This is my 2nd GPS. It has many nice features and is especially easy to use. I just took it out of the box, plugged it in and clipped on the mount and off we went. I takes a little time to figure out the appreviations they use for finding streets etc. but after that it is very easy and quite accurate to use. In smaller areas it may not know the main throughfares, but it will take you directly to your destination and usually the quickest way.

This is our first gps system, so I don't have any to compare it with. I went with the 255W because of the high reviews it received from other buyers, and also from ConsumerReports. We're VERY pleased with our choice. We've used it several times, and each time we're simply amazed! We like how it tells you the next turn in advance (the actually street name), as well as visually showing where you're at. If by chance, you miss a turn, it quickly re-calculates and points you in the right direction. It's very easy to program and 'user friendly'. We're able to move it to ANY vehicle we're currently using, because it is portable. I strongly suggest purchasing the friction stand (it's like a weighted bean bag) that sits securely on the dash, instead of using the windshield mount. We didn't want to advertise that we had a gps system in the car, plus we wanted to move it to any vehicle we were having to use. Also, suggest getting a case for the screen, which is not included. I chose a hard type of case that zippered the screen in, as I didn't want the possibility of it sliding out. When we reach our destination, we simply put everything in a small tote bag and lock it in the trunk of the car. This is a godsend for me, as I still don't know my way around the area that I've moved to. Since my 'sense of direction' is really poor, this little gadget has already paid for itself!

We've had this nuvi for 4 months and we have not had any problems with it. It helped us navigate through Washington D.C., Baltimore, San Francisco, and surrounding areas. It doesn't take long to locate satellites, maybe 15 seconds or so. It's our first gps navigator so we can't compare it to others, but we have been very, very pleased. For the price, it is definitely the best purchase we have ever made. The qwerty keyboard is a plus! Some downsides is that it takes us through some convoluted routes and when you're in a city like Baltimore, it can be a little scary, but I'm sure this is the case with most navigators. Also, it's hard to view the screen when it's super sunny outside, but the text to speech capability is an advantage. So if you're looking for your first gps navigator, get this one!

A bit of research had me zeroed in on the Garmin 255w for a good entry-level gps system. Reading other consumer reviews though had me somewhat concerned about the audio quality of this unit. And the price was not in my target area.
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br /But then the price became much more attractive and I bought the 255w from Amazon. What a good unit. The item arrived on time. There is no problem whatsoever with the audio (male or female voice). The accuracy at this point is very good. I'm happy to recommend this gps to others. (The price is even lower now!)

After getting burned with online mapping and direction sites we bought this Garmin GPS system. It was tough to decide which brand to buy but Garmin seemed to be the top seller. Amazon had the best price for this model which I chose for its ability to adjust the directions if you reroute, text to speech feature and 4.3 inch wide screen. We've used it on 2 long trip and some local travel and found only minor quirks when searching for points of interest. Some local businesses were not in the system. Overall we are very happy with this purchase after about one month of ownership.

Did all the usual research with all the different models, and for the price, this GPS is fantastic. Was thinking about buying the 265WT for only $45 more, but decided I didn't need bluetooth or the Traffic Feature which gives you flash advertisements on the screen. Those are the only 2 differences between the 2 models and I'd rather not have flash advertisements coming up on my GPS screen at random. The 255W finds satellites faster than any other GPS on the market. It includes the new Hot Fit technology and remembers the satellites positions when you turn the GPS off, so the next time you turn it on, it can relocate them very fast. The 4.3 Inch screen is awesome to look at both during the day and at night. It auto adjusts to whatever lighting conditions there are for a picture perfect look. The Voice Prompted turn by turn directions make it easy to get from one place to another without having to look up at the GPS, but of course you also get turn-by-turn directions on the GPS with a touch of the screen. You get a JPEG Picture viewer, Word Traval Clock, Currenly Converter, Calculator, plus many more features that make this GPS the best value on the market. You just can't beat Amazon's pricing either.
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I love my 255W... except when I pull off road for potty or coffee break, it does not correctly get me back in the same direction.
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br /I does not seem to recognize when I am on an overpass; it thinks I am on the road below and it thinks it is a two-way street, when it is not.
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br /Also, when I pass a turn, it still does not tell me to turn around - when I did set it to allow U-Turns.
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br /But I love her... lol ...

