
(1561 votes)

~ September 5, 2010 ~ J.Frausto said:Test Drive
Well I received my Garmin 255w today. Shipped overnight. I did all the updates, registered my device, and added extra features and new icons and voices. That aspect was somewhat difficult for people who aren't too good with technology and gadgets. But for myself I got it done fairly simple. Took about an hour maybe. I have to say that having a GPS for your car or bike is VERY convenient and fun lol. The screen size is perfect, and the volume is actually quite loud and I am hearing impaired! The touch screen is very basic, therefore easy to use. You can save your home address on the device, and if you're out somewhere far just click on Where To? then Go Home and you'll get instant directions from wherever you are straight back to your home. You can transfer maps and/or directions from google maps or mapquest to your gps. So if you are in your car headed to a new place or area and you want directions just type an address it'll search and go from there, wherever you are. The signal and time it takes to display and say stuff is pretty good for me. The Points of Interest feature is handy but has flaws. We searched for Food/a place to eat, and chose Bamboo Garden, it gave us directions but the place was closed down and another business was in its place. Nothing's perfect. But overall my wife and I really like having a GPS with us. I don't regret my purchase. Oh, one more thing: You might need to buy a mini usb cable, as mine didn't come with one. Luckily I found one in my closet from an old device.
~ September 4, 2010 ~ blimp704 from NY USA said:Not sure if this navigation technology is up to date
We used this for our vacation for a week in Washington DC area visiting from greater NY area. It turned out Garmin 255w was an indispensable tool for our trip. It helped us to find POI and get there in a way never possible without it. However, we find the navigation was not always perfect. I itemize the problems:
(1) Driving back from central DC to our hotel, we wanted to drop in to a grocery store. We picked a Safeway as the name was familiar to us. It gave us a weird route to get into it. It can be reproduced by turning GPS simulator on (all other examples presented in this review can be tested in this manner). Set current position to, say, the south side of National Air and Space Museum in downtown DC. Then go to POI/Shopping/Grocery and Spell Safeway. You should find one at 6300 Central Ave about 6.4 miles away. Select it and "Go". The route basically uses E Capitol St NE but in the end it goes past the Safeway, makes a right turn about two blocks away and comes back using Addison Rd S. In reality all you have to do is to turn left at the signal in front of Safeway. Because we were blindly following 255w, we completely missed this and had to do exactly what 255w told us. We tested this with Google map after we came back home. We find that Google gives an obviously more natural route.
(2) Our hotel was in Capitol Heights. Set current location to be at the intersection of Central Ave. and Hampton Park Blvd, Capitol Heights, MD. Go to POI/food/All food and spell-search for nearest Old Country Buffet using spell 'buffet'. You will find one 14.2 miles away at 9608 Fort Meade Rd. We went there. However, next day we accidentally found a nearer one, only 5.1 miles away at The Centre at Forestville, 3443 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 20747. Google finds this one with no problem. This location seems to be open as early as 2007 as we find a review in that year, so the older database is not an excuse.
(3) The third one is about avoiding toll roads. We know it is next to impossible to avoid all toll roads to enter New York from New Jersey, but it shouldn't be an excuse to give a complete nonsense. Set current location, say, to the intersection of Port Imperial Blvd and Baldwin Ave., Weehawken, NJ. Then from tools/settings/navigation/Avoidances, select toll roads in addition to default selections. Then from POI/transit/Ground transportation, spell grand and select Grand Central Terminal which is a mere 2.5 miles away if Lincoln tunnel is used. The result 255w gives is stunning 3319 miles, asking you to go all the way around Great Lakes passing through Kansas City, Mineapolis, Ottawa and Montreal. This is a total nonsense. Do the same in Google map, then you will be given the same route regardless of toll road setting. The only difference is that if you check 'Avoid tolls' then you will be warned that the route has tolls. Because of this I have no trust in 255w's capability to avoid tolls and use it as if it does not have this capability.
We updated the map of our 255w only a week ago, so we should have about the latest map available. Map update is not an excuse. Because routing is so fundamental to this kind of GPS, I was somewhat surprised to find the level of maturity the 255w has today. It seems so much weaker compared to Google Map.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ I. Novick from Long Island, NY said:Usually OK, but beware rural areas
I bought the Nuvi 255W in February and had no problem with it when driving the the Metro NY area. The problems started when I took it to Nova Scotia for a driving vacation. On the first morning the unit just died. I called tech support several times and was given a waiting time of over 45 minutes. Since this would have cost more in cell phone roaming fees than buying a new unit, I bought a new Nuvi 255W. The driving directions in rural Nova Scotia were quirky and downright dangerous at times. Many times the unit directed me to turn onto "unpaved (and unnamed) road" which sometimes was only a hiking trail (no, the unit was not on pedestrian setting). Even some of the named roads it chose were unpaved. I stopped trusting it altogether unless I was driving within a built up area. I would buy Garmin only if you don't plan to drive in rural areas.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ Michelle Peel said:USB mini cable to register product -- they don't supply
I was surprised that Garmin didn't include a mini USB cable that is needed to register their product. They want to sell you one for $15. That's my only gripe.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ tekhok said:the quality of product
i used it not offense i just bought it for 3 weeks it seems shutdown itself that make me hate it so far i still don't know why i would like to send it back factory. i try to check battery still full. you should think too much when you need to buy refurbish product.
