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Travler
Holland New York,30 miles S. of Buffalo
Nov 9, 2011
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TOO MANY PROBLEMS
Pros: the only thig i liked was the screen size
Cons: too many to list (junk)
When I first purchased this 1490T I thought Garmin was supposed to be a good product (WRONG)I have had and continue to have problems such as(1) battery will not hold a charge even while new(2) unit turns off often while on trips andI have to start over again while traveling.(3)I purchased this unit for a number of reasons,one being the lifetime maps,however it keeps on telling me to purchase newer maps,I could go on but I don`t want to exceed the 4547 word limit.I had phoned Garmin with the problems within 2 weeks of purchase,they told me to update the unit online,I said "this a new unit why should I have to update? The answer was to just do it,I did so but the problems still go on.This is my first AND LAST GARMIN,I hear Tom Tom is better...I will try Tom Tom for my next gps!!!
Recommend? NO
13 viewers found this helpful.
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David
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
May 12, 2011
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GPS A WISE INVESTMENT
Pros: large screen..easy to read. simple to use
Cons: limited battery life probably due to large display
My 1490T GPS has turned out to be extremely useful. I used it on a recent trip to Ireland and was very glad that I did. While the modern freeways are as good as any anywhere, many of the roads and streets were never designed for cars...or in some cases even horses. In addition, one is apt to find that there are no street signs or that they have been covered in ivy since the 17th century. It is then that one is extremely glad to have a GPS...without it I'd still be lost over there. The large screen was a definite plus but I would strongly suggest running the system off the car's electrical system. There were a few minor glitches and the computer's attempts at saying Irish street names with an Americanized accent were interesting, but on the whole, I would have no hesitation in recommending this model.
Recommend? YES
82 viewers found this helpful.
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paul gee
Vancouver BC
Apr 9, 2011
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NICE UNIT - SOME ISSUES
Pros: screen size and brightness, screen redraw speed
Cons: battery, no power cradle, touch screen poor occas
Bought this while abroad and tested over a month. First impression is screen size noticeably larger than my old unit. The screen redraw is quick enough whereas on models a couple years old they lag too much.
I quite liked the traffic feature. A couple times it alerted traffic ahead and when I went to avoid claimed that the track was already the quickest. However I think the traffic reporting is suspect at times where Severe traffic mysteriously disappears when you get there.
One thing I liked was one morning traveling from A-B the unit routed me in the opposite direction. I cautiously followed directions and figure it was routing me around bad traffic without making a fuss about it. This is ideal provided the traffic report is accurate.
Arrival times were quite accurate in general as these factor in traffic delays. I liked the way this shows traffic graphically, particularly when you're already in it and not moving. Seeing that traffic disperses soon and just out of sight is comforting and was generally accurate.
The screen is very much brighter than my older unit. However I found the touch screen a little glitchy at times where I scroll on the map and it seems to get stuck.
The QWERTY entry worked ok but not quite as responsive as my old unit.
A few times while driving in urban environments it routed me a long way around for what should have been a shorter journey. On arrival I discovered that it might have thought there was no left turn when in fact there was. I would recommend not using it for shorter journeys where you can navigate easily on your own.
Also it has a preference for major routes where at times in a built up environment using minor routes save lots of time, not least avoiding waiting at traffic signals.
The eco route summary gives estimated fuel use for each journey. This was good for awareness and could be useful for business where a quick summary of costs is sufficient.
The text to speech algorithm is really bad on this unit as it was on my old unit. Many street names don't sound anything like the actual name, when pronounced by the unit. Intonation is also not at all natural.
Junction view was one key difference between this and my previous model. This is extremely useful when you get used to it but a bit of a hindrance until that point. For example, a few times it showed I had to move over 5 lanes but in say 2.2 miles. A few times I'd hastily move over only to end up exiting prematurely. However once I got used to checking distances I could estimate the point at which moving out of a pool lane, for example.
I also liked the fact that if there was a junction where I had to turn left and then immediately right, it would choose the best left turn lane for this. How many times have you been told to turn left where there are 3 left turn lanes to then be told in 100 feet turn right and ended up missing the turn or upsetting other drivers by traversing 2 lanes. This feature helps avoid this issue.
Not sure if it's because the unit I bought was from the US, but there was an extremely limited number of English voices. I like to choose UK English and this unit only gives US English male or female.
I liked using this unit but I felt that there were enough glitches to avoid keeping it. I also found that the battery didn't hold a charge for long and in the end seemed to hold no charge (meaning after 28 days use). I would consider buying another 5" unit and may have had a lemon. I might tend toward the LMT version with map updates because even with doing an update I found the unit I had occasionally came unstuck on newer routes, often seriously inconveniencing me.
Recommend? YES
77 viewers found this helpful.
