Garmin Nuvi 250 / 250W Expert Reviews

The groundbreaking Garmin nüvi 350 practically created the shirt-pocket travel companion category. It also had a price befitting new technology from a leader in the compact GPS space. Garmin is now offering a cheaper model, the nüvi 250, which sells ...

Familiar Garmin menu system. Preloaded with maps. Includes some travel kit features

No text-to-speech conversion. Less-sensitive GPS receiver than the 300 series

Even for $100 less than the much more capable nüvi 350, the nüvi 250 may not be that great a value.

The Garmin nuvi 250W is a slim, entry-level sat-nav offering UK and European mapping plus safety cameras, but little in the way of extras. It's simple and easy to use, though, and gives reliable directions and useful points of interest

Big, colourful screen ; good search and points of interest ; clear voice

Weak GPS ; no traffic info ; can't update software

An entry-level navigator that benefits from a superb screen, comprehensive European mapping and excellent search functions. Only exclusively urban motorists should worry about the fussy GPS reception. The cheaper nuvi 200W is also available with maps ...

An inexpensive, neatly designed sat-nav that happens to offer additional travel info if you want it

Solid build. Pocketable size. Easy to use.

Slightly confusing maps.

The Nuvi 250, though, is a lot smaller and, with its rounded corners, integrated GPS aerial and glitz-free design, could easily pass as a generic device. Like, indeed, an electronic phrasebook

The diddy 250 is more than just a sat-nav - it's a city guide and phrasebook for your holiday shorts

Solid build. Pocketable size. Easy to use

Slightly confusing maps

Sleek and slim design, user-friendly interface, reasonable performance

Lack of included accessories, small display

The nuvi 250 is a solid unit and commands a lower price than the 250W, despite possessing the same features.

A simple navigator with European maps

Decent screen, Decent screen, Calculates routes quickly, Speed camera alerts

Premium price for the wide screen, Premium price for the wide screen

Simple, but powerful, and the European maps are enough to seal the deal

A simple navigator with European maps

If you drive on the continent as much as you do here, the Nuvi 250W's preloaded maps are a must. Finds out what the cons are too in our in-depth review.

Garmin Nuvi 250W personal travel assistant comes preloaded with maps for the United States, Canada and sports a sunlight readable 4.3-inch wide screen color display,