The Nuvi arrived quicker than I thought. So, bonus point. I am very satisfied with the order processing and delivery.
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br /The thing itself works like a charm. The color scheme takes a little getting used to but that's individual preference. It's fine after a few times. I would prefer to have the "mapped" route in white, but that does not take anything from the great user experience. I actually had to look up a college campus with the "Points-of-Interest" function and it worked as designed.
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br /Totally satisfied. I would've given it 5 stars if I were able to change color schemes. This function may well exist, but I haven't found it yet.
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What a product! Very user friendly and intuitive. Sit down with this unit for half an hour, and you'll be an expert. A nice, clean interface for those who consider themselves 'technically challenged'. Don't let a lack of knowledge of the latest electronic gadgets scare you away from this very, very useful piece of equipment. We borrowed our neighbor's NUVI 255 earlier this year, and decided that our middle-aged eyes would get along better with the 255W's 4.3" widescreen. We were right, and are enjoying this product immensely!

This product worked as advertised when used on a 1000 mile trip very shortly after purchase. Display of speed limit and vehicle's current speed very helpful. Announcement of street names an excellent feature. Relatively short battery life was disappointing. Since above trip consisted of two days, approximately eight driving hours each day, that meant using the charging cord at least half the time. Unfortunately, one needs to use a GPS unit to appreciate truly which are good features and which may be of little use. So reviews are necessary.

Rarely - and I mean RARELY, does a product come along where you think to yourself... "how did I ever get by without this?". I am pleased to report that the Garmin 255W just so happens to be one of those items.
br /I bought this to help with an upcoming multi-state trip that we are planning on taking. I decided to get the device a few weeks in advance so that I could get accustomed to it prior to our adventure. When we got it, I plugged it in to charge and then took it out on the road to give it a try. The interface to the unit is clear cut and very intuitive. It was a piece of cake to figure our how to start using the device right away. Within minutes I had loaded in an address and was off.
br /The unit gave flawless directions and lead me turn by turn to my desired location. It displayed and spoke all the street names correctly and told me well in advance what I needed to do next. When I was done, I hit "Home" and it took me right back to my house. I tried to see what would happen if I deviated from the prescribed course and the unit quickly corrected the route.
br /I am amazed at how much data is packed into the device. It knows everything down to the street number of any address, speed limits on roads, travel times... you name it. It also is able to speak in just about any language you can think of. The maps were very up to date as I took it on roads that just opened up this year and it knew of them already.
br /A great feature is all of the businesses that it has pre-loaded into memory. You can identify an area by address or type of business. Want a sushi bar nearby, it can get you there. A movie, no problem. Gas. ATM's, medical, police.... Whatever you can think of.
br /The screen is large, informative and easy to read. The spoken language is natural concise.
br /Very well made and a pleasure to use.
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The Nuvi 255w is as great as advertised. It picks up the satellite quickly, and is easy to use, out of the box. So far it has only made one error (saying to turn left, when only a right turn was an option) but, that was easy to figure out. It came with current maps and POI's. It also comes with photos of Garmin HQ, which I still need to figure out how to delete. I had heard the voices were hard to hear, but that has not been a problem at all. All-in-all, well worth the money.

I bought this gps as a birthday gift for my husband. It's just perfect. Up and talking with a quick start guide, "Samantha" has directed us flawlessly to lacrosse tournaments, a party in the city, and a local restaurant. Remember to take it out of the dash mount and stow away when parked (big theft item).

My husband and I cannot imagine now to go anywhere without our Garmin, both in our city or out of town travel. Takes the stress out of it! This GPS is easy to follow, to program, and the spoken instructions are clear and precise. The 4.3-Inch widescreen is so easy on the eye, and even with my poor eyesight I can see it clearly as it sets on the dashboard. We also bought the friction pad and it stays firmly in place and yet you can put it away or take it with you with no effort. On our last long trip, we were able to find restaurants and coffee shops along the way thanks to the Points of Interest feature. The only thing we wonder about is why it took us so long to buy one!!