The nüvi 2x5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot.All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.
Important Product Information: This device features a "screen lock" feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2x5 and 7x5 Garmin units. If you slide the "Power" key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the "Power" key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for "Pedestrian" mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.
What's in the Box
nüvi 255W, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Vehicle suction cup mount, Vehicle power cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual
Which nüvi is Best for You?:
Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators
| One of Garmin's key product philosophies is to make extremely complex technology easy to use for anyone right out of the box, and perhaps nowhere is that better exemplified than in the user interface for Garmin's portable navigation devices. Garmin's interface is a key to their success part of what makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth map updates as you navigate. This year, Garmin has redesigned its interface to include much more useful information. | |
Old Interface ![]() | New Interface ![]() |
![]() | Your GPS device locks onto transmissions from a dedicated network of Satellites in order to determine its position. Until the device gets a "lock" on three satellites, it can't effectively navigate, so decreasing the time it takes for your device to get "satellite lock" is always a goal of GPS manufacturers. With Garmin's new HotFix technology, your Garmin GPS remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. This gives the device an idea of where it should look for satellites, and dramatically decreases the time it takes for your Garmin to get its position and start navigating. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to 3 days after the device was last turned off. Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. | ||||
![]() | Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. Choose from Panoramio's collection of photos from around the world. Easy to use interface displays photos on Google Maps. Search for photos by location name or map area boundary. Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator. View photos in Google Earth. Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac.
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| Shaded relief terrain maps show you when to expect hills, mountains, forests and other natural features. Topographic terrain maps are viewable when using the 2D "birds-eye" view. | |
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| tching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best toffee apples on the east coast? Now, it's easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator. Hook up your Garmin to the computer via it's USB port Search for the location you want Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup "Send to" form. Pick GPS, then pick Garmin and hit the "Send" button. The address will instantly transfer to your Garmin device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite. The process does require a small plugin, which you can get at Garmin's website at http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3739. You can send business addresses to your Garmin device from these countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. | ||
Search for the location you want.![]() | Pick "Send to GPS".![]() | Go!![]() |
![]() | With an optional receiver, you can get alerts from TMC Clear Channel about traffic tie-ups and road construction that might lie ahead on your route. All you have to do is simply touch the screen to view traffic details and you'll be ready to detour around any problem area. And if you end up missing a turn, or you're forced into a detour that is not relayed through the traffic receiver, the nüvi's sophisticated automatic routing will get you back on track in no time. In most areas, TMC Clear Channel traffic broadcasts are continuous â there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. Because traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel, you can still listen to music or news programming on your car radio without interference from incoming FM traffic data transmissions. |
| The super-bright, 4.3-inch (diagonal) touchscreen display gives is anti-glare for ease of viewing during the day and automatically changes its color profile for easy viewing at night or in dim light. It offers 2d or 3D perspective views. The widescreen format gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push. | |
Wider screen lets you see more of what's around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen![]() | and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen![]() |
![]() nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs). View larger. | The nüvi comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps for all of North America, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, including a hefty POI database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. In addition, nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs |
Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer.![]() | Navigation is just the beginning. The nüvi 2x5 models features travel tools including a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via microSD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs. For Accessory Map Cards and Travel Guides the Units Feature: a MicroSD Card Slot on the 3.5 inch Units, and an SD Card Slot on the 4.3 inch Units. Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (POI’s) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras. |
Custom vehicle icons let you ride in style, at least inside your GPS. See more icon option | All Garmin nüvis support configurable vehicle icons. These fun, customized car-shaped icons come in a variety of colors to add a personal touch to your vehicle's position on the map. |
Notes
| Device | Screen Size inches (W x H) | Included Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi-Point Routing | Battery life (hours) | ||
| Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe | |||||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | Photos | up to 5 | |||||
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 285WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 465T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 755T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 765T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 775T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 785T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 855 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 885T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 1200 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1250 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1260T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1300 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1350 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1350T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1370T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1390T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1490T | 4.4 x 2.5 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1690 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||

(3212 votes)

~ September 4, 2010 ~ emptywallet said:takes the worry out of falling
this is a good additional as a garmen accessory. easy to put up and take down. stays in place. makes it possible for both front seat people to see without straining necks. my husband says he can see a lot easier using this bean bag to put the garment on. we're 2 old people trying to make our lives easier. this little gadget filled that bill. we recommend it. it is kind of ugly, but who cares? maybe they should think of a neutral color like beige or grey or tan instead of only black. some guy is probably in charge of marketing. i don't want pink, just a few color choices.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ Chuck Friel from Longwood, Florida USA said:Best Portable Mount Anywhere
This is our second Garmin Portable Mount purchase. This one was purchased as a gift along with an new Garmin 265WT for our adult daughter and spouse. We have used OUR Garmin Portable Mount for more than 2 years and have NO issues or complaints. It stays put on your dash regardless of any radical driving manuevers, and does not mar the dash surface.
