Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Product Details

The nüvi 2x5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot.All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.

Important Product Information: This device features a "screen lock" feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2x5 and 7x5 Garmin units. If you slide the "Power" key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the "Power" key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for "Pedestrian" mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.

Key Features/Benefits for all 2x5 Series Navigators

• HotFix (Long Term Ephemeris Prediction) finds satellites faster (Learn more)
• Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Basemap shows 3D shaded terrain features (Learn more)
  
• Faster 333 Mhz processor offers faster, smoother map drawing and vehicle icon motion through turns
  
• Redesigned user interface offers more information (Learn more)
• Photo Navigation lets you upload geo-coded photos from a phone, geo-coding camera or photo site and navigate to them. (Learn more)
• Add Enhanced MSN Traffic and Content with the optional GDB 55 antenna and charger (Learn more)
• Send addresses directly to your Garmin from Google Maps or Mapquest (Learn more)
• Automatic Time Zone Transition
• Text-to-Speech gives directions with real street names
• 4.3-inch Widescreen shows you more of what's around you as you drive (Learn more)
• Memory Card Slots so you can add maps and travel guides, or store photos (MicroSD card slot on 3.5-inch units; SD card slot on 4.3-inch units)
• Preloaded Maps with Navteq data of North America + Hawaii + Puerto Rico, including 6.5 million searchable points of interest (Learn more)
  
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for easy portability (up to 4 hours per charge)
• Custom Vehicle Icons let you personalize your navigator (Learn more)
• Integrated Antenna for a slim form factor
• Where Am I? -- instantly shows you all of the emergency services nearby (Learn More)

What's in the Box
nüvi 255W, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Vehicle suction cup mount, Vehicle power cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual

Which nüvi is Best for You?:
Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators

Learn More

Improved Interface

One of Garmin's key product philosophies is to make extremely complex technology easy to use for anyone right out of the box, and perhaps nowhere is that better exemplified than in the user interface for Garmin's portable navigation devices. Garmin's interface is a key to their success part of what makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth map updates as you navigate. This year, Garmin has redesigned its interface to include much more useful information.

Old Interface

New Interface

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HotFix"  aka: Satellite Ephemeris Data Prediction

Your GPS device locks onto transmissions from a dedicated network of Satellites in order to determine its position. Until the device gets a "lock" on three satellites, it can't effectively navigate, so decreasing the time it takes for your device to get "satellite lock" is always a goal of GPS manufacturers. With Garmin's new HotFix technology, your Garmin GPS remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. This gives the device an idea of where it should look for satellites, and dramatically decreases the time it takes for your Garmin to get its position and start navigating. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to 3 days after the device was last turned off. Using Garmins unique Web site  Garmin Connect Photos  users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Googles Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide.

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Navigate by Photo

Using Garmins unique Web site  Garmin Connect Photos  users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Googles Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. Choose from Panoramio's collection of photos from around the world. Easy to use interface displays photos on Google Maps. Search for photos by location name or map area boundary. Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator. View photos in Google Earth. Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac.

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3D Terrain Maps

Shaded relief terrain maps show you when to expect hills, mountains, forests and other natural features. Topographic terrain maps are viewable when using the 2D "birds-eye" view.

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Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest

tching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best toffee apples on the east coast? Now, it's easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator. Hook up your Garmin to the computer via it's USB port Search for the location you want Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup "Send to" form. Pick GPS, then pick Garmin and hit the "Send" button. The address will instantly transfer to your Garmin device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite. The process does require a small plugin, which you can get at Garmin's website at http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3739. You can send business addresses to your Garmin device from these countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.
Search for the location you want.	Pick "Send to GPS".	Go!

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Traffic-Capable for Either FM Traffic or Enhanced MSN Direct Content

MSN Direct Enhanced Traffic and Content

With an optional receiver, you can access enhanced dynamic content from the MSN Direct service. Check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get enhanced movie listings, stock information, news and local events when you travel with your unit. Even plan trips from the convenience of your computer, via Windows Live Local, and wirelessly send custom to your nüvi. Check out a full description of MSN Direct content features, or a coverage map for MSN Direct services. A 3-month subscription to MSN Direct is included with the receiver. After that, subscription fees are $49.95 per year, or $129.95 for a lifetime subscription.

FM Traffic

With an optional receiver, you can get alerts from TMC Clear Channel about traffic tie-ups and road construction that might lie ahead on your route. All you have to do is simply touch the screen to view traffic details and you'll be ready to detour around any problem area. And if you end up missing a turn, or you're forced into a detour that is not relayed through the traffic receiver, the nüvi's sophisticated automatic routing will get you back on track in no time. In most areas, TMC Clear Channel traffic broadcasts are continuous  there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. Because traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel, you can still listen to music or news programming on your car radio without interference from incoming FM traffic data transmissions. A 3-month subscription to TMC Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network is included with the receiver. For more information on subscription fees, coverage in individual cities, and traffic data networks in the United Kingdom and Europe, check the Garmin website.

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Widescreen -- See More of What's Around

First-Rate Map Data

nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs). View larger.

The nüvi comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps for all of North America, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, including a hefty POI database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. In addition, nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs Important note about map updates: Due to our high volume of sales, almost every Garmin portable GPS navigator sold by Amazon.com will come with the most recent map version. If you ever do need a map update, you can purchase one from Amazon.com at our Garmin Store.

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Garmin Lock

Beyond Navigation

Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer.

Navigation is just the beginning. The nüvi 2x5 models features travel tools including a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via microSD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs. For Accessory Map Cards and Travel Guides the Units Feature: a MicroSD Card Slot on the 3.5 inch Units, and an SD Card Slot on the 4.3 inch Units. Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (POIs) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras.

