Garmin Nuvi 255w

The Garmin nuvi 255W is part of the nuvi 2×5 series and is loaded with features previously unavailable in the nuvi line or found only in high-end models. The 255W sports a 4.3? wide touch screen and includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada. It also has text-to-speech, such as “drive one-half mile, then turn left on Oak Street.” instead of just “drive one-half mile, then turn left.” It is an entry-level GPS with redesigned map screen with the direction of and distance to next turn indicator in the upper left corner of the screen. When pressed this brings up a detailed turn preview as the unit speaks the next turn instructions. The screen also shows current speed on the bottom left data screen, while a speed limit icon displays the speed limit for many roads. The device also features a trip log display that shows users where they’ve been and can be downloaded to a computer. It also keeps a record of recent cities and streets ventured, Where am I? function which is an emergency location feature that provides users with their exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations; photo navigation via Google™ Panoramio™ pictures via Garmin Connect™ Photos; built-in digital elevation model, allowing users to visualize the surrounding terrain (only works in 2 D mode when zoomed out to at least 8 miles); MSN Direct or FM / TMC traffic add-on for a full year subscription; millions of destinations and maps for North America or Europe all through its sunlight-readable, 4.3 inch display. The nüvi 255W comes preloaded with City Navigator® NT street maps, including points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more; turn-by-turn voice directions, 2 D or 3 D maps and optimal map redraw rates; accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets users set proximity alerts to warn themselves of upcoming POIs. With HotFix™ satellite prediction; and comes in a slim form factor that fits comfortably in a pocket or purse. The device is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which allows users to use it for navigation by car or foot. The nüvi 255W also includes a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. It also comes with Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature, and optional plug-in microSD cards such as Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions.

Specifications
Physical and Performance:
The Garmin Nuvi 255w measures 4.8 x 2.9 x .8 inch (12.2 x 7.4 x 2.0 cm) and sports a 4.3 inch diagonal (10.9 cm) / 3.81 x 2.25 inch (9.7 x 5.7 cm), 480 x 272 pixels resolution, WQVGA color TFT with white backlight. The device weighs 6.1 oz and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 4 hours of operation time. It also supports high-sensitivity receiver, and a RoHS version is available.

Maps and Memory:
The Garmin Nuvi 255w features basemap, comes with preloaded maps, give users the ability to add maps, supports an internal solid state drive (with expandability via SD™ card (not included) and can store up to 1000 waypoints / favorites / locations.

Other features:
The Garmin Nuvi 255w also features voice prompts (e.g. “Turn right in 500 ft.”) via internal speakers, speaks street names (e.g. “Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.”), auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation), choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road), route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.) and is MSN® Direct and FM traffic compatible. The device also features a speed limit indicator (displays speed limit for most major roads), Where Am I? (find closest hospitals, police & gas stations, nearest address & intersection), ecoRoute™ (calculates a more fuel-efficient route), supports a Qwerty or ABC keyboard, custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest), is Garmin Garage™ vehicles and Garmin Garage™ voices compatible (requires download), photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos), supports world travel clock, currency & unit converter, calculator, picture viewer and Garmin Lock™ (anti-theft feature).

The Garmin Nuvi 255w does not support voice-activated navigation, lane assist, 3-D building view, auto sort multiple destinations, Bluetooth® wireless technology, XM® Navtraffic & Radio, Garmin Locate™, MP3 player, audio book player, FM transmitter, headphone jack / audio line-out, remote control, dead reckoning, is not motorcycle-friendly, trucking-friendly, geocaching-friendly or marine-friendly

The Garmin Nuvi 255w is a USB mass storage device that is compatible with Windows® 2000 or later and Mac® OS X 10.4 operating system or later.

What’s in the Box:
The Garmin Nuvi 255w comes preloaded with City Navigator® NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), a vehicle suction cup mount, a vehicle power cable, dashboard disc and quick start manual.

Reviews:

“The Garmin nuvi 255W is a joy to use. I recommend it, or any other member of the nuvi 2×5 series, without hesitation. Garmin has set a new standard with this product line; the nuvi 2×5 series is the best entry level GPS on the market.” – (GPSTracklog.com, 2008)

“As entry-level GPS navigators go, the Garmin Nuvi 255W is still one of the best choices available for anyone who wants speedy performance without breaking the bank.” – (CNET, 2009)

“While not offering any advanced features like Bluetooth, the nuvi 255W features text-to-speech technology and provides a solid combination of excellent navigation and ease of use.” – (News.com.au, 2009)