First off, I was surprised at how much better it is to have the widescreen version of the Garmin 255. More screen real estate means more details about what is a few blocks to your left and your right.
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br /THE BAD: On the left side of the screen is a speed limit which is supposed to be the speed limit of the road you are traveling on. By my estimation, it is inaccurate 40 percent of the time or higher. Do NOT trust the speed limit warning. ALWAYS pay attention to road signs.
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br /THE GOOD: I have tried the TomTom One (3rd Edition) and the Garmin Nuvi 205 and this model is my favorite of the three. It adds a few excellent features to Garmin's already stellar and solid mapping and routing systems. MSN Direct is pretty amazing, with up to date forecasts, traffic and more (separate antenna purchase required). The arrival time is accurate to within just a few minutes and the mileage and your speed limit is dead on.
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br /IN CONCLUSION: Don't even THINK about TomTom, with its HIDEOUS, jagged (and inaccurate) maps and FUGLY vehicle icons. If you want accuracy, reliability and coolness, go with the professionals choice (police departments, airlines etc). Get a Garmin. If you want reliability and a GREAT deal, get this model, the Garmin Nuvi 255w.

i can find no current cell phones offered by Verizon that are compatible with Garmin Bluetooth. There were some older phones, like over 12 months since release, that were carried by Verzion... but no longer are!
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br /Talked with both Verizon and Garmin! Garmin comes across like Verizon should change their Bluetooth technology to match theirs!
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br /LOL!! That's a Joke... Verizon is 100 time larger and doesn't need Garmin to sell phones!!
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br /Seeya Garmin!!

My brother recommended this model to me and I have been very pleased with it so far. I am very glad I took his suggestion to spend the extra $$ on the wide screen model. When the reviews said you could use it right out of the box they were right. It is a good thing though because it comes with almost no instructions! I was able to download the manual but I was not able to finish registering it until I was at a different computer and could borrow a USB cable. I was very impressed with the LONG list of language/gender options it came with and the one it was preset to was very easy to understand. I wish it would have come with a basic case and an AC charger but I was able to find those without much trouble and neither was terribly expensive.

Pros:
br /Text to Speech feature.
br /Easy navigation.
br /Mostly self explanatory.
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br /Cons:
br /Takes a long time to acquire satellites after entering the address (compared to my earlier Mio GPS).

We purchased one for our son for Christmas but wanted to try it out. It was so useful we are going to puchase 2 more! Very accuate and with a little time becomes very easy to use.

We have 2 cars with GPS that are great. Bought this one as a gift.
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br /Pros: has all the features of a built-in car GPS system: maps, loud and clear voice direction, can do split screen map and/ or written directions. Added perks: mobile (can change cars) and will find nearby gas stations, store, etc.
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br /Cons: can take a while to find satellite especially if you're moving. This is our first mobile one, so not sure if this is true for all hand-held GPS. Friend has a simpler Garmin model and says it can take a while finding satellites too. We just try to turn it on before we leave our current location.
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br /Tip: car charger is included but no home outlet charger. Our blackberry charger actually fits the port plug in, so we just use that to charge it at home. Try this instead of buying more equipment.

Great product! Even people over 50 can figure it out and use it with relative ease!

I received this navigator as a gift almost 2 months ago. It was extremely easy to set up and get going. "She" still has trouble on some of the streets where I live. I have been led down alleys and it doesn't realize that I cannot cross train tracks with no road, but for the most part, it gets me to where I need to go. It would be nice if it included the USB cord instead of paying extra for it.
br /Overall, I am happy.

Garmin Nuvi 255W is my first GPS. I like this unit because it has wide screen, text-to-speech (calls out streets by name), shows the speed limit of the road you're driving on and can be charged by a USB cable. 255W doesn't offer every feature under the sun, many of them I don't even need e.g. Bluetooth, Media player etc. If you want a device which is portable, accurate, fast easy to use, takes you from point A to point B and also reasonably priced then don't look further buy Garmin Nuvi 255W, you will thank me later. The 255W is also compatible with optional enhanced MSN® content. To use this feature you will need MSN® Direct Receiver GDB 55 which comes with 1 year MSN subscription.
br /What I don't like about this unit is its battery life. In perfect scenario it will give you a little more than three hours. On top of that battery is not user replaceable, so you cant keep an extra one in case of an emergency. Garmin 255W does not come with USB cable, charger or even the user manual - Shame on you Garmin -

I purchased this for my husband as an early B-day present. He is very happy with the purchase thus far. The only thing I am unhappy with is that I should have waited to purchase because the price I paid was high compared to the the sales that are happening. Otherwise great item.