Since thieves look for the permanently mounted GPS elbow or the telltale suction cup circle on the windshield to identify what cars have GPS units, the Garmin Portable mount is easily stowed in the glove box, console, or trunk.
I highly recommend the Garmin Portable Friction Mount.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ biglo said:Garmin Portable Friction Mount - Awesome!!!
The Garmin Portable Friction Mount is awesome. It is stable, durable, and does not slide on the dash board on turns.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ T. Jewell from Seattle, WA said:Perfect
I bought this item after my suction cup mount stopped sticking. Wouldn't you know it, the day after I ordered this, the suction cup mount gave out while I was driving & dropped my gps onto the middle console of my car. It hit hard enough to break the on/off switch. Really ticked me off! Not only was my gps broken, but I was now lost downtown. Thankfully my gps unit was replaced & I immediately put its suction cup out of sight. No way will I use that again. This friction mount is perfect. It's easy to use, easy to move whenever needed, stays put, & I'm not scared of it sending my gps unit flying.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ Ms Echo said:Works Like A Charm
Does exactly what it says. Stays in place. It's not plastic so it won't break. Happy I went with this one.

(114 votes)

~ September 5, 2010 ~ Chevy55SC from USA said:works As Intended Purcase the Garmin 5" Leather Case
My only complaint was I couldn't find a decent case. I rolled the dice, purchased the Garmin and it fit perfectly.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ Sergey Babkin from New Jersey, USA said:not that great but usable
I've been using an OnCourseNavigator 8 on my PDA before, so this would be the basis of my comparison. The problem with PDA is that it requires carrying around too many components (PDA, mount, GPS receiver), and without power PDA discharges the battery and loses the information after a few days even when turned off. And PDA really is not intended for the in-car use, I've had a few failures with the cables or contacts. So I've decided to get a dedicated GPS unit. I've had a pretty bad experience with my old Garmin and would never buy a Garmin product again, so this time Tomtom it is.
It turns on fast. It acquires the satellites fast (beats that old Garmin i've used for the receiver by a long way). The screen is bright and I've never had an issue with seeing it even in the bright sunlight, unlike the PDA. And obviously the 5" display is much bigger and better than 3.5" in the PDA.
There is a choice of the pre-recorded voices but only one computer-generated US English voice "Susan". People who complain that it's hard to understand are probably from places where they speak slowly. If you're from say New Jersey or Virgina, there is no problem. It's not great, I'd like it to be a lot more high-pitched and thus clearer, but it's acceptable. The pre-recorded voices aren't any better. The directions given with the pre-recorded voices and with the computer-generated voice are different. With the pre-recorded voices they suck, with computer voice they're OK and compensate for the deficiencies of the on-screen information. The volume changes with the speed, and I find it annoying. By comparison, in OCN8 the voice is much better, and the voice directions are somewhat better, even than the computer voice version, even without text-to-speech in OCN.
I don't use the 3D view since when the GPS determines an incorrect position (between tall buildings in a city, or just thinking of a parallel road, it goes crazy and unusable while the 2D view still gives the good idea. The 2D map view in Tomtom has a bunch of issues. First, almost all of the streets on it are left unlabeled. Second, there is no way to make it keep the same zoom. It rescales automatically after a little while. The zoom buttons don't work continuously, they require the repeated poking. And the map redrawing is just glacial slow. There is also no way to drag the map on the screen, zooming in and out are the only options.
There is a separate "map browse" mode where some of these issues go away: the streets get labeled, the scale stays fixed, zoom can be adjusted smoothly, and the map can be dragged. However getting into that mode takes 3 clicks. Every time it returns to the last browsed place, and getting to the GPS position takes one more click, and it doesn't track the GPS position automatically. The redrawing is still hugely slow, both on zoom and on dragging, and very annoying. OCN8 is light years ahead here.
There are multiple color modes for both day and night, all of them not that good. There is not enough contrast between the plotted route and the roads in general, especially interstates tend to be too close to it. For the day mode the best I've found is with red-brown route and greenish interstates. The night modes are all poor, with shades of the same color used for both the roads and the route. (OCN8 day mode is even worse but I use it always in the night mode with the roads blue and the route bright white).
The routing is OK, about the same in Tomtom and OCN, both of them sometimes looking strange if you know the area. The route summary is much better in Tomtom, since it includes the interstate exit numbers. The driving instruction display is better in OCN, since it shows two steps ahead, not just one, but with the computer voice Tomtom at least tells the second step vocally. I still haven't found a way to adjust the route manually in Tomtom. In OCN it's a little awkward but doable and obvious.
The battery life is not that good, about 90 minutes or so. The user-friendliness of setup is great, giving the explanations at just the right time during the initial setup.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ sissiok said:the map is really bad
I bought this GPS a month ago. The screen is good, as well as personlized settings. However, the map, which is a key point for a GPS, is not good at all. I could not find my destinations no matter which way I searched them. This situation happened quite offen. I think that's why this 5 inch screen GPS is so cheap. Money never goes to the wrong way.
