Garmin Nuvi 250 / 250W Review Analysis | All Features Rated & Tested

price

5

Though the Nuvi 200 is more affordable than other models in the series, we wish the price was slightly lower based on the included feature set
Premium price for the wide screen
Premium price for the wide screen, Premium price for the wide screen
the drop of the price
Hardly a Con at this price point, but no TTS, MP3 Player or Audio out

Excellent Value for money
Great Price/Performance
Excellent price
For the price you can't beat it
Price (269.99 + free shipping

didnt have a home charger but for thr price it didnt matter
voice does not state the street name as others do in this price range

Good price
Price and the Garmin name were the main selling points for me
Price and the Garmin name were the main selling points for me, along with reviews from other customers
Best gift I've purchase for my husband who has everything
No more expensive 411
and are more than pleased with our purchase
We are first time GPS owners, and are more than pleased with our purchase
it vas ver good value for money and very easy to operate
it vas ver good value for money and very easy to operate, i actually bought it for my boyfriend and he was over the moon with it
Good value fot money
Simple, reliable, accurate, good price
value for money
value for money, good for europe, good battery life
I went to ireland recently about 98% accurate.very good considering not many road signs to let you know where you are.I would have got lost many times without it.Worth the money
Price,design,ease of use
At the time of purchase was the cheapest i could find anywhere
price is great and has point of interest
Was cheap at the time
Simple but effective - great value - it's the least expensive Euro-wide sat nav I could find
After trying a very expensive rival
Best lower price GPs i ever worked with
The wide screen is worth the price difference
Very nice unit for the price
etc.)that more pricey units have
great value and a must have for anyone who travels unknown areas
No antenna flipping, big screen, fast start up, very good tracking, decent price ($290 total when i bought it), and easy hook up (whereas nuvi 650 i also bought hooks up to the suction cup and then to the gps nav)
reasonably priced
Good Value
I think the price is right
I think the price is right, but all the better if WIFI
low price
long battery life, low price, compact
price
Price, has the latest update in directions
great price
price, ease of use
Great Value
great for price
very well priced

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performance

2.5

no WAAS - A lower performance Garmin
No SiRF receiver, no WAAS - A lower performance Garmin
It is also sometimes slow when searching for POI's
It is also sometimes slow when searching for POI's, depending how general you were in your search
it don't like to leave main roads for faster times or routes

reasonable performance
quick sat acquisition
Very quick to correct missed turns
It showed up (fast shipping as always
Satellite acquisition is fast

it don't like to leave main roads for faster times or routes , and it will take you out of the way sometimes ???
like heading or speed
They are FIXED on SPEED and ARIVAL TIME
The speed data is redundant and DUMB
I'm sure some who has done this have gotten into accidents going too fast
Download and installation of updates are slow
It was quick to recalculate your route
It was quick to recalculate your route, but it did try to get you back on track to the route it wanted you to go
Sometimes slow to find satellite
slow finding satalite
slow finding satalite, but could be our area
a bit slow at times
a bit slow at times, should be upgradable,
slow to find satalite when it is switched off and you move to another location
In cities it struggled at some points and made me go round in a few circles but then sorted itself out but was quite slow resulting in me having to lane hop at roundabouts and junctions which is dangerous enough in small towns never mind large busy cities
A little slow to update now and then
Speed cameras are also not updated
drove into centre of london and its performance became erratic
drove into centre of london and its performance became erratic, tall buildings may have caused interference
takes ages to get a satellite and having to keep it up to date with speed camaras
takes ages to get a satellite and having to keep it up to date with speed camaras, etc
The turn guidance tells you to turn 100m before the junction whatever the speed
1)-The "Fast" routing is not very good-it routes me onto side streets when an interstate paralles the needed route
Searching ability sometimes fail to yield proper or quick results

fast deliever as always and everything that was to be in the box was
It tells you how fast you are currently going
average speed
highest speed on the trip
It tells you how fast you are currently going, average speed, highest speed on the trip, estimated time of arrival, etc
Very accurate and quick to recalculate when you take a turn it doesn't agree with
The remaining time to your destination is a useful feature as it is updated as you change course or speed
It picks up the satellites very quick - especially good in London where tall buildings normally cause problems
Very quick recalculation when you leave the given route
Even when we are in an area that this closer to our home, it still tends to find a faster way to the next home than we would have picked
Quick recalculations occur when you deviate from the chosen path
Advice on speed zones
Outstanding performance in a small package
Good Performance
quick to recalculate
It's fast and loaded with all the necessaries
Fast routing, solid navigation

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memory

0.5

It didnt come with a storage container of any type
Does not come with a home plug in nor does it come with a USP cord for the computer

LCD

5

it does not come with a case or screen protector
No, it does not come with a case or screen protector
screen could be a little larger
some of the turns were a little late and not clear on the screen
possibly could be a larger screen

colourful screen
Big, colourful screen
Decent screen
Decent screen, Decent screen, Calculates routes quickly, Speed camera alerts
Screen is bright, so you can see everything