The only way to drive around Boston! I love the wide screen - it is much easier to see than the smaller screen (which my roommate has). The spoken street names are a must - I wouldn't purchase one without it. It makes navigating so much easier than just left and right directions. If you are looking to purchase a GPS I recommend this one.

I reviewed many brands including Garmin, Navigon, TomTom and Megallan, and researched them on www.gpsreview.net, reviews.cnet.com/gps, and bothered my friends who had GPS units.
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br /Reasons for settling down for Garmin, in order of priorities.
br /1) Fast route recalculation than any other brand.
br /2) Industry leader with proven and experienced market
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br /Reasons for zeroing on 255w
br /1) Wanted a wide screen model, its difficult to see the 4 * 3 screen
br /2) Speaks street names - my first preference. I don't like to get lost when there are two turns or exits and it says "Please turn in 100 feet". I'm really bad at measuring distances ;-)
br /3) Picture navigation - I come across a lot of pictures on Google maps while trying to retrieve some new location to visit. Whenever I like some picture, I connect my GPS to the laptop, send my image to the unit, and say go. It takes you to your new location.
br /4) I didn't want to have "show off" features like bluetooth etc on the GPS unit cause I already have a bluetooth headset and the reviews showed that the more features you put in, the basic purpose of a GPS becomes secondary and not upto expectations. I wouldn't want it to recalculate my route just to have a bluetooth. I normally go here and there and take exits from my route and if it takes time to recalculate, I'm lost.
br /5) And one very important - it has QWERTY keyboard input that makes really easy to input addresses. Just try some other model which doesn't have this feature. You'll quickly throw that away.
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br /After using, what I liked
br /1) It acquires GPS signal even when I'm sitting inside the room, takes about 10 seconds.
br /2) If I'm outside or near the window, it takes 2-3 seconds to acquire signal. It is that fast. Love it.
br /3) Route recalculation, my first reason. It never took more than 2 seconds for recalculation, of course while driving. Amazingly fast.
br /4) It has built in picture viewer and a card slot, so insert your memory card, browse to picture browser and you don't need a PC, has enough big screen to enjoy
br /5) It came with the latest maps "Garmin City Navigator NT North America 2009" and I didn't have to update it. I liked it since its not one of the latest models and still they put the latest maps
br /6) It came with a car charger so you can charge it while you're driving.
br /7) Has a good battery life. I used it yesterday after 3 weeks and it worked for 30 minutes without charge and then I shut it down. I still don't know how much battery it has.
br /8) It looks and feels solid, and pleasure to carry
br /9) The touchscreen is perfect giving perfect response and I was never wrong. Has big icons and text. a QWERTY keyboard where I can type as fast as I can.
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br /10) I bought it with a leather case "Garmin Nuvi 800 Series Carrying Case" (made by Garmin). Its for wide screen models and it fits perfectly my 255w with a flap that covers it screen. Check out garmin site. They have two different cases and I liked this one. Its a bit more expensive than the basic one but is worth it.
br /11) Once I tried to change my destination while I was driving and it gladly refused me to operate it while I was driving. I didn't like it at first but then appreciate it as it added to my own safety. But later I found out that even if I want to use while driving (NOT RECOMMENDED AT ALL), I can turn off the safe mode and do whatever I want. Please don't operate it while driving.
br /What I didn't like
br /1) It came only with the car charger. I would like to charge it while planning my trip at home and plug it into a wall unit. So, I keep the car charger in car always and sometimes use a USB charger to charge it at home, if required.
br /2) It didn't catch GPS signal when I was in basement (car parking) ;-) just kidding.
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br /I'm satisfied and glad I bought this model and didn't find any problems. Your requirements and purpose may vary.

This product is great. It is very user friendly and makes it easy to drive and navigate at the same time.