~ August 29, 2010 ~ Bankanidhi Sahoo from Pittsburgh, PA, USA said:This is an awesome GPS with ew cons
Pros: most of the things described in the item description is upto the mark. However i has no option to expand the memory. the unit i got has a bug in it. the desciption of the bug is as follow. If i set a owner name in GPS and turn off and then turn on it starts but hangs on on the page showing this belongs to "Owner's name" and stucks there/ of u press continue on that page it does not go anywhere so the GPS stops there. then u have to connect to a pc with tom tom home and rest the owner. then it works
~ August 28, 2010 ~ Johnnie Moore from La Marque, Texas, US said:Disappointed In Texas
I just received my 540s and was very excited to see it work. I first signed up for TomTom home, in order to make sure I had the latest updates. Unfortunately one of the downloads failed and continues to fail. I've done all the troubleshooting that they tell you to, but alas nothing worked. I am thinking of sending it back before I even take it out for a ride. I feel that if it's all ready not downloading all the miniscule updates, what can of problems will I have in the future. It's too bad, I really like the unit and the ease at which I can use it. This is my first GPS and I was leaning more towards the Garmin Nuvi 265W 4.3" Widescreen Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator w/ City Navigator NT North America, but choose this one even though it did not have an expansion slot. Think I will be returning and getting the other.
Complete navigation in a XXL widescreen device. Click to enlarge. |
EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of your device. Click to enlarge. |
Advanced Lane Guidance uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits. Click to enlarge. |
IQ Routes
IQ Routes technology* gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip rather than only posted speed limits, so you'll always travel the smartest route.
Advanced Lane Guidance
Advanced Lane Guidance** uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.
5-Inch Touchscreen
An extra-wide 5-inch touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free.
TomTom Map Share
TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on your own device.
Get Help
With the "Help Me!" menu, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers.
EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take with you from car to car.
The XXL 540S is complete, widescreen navigation.
*Feature only available in the U.S. and Canada
**Feature available in the U.S. only

(1561 votes)

~ September 5, 2010 ~ J.Frausto said:Test Drive
Well I received my Garmin 255w today. Shipped overnight. I did all the updates, registered my device, and added extra features and new icons and voices. That aspect was somewhat difficult for people who aren't too good with technology and gadgets. But for myself I got it done fairly simple. Took about an hour maybe. I have to say that having a GPS for your car or bike is VERY convenient and fun lol. The screen size is perfect, and the volume is actually quite loud and I am hearing impaired! The touch screen is very basic, therefore easy to use. You can save your home address on the device, and if you're out somewhere far just click on Where To? then Go Home and you'll get instant directions from wherever you are straight back to your home. You can transfer maps and/or directions from google maps or mapquest to your gps. So if you are in your car headed to a new place or area and you want directions just type an address it'll search and go from there, wherever you are. The signal and time it takes to display and say stuff is pretty good for me. The Points of Interest feature is handy but has flaws. We searched for Food/a place to eat, and chose Bamboo Garden, it gave us directions but the place was closed down and another business was in its place. Nothing's perfect. But overall my wife and I really like having a GPS with us. I don't regret my purchase. Oh, one more thing: You might need to buy a mini usb cable, as mine didn't come with one. Luckily I found one in my closet from an old device.
~ September 4, 2010 ~ blimp704 from NY USA said:Not sure if this navigation technology is up to date
We used this for our vacation for a week in Washington DC area visiting from greater NY area. It turned out Garmin 255w was an indispensable tool for our trip. It helped us to find POI and get there in a way never possible without it. However, we find the navigation was not always perfect. I itemize the problems:
(1) Driving back from central DC to our hotel, we wanted to drop in to a grocery store. We picked a Safeway as the name was familiar to us. It gave us a weird route to get into it. It can be reproduced by turning GPS simulator on (all other examples presented in this review can be tested in this manner). Set current position to, say, the south side of National Air and Space Museum in downtown DC. Then go to POI/Shopping/Grocery and Spell Safeway. You should find one at 6300 Central Ave about 6.4 miles away. Select it and "Go". The route basically uses E Capitol St NE but in the end it goes past the Safeway, makes a right turn about two blocks away and comes back using Addison Rd S. In reality all you have to do is to turn left at the signal in front of Safeway. Because we were blindly following 255w, we completely missed this and had to do exactly what 255w told us. We tested this with Google map after we came back home. We find that Google gives an obviously more natural route.
(2) Our hotel was in Capitol Heights. Set current location to be at the intersection of Central Ave. and Hampton Park Blvd, Capitol Heights, MD. Go to POI/food/All food and spell-search for nearest Old Country Buffet using spell 'buffet'. You will find one 14.2 miles away at 9608 Fort Meade Rd. We went there. However, next day we accidentally found a nearer one, only 5.1 miles away at The Centre at Forestville, 3443 Donnell Drive, Forestville, MD 20747. Google finds this one with no problem. This location seems to be open as early as 2007 as we find a review in that year, so the older database is not an excuse.