No free updates that I'm aware of meaning that I have found myself in the middle of a field on the screen when in actuality I am on a new stretch of road
care needs to be taken when mounting in front of windscreen to avoid reflection in screen at night
care needs to be taken when mounting in front of windscreen to avoid reflection in screen at night, this applies to other models as well as the Garmin
Although the copyright on the opening screen says 2007
Although the copyright on the opening screen says 2007, the maps actually date back to 2003 and don't have the newer roads
as we have come accross going through streets that show on the screen as we are crossing a patch of nowhere
The screen could be larger if appropriate for the automobile which uses it...some may not
As I scrolled down the screen
As I scrolled down the screen, the satellite continued searching, at which point you can not do anything but wait

The screen is easy to see in most lights, and the directions have been clear thus far
Screen worked very well in bright sunlight inside my vehicle
Wide screen
Wide screen, big buttons
Although it does not say the street names the screen is big enough to read without getting distracted
Bright & Wide screen
Screen is top notch with auto day night
Great quality screen
Very nice screen
Nice sized Screen
I've heard some reviewers say they don't see the usefulness of a ""wide screen"" -- I sure do
I've heard some reviewers say they don't see the usefulness of a ""wide screen"" -- I sure do, it's very useful and more screen is alway better from my point of view
clear screen
Great, wide, clear screen
Screen is easy to read
Screen is easy to read, despite it's compact size
Screen is very high quality
Wide screen is nice
Great GPS--Simple to operate--highly accurate--current maps-wide screen is also a big plus--thin design--lots of built in point of interest and phone #'s--bright screen and good volume--great 2D or 3D views
The size is small too which makes the screen seem small
The size is small too which makes the screen seem small, but it isn't
It has a large screen and all the features you will need
It has a large screen and all the features you will need, with the ability to download additional points of interest
Screen is clear and easy to read
excellent screen
SIZE BUT THEN AGAIN I DID ORDER A WIDE SCREEN
large clear screen
Great screen
bright screen
Screen size is good
Brightness and clarity of screen
Large and bright screen
Excellent to street search when no maps are available, providing it has the street you are looking for is in its database.We also enjoy using the conversion tool as well, since we are buying a new home.Get a carrying case to protect the screen
Larger screen than others at similar prices
W I D E Screen
I really like the extra screen space
For the small gps line, I really like the extra screen space
All the directions are on the screen in front of you
Easy to read screen
Easy to read screen, quick to recalculate
large enough screen to see easily
nice size screen
nice size screen, nice to have street names
Big screen
Big screen, more features than earlier revisions
Screen Size
Screen Size, accurate, updatable maps
large screen
very clear large screen
screen

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interface

5

User manual is minimal - no help on website
User manual is minimal - no help on website, full capabilities require playing with it
its very user friendly
cant think of any,its very user friendly

user-friendly interface
Sleek and slim design, user-friendly interface, reasonable performance
I like the simple interface
I love the Garmin interface
Very inituitive interface

Even though the 200-series nuvis are targeted at the lower-end of Garmin's product line
This is a great unit for a first time GPS user
and program navigation is very user friendly
highly user friendly
Very user friendly
great interface
Control interface is almost iPod intuitive, so much so that my grandparents figured out its operation fairly quickly
For the small gps line
User friendly
website interface

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maps

3

Weak GPS
no traffic info
Slightly confusing maps
Garmin wants $70.00 for an software upgrade to allow me to actually use the GPS without having to resort to old fashioned maps?
After i updated map

comprehensive map set
Map changes automatically when lighting conditions warrant (like, going through a tunnel)
I called Garmin and they said the 09' maps would be released in a few months
Also I find that the GPS tracking was dead on
Accurate maps & routing

