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7.7 out of 10

Garmin nüvi 255W

 

Information found in: from 68 sources in 20 countries

Great Deal: $118.89

  • User Score (1074)
    8.3 8.3 from 1074 reviewers
  • Expert Score (2)
    8.0 8.0 from 2 reviewers
  • Design (2)
    9.1 9.1 from 2 reviewers
  • Value for money (37)
    8.9 8.9 from 37 reviewers
  • Features (29)
    8.2 8.2 from 29 reviewers
  • Ease of use (19)
    9.1 9.1 from 19 reviewers
  • Performance (12)
    8.5 8.5 from 12 reviewers
  • Overall quality (10)
    8.6 8.6 from 10 reviewers
  • Audio & image quality (18)
    9.0 9.0 from 18 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(1)
7-8
(1)
5-6
(0)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(758)
7-8
(268)
5-6
(87)
3-4
(47)
1-2
(67)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Testfreaks blog

    Testfreaks blog
    9.0/10
    18 July 2009

    The key to a good GPS is the interface and the Garmin nüvi 255W’s is one of the best ones that I have dealt with in comparison to other GPS models. It is well designed unit from both the out casing to the software within. Garmin has been regarded as the leader in GPS technology and they continue the trend with the nüvi 255W. While it is sold as an entry level unit in terms of price, its features and function make it act like a more expensive GPS model. Read more

    • +GPS works terrific, +Widescreen provides ample information in clear format, +Map locations via Google Maps and PC, +TTS enabled, +Rapid start up, +Quick satellite det...
    • No charge indicator light, Does not include USB cable

  2. GPS Tracklog

    GPS Tracklog
    8 September 2008

    Tweet UPDATE: The nuvi 2×5 series has been officially discontinued. For current recommendations, see our auto GPS buyers guide . The Garmin nüvi 255W is one of Garmin’s entry level navigators and, as part of the nuvi 2×5 series, it’s loaded with features previously unavailable in the nuvi line or found only in high-end models. More about that in a moment; first the basics. Read more

  3. CNET

    CNET
    7.0/10
    20 July 2009

    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. Read more

    • The Garmin Nuvi 255W features a large touch screen and an easy-to-understand interface. Start-up, destination entry, and trip routing and rerouting times are slightly ...
    • The Nuvi 255W's feature set is rather limited. Mounting cradle is bulkier than competing models and not very portable.

  4. Bluetooth Gps Tips

    Bluetooth Gps Tips
    2 August 2009

    Simple, safe and portable, the nüvi 255W is your personal travel assistant for life on the go. This simple, safety-minded navigator leads the way with turn-by-turn directions and a unique, advanced safety camera warning system to get you there on time and keep you safe on the road. Read more

  5. CoolTechZone

    CoolTechZone
    21 March 2010

    Earlier today, we looked at the Garmin Nuvi 205W , and the 255W is a successor to that with a few changes here and there. However, those changes aren’t significant enough to really set the two models apart from one another. As such, we’ve published our review of the Garmin Nuvi 205W below. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Yogi

    Amazon
    2.0/10
    Reviewer: Yogi, Amazon
    21 December 2011

    1)it takes 2 min for this GPS to get the satellite reception. 2)often the device hangs when I miss any exit ant it tries to recalculate the route(and it recognize missed exit after a minute - very slow) I already had 2 RMA tickets with Garmin as Amazon return window expired by the time I realized all of these issues. The problem persists with the new/replaced devices by Garmin. now I can say firmly that this devide is a piece of junk. please do not buy Garmin 255W. Read more

  2. good little GPS unit

    Newegg
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: xd, Newegg
    30 July 2011

    Replaced my Streetpilot C330 after breaking the mount, decided it was time to upgrade to something newer. This was about 1/3 the price of what I paid for my C330 when it was new. The larger screen is nice and you get one free map upgrade. Kept trying to upload routes to it before I figured out it doesn't support them. A work around would be to upload POI's and create the route on the GPS itself. Read more