(3) The third one is about avoiding toll roads. We know it is next to impossible to avoid all toll roads to enter New York from New Jersey, but it shouldn't be an excuse to give a complete nonsense. Set current location, say, to the intersection of Port Imperial Blvd and Baldwin Ave., Weehawken, NJ. Then from tools/settings/navigation/Avoidances, select toll roads in addition to default selections. Then from POI/transit/Ground transportation, spell grand and select Grand Central Terminal which is a mere 2.5 miles away if Lincoln tunnel is used. The result 255w gives is stunning 3319 miles, asking you to go all the way around Great Lakes passing through Kansas City, Mineapolis, Ottawa and Montreal. This is a total nonsense. Do the same in Google map, then you will be given the same route regardless of toll road setting. The only difference is that if you check 'Avoid tolls' then you will be warned that the route has tolls. Because of this I have no trust in 255w's capability to avoid tolls and use it as if it does not have this capability.
We updated the map of our 255w only a week ago, so we should have about the latest map available. Map update is not an excuse. Because routing is so fundamental to this kind of GPS, I was somewhat surprised to find the level of maturity the 255w has today. It seems so much weaker compared to Google Map.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ I. Novick from Long Island, NY said:Usually OK, but beware rural areas
I bought the Nuvi 255W in February and had no problem with it when driving the the Metro NY area. The problems started when I took it to Nova Scotia for a driving vacation. On the first morning the unit just died. I called tech support several times and was given a waiting time of over 45 minutes. Since this would have cost more in cell phone roaming fees than buying a new unit, I bought a new Nuvi 255W. The driving directions in rural Nova Scotia were quirky and downright dangerous at times. Many times the unit directed me to turn onto "unpaved (and unnamed) road" which sometimes was only a hiking trail (no, the unit was not on pedestrian setting). Even some of the named roads it chose were unpaved. I stopped trusting it altogether unless I was driving within a built up area. I would buy Garmin only if you don't plan to drive in rural areas.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ Michelle Peel said:USB mini cable to register product -- they don't supply
I was surprised that Garmin didn't include a mini USB cable that is needed to register their product. They want to sell you one for $15. That's my only gripe.
~ September 3, 2010 ~ tekhok said:the quality of product
i used it not offense i just bought it for 3 weeks it seems shutdown itself that make me hate it so far i still don't know why i would like to send it back factory. i try to check battery still full. you should think too much when you need to buy refurbish product.
The nüvi 2x5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot.All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.
Important Product Information: This device features a "screen lock" feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2x5 and 7x5 Garmin units. If you slide the "Power" key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the "Power" key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for "Pedestrian" mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.
What's in the Box
nüvi 255W, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Vehicle suction cup mount, Vehicle power cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual
Which nüvi is Best for You?:
Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators
| One of Garmin's key product philosophies is to make extremely complex technology easy to use for anyone right out of the box, and perhaps nowhere is that better exemplified than in the user interface for Garmin's portable navigation devices. Garmin's interface is a key to their success part of what makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth map updates as you navigate. This year, Garmin has redesigned its interface to include much more useful information. | |
Old Interface ![]() | New Interface ![]() |
![]() | Your GPS device locks onto transmissions from a dedicated network of Satellites in order to determine its position. Until the device gets a "lock" on three satellites, it can't effectively navigate, so decreasing the time it takes for your device to get "satellite lock" is always a goal of GPS manufacturers. With Garmin's new HotFix technology, your Garmin GPS remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. This gives the device an idea of where it should look for satellites, and dramatically decreases the time it takes for your Garmin to get its position and start navigating. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to 3 days after the device was last turned off. Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. | ||||
![]() | Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. Choose from Panoramio's collection of photos from around the world. Easy to use interface displays photos on Google Maps. Search for photos by location name or map area boundary. Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator. View photos in Google Earth. Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac.
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| Shaded relief terrain maps show you when to expect hills, mountains, forests and other natural features. Topographic terrain maps are viewable when using the 2D "birds-eye" view. | |
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| tching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best toffee apples on the east coast? Now, it's easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator. Hook up your Garmin to the computer via it's USB port Search for the location you want Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup "Send to" form. Pick GPS, then pick Garmin and hit the "Send" button. The address will instantly transfer to your Garmin device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite. The process does require a small plugin, which you can get at Garmin's website at http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3739. You can send business addresses to your Garmin device from these countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. | ||
Search for the location you want.![]() | Pick "Send to GPS".![]() | Go!![]() |
![]() | With an optional receiver, you can access enhanced dynamic content from the MSN Direct service. Check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get enhanced movie listings, stock information, news and local events when you travel with your unit. Even plan trips from the convenience of your computer, via Windows Live Local, and wirelessly send custom to your nüvi. Check out a full description of MSN Direct content features, or a coverage map for MSN Direct services. A 3-month subscription to MSN Direct is included with the receiver. After that, subscription fees are $49.95 per year, or $129.95 for a lifetime subscription. |
![]() | With an optional receiver, you can get alerts from TMC Clear Channel about traffic tie-ups and road construction that might lie ahead on your route. All you have to do is simply touch the screen to view traffic details and you'll be ready to detour around any problem area. And if you end up missing a turn, or you're forced into a detour that is not relayed through the traffic receiver, the nüvi's sophisticated automatic routing will get you back on track in no time. In most areas, TMC Clear Channel traffic broadcasts are continuous â there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. Because traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel, you can still listen to music or news programming on your car radio without interference from incoming FM traffic data transmissions. A 3-month subscription to TMC Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network is included with the receiver. For more information on subscription fees, coverage in individual cities, and traffic data networks in the United Kingdom and Europe, check the Garmin website. |
| The super-bright, 4.3-inch (diagonal) touchscreen display gives is anti-glare for ease of viewing during the day and automatically changes its color profile for easy viewing at night or in dim light. It offers 2d or 3D perspective views. The widescreen format gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push. | |
Wider screen lets you see more of what's around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen![]() | and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen![]() |
![]() nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs). View larger. | The nüvi comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps for all of North America, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, including a hefty POI database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. In addition, nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs Important note about map updates: Due to our high volume of sales, almost every Garmin portable GPS navigator sold by Amazon.com will come with the most recent map version. If you ever do need a map update, you can purchase one from Amazon.com at our Garmin Store. |
Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer.![]() | Navigation is just the beginning. The nüvi 2x5 models features travel tools including a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via microSD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs. For Accessory Map Cards and Travel Guides the Units Feature: a MicroSD Card Slot on the 3.5 inch Units, and an SD Card Slot on the 4.3 inch Units. Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (POI’s) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras. |
Custom vehicle icons let you ride in style, at least inside your GPS. See more icon option | All Garmin nüvis support configurable vehicle icons. These fun, customized car-shaped icons come in a variety of colors to add a personal touch to your vehicle's position on the map. |
Notes
Note: All nüvis come with detailed NAVTEQ maps containing more than 6 million pre-loaded point of interest locations.