As our first venture into GPS-land, we are very satisfied with the 255W. I got this actually for my wife, who isn't that adept with technology and she's got this thing down pat in just a few weeks. We were going to make a holiday trip so she could see her daughter for a couple days about half-way between our homes, but I found I couldn't go due to job problems. She was going to cancel the whole thing because she didn't want to try the trip by herself. So I got her the Garmin 255W and now she's gung-ho to run the trip on her own. We've even found the sport of Geocaching and the 255W does a not too bad job of it once you find out that you can access a screen that's not even listed in the manual. The screen gives you real-time co-ordinates and all you have to do is move and watch the co-ordinates change in real-time. She loves the text-to-voice feature and accuracy of the maps is pretty good so far even in our fairly rural Florida county. I did do a software and map update as soon as I registered the unit with Garmin and there was the new 2009 map update ready to go. Installation was a breeze. Only complaint was that no mini USB cable is included, but the one from my wife's Canon camera works just fine!

Unit was intimidating at first. After a few minutes of familiarization we had a trip plotted and ready to go. The interface is intuitive enough that it is appropriate for all ages. While the unit is not the cheapest, it does have all the best features in one unit and comes with the support of a world class company.

I've done the research on this product and found this model to be the best one. It has voice street name directions and the screen is a great size! As far as it's performance, Let's just say I'm not afraid to drive anywhere as long as I have my garmin. I heard that it doesn't work well in fog though...

I absolutely love it. It makes my life so easy. I have been lost everywhere. It was exciting getting lost all the time and I met lots of new people and accidentally found some beautiful places but I'm older now and people worry about me. NOT TO WORRY ANYMORE.
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br /It is easy to use. It knows everything. I have no idea how it knows what the speed limit is EVERYWHERE but I don't care.

Of all the purchases I have made over the past 71 plus years this has to be ranked at the top. I used it in November and December on a driving trip to Mineloa, TX, San Antonio, TX, Kingsland, TX, and Bella Vista, AR to see friends and relatives and it worked perfectly. I arrived right to the front door of each of the stops we made and then it got us home. We also made stops along the way for gas, food and lodging. This Garmin 255W is a great buy.

I wish I could buy my wife a gift as useful as this more often. Her work sends her to many facilities around the area and the 255W does away with written and verbal diresctions which are not always accurate. Simple to setup and use out of the box. No problems at all. Recommend to anyone as top rate.

This is a great, easy to use, and accurate GPS. My wife and I quickly learned to use it. I tried a Garmin 205W, which I liked, but upgraded so I could get the spoken street names. The 255W is thin, easy to read, and pronunciation usually easy to follow. From the screen I learned that "jew peter" street was really Jupiter.

This is the neatest product. I just plugged it in to charge it and turned it on, bingo I had the map and my location right in front. Very responsive to inputs and simple to operate. I'll never accept a factory installed gps again. This unit is all one needs at 1/5 the cost.

I upgraded to the 255w from an older 200w and I am happy I did. The newer models connect so much faster than the older one did. I recently moved to Phoenix and need the garmin to get around and it has done wonders. It doesn't know all the places - like a brand new Target that has only been there a short time - but none of the GPS units will. At least 95% of the time it is spot on and that is fantastic with me. I bought the 255w because I wanted the Where am I feature should I ever get stranded and need to call for help but have no idea where I am. It is a great product for little money. Tremendously satisfied.

This is my first GPS device and it couldn't be easier to unbox and start using. It was equally easy for my 7 year old niece and 70 year old mom to use. In fact, mom's getting one for Christmas.
br /The only downsides I note are the speaker quality is a little muddy - most noticeable when using the Australian direction narrators. Also, Garmin seems a little slow on updating its maps with retailers that are out of business. Call the store if you have any doubts before you drive. Other than that, it is roadtrip peace of mind straight out of the box.

This GPS does everything it says it will do. Works like a charm. Good buy for the money.