    • Larger screen than my previous GPS
    • Doesn't support routes

  3. The Garmin Nuvi 255w is easy to use.

    10/10
    Reviewer: Alicia K., expotv.com
    14 September 2011

    I find the Garmin Nuvi 255w easy to use. The maps are not 100% accurate, but are correct most of the time. If it is not correct it will usually get you in a close distance from where you need to be. Read more

    • easy to use, failry inexpensive
    • better maps

  4. "It quit when the warranty ran out"

    CNET
    2.0/10
    Reviewer: kentjt, CNET
    21 August 2011

    If another unit lasted longer than a year, I would buy one of those- but I am very leery of getting another Garmin at this point, unless someone has a simple fix for mine, and how to get it to take a charge and stay on. Read more

    • It was easy to use while it lasted, but sure as another person wrote- after the first year, it just quit.
    • I had noticed that it sometimes looked for awhile for a satellite, and at times, it thought that I was still someplace else- like at home when I was close to work and ...

  • WikiFreak Description

Garmin nüvi 255W

Garmin nüvi 255W is a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with a 4.3-inch (480 x 272 pixels) WQVGA widescreen touch screen and non-waterproof casing. Its features are high sensitivity, HotFix compatible GPS receiver, voice-prompted turn-by-turn direction that speaks street names and built-in travel kit with picture viewer.

Features

Garmin nüvi 255W is a widescreen navigator that leads the way with 2D or 3D maps and voice prompted turn-by-turn directions. It is able to speak street nam…

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Garmin nüvi 255W

Garmin nüvi 255W is a high-sensitivity GPS receiver with a 4.3-inch (480 x 272 pixels) WQVGA widescreen touch screen and non-waterproof casing. Its features are high sensitivity, HotFix compatible GPS receiver, voice-prompted turn-by-turn direction that speaks street names and built-in travel kit with picture viewer.

Features

Garmin nüvi 255W is a widescreen navigator that leads the way with 2D or 3D maps and voice prompted turn-by-turn directions. It is able to speak street names. It is able to store up to 1000 way points. It is equipped with Points of Interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and others. It also accepts custom POIs such as school zones and safety cameras. User can set proximity alerts to inform user of the upcoming POIs. With HotFix™ satellite prediction, it calculates position with improved speed. It is equipped with build-in memory and micro SD card slot. It has a non-user replaceable rechargeable lithium-ion battery which provides up to 4 hours of battery life. It is also equipped with Garmin Lock which is a theft deterrent system that locks the device. It can be featured as a picture viewer to view pictures. It is FM traffic compatible. With the "Where Am I?" emergency locator feature, user is able to view current location information including location coordinates, nearest address and nearest hospitals, fuel stations and police stations. It is equipped with other features such as world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter and calculator. It is compatible with optional enhanced MSN® Direct content and Garmin Garage (car shaped icon for map navigation).The standard package comes with preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, dashboard disc and quick start manual. It measures 4.8 X 2.8 x 8 inches in dimension and weighs approximately 173g.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

  • Smoother map updates
  • Orbital predicted fast-fix
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
  • Up to 5 hours of battery life
  • Garmin Lock - an anti-theft feature
  • Hot fix
  • Panoramio compatible
  • Automatic timezone
  • Fingertip touchscreen interface
  • 2D or 3D maps
  • Micro SD card slot
  • Built in travel kit with picture viewer
  • USB interface for loading data
  • Streamlined design
  • Points of Interest
  • PC required for internet updates
  • Pre loaded safety camera data
  • Garm…

Specifications

  • Alternative names
    Nuvi 255W, NÜVI 255W, 255W GPS
  • Unit dimensions, WxHxD:
    4.8"W x 2.9"H x .8"D (12.2 x 7.4 x 2.0 cm)
  • Display size, WxH:
    3.81"W x 2.25"H (9.7 x 5.7 cm); 4.3" diag (10.9 cm)
  • Display resolution, WxH:
    480 x 272 pixels
  • Display type:
    WQVGA color TFT with white backlight
  • Weight:
    6.1 ounces (172.93 g)
  • Battery:
    rechargeable lithium-ion
  • Battery life:
    up to 4 hours
  • Waterproof:
    no
  • High-sensitivity receiver:
    yes

Release Date

  • First seen
    13 May 2008

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