| Screen Size inches (w x h) | Included Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | 3D Terrain Maps | Photo Navigation | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi- Point Routing | Battery life (hours) | |||
| Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe | |||||||||||
| nüvi 200 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||||
| nüvi 200w | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||||
| nüvi 250 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | ||||||||
| nüvi 250w | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | ||||||||
| nüvi 260 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 270 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205W | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255W | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 350 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | ||||||
| nüvi 360 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | |||||
| nüvi 370 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (receiver included) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | ||||
| nüvi 650 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | up to 7 | ||||||
| nüvi 660 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (receiver included) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | up to 7 | ||||
| nüvi 670 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (receiver included) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | up to 7 | |||
| nüvi 680 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN (receiver included; 1-year free); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | up to 7 | ||||
| nüvi 750 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | ||||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | |||
| nüvi 770 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | ||
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free) receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | ||||
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 880 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 5000 | 4.5 x 2.7 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | ![]() | external battery only | |||||
| Basic MSN Direct Content Features | |
![]() | Traffic Reports Find the best route through traffic. Your GPS device uses MSN Direct traffic data to select the best route for you to avoid traffic congestion. Check traffic flow. Know at a glance where to expect slowdowns in traffic. Get accident warnings. Receive warnings about accidents, road closures, and construction in the area that may affect you. |
![]() | Gas Prices Compare local gas prices. See a list of recent gas prices in your area and an indication of how recently the prices were reported. Find your way to the savings. Once you find the best price in your area, use your navigation system to guide you to the gas station. |
![]() | Weather Reports Stay on top of current conditions. View the current weather conditions in your area, including today's high and low temperatures, chances of precipitation, and more. View the three-day forecast, Plan ahead by checking the three-day weather forecast for your area. Check weather in other cities. See current weather conditions in major cities across the country. |
![]() | Movie Times Search for a movie. Find the theaters in your coverage area that are showing the movie you want to see. See which movies are playing. View which movies are playing in your coverage area or at your favorite theater. See show times and get directions. Once you find a show you want to see, check the show times and use your GPS device to guide you to the theater. |
| Enhanced MSN Direct Content | |
![]() | Web Favorites (Send custom destinations to your GPS with Live Search Maps) Powerful trip planning: Use Live Search Maps on your computer to look up an address, search for a business, or plan a trip Choose your favorite location, and then MSN Direct delivers the address, phone number, and more straight to your navigation system. Visit Live Search Maps at http://maps.live.com. |
![]() | Local Events See what's happening near you. Find nearby events to see what's happening in your area. Find the events that interest you. Browse events sorted by category. Search for an event. Get details about a particular event. |
![]() | Stock Quotes Watch the stocks that interest you. Select stocks that you want to keep an eye on, and then see regularly updated stock prices and daily changes. Get a little more detail. Touch a stock in your list to see daily highs, lows, and trading volume. |
![]() | News Headlines Browse the headlines at a glance. See breaking news and other major news stories of the day. Read more details. Select a headline to read all the details about the news story on your navigation system. |
| MSN Direct Coverage Map | |
Get detailed info for your Zip Code at the MSN Direct website. ![]() | |

(1142 votes)

~ September 3, 2010 ~ Sim_Perf from Chicago, IL USA said:Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic
I bought this product as I was planning for my road trip to Canada. This product was very useful during my trip. As I was travelling with little one, I have to make some unscheduled stops but GPS was able to put me back on track without any mistake.
Free traffic information was useful but not accurate enough. Now having so many free traffic information websites and resources available, there is definitely room for improvement in that area.
Routing overall takes you to the destination but sometime those are questionable. Bottom line I did not get lost may have burned more gas :-) It could be good to have a feature where you can navigate the whole route map. As of now you can zoom in and out.