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Jerry
Raleigh, NC
Oct 27, 2010
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VERY GOOD AUTOMOTIVE GPS
Pros: large screen size, multiple poi's
Cons: did not use windshield mount, purchased dash mount
This GPS saved our marriage during a 30 day New England trip. My wife and I do not get along very well with her reading road maps and me doing the driving. It proved especially usefull in Newport, RI with all the one-way streets. I entered all intended locations we planned on visiting before we left home. I ended up manually entering most locations to be visited as I could not get all locations to download directly from the Internet to my PC via the attached USB cable.
Recommend? YES
82 viewers found this helpful.
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Marv
Grimshaw Alberta
Oct 16, 2010
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GARMIN NUVI 1490T LARGE SCREEN
Pros: the large screen is super and so far the mapware a
Cons: none as of now
I only rate this as a 4 as I have only used Magellan to this point and old habits are very hard to kick.
Recommend? YES
79 viewers found this helpful.
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Jean-Luc
Montreal, QC
Oct 13, 2010
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IT'S BETTER TO BUY THE 1490 LMT
Pros: nice interface, quality design, garmin support
Cons: no lifetime map updates
For almost the same price, buy the nüvi 1490 LMT with lifetime map updates included (90$ value!)
Recommend? NO
135 viewers found this helpful.
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JMarcoux
St-Chalres Borrome , Quebec
Oct 1, 2010
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CERTAINLY ONE OF THE BEST BUY ON THE MARKET
Pros: large screen , friendly user
If Not THE BEST
Recommend? YES
86 viewers found this helpful.
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bad
Montreal
Sep 7, 2010
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NOT GOOD
Pros: 5 inch display
Cons: too big for corolla's windshield, bad software.
Reboots frequently, loses programming. Freezes, Not worth it.
Recommend? NO
79 viewers found this helpful.
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David
Goderich, Ontario, Canada
Jul 27, 2010
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SECOND ONE WORKING VERY WELL
Pros: good maps
Cons: lack of sync with my laptop
My first Nuvi 1490T lasted about three weeks and then "locked up" and NOTHING I tried worked! I returned it to GPS City (at my cost of $30.00+) and they shipped me the one I am using presently. It is working well - I plan to use it on a trip to the east coast. I wish Garmin would provide software to "sync" with my laptop for trip planning. Perhaps this will come in the near future.
Recommend? YES
83 viewers found this helpful.
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Florante
Toronto, Ontario
Jul 13, 2010
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BEST GPS FOR THE PRICE.
Pros: large screen
Cons: short battery life.
Large, clear screen and voice. Easy to use.
Recommend? YES
103 viewers found this helpful.
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Neil
Harrison Hot springs
Jul 12, 2010
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1490T GETS YOU THERE
Pros: none easy to use. easy to find stuff. two buttons
Cons: would have been nice to have more tips
After doing our research we found the best price at GPS City. The 1490t felt good, sturdy big screen was great. There has been no issues. The Garmin
Recommend? YES
96 viewers found this helpful.
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Chris
Allison, NB
Jul 7, 2010
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GREAT GPS FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS
Pros: display, features
Cons: reliability
Stopped working after two weeks. Would only show the Garmin Splash Screen. Hard reset did not work. Sent to repair center for repair at my cost....still waiting....
Recommend? NO OPINION
87 viewers found this helpful.
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The Bishop
Goderich, Ontario, Canada
Jul 6, 2010
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FINGERS STILL CROSSED
Pros: love the clear big screen and the accuracy of the
Cons: combersome to enter way-points!!!
My first Nuvi1490T worked well for the first two weeks - then it "FROZE" and nothing I tried would stop the "Garmin to flashing white screen" and back! I returned it to GPS City (at my cost of $33.00 CD) and ordered a replacement. This one is working fine (thus far) and I truly hope there will be no further problems with it. Fingers crossed!!!!!
Recommend? YES
83 viewers found this helpful.
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al
canada
Jun 30, 2010
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FORGET IT
Pros: none
Cons: reboots
reboots by itself
Recommend? NO
90 viewers found this helpful.
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bob
Montreal
Jun 27, 2010
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RETURNED 2
Pros: 5 inch screen
Cons: poor software, update does not correct problem.
Both unit rebooted by itself or froze and lost programing. 1st unit lasted 4 weeks, second unit lasted 3 days. Returned for refund. Had similar problem with 1390.
Recommend? NO
95 viewers found this helpful.
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art
Kingston, ON
Jun 1, 2010
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NUVI 1490T
Pros: visibility excellent
Cons: garmin software still not easy to use.
Good automobile GPS. Easy to see even when sunny and spoken directions mostly function well although some street names are mis-pronounced to the point of being unrecognizable. e.g.. Bath Road Map not always accurate.
Recommend? YES
109 viewers found this helpful.