This thing is amazing! I never thought that I would want to own one of these. I received it as a gift and I love it! Real time data updates you where you are as you travel without entering a destination. When you enter a destination it gives you the quickest route. This is a default setting, you can change it in the settings menu for skipping tolls and showing you an alternate route. If you can afford it, purchase the FM antenna that is sold separately. ( In participating areas it gives you real time traffic and weather alerts. ) This unit also displays in real time your actual speed and next to the your on screen car it shows the posted speed limit in the area you are driving. I found it to be mostly accurate, thought driving the fastest route from Brooklyn New York to Columbus Ohio I did find that some of it's data was not correct. The update cable from any USB to phone that is compatible with Motorola phone's will also work on the 255W. ( Saved money, the price for this same cable is outrageous. Many Motorola MP3 phones come with PC to phone cable. ) Garmin has links to many trusted websites that you can download an incredible amount of updates from points of interest ( POI ) to sound and traffic and speed camera alerts. This is a feature though, you have to subscribe to. But extremely reasonable compared to getting a fine. I have only had this for 2 days but I plan on updating this with new 'Finds' as I use the 255w. One thing, holding your finger on, ( or any PC /game stylus but use caution this could damage the screen ) the on screen car brings up the menu for you if you need to find a gas station or other option while still giving you uninterrupted real time driving instructions. If you change your destination while it detects you are moving, it keeps warning you to not utilize the unit while in motion. My Wife tried to do this and finally had to accept the safety off to get this menu to change. When driving if you touch the speed indicator below the car on screen, it will show you even more data. From the root menu ( shows Where to?: View map: Volume and Tools options ) if you press and hold the signal strength or battery strength indicator, this will bring up even more information. DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING! You could mess the unit's default settings and corrupt the unit.

This GPS is great. I've used a couple other models and brands and this one is by far the best.

I love my Garmin Nuvi!! After taking a trip to a different city, alone, getting lost, and not even being able to find the hospital I was going to, I decided it was time for a GPS. My husband and I did all the research and decided on the nuvi255w. I'm so happy with it. We have small kids and traveling is always a challenge. With the Points of Interest we were able to find bathrooms and food in an instant!! Not to mention the fuel, ATM, and other locations that can be found. I love this GPS and I plan on buying one for my Dad for Christmas!!

My first GPS and I did a lot of research before I decided on the Garmin Nuvi 255w. My only concern was the bad reviews about the poor sound quality. I don't know if there has been a firmware or software update, but the sound quality is perfectly acceptable. I have had mine for four weeks and my Father in law, my Son in law, and my co-worker have purchased this same unit because they liked it so much. You really can't go wrong with this model!

This is really an excellent product. It's very easy to use. The directions are very easy to follow. It doesn't tell you to turn left in 500 yards; it tells you to turn left in 500 yards and tells you the street name too. The only problem, and it's a small one, is that the English accent struggles with the letter R in Boulevar-r-r-rd. We can put up with that.

October '08,purchased the Garmin 255W for directions.....do not need it for music, photos, bluetooth. It exceeded my expectations. I recommend this GPS to anyone who can live without "bells whistles.

Since the prices have been reduced significantly I would say that this is not a bad unit. Here is my opinion after using it for a week and a trip to New York City from upstate New York area.
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br /The good:
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br /Map: The way map is displayed is good and the wide screen helps to see more map area. The map is pretty accurate and the Point of interest database also is good.
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br /Speed limit display: On the lower left hand side, this unit shows the maximum speed limit for the road you are traveling. This is very useful feature because many a times this will help to avoid the risk of getting a speeding ticket. Most of the times, this info was very accurate. By the way, the bottom menu also shows your current driving speed.
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br /Where am I: This feature is very useful and works well.
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br /The Bad.
br /
br /Text to speech is terrible: Like many other reviews have pointed out, the TTS is very bad. Its almost impossible to understand the voice as its metallic/tinny. Many a times, this is a distraction as you will be wondering what the voice command said. I missed couple of turns because by the time, I figured out that the command was, the turn was gone. If you are buying this unit for the TTS, then look for some other models.
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br /Naviagate to Geo-tagged Photos: You can load geo-tagged photos to this unit and navigate to that photo's location. However, I don't find much value for this feature. You are better off by choosing the where to address feature.
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br /Routing: I am sticking with Garmin because of its routing engine which is much better than Tom Tom, Mio, Navigon or Magellan. However, the TTS gave me few wrong directions during my trip to NY city. Also the route given is some times very stupid. But I must say that the number of such stupid turns are less than the competitors. So depend on your intuitions also before fully trusting the route.
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br /Summary. If you are buying this for TTS feature, buy some other models. If you don't need TTS, buy a lower Garmin model with all other features minus TTS. That way you will save money.
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Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator I just received my Garmin 255W, but I was very disappointed in its routing capabilities. When you select the "Shorter Distance" option for routing, it will often route you over dirt roads that are not maintained and not suitable for a regular car or RV. (This is in the automobile mode). The "Faster Time" routing has not done this so far. Before you blindly follow a route, make sure you have a real (i.e. paper) map to confirm that you really want can get there by the route it plans for you.

