This is a quick review of the Garmin 3790 and 3970T portable GPS system. I managed to get a quick test of the latest model last week but did not get a chance to do a write up till now.

First of all the Garmin 3760 is as thin as they claim.  However the physical size of the unit it quite large to cater for the relatively large and high resolution screen. The screen is specified at 800x 480 pixels which is better than almost all current portable GPS system for cars. It is also as good as many to range mobile phones including the iPhone. The buttons and the actual case have a quality feel to it much better than any other portable GPS system including the top range TomTom and Navman units. Along with a multi touch screen and a glass surface you could say that it feels very much like the latest Apple iPhone4.

The operating system that the Garmin 3760 is different from the lower range models.  Although I did not notice any additional features the entire navigation control and I can also say that the menus worked faster and more responsive than any portable GPS unit I have sampled to date.  If I had to compare operating speed I would describe it as on the same level as the old iPhone 3G.  I guess I'm saying that it is quite impressive!  The menus and maps also have very nice 'animated transitions' which at first are pretty cool.  It also has a gyroscope that changes the display from portrait to landscape mode automatically.

All the functions and their associated on screen displays have been updated and you will know that this is a well thought out design. The trip computer - a feature which I know you like has been updated and now has 2 separate counters. Overall they should be pleased with their graphic designers.

Conclusion: This is a very good portable GPS unit. Garmin have made the 3760 as up to date as any existing 'App' or navigation system available on any mobile device. Sure a few things may annoying eg - the traffic receiver is still on the cord or cradle and missing MP3 player and more included map data. So if you can afford it the 3760 is probably a best buy. Things can only get better.