Overall, this product is user friendly, easy to configure, POI works great. It is very easy to mount on windshield. Traffic information is good to have. Re-routing calculation is fast and quick. I like this product by having the peace of mind, no matter were you are going.
~ September 2, 2010 ~ Wile E Coyote said:Good value for the Money
Got the 265WT two weeks ago. It worked well on my road trip to Maine. Picked up satellites quickly. Routing was fairly quick and traffic information was helpful. One issue involves updating the information on the points of interest function. We found a few of the points of interest were either closed or no longer exist. After my purchase I did see that Garmin started providing the traffic function on one of the lower models (255, I believe) and would have considered that model if I had seen it at that time which is 20 - 30 dollars cheaper.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ Mykel from Earth said:Nuvi is great
For general use, Nuvi is great. The traffic is not super accurate, but you can't expect it to know about a crash within 5 minutes of it occuring. But the yellow, orange, and red color coding is a bit inconsistant in the metro Atlanta area.
The screen can be hard to see in harsh sunlight and also with polorized sunglasses.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ Benjones said:love it
I live in the DFW metroplex, and this thing will route me around traffic. This has saved me HOURS by routing me around wrecks. I love this thing.
~ August 31, 2010 ~ XXL from Fremont, CA said:Simply the best GPS that I have
We have two 265t and like them over my other GPSs by different brands. Now, I got the 265wt with a larger 4.3 lcd for my wife. She really likes and enjoys using it. These Garmin 265's are simply the best GPS at this price.

(117 votes)

~ September 3, 2010 ~ Therald R. Steffanson from Gresham, OR said:Excellent quality...
The item is durable and looks good. It blends in well and stays where you want it while driving down the road.
~ August 28, 2010 ~ BT from NJ said:Stable Dashboard Mount
I was slightly skeptical about the TomTom GPS Dashboard Mount, since other reviewers reported that it slides off the dash. That may be why it now comes with an adhesive tab that sticks to the dash; a hook grips a loop on the mount. I did not use this feature since I want to be able to move the GPS between cars.
We used the TomTom Dashboard Mount (w/o the adehesive) on a Philadelphia to Chicago trip. Positioned on the dash of our Traverse it did not budge at all during the trip. Worked fine.
~ August 25, 2010 ~ Never risky from Delaware said:Not worth the price
Do not waste your money on this product. The Tom Tom does not adhere to the mount and keeps falling off.
~ August 25, 2010 ~ M. Nickel said:It works
Got this with a new TomTom GPS. I was dubious at first but after using it several times on long trips...it works! Sits right on the dash so it insn't blocking your windshield view. It does have a real "funky" saftey hook that has to be permanently afixed to the dashboard, which I don't care much for. Other than that, can't complain.
~ August 24, 2010 ~ SRP said:Fine Product
Holds GPS on dashboard of Toyota Camry in 90+-degree heat. Just what I wanted & expected. No more falls off of windshield in heat.

(65 votes)

~ July 21, 2010 ~ TreborKavon from Jersey said:Undecided but returning unit
I ordered this unit to replace my Beltronics Vector 940. I had that unit for many years but dropped it on the ground and sadly that was the end of that.
I was ready for another Bel but after reading some on-line reviews I decided to go with the Whistler mostly due to the better test results of Ka band detection around curves, not to mention the additional features such as electronic compass and display options.
Packaging: Not that it necessarily matters much but this unit came in a plastic bubble or blister package. The Bel came in a nice box that had a certain quality about it that was lacking with the Whistler packaging. I guess the Whistler was packaged to be more retail store friendly.
Accessories: The unit came with your basic cord, suction mount (adjustable by way of bending the metal), and a small folded 'manual'. The Bel came with extra fuses, power cord clips, and an adjustable suction mount. The Bel also came with a full size 'book'-style user guide.
Construction: The XTR-695 is kind of big. The plastic has somewhat of a cheap feel to it. This is not cell phone quality construction but more 'cheap radio' quality. On-line photos of this unit do not really convey the true look. It's not horrible but it is huge and the headphone jack and other external features don't have a quality feel to them. The headphone jack does not look like it will take a standard mp3 player type headphone plug. I will give the Whislter a 'C' on fit and finish.
Display: The display is nice but a little short (the case is so big the display could have been a little longer). The tower LEDs are great but at night they light up the interior of your car like a disco - you HAVE to disable them at night or you'll be a cop magnet. Yes radar detectors are legal in most states but you don't need a cop nabbing you for something he may have let you go on initially but has changed his mind because you are using a radar detector.
In the daytime the display can be hard to see. Adjusting the backlighting color helps with this. The maximum brightness level just isn't quite bright enough. The Bel had a 'recessed' display so the housing extended out a little further then the display, creating a visor effect which was very useful in daytime driving. I could be wrong with my terminology but the Bel had a LED display while the Whislter seems to have a LCD display. Whatever they are called I will take the Bel type display over the Whistler. The multi-colors of the Whistler are nice but what matters most is being able to read the display, not how cool it looks.