After i updated map, reception get better, but i found some mistakes - canal street in Chinese, some street names cut in the middle
cost to upgrade maps is very steep
As other reviewers have mentioned, cost to upgrade maps is very steep
Lack of support for Map updates
The GPS doesn't reconize slums
The GPS doesn't reconize slums, crime or high drug dealing areas...DO YOUR HOMEWORK
What I got only had maps for Mexico
it clearly stated that it only had Maps for Mexico
On the box I received, it clearly stated that it only had Maps for Mexico
Garmin should put out miore detailed info on database updates with the device
I guess I would like to not have to pay for the 09' maps
Does not show points of interest on the map unless you manually seek a specific POI (restaurants
Does not show points of interest on the map unless you manually seek a specific POI (restaurants, gas, atm, hotels, etc.)
The ETA displayed on the map screen is based on a speed that is not configurable
Maps are not 100% accurate: Once it recommended I turn left into a ravine
Map animation is very choppy, although that may be just the nature of the GPS technology
The only thing that I found to be a deal breaker for me was the data fields on the map
You start out a trip with an arrival time and as time goes by the time starts creeping up because of weather
You start out a trip with an arrival time and as time goes by the time starts creeping up because of weather, traffic, whatever
Too bad GPS is not smart enough to know 35W in Minneapolis has major work on the highway
Does not locate country road
I found one location where the maps and the new rebuilt roads didn't match up
Waiting for map updates for europe - these need to be updated quicker as many new roads are being constructed
On viewing a map afterwards the return route was more direct so I can see why it plotted that route but I think I would have preferred to return via the original route missing out the back road
I should have bought I tom tom but this has the european maps
as standard), I should have bought I tom tom but this has the european maps
Also had moments where it would not recognise a road even though we were driving on it
Maps not up to date
Maps not up to date, for example no Terminal 5 at Heatrow
spoken instructions have been different to the map indications
spoken instructions have been different to the map indications, which has been found to be very good
so must keep eye on map
which when used in Italy involved a potentially hair raising drive around a single track road through the Appenino mountains
It always takes the shortest route, which when used in Italy involved a potentially hair raising drive around a single track road through the Appenino mountains, when driving around and coming in from the other side of the mountain would have been much safer and easier
The TomTom and Miomaps GPS units are far better
the maps actually date back to 2003 and don't have the newer roads
On one particularly journey I decided to take a different road and instantly saved 15 minutes off my calculated journey times
The routes are labelled by road names
The routes are labelled by road names, which is downright useless as road signs almost always use numbers
The autozoom does not work correctly an often requires manual zooming to see enough of the road or enough detail
it does not fit the gps as stated in the information on your web site
As a building contractor the developments I work on arent always on the map yet - so it looks like I am in nowhere land
As a building contractor the developments I work on arent always on the map yet - so it looks like I am in nowhere land , but since they arent lived in yet it wouldnt effect most people
outdated maps
Hotel I was staying at was not on the map and the the address I typed in was off a block
New road changes and exits are not included
The street map database and restaurant locator needs to be updated
The street map database and restaurant locator needs to be updated, as we have come accross going through streets that show on the screen as we are crossing a patch of nowhere, and restaurants that have gone out of business already
Maps could be improved for better accuracy
maps are not too "up to date." the street i live on has been here for about 4 years and is still not on the 2008 map
if anything I'd say my maps need to be updated
Not very many, if anything I'd say my maps need to be updated
has dificulties scrolling the map
doesn't pronounce street names, has dificulties scrolling the map
Will not lock on satellites in places where other Garmin SiRf GPS units will have no problem to lock

Preloaded US Maps
The weather was horrible
but I followed the GPS's instructions and it was 100 % accurate
The weather was horrible, but I followed the GPS's instructions and it was 100 % accurate
Road maps are accurate
Road maps are accurate, the latest is from April '07, which, by the time it's manufactured, downloaded, tested, and shipped, then sits on the shelf waiting to be bought,is reasonable
All new Garmin GPS units use SiRF's high performance SiRF Star III 20-channel indoor GPS receiver
SiRF StarIII GPS receiver on the nuvi 250W
The GPS quickly recognized my location
but the GPS quickly re-acquired within a few seconds once I emerged from the tunnel
Garmin's nuvi 250W ships pre-loaded with Garmin's newest maps, City Navigator North America NT
Maps are remarkably up to date
Maps are remarkably up to date, even in industrial areas where the roads/names are ever changing
This GPS is simply GREAT
ALMOST a perfect GPS device, but to the cons for what I felt was the killer
Basic GPS
newer Garmin interface has more info on the standard map screen than older Garmins
Basic GPS, newer Garmin interface has more info on the standard map screen than older Garmins
free map upgrade from Garmin online if one is available 60 days after purchase or first use
Compact design, decent battery life, free map upgrade from Garmin online if one is available 60 days after purchase or first use, which one I'm not sure
Can't beat $100 for a GPS with the brand of Garmin
This GPS is awesome
I really don't see to much need to spend hundreds of dollars on a GPS that plays music
It also recalculates your route quickly if you make a wrong turn or decide to take a different road
followed the simple instructions and had it up and runnin before i came home off the road
she pulled it out the box, followed the simple instructions and had it up and runnin before i came home off the road
The 3D style maps
Great GPS for first time users
Great GPS for first time users, the points of interest(POI
We are first time GPS owners
I bought this GPS unit for motorcycle trips
the GPS recalcultates
Even if I turn too soon, the GPS recalcultates
and simple entry into the GPS field
Maps seem accurate
got maps of europe which is handy
accurate voice and map directions
accurate voice and map directions, easy to mount
following the map has seemed clear
following the map has seemed clear, precise and easy to follow so far
but I would still recommend using it alongside it's map (so you don't pick the wrong place by not having a postcode to input
it's got me around and where I need to be, but I would still recommend using it alongside it's map (so you don't pick the wrong place by not having a postcode to input, especially in Europe such as 'Paris' - there are a few on the list so zooming out made sure I picked the right one
Maps and instructions are easy to follow
good maps
Clear verbal instructions, good maps
Great GPS without all the bells and whistles
best way is to pan on the map and then save)
best way is to pan on the map and then save), so now we have it down pat
Another great feature is where you can pan the map anywhere in the world-almost
We have GPS units
We have GPS units, indigenous to both our vehicles
I bought this unit for my daughter strickly for helping her find places/routes without using a paper map
but for entry level GPS units
that is a lot more technical and I can do a lot more with it and wouldn't give it up, but for entry level GPS units, this is a winner
This is a good entry level GPS I purchased for my son
NT street maps
provides me with a peace of mind on the road
updatable maps
I had other GPS BUT THIS IS THE BEST