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Trick Your GPS Ride

Basic MSN Direct Content Features
	Traffic Reports Find the best route through traffic. Your GPS device uses MSN Direct traffic data to select the best route for you to avoid traffic congestion. Check traffic flow. Know at a glance where to expect slowdowns in traffic. Get accident warnings. Receive warnings about accidents, road closures, and construction in the area that may affect you.
	Gas Prices Compare local gas prices. See a list of recent gas prices in your area and an indication of how recently the prices were reported. Find your way to the savings. Once you find the best price in your area, use your navigation system to guide you to the gas station.
	Weather Reports Stay on top of current conditions. View the current weather conditions in your area, including today's high and low temperatures, chances of precipitation, and more. View the three-day forecast, Plan ahead by checking the three-day weather forecast for your area. Check weather in other cities. See current weather conditions in major cities across the country.
	Movie Times Search for a movie. Find the theaters in your coverage area that are showing the movie you want to see. See which movies are playing. View which movies are playing in your coverage area or at your favorite theater. See show times and get directions. Once you find a show you want to see, check the show times and use your GPS device to guide you to the theater.
Enhanced MSN Direct Content
	Web Favorites (Send custom destinations to your GPS with Live Search Maps) Powerful trip planning: Use Live Search Maps on your computer to look up an address, search for a business, or plan a trip Choose your favorite location, and then MSN Direct delivers the address, phone number, and more straight to your navigation system. Visit Live Search Maps at http://maps.live.com.
	Local Events See what's happening near you. Find nearby events to see what's happening in your area. Find the events that interest you. Browse events sorted by category. Search for an event. Get details about a particular event.
	Stock Quotes Watch the stocks that interest you. Select stocks that you want to keep an eye on, and then see regularly updated stock prices and daily changes. Get a little more detail. Touch a stock in your list to see daily highs, lows, and trading volume.
	News Headlines Browse the headlines at a glance. See breaking news and other major news stories of the day. Read more details. Select a headline to read all the details about the news story on your navigation system.
MSN Direct Coverage Map
Get detailed info for your Zip Code at the MSN Direct website.

Product Reviews

(5 stars) - Love it!
I bought this as a catch all for my family. My parents are older (60-70s) and they are NOT tech savvy. They also hate driving in cities and get horribly lost, so I wanted them to have something simple, efficient, and non-distracting to use. I'm a student and I was moving to a new town and wanted something that I could use while I was learning the new area.

I found the maps to be inaccurate at first, but after I updated them from Garmin's website everything is golden. I also bought an extra SD memory card for about $10 so that I'd have extra space for maps (remember to do this! Otherwise you can't update the maps!).

The voice directions are great, but sometimes it mispronounces names. However, I live in Oregon and many place names are Native American, so that's understandable.

I find it to be bright at night. I have really sensitive eyes and sometimes the display is too much, but there is an adjustment for it.

It takes a little while to get the satellites sometimes, but I just set it up as soon as I get in the car and by the time I'm out on the road and actually need directions it's up and going. I know lots of people complain about that. I don't really find it a huge issue. Think about it, if you're leaving your house, you know the general direction you should be going, right? And even if you're in another town, turn it on while you're still inside (I don't leave mine in the car) and then keep it on while you walk out to your car. Why would you turn on your GPS when you're already lost and need it RIGHT THEN?

I also love that I can store my favorite places in it, even if they're obscure! Like I said, I live in Oregon, which is by definition the backwoods. A lot of my friends' addresses are inaccurate by any GPS. So I just sit in their driveway and save the coordinates and viola! It works like a charm.

Overall, I think it's a great value and that it's simple and intuitive enough for any age of user. My parents took maybe twenty minutes to figure it out. It's so easy to use and has helped me out so much that I'd recommend it to anyone.

(1 stars) - Got a 'LEMON' not a Garmin
Bought this for a cross country trip East coast to West coast. Got out of our development fine then constantly lost satellite reception. We started making excuses....it was cloudy, it was raining, it was the mountains, it was cold, it was hot, it didn't like my husband screaming and cursing at it and me laughing.

When it decided to work, it was great BUT that was less than a 1/3 of the entire trip. Only worked about 15 minutes through the state of Missouri. Forgetaboutit going through New Mexico. That's where I almost tossed it out the window but there was enough garbage along the roadside. I think they ought to include a hammer with each unit. I could hardly wait to return it. This unit was truly a LEMON. We will however try again, like I said when it worked it was great.

(5 stars) - Yeah! Great Garmin!
Easy to use, easy to understand. Glad we got the wide screen, easier to see yet doesn't distract vision when mounted on windshield. Still learning all the options but so far, we love it.

(1 stars) - Nuvi troubles
I purchase a nuvi for my trip to Europe in July of 2009. The unit functioned for a total of 2 days before dying on me.
Here I am having spent $400 for the nuvi, in a foreign country traveling with a dead GPS unit. I guess paper maps still have a purpose.
At the time I received the unit I also purchased A city map of Athens.
To garmin's credit they replaced the unit in September when I returned. Though it did little to ease my pain.
Now the icing on the cake. A month after I received a functioning unit I was advised that garmin issued a map update for the city navigator map. This update I have to purchase all over again since Garmin does not provide for free updates on this product.
It would seem to me that in a difficult environment for the hand held GPS manufacturers that they would do everything possible to keep customers happy. Not Garmin. They seem to think that we will just take what they hand out without consequences. They are wrong.

If you want a sporadically functioning unit and poor customer service then Garmin is for you.

(4 stars) - I like it
This is my second Garmin unit. I especially like Garmin units because they are compatible with MapSource. MapSource is free PC software that allows you to do all kinds of mapping things and upload to the Garmin unit. MapSource also makes it easy to update your unit's map annually.

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