felt that I could use a nice GPS and the lifetime maps/traffic updates makes it worthwhile, in my book.Now, there are some features of this Garmin that I do not utilize, like the SmartLink. My phone is connected to my headset (when I'm working) and also my stereo via Bluetooth for hands-free operation/calls.
PRO: You can use Goggle, Yelp and others to search for POI's and send them to your GPS using the smartlink app.- Smartphone link services - The Free stuff is too basic so you have to pay for the premium services like the weather, advanced traffic, and traffic cameras- Expensive; not worth the upgrade if you own a 3490 or 3590.- Mini USB port on the back - Most modern devices use micro USB. Garmin's previous models had micro.- Route calculations and recalculations are slow.
I like the ability to add apps and icons for your favourite places. Also the free weather forecast works really well so I felt I didn't need to subscribe to the service. 3D maps works really well although some cities don't have this feature. Real directions is a great feature and I also love the split screen mode as it makes it really easy to not miss your freeway exit.
What about a live link to Yelp, Trip Adviser, etc? Also, you're already paying $350+ these apps should be included free of charge for a few months.Conclusion:Except for Smartlink falling completely flat Garmin's flagship stand alone car GPS unit is the best in the business. I plan on hanging onto this for probably 2 years before I upgrade again. At that point if I'm still a road warrior I may look into a car mount tablet/GPS sensor combo.
Answer: No it's free with this unit.