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menu

0.5

Has many POI's in the menu that no longer exist
but down right dangerous
The arrival time is not only useless, but down right dangerous
But once I drove down the street it quickly picked it up again
The satellite didn't find a road that was closed because the bridge was taken down to be repaired

The menu isn't designed perfectly
easy to navigate through menu
Compact design, easy to navigate through menu
so now we have it down pat

sometimes leads you down the tiny country lanes (I have actually even been directed through a ford!)
Ocassionally sends you down roads that are more like dirt tracks
Not really a bad point but on a return journey in France it took us down a minor country road
Not really a bad point but on a return journey in France it took us down a minor country road, resulting in me having to squeeze past a tractor, to get to the motorway
ORAL DIRECTION & PICTURE DIRECTION COMPLETE OPPOSITES HAVING TO WALK UP & DOWN THE STREET TO LOCATE A SATALITE THE CHARGER IS ONLY FOR THE CAR, I WOULD PREFER A HOME CHARGER ALSO BEFORE I SET OFF
It seems to want to stick to main roads only, going from home to Wakefield it wants me to go through Horbury when the quickest way is straight down the bypass
Whenever I drive down this bit the Sat Nav beeps at me incessently

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usability

5

Easy target for thieves
Doesn't come with a USB cable, would benefit from a more comprehensive manual to cater for more advanced use
It's scarily easy to see how large vehicles use totally unsuitabe roads
A simple padded 'compact camera' type case is far more practical, cheaper and in fact what I use as an alternative to the Garmin case
only minus that I can think of is the lack of bluetooth to use your phone hands free in the car but I knew that when I bought it

The Garmin Nuvi 200 boasts a compact design and is easy to use
Easy to use
Loaded with points of interests, very intuitive to use
super easy to use
Tons of POIs, super easy to use, very accurate

Every time I need to use it I have to stand still, away from the car and wait, and wait, and wait
this isn't too much of an issue because I only use it in my KAr
Not supplied with a mains charger, this isn't too much of an issue because I only use it in my KAr
which is not easy to enter
The unit can only cope with one waypoint on the route, which is not easy to enter
which is downright useless as road signs almost always use numbers
A more detailed instruction manual to show all the great features of the unit
Personnaly for my type of usage
Personnaly for my type of usage, I require units with tracking ability, which this doesn't have
It's hidden under the serial number label, so you have to use a ball point pen and feel for it
perfectly design and easy to use