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John
Halfmoon Bay
Jun 1, 2010
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VERY PLEASED WITH THE GPS AND SERVICE FROM GPSCITY
Like the large screen which provides great visibility. Sound is loud and clear. Map content is excellent. Routing works very well, even in rural areas. Works great with my Blackberry Storm.
Recommend? YES
97 viewers found this helpful.
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Dino
Montreal
May 5, 2010
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NOT SO GOOD.
Pros: big 5’’ display don’t need reading glasses
Cons: rebooted and lost it's destination on a trip
- Screen froze on initial opening, It needed system updating on Garmin’s site to function correctly. - The first programming took more than an hour, with the help of the user’s manual. - Setting up secure location with the car parked in our driveway, Garmin chose the neighbour’s address 30 feet away. I had to adjust the address manually. - Sometimes it does not accept postal code. - Lane change and traffic information are available in large cities only. - Free map update took more than two hours to download and install. - In major cities, sometimes we are not allowed to make left turn on some streets between certain hours. The GPS doesn’t know it. It suggests a left turn anyway. - Have to be patient with the touch screen and on-screen keyboard programming. It takes time for Garmin to digest the command. - used it on 10 trips before it rebooted by itself on a trip. Not practical to restart and reprogramm on highways while driving.
In overall, it is a useful gadget when it works, with a big and easily readable screen.
After the rebooting I sent it back for a refund.
Recommend? NO
115 viewers found this helpful.
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Roger
Hawkesbury On.
Apr 20, 2010
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BEST AUTOMOTIVE GPS
BEST AUTOMOTIVE GPS
After reviewing all the makes and models, I truly believe that the Garmin 1490T was the best choice. It is user friendly, easy to setup and very easy to use. No problem pairing it up with my 500 Samsung cell PH.
Recommend? YES
117 viewers found this helpful.
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Bill G
Colorado Springs, CO
Apr 7, 2010
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I LIKE IT
Pros: readable in all but direct sun on screen
Cons: can't think of any.
Big screen is great. Garmin has the best maps and easiest interface. Traded in a TomTom big screen b/c I hated the TT after all my Garmins. Yes, twice the price, and worth it.
I have owned 5 or 6 GPS's, so I know how they work and just can't beat a Garmin. Big screen is easier for me to read. Otherwise, it's the same as smaller. So just get what you can afford. Haven't tried BT, but last one worked fine.
Recommend? YES
134 viewers found this helpful.
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Maurice
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada
Mar 31, 2010
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BEST GPS
Very good and very accurate
Recommend? YES
119 viewers found this helpful.
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Roy
Canada
Mar 17, 2010
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VERY GOOD UNIT
Dont worry about the negative opinion concerning the firmware. Just do a firmware update with your Nuvi connected to your computer and you will see how good is the 1490T. Accurate, multiple-point routing, 5-inch touchscreen, Lifetime traffic, brilliant color, fast, very good sound. Garmin still a very good company and they will be there for many years. Dont forget, you need a GPS to navigate and get direction from A to B. The other features & functionality are extra tools giving to increase a better experience with a GPS. Garmin 1490T is a very good unit in most major functionality.
Recommend? YES
137 viewers found this helpful.
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Willy
Richmond B.C.
Jan 26, 2010
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AUTO GPS
I like the large screen you don't have to squint . I have not taken a long trip , but it seems fine around town
Recommend? YES
161 viewers found this helpful.
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Zeg Zeg
Toronto. Canada
Dec 5, 2009
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3 MONTH REVIEW ....DISAPPOINTING UNIT
Pros: bright screen clear sound
Cons: poor firmware/software , bluetooth paring
My 3 month use review is as follows. Large bright easy to read screen , Slimmer than previous Nuvi's , but it does not come with a case/cover Blue tooth pairing is good with certain phones only .iphone and other smart phones the pairing is poor.Solution : turn on your phone bluethooth before you turn your Nuvi on , otherwise you have to pair it manually.Blackberry pairing is better. Nice Big Clear screen but the software in this unit needs updating for instance, there is no indication of next cross street/intersection , also there is lack of text ie there is nothing on the screen which nearby city, park or river you are passing by , so you have no information of the surrounding places ,Also your stored destination " Name " does not appear on the screen anymore , you see the icon only but not the 'Name'of your marked destination.In other words the detail map picture found in previous Nuvi units is missing. I hope Garmin will update the firmware on 1490T soon . Sound quality is definitely better than previous units. Windshield mount is not powered .The power cord is thick and in the way all the time. Speed limit works in the USA only but not in Canada. Favourites cannot be sorted alphabetically . 3D junction view remains unchanged at night and works on very few roads. Simple easy to use menu Until Garmin updates the firmware, I cannot recommend this unit to others
Recommend? NO
204 viewers found this helpful.