Finally got around to getting GPS device. Glad I chose the Garmin. It is easy to use and quite fuctional. I give this unit a big thumbs up!!

Love it! Screen is easy to understand. Verbal directions are helpful.
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br /However, I did not understand that this model does not include the traffic module. I'd look for that in my next GPS, even though Garmin currently says the quality of the traffic information varies from area to area. Maybe by the time I buy another GPS, the traffic info will improve.
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br /Another need for improvement: The On/Off switch on the top of the device is not as easy to use as it should be. I often break a fingernail trying to move the switch.
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br /I'd also like to be able to review the route to the address I've entered. As far as I know, it displays only the mileage and estimated time of arrival.

I've watched from the sidelines as the GPS products have proliferated, but with the current price competition I have finally entered the fray. I'm bemused and disappointed.
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br /The 255w has a nice appearance and useful features, and according to reviews it is one of the best GPS units on the market. But in essential ways it is not a mature product.
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br /My only prior GPS usage has been on my Verizon cell phone. Surprisingly, it does a better job than the 255w at the core job of providing trip guidance.
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br /The cell phone provides more frequent audible instructions than does the 255w; and with a simple button push the phone repeats the last instruction. (This last is easily done with the phone handily in your lap.)
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br /If you miss your turn the cell phone recalculates and redirects more quickly than does the 255w. The latter is sometimes distressingly silent when a turn or a destination is missed.
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br /Oddly, the 255w does a poor job of directing the start of a new trip. I've found that it sometimes instructs to begin the trip at a street two long blocks way, but doesn't audibly tell you how to get to that street. The Verizon phone correctly starts the trip at the first road you need to enter.
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br /My wife used the 255w to direct her from Indianapolis to Chicago's O'Hare airport, and found that Google Maps provided faster, more direct navigation of the suburban Chicago Interstates.
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br /I've quickly discovered that accurate and fast audible directions are more important than glitzy visuals and icing like a compass or a speed limit indicator. In fact, visual directions are surprisingly irrelevant when audible directions are good. Accurate and quick audible directions are also safer than diverting one's eyes from the roadway to a screen.
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br /When it comes to core performance, a GPS-equipped Verizon cell phone is superior to the 255w. For $10 a month the Verizon GPS service also gives you local weather reports/forecasts, 14 million points of interest, traffic flow maps and alerts, and directions to least expensive gas. You can also send directions from the phone to another Verizon phone or any email address.

If you have a car with a keyless entry system beware that the Garmin will/could at some time most likely interfere with your ability to gain entry, start and egress your vehicle. My wife and I we're stuck in our 2008 Corvette for about 15 minutes. At the time I was unaware of the Nuvi interference problem. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and no problems could be found. After later reading a GM bulletin I found that the Nuvi was the culprit. I've tested the Nuvi 255w and the Nuvi 750 with my 2008 Corvette (1100 miles on the odometer). The 255w is much worse than the 750. At one point the 255w disabled the Onstar system, the starter and the door locks. (Note: Manual door releases are located on the floor by the doors) Inserting the FOB into the Glove box plug did not overcome the interference. Interference can occur randomly. If you are having a random "FOB NOT FOUND" message and have a Nuvi you can check to see if the Nuvi is at fault by placing the FOB in close proximity to the Nuvi. If the Nuvi is at fault you'll see the FOB NOT FOUND message. Once you see the message simply turn off the Nuvi and the vehicle should find the FOB within a few seconds.
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br /I've contacted Garmin about this problem and they insist that they are in total compliance with FCC Rule Part 15 which states that "Digital devices that comply with the FCC technical standards (Part 15) and have been certified and marketed in accordance with the FCC rules may not cause interference and must accept any interference that they receive."
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br /Based on the fact that I've had two Nuvi's interfere with the operation of my Corvette and have seen others talk about interference with their particular vehicles I've found that Garmin is NOT in compliance with the FCC rule 15.
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br /The last correspondence I had with Garmin's legal staff stated "The operator of a device bears a responsibility for operation in a manner that avoids interference to other devices." Based on this response I guess Garmin thinks I should stick the Nuvi on the rear window. This might help the interference problem but would make navigation via the rear mirror a bit tedious.
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