It is small and easy to carry around
easy to use from the start and work very well
it was very easy to use
I love the Garmin interface, it was very easy to use
EASY
Easy to use and start-up
They love it and like how easy it is use
It's small, light, and pretty easy to use
Fairly intuitive to use
Easy to use fresh out of box
Easy to use fresh out of box, Works great and has 2008 maps uploaded
Easy to use right out of the box
easy to mount on dash or window
Accurate maps & routing, Bright & Wide screen, Easy to use right out of the box, thin & light, easy to mount on dash or window
POI, Points of Intrest database is kewlest thing I've seen, it has it all and easy to use
Easy to use menu structure
It is easy to use and doesn't require a lot of effort to figure out
I use it all the time regardless if I know how to get there or not
Nice bright wide screen with great color, easy to use, was going through downtown Atlanta (which I am not familiar with
Simple to operate
The unit is bright and easy to see during the day
The unit is bright and easy to see during the day, shows where you are, gives you plenty of warning for turns, and is accurate to within about 30'
I'm pleased to report that Garmin is continuing to use the costly (and highly effective
Even though the 200-series nuvis are targeted at the lower-end of Garmin's product line, I'm pleased to report that Garmin is continuing to use the costly (and highly effective
Easy to read in direct sunlight
Route calculation from city to city is practical and efficient
USB connection is easy to use with a computer because the device shows up as a removable drive
Comes with DC/DC adapter for use in the car with a right-angle plug that doesn't get in the way
This unit couldn't easier to use
Easy to look up major point of interests like gas stations, restaurants and etc
They love it and it's easy to use
The unit is compact and easy to use
Easy to setup and use
Easy to install
Very easy to use
Very easy to use, even for a 60 year old mom - took it out of the box and works just great
very easy to see
It is quite user friendly and easy to set up
Easy to operate
easy to program
Easy to use, easy to program, the best
My job takes me all over and I use it everyday with no problems
easy to set up/ take it right out the box and its ready for use
VERY easy to use and understand right out of the box
really nice unit....easy to use
This is an extrememly easy to see
This is an extrememly easy to see, highly user friendly, and simple entry into the GPS field
So simple to use
easy to use, got maps of europe which is handy
real easy to use
clear screen and ease of use
Good, clear screen and ease of use
easy to read
Small size, ease of use
Very reliable and easy to use
Size and ease of use
Easy to use, recalculates quickly, speed camera warning
easy to set up
Compact and quite easy to use
Easy to use and fast
this one was so easy and it hasn't got me lost
good quality ,easy to use
Simple
Easy to use, I planned my trip to europe on this, finding my hotels and places i want to visit
Ease of use
Easy to use straight from the box
ease of use,
good design, large clear screen, security protected, easy to use, walking and other useful facilities, excellent carrying case (extra)
Easy to use, so far very accurate
Good functionality Easy to use
looks sleek and is really easy to use without looking at the manual
It's small, lightweight, looks sleek and is really easy to use without looking at the manual
Easy to use, Detour facility
Very easy to use, virtually idiot proof
Easy to use, fast and the detour feature is excellent
It's fun & companionable, so far I've only used it on routes I know and it doesn't always use the most suitable route
light and easy to use
Very easy to use, not many advanced features so it does exactly what a sat nav should do - get you to where you need to go
and very easy to use in this country
99% accurate, and very easy to use in this country
very quick and easy to use
very quick and easy to use, is a good size
Easy to use,bright screen,quite compact
easy to understand and use
took it to Alton towers and it took the route through the town which people dont use so no traffic
I jwanted a simple
easy to use sat nav to get me there
I jwanted a simple,easy to use sat nav to get me there
Easy set up
easy to use and good value for money
Compact, easy to use and good value for money
Garmin is easy to programme and always gets me to my destination
It's a good size and easy to use
Ease of use and quick understanding of functionality
Small, easy to use, accurate
Size of unit and ease of use
Size ease of use
easy to use always gets you there functionality is excellent - counts you down both speak and visually to every next "occasion"
easy to use always gets you there functionality is excellent - counts you down both speak and visually to every next "occasion", ETA, Miles to go, etc
great interface, easy to use
it is really simple to use and easy to read
Fairly easy to use, fits nicely in pocket, excellent value with European mapping
Very Accurate and easy to use
widescreen for ease of use and good graphics
Easy to use if have postcodes
Easy to use out of the box
Easy to use with adequate maps
It is easy to use and the screen is a good size
simple touch screen use
easy to mount
easy to use software
a variety of different pointers available to use
precise and easy to follow so far
Easy to use, compact size makes it easier to carry outside of the car, simple and effective mounting bracket, excellent user interface
This product was very easy to use
This product was very easy to use, you don't even need the instructions
easy to understand and very clear
Its perfect, easy to understand and very clear
good screen size very easy to use
Very easy to 8understand
Very easy to 8understand, very easy to use
found it easy to locate parking places in city centres
Easy to use - nothing wrong with it really
Easy to use, clear and very helpful
Easy to use, full postcode search (and it finds them
very good product, easy to use, great touch screen
Very easy to use - just plug it in to the car socket and go
VERY EASY TO USE, CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS, EASY TO READ DISPLAY,LIKE HOW IT REMINDS YOU AS YOU GET CLOSER TO ROUND ABOUT ETC
Easy as can be and accurate
Simple and easy to setup
Gets you where you need to go and is easy to use on the go
Very easy to operate
Very easy to read and use
Love the BIG W I D E screen.Very thin and fits very well in a mens trousers pocket.Easiest GPS so far to use
Love the BIG W I D E screen.Very thin and fits very well in a mens trousers pocket.Easiest GPS so far to use, as a matter of fact, my wife liked it so much, now she wants one for herself
The favorites is a bit tricky to learn to use
Large screen, easy to operate, easy tio transfer from one vehicle to another
Very easy to set up and become proficient in use...everything I need for a GPS system
Very small and compact and very easy to use
They are easy to use and very sleek in design
Easy plug and play functionality
No directions are really necessary to use this device
SUPER easy to use and accurate
VERY simple to use for the none techno ages
it's easy to get back on track if you leave the highway (Starbucks or Gas
Also, it's easy to get back on track if you leave the highway (Starbucks or Gas
Very easy set up
Ease of use and accuracy of calculations is a plus
Price and easy to use
Relatively easy to use and setup
use to ease
Easy to use, great price
Easy set up and easy to view screen
GPS is easy to use
GPS is easy to use, works right out of the box
easy to work
Easy as pie to learn
Easy to use, very accurate
Easy to use, large enough screen to see easily
Price, Size, Easy to use
Easy to use, large screen, voice navigation
Very simple to use
easy to use, very clear large screen, loud speaker, durable, very well priced
Very powerful and easy to use
Easy to use and clear directions
Easy to use, very portable, very helpful
Very easy to use, large display, truly gets you where you need to go
Ease of use, features, screen, trip data, etc
very easy to preview/modify proposed route
very easy to preview/modify proposed route, nice feature set
Very easy to use, Accurate, Fun
get what you pay for, easy, clear , capable, and not tarted up
robust & easy to use on the road

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screen

4.5

small display
Lack of included accessories, small display
Also, as the features on Newegg show, this unit does not speak the street names, but rather simply says ""Turn right in 500 yards..."" etc
and made the device unusable
once you stick the mounting device to your windshield it will never come off - I've pulled and pulled

great feature set for entry-level device
The display is easy to read in all lighting conditions
Large display, fairly quick positioning update as you travel, POI database is pretty up to date
This device is nearly flawless with this 4.3"" screen
This device does very well to navigate you through this complicated transit setup