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AirJer
Kabul, AF
Oct 22, 2009
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GOOD UNIT IF YOU LIKE PASTURES
Pros: good size, brightness good under all conditions
Cons: needs much software work, and a more detailed menu
I used this unit to navigate from Toulouse, France to Gibraltar. It is my first surface GPS, I am an aviator and have used airborne GPS since the 80s. On the autoroutes, the unit works as advertised, and most of the time in smaller urban areas also. In large cities with multiple story buildings, it will lead you astray. On secondary roads it will take you through unpaved pastures trying to use the shortest route. Several hotel managers told me that it is a common occurance. Conclusion: you must use a very detailed map as verification of where this unit wants you to go. As a note, when on a directed route, the compass function disappears, therefore you also need a compass.
Recommend? YES
192 viewers found this helpful.
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Rick
Edmonton AB
Oct 14, 2009
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EXCELLENT SCREEN VIEW
The best thing that I see about this unti is the automatic back light adjustment - It make the screen view a pleasure to look at and does not cause eye fatigue.
Recommend? YES
204 viewers found this helpful.
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George
Kingston, ON
Oct 13, 2009
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EXCELLENT NAVIGATIONAL GUIDE
Pros: large screen multiplicity of features
Cons: having to buy the case separately
Really appreciate the larger screengood access time to satellitesquick recalculations as neededsimple to use able to download free 2010 map update
Recommend? YES
212 viewers found this helpful.
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Darryl Brausen
Hardisty Ab
Oct 1, 2009
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NO BETTER THAN A TOM TOM
I switched from a Tom Tom to this as i found the Tom Tom Maps were out and I don't think these are any better, for example the Hwy between Moosomin Sask and Virden Manitoba is still shown as a single Hwy.
Recommend? NO OPINION
269 viewers found this helpful.
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Bill
On Canada
Sep 18, 2009
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MY GPS
Pros: large screen, good volume, accurate guidance
Cons: requires the power wire to be inserted each time i
I have only used this unit for a few weeks but so far it does what it claims and does it correctly. The map layout appears accurate and the voice is loud and clear. I have had about 6 GPS units in my life. and this one is the best to date and I also like the larger screen.
Recommend? YES
211 viewers found this helpful.
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EdYYZ
Toronto, ON
Sep 14, 2009
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LIKE IT, A *LOT*!
Pros: larger screen
Great to have the larger screen size (my previous dashmount was a 765T). This was a replacement for a stolen 765T, and I'll be smarter setting the security location (not my home).
Also purchased a lifetime maps update to keep it up to date.
Recommend? YES
243 viewers found this helpful.
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Zeg Zeg
Toronto
Sep 12, 2009
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GOOD SCREEN SIZE
Pros: large screen, less complicated friendly menu
Cons: more route options ,tone option.
I have been using GPS units since last 8 years and have owned 9 units in the past , The screen size was the main reason for purchasing this product. If you interested in more features , TOM TOM offers more options than Garmin , Unfortunately TOM TOM does not offer 5 inch screen size GPS unit but I guess it must be in the works. Please note these are navigational units , if you want to listen to muscic, watch photos or play games , buy an ipod. Directions /navigation should be your first priority on the GPS units, rest is extra or irrelevant . Nuvi 1490T has a very bright and a clear antiglare screen .no need to squint to see the map. the sound is improved over other units and doesnot crack at high volume . The lane assist and traffic alert is useful but it works only on major city highways . Route calculation and start up time is fast . Graphics are clear . However it does need improvements in some areas ( Mostly software issues) , If you are not a critic or an experienced GPS user , the areas of improvements are not needed for the vast marjority ,so dont worry about it and enjoy the unit . Conclusion : One of the better units in the market ,Spend little extra and you will appreciate the big clear screen ...Guaranteed
Recommend? YES
349 viewers found this helpful.
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Bill
Ontario Canada
Sep 10, 2009
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BEST GPS I HAVE OWNED
Pros: everything if connected to car power otherwise the
Cons: have not found any yet.
It does everything advertised and is very user friendly, had no problem connecting to my blackberry phone. I also like the larger screen as it makes it far easier to see upcoming roads or highways while driving.
Recommend? YES
216 viewers found this helpful.
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Gary
Alliston Ontario Canada
Sep 3, 2009
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BEST AUTOMOTIVE GPS
Pros: too many to mention
Cons: none
After reviewing all the makes and models, I truly believe that the Garmin 1490T was the best choice. It is user friendly, easy to setup and very easy to use. No problem pairing it up with my Blackberry and Motorola c-phones.
Recommend? YES
224 viewers found this helpful.
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c
nj
Aug 26, 2009
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1490T
Can not pair with my common Verizon (LG) phone!!
Recommend? NO
283 viewers found this helpful.
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