Garmin nüvi 265WT

The Garmin nuvi 265WT is a widescreen navigator that takes users to location with preloaded maps and turn-by-turn directions that call out streets by name via its built-in speakers. The 265WT comes with lifetime traffic and hands-free calling, and has a 4.3 inch wide touch screen display that allows users to view map detail, driving directions and photos even in bright sunlight. The nuvi 265WT also provides Turn-by-Turn Directions that greets users with two questions: “Where to?” and “View Map.” Users touch the color screen to look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to destination. It is preloaded with City Navigator® NT street maps; over 6 million points of interest (POIs), 2-D or 3-D maps, optimal map redraw rates as users navigate and accepts custom points of interest (POIs). The device also supports HotFix™ satellite prediction for position calculation, integrated Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker that allows users to talk hands-free. Users only have to dial numbers with the nüvi’s touchscreen keypad to make a call, and answer calls by tapping the screen and speaking into its built-in microphone. The nuvi 265WT provides one-touch dialing for contacts and points of interest. The unit also allows users to receive alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead via the nüvi 265WT’s integrated FM traffic receiver. The nüvi 265WT is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows users to utilize it for navigation by car or foot for up to 4 hours. The “Where Am I?” emergency locator will pin-point user location down to exact latitude and longitude coordinates, to the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations. The Garmin nüvi 265WT also includes travel tools such as JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock, automatic time zone transition, currency converter, unit converter, calculator and more. Users can download Google® Panoramio™ pictures via the Garmin Connect™ Photos website and navigate through photos via its picture viewer. The Garmin nuvi 265WT is compatible with optional enhanced MSN® Direct content (both subscription and receiver required separately) and Garmin Garage where users can download animated vehicles that show location on the map. The 265WT also comes with Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature, as well as the optional plug-in SD™ cards such as Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions. The Garmin nuvi 265WT GPS comes with a suggested retail price of $ 269.99 USD.

Specifications:
Physical and Performance:
The Garmin nüvi 265WT measures 4.8 x 2.9 x .8 inch and sports a 4.3 inch display with a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels. It supports a WQVGA color TFT with white backlight. The nüvi 265WT weighs 6.1 ounces (172.93 g) and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 4 hours of operation time. The GPS device supports a high-sensitivity receiver and an RoHS version is also available.

Maps and Memory:
The nuvi 265WT also comes with features like basemap, preloaded maps (with functionality that allows users to add maps), internal solid state built-in memory, accepts SD™ card (not included) and provides up to 1000 waypoints / favorites / locations memory.

Other Features
The 265WT also features voice prompts (e.g. “Turn right in 500 ft.”) via its internal speaker, speaks street names (e.g. “Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.”), provides choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road), route avoidance that helps users avoid highways, tolls etc., Bluetooth® wireless technology that connects phone for hands-free calling, and is MSN® Direct compatible. The 265WT is also FM traffic compatible (receiver and lifetime traffic is included with the unit), has speed limit indicator (displays speed limit for most major roads), features Where Am I? (that helps users find closest hospitals, police & gas stations, nearest address & intersection), ecoRoute™ (calculates a more fuel-efficient route), has Qwerty or ABC keyboard (choose keyboard layout) support, features Custom POIs (which gives users the ability to add additional points of interest), is Garmin Garage™ vehicles and Garmin Garage™ voices compatible; has Garmin Lock™ (anti-theft feature) and a touch screen.

The 256WT also supports photo navigation (that allows users to navigate to geotagged photos), a world travel clock, currency and unit converter, calculator and picture viewer. It does not support an 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 256WT doubles as a USB mass storage device that is compatible with Windows® 2000 or later and Mac® OS X 10.4 or later.

What’s in the Box:
The nüvi 265WT comes preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Lifetime traffic, FM traffic receiver with vehicle power cable, vehicle suction cup mount, USB cable, dashboard disc and quick start manual.

Reviews:

“Despite some minor performance issues, the Garmin Nuvi 265WT is a good value GPS, offering a number of high-end features for an affordable price.” – (CNET, 2009)

“Garmin’s Nuvi 265W offers a clean navigating experience with a host of useful features and suffers only a handful of small issues.” – (PC Authority.com.au, 2009)

“The nuvi 265WT is a full featured GPS that offers a well designed map screen, slim form factor, free traffic for the life of the device, and a large POI database. Like other Garmin nuvis, the 265WT feels solidly built, reliable, and simple to use. Those who don’t plan on using Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling should take a look at the nuvi 255T, which is otherwise identical but costs around $70 less.” – (GPS Magazine, 2008)