No carrying case, no wall charger, once you stick the mounting device to your windshield it will never come off - I've pulled and pulled
Make sure the clip is locked in place other wise the suction won't stay and the unit will fall right off
and no option to display anything else of use there
The ETA displayed on the map screen is based on a speed that is not configurable, and no option to display anything else of use there, like heading or speed
When the device is cold the touch screen doesn't work well -- Pressing in the center registers a tap in the middle-left
When the device is cold the touch screen doesn't work well -- Pressing in the center registers a tap in the middle-left, for example
you have to hit a button on the display to see it
In order to see the miles to destination, you have to hit a button on the display to see it, again dangerous
The only Con I can think of is that there was no data cable bundled with the unit
I would have preferred the unit to recalculate my course if I take a diversion
I would have preferred the unit to recalculate my course if I take a diversion, as long as I am still headed in the correct direction, rather than trying to divert me back to its original route
The unit performs particularly badly on roundabouts because it rarely gives adequate warning of the desired exit
The unit can only cope with one waypoint on the route
The unit does not calculate the fastest route when in "Fastest Route" mode
The unit tries to take you through town centres instead of using the by-pass even in the so called "Fastest Route" mode
Power supply is connected through the rear rather than the side or underneath, which is harder to reach and means the unit won't lie flat
display type

Used the device for our first trip to Pocono
Used the device for our first trip to Pocono, PA
the display screen goes dark
One nice feature, is when the sun sets, the display screen goes dark
I've had unit for abouit three months and have had four different versions of firmware
This is a must have device
Excellent unit
Window mount is rock solid (follow directions
Device is very flat and compact
The unit even worked under a roadway tunnel which was really impressive
and changes the display scheme to make it easier to see
I was able to hear them just fine over my car stereo with the unit at only 70% volume
no problems with my unit either
i recommend this unit or any nuvi
Great display also
Great display also, very easy to see
good mapping and good spoken instructions
Small, light, excellent battery life, excellent screen, auto night time view, good mapping and good spoken instructions
The best windscreen attachment device on the market
excellent euro mapping screen size adequate
display
address and postcode search, POI, size, display,
I have a higher end unit (276C
excellent visual display
Ease of Use, excellent visual display, portable, website interface
large display

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voice guidance

3

No voice on street names option in this model
Can not save routes (but can save favorite locations), Some important features missing from earlier Garmins including ability to choose faster or shorter route on an individual route basis (can be set globally, much less useful), no text to voice directions
The only thing I can think of is it doesn't have a voice interaction program
Only one voice
Would be nice if you could change to a mans voice if desired and download other voices

clear voice
With the 2008 firmware the voice prompts are accurate and remind you numerous times your turn is near yet NOT annoying
Maps are BRIGHT and the voice prompts are LOULD
the voice clarity
The 3D style maps, the voice clarity, the Points Of Interests (poi's), the accuracy

no option to change voice
The voice is harsh & toppy - I have covered the speaker holes with a layer of gaffer tape to take away some of the toppiness but this also reduces the speech volume
I would love to be able to change the voice to that of Joanna Lumley - I can't think of any other female personality that I would rather be guided by
only one voice type limited route type program fastest - shortest could do with only use main roads as well so not sent up tiny narrow lanes when larger roads available
The female voice can be hard to understand and there are no alternatives supplied
Voice directions
Somewhat annoying voice
Somewhat annoying voice, but better than most

and the voice that speaks street names is great
Maps seem accurate, and the voice that speaks street names is great
The screen is large enough to see the details and the voice prompt speaks in plenty of time for me to make my decisions
Good screen image and voice prompts
Voice is very clear
The turn by voice with turn directions as you go are great
Voice commands are active and accured
voice navigation

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image quality

5

When you scan through the places saved in your Favorites
When you scan through the places saved in your Favorites, it lists the street addresses, but not the city
Low quality receiver

picture viewer
looked at all my local electronic stores and they had the same one for about ten dollars more
good quality
Quality product
High Quality

Garmin quality

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remote control

0.5

Could do with a volume control knob on the device rather than clicking through menus - Would be good to have a port for an external antenna (although signal seems to be pretty good)

viewfinder

5

it's very useful and more screen is alway better from my point of view
auto night time view
excellent screen view
excellent screen view, clear vocal direction, great accuracy
The size and view

sound

1.5

User booklet could be more informative Sound is on the tinny side at higher volumes
loses sound quality at higher volume
loses sound quality at higher volume,does not come with home charger

so you can hear directions even in noisy place
It doesn't sound out street names like my Nuvi 360, but the wide screen is very nice and all the other Garmin quality features are there

color

5

Nice bright wide screen with great color
Vibrant color
Love the colour

appearance

0.5

The standard 'leather' case while quite smart in appearance does not close and the contents may easily fall out and sustain damage

lens

2

Mounting kit only attaches to glass otherwise your committed to adhesive means on the dash
and the glass shattered
Awkward to input via points in journey or get system to avoid places
and upgraded operating system
After installing POIs, and upgraded operating system, I had to restart the machine

mounting system is solid and steady
Excellent slimline International Sat Nav system

sensor

4.5

requires hand-eye coordination

I have a terrible sense of direction

keyboard

3

that second ""G"" key replaced my ""O."" Living in nOrwalk
Well, that second ""G"" key replaced my ""O."" Living in nOrwalk, it is difficult to type in my city's name
TN104DR if you then want another TN10 post code you have to key in TN10 again
no querty keyboard which im used to
If you make a mistake typing in an address there is no delete key

Well, one day, I got an extra ""G"" key on the Garmin keyboard, so if I needed to type in a street or a location that had a ""G"" in the name, I could find the key easily in two different places
such as missing the letter ""e"" on the virtual keyboard and latest one is the ""arrival time"" is totally inaccurate
I realise that simplicity is the key to on the move navigation
After trying a very expensive rival, I realise that simplicity is the key to on the move navigation
lowest cost Garmin GPS that announces streets by name (key feature!)

resolution

5

The unit's waypoints are pretty much right on from what I can tell and performacne is crisp with a very good resolution screen
The Garmin 250W has the best resolution that I've seen in an aftermarket GPS
Clear instructions and screen resolution making the map easy to follow

control panel

4

I may use the dashboard mount
The holder supplied with this product is not transferable between vehicles and requires permanent erection on the dashboard

I would reccommend this fine instrument to anyone
This instrument is incredibly accurate and I was amazed how detailed and intricate the settings and locations are

reception

5

reception get better
Takes on average 10 minutes to get a signal
Uses reception all the time
Getting a sat signal when you first turn it on takes a little longer then my old C320
It takes awhile sometimes to find a signal especially if your driving while its locating the satellite

Reception is good (it never dropped in Manhattan and other areas more then half block)
but sometimes it takes 1-2 mins to get the signal
Reception is good (it never dropped in Manhattan and other areas more then half block), but sometimes it takes 1-2 mins to get the signal
Since it got the signal
Since it got the signal, it's not dropping on your way

Also while driving in the city once I lost the signal on it because all the tall buildings
The signal
which promotes poor signal and lane discipline
The unit performs particularly badly on roundabouts because it rarely gives adequate warning of the desired exit, which promotes poor signal and lane discipline
2)-It takes a long time to aquire a satellite signal
Satellite reception seems a little slow

Antenna picks up perfect reception even when sitting on the car seat
It receives satellite signal quickly and its routes are usually very good
Loses signal in Squirrel Hill and Fort Pitt tunnels (which I expected - not sure about Liberty tunnels)
Maintained good signal in poor weather
Was delighted that we kept a signal in such bad weather
This chipset is extremely sensitive and able to maintain solid signal reception even when driving in GPS-challenging situations
This chipset is extremely sensitive and able to maintain solid signal reception even when driving in GPS-challenging situations, such as behind tall buildings, under bridges, through canyons, etc
I was able to get a strong signal even indoors
In fact, during my testing, I was able to get a strong signal even indoors
Throughout my testing GPS reception was outstanding
and reception was unflappable
The GPS quickly recognized my location, and reception was unflappable, even when driving in midtown Manhattan
I did lose reception when driving through tunnels
I did lose reception when driving through tunnels, but the GPS quickly re-acquired within a few seconds once I emerged from the tunnel
and the signal is very reliable
Satellite acquisition is fast, and the signal is very reliable
Maintained a signal all the way through the Ft McHenry Tunnel in Baltimore
+ Good mapping + Clear instructions + Good signal + Compact + Well made
picked up satellite signal and away we went to test it out
Took it out of the box, picked up satellite signal and away we went to test it out
It's quite difficult to get a reception and the reception drops out seemingly quite easily
Hassle free, once satellite signal is received, away you go
Good GPS reception even in a Renault with the windscreen coating of Anti radiation
Wide screen + strong signal

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battery

4

Battery started losing the ability to keep a charge pretty quickly
The battery life seems to be very limited when not connected to an external power source and this caused some initial frustration
battery only lasts about 3hours
battery only lasts about 3hours,ok if you have in car charger
BATTERY LIFE TOO SHORT

Battery life was very good
Battery life is satisfactory
Good battery life
It has a great battery and wide bright screen
Excellent battery life

BATTERY LIFE TOO SHORT ,LACKS STREET NAME FOR TURN
2 hour battery life
Battery charge lasts only 5 hours

decent battery life
The unit arrived at my house about 42 hours after placing my order with Newegg
size and battery lasts while driving
The 5 hour battery life is great for use when walking or cycling
Longer battery life than antisipated
Long battery life from fully charged
Battery charge seems to last longer than 4 hours advised so that is a bonus
It is very convenient for travel and the battery appears to hold a charge very well so far
long battery life

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portability

5

The glass cracked in my sweater pocket
In heavy traffic
In heavy traffic, this is a pain
Human nature then magically increases the weight of your foot to try and chase that original arrival time

Pocketable size
Compact
Compact, well made, well designed - a Garmin
light weight
Small, light weight, quick sat acquisition, comprehensive map set, mounting system is solid and steady, great feature set for entry-level device

Compact size
Thin form factor
this unit is small and light compared to older generation Garmin's
Thin form factor, this unit is small and light compared to older generation Garmin's
thin & light
I suppose this is because it would be similar to having a bright light shining in your eyes, while driving, in the dark
despite it's compact size
Portable
Portable, no wires to drag between cars
Compact, I bought this GPS unit for motorcycle trips
would fit in your pocket of jeans or jacket as very slim..tom tom to fat
real easy to use, would fit in your pocket of jeans or jacket as very slim..tom tom to fat
light
simple compact unit
fits nicely into jeans pocket
lightweight
Compact, Lightweight, Simple, Good value, Great battery life and can use Motorola chargers and leads with it
Compact, light and easy to use
quite compact
very compact and slim
Pocket size
This unit is light weight and very easy to use
yet slender and 'girlie' Fits neatly into pockets and bags and isn't too heavy or chunky
Small and compact - no swivel out satellite receiver
Nice slim and compact design
compact, reasonably priced, effective
very portable
Long Battery Life, Light Weight, Easy to Use, Lots of POI's

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shutter

0.5

need some way to automatically shut it off after engine is shut down so it won't drain the battery

connectivity

0.5

I haven't had any problems with it yet other than the fact it doesn't come with a USB to mini-USB type B cable
Would have been nice to have a case, usb cable and AC Adapter
No USB cable, AC charger, or carrying case
No need for an AC charger - will also charge from USB
But a usb cable would be nice

has bluetooth and has all the other bells and whistles
I really don't see to much need to spend hundreds of dollars on a GPS that plays music, has bluetooth and has all the other bells and whistles
clear audio instructions
neat, easy to read, clear audio instructions
No bluetooth, bells or whistles required, This does that very well

why o why do they not include a USB connector
Does not come with USB cable
Ships without a USB and some will want a manual, but you can download it from Garmin's website
I can charge it via USB since I bought a cable
Have No USB cable
No usb but I have a few that work for it no biggie
didn't come with USB cable

Doesn't have some of the bells and whistles (bluetooth
but all the better if WIFI

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size

5

the little pressure applied by my arm to my waist opened the case
Yes, the little pressure applied by my arm to my waist opened the case, and the glass shattered, and made the device unusable
That distance to destination data is very important to me
Size could have been bigger and more choice on voices
which is no big deal

Big
small size
sensitive receiver, small size, picture viewer
The size of the GPS
big buttons

Not convinced about 'shortest time' and 'shortest route' makes much difference, which is no big deal
It would benefit from and option of just being able to select the more major routes, regardless of distance
It sometimes can't find large towns when entering a route because it cannot cope with alternate spelling e.g
A little delay while searching for satelites

The gas station maps can be a little outdated
The gas station maps can be a little outdated, name-wise, what with them buying and selling each other so much
Every version has had it's own little bugs
Nice size for carrying away from vehicle
Have used in Spain with little problem
SIZE AND EASE OF OPERATION
size
is a good size
great size screen while still remaining compact overall size
Quality product, great size screen while still remaining compact overall size
it has also made driving a little more fun again
All the little extras
The size of the nuvi 210w is the main reason that I purchased it
No big instruction manual to read

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build quality

5

Product is reliable until there is construction that changes a road

Solid build
ease of use and build quality
Wide screen, ease of use and build quality
Sturdy and robust device
Sturdy and robust device, yet slender and 'girlie' Fits neatly into pockets and bags and isn't too heavy or chunky

Durable

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design

5

You'll have to put the city in the name of the place if you want to be able to quickly find what you're looking for
Also didn't find a restaurant I was looking for using the POI feature, but did find it once I entered the address
expensive for what it does no traffic alert program POI's limited looking for petrol stations
shops etc example was in blackpool looking for petrol and cafe/supermarket the sat nav said nearest was 4.5 miles away when round the corner was a morrisons with cafe and petrol station
expensive for what it does no traffic alert program POI's limited looking for petrol stations, shops etc example was in blackpool looking for petrol and cafe/supermarket the sat nav said nearest was 4.5 miles away when round the corner was a morrisons with cafe and petrol station

Sleek and slim design
and looks nice
Compact design
but instead of looking at a white background
You can still read your route, and all features are highlighted the same, but instead of looking at a white background, it has turned to a nice midnight blue

This unit is perfect for anyone looking for a gps without bluetooth and mp3
but I wasn't looking for that set up
Does not have handle bar mounts, but I wasn't looking for that set up
Very good as it work out arrival time so you can plan you journey
good design
Nice neat design
Nice neat design, great european searches
Pretty slimline and looks nice
Nice size and design
Stylish design
Stylish design, compact and works very well
looks nice
Also looks good
but I wasn't looking for those options
Doesn't have some of the bells and whistles (bluetooth, MP3, traffic alerts, etc.)that more pricey units have, but I wasn't looking for those options
i like the design of this navigator because of its widescreen and sleek

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energy efficiency

0.5

No power cord included
It also would have no idea where I was after waiting 5 minutes or more on power up
I would power it off and back on and it would instantly know where I was
Have to plug the power cord directly into the device
A power option within the mount itself would be nice

Power feeds from cigar light socket

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