Controls: I found the controls to be laid out ok. I don't like the fact that you have to press the menu button 18 times to get to a certain setting, such as the 'tower LED disable' option. A really useful feature would have been a dedicated 'display' button to cycle through presets of different display settings.
Features: I like the auto power on feature but with my Subaru Wrx I turn the key to 'on' and I pause to let the fuel pump do its thing for 4 seconds, then I start the engine. This causes the Whistler to come on, then switch off and back on again. Not a huge issue but more of an FYI. I'm sure it won't hurt the unit.
The power on self test is cool but also sounds like an 80's video game. The quality of sound and voice is good.
The compass is a nice feature even if it just gives you something to look at other then 'Highway' or whatever most other brands' units display when not reporting detection.
The Battery Voltage meter is also cool but I dont know how often anybody would use this. A nice option would be to have a choice to set the unit to auto-cycle through compass, voltage, etc. but its' not a big deal.
Performance: Let me tell you I was initially impressed with detection. The first night I installed the unit I test drove it in my small town. It picked up X band 3 times and each time it gave me advanced notice of oncoming police cars (they left their radar guns on apparently). It also picked up Ka band in the next town over; it wasn't until I was on top of the police car but he was facing east as I was driving north so I didn't feel that it missed...it may have been his direction or he may have waited until I was close to turn on his unit.
The next several days told a different story. Traveling to work up a major highway I saw no police cars and had no falsing from the Whistler. On the way out of state it was pretty much the same until I hit a city area and it picked up some false signals. This is expected so it was tolerable. Switching the unit to City mode didn't stop the falsing as far as I could tell. Also, there are several 'city' modes but I just wanted to be able to hit one button. This is important and should have been built into the unit.
The longer I use the Whistler the more disappointed I become. The more highway driving I do the more I scratch my head. The unit falses during highway driving on X and K band often and maybe even Ka band (it alerts for Ka but I have yet to find the police car and believe me I know where they hide as I have been taking this route to work for 10 years). X and K are easy to dismiss as interference from alarms or other detectors (this is supposedly filtered out by the Whistler) but when Ka band alerts you find yourself visually scanning for a police car that never appears.
This kind of device behavior leads to the bad habit of ignoring alerts and leaving you with the potential for a ticket. I don't know if its that the unit is so sensitive that it picks up radar guns from 'too far' away or if its simply not doing well in my area. A lot of times it will alert me of 'PULSE' radar but again police cars are nowhere to be found. At some point it all becomes too much information and/or too much false information.
Driving in some small towns the XTR-695 will go through X band, K band, then pulse, all false signals and the unit will do this even after switching to City mode.
In trying to engineer a unit with multiple features and options it is my opinion that Whistler failed to just keep it simple. The Bel unit I used to own had a techie mode for those folks that wanted to see the detected frequency and other 'techie' items, perhaps Whistler needs to provide this option.
The positive reviews of this unit on certain radar-detector focused web sites really has me confused. It could be that Whislter for so long had been the lower end or cheap brand when it came to radar detectors so when Whistler finally released a unit with decent design, ok quality, and "better then before" detection, people gave it higher marks then earned. I now am even more curious as to how this unit fetches such a high retail price that is so close the the Beltronics 940/955 units. While I am returning this unit I now do not know what to expect from Bel so I do not know if I should even go with a new Bel detector.
Summary: In closing I would say I cannot recommend this unit. Sure it was great at detecting the old X band guns the police in my town use but that's nearly useless...I already know my town and know not to even go 3 miles per hour over the 25mph speed limit.
To be fair I have not owned this unit long enough to truly rate Ka band detection during 'wide open' highway driving. It could be that this unit excells on open highways and will work perfectly in that scenario. Also many state police officers 'know better' and only turn their guns on when they see their potential target coming. I'll give this unit the benefit of doubt and say that it may work just fine at detecting Ka band.
My problem is there is so much falsing I actually started to wonder if the 100 degree temperatures here in the Northeast have something to do with the units falsing.
And so I am returning the unit to Amazon for a refund not for any specific reason but because while the XTR-695 may be a good solution for others it is not for me. The combination of the Whistler's cheap feel, falsing, and spotty detection, all influenced my decision.
And by the way, Amazon should really consider packing their electronics orders with more then one sheet of packing bubble. The contents of the shipping carton tend to slide, bounce, and/or roll around during shipping and this cannot be too kind to the item, especially electronic items.
~ June 17, 2010 ~ T. D. Samuel from Salem, OR USA said:Whistler XTR-695 is only adequate
I purchased this unit based upon several reliable on-line reviews for its accuracy and comparisons to other competing brands in the same price range. My experience in use, is that its performance is only adequate. I get false alerts from other stationary sources like microwave/cellphone towers and commercial building alarm systems. Recently, while driving, I passed a motorcycle patrolman and my laser alert warning did not activate until I was practically on top of him. I am finding that the laser alert function is functionally useless. I tried to save some money by buying a mid-range product rather than the high-end stuff and I got what I paid for -- mid-range performance.
~ March 24, 2010 ~ Alexander from Israel said:Works well
This thing works really well. After driving for 2 weeks with this nice little cops detectors I can tell that in Utah most highway patrol cops use radars with a frequency 34.7 GHz and 35.5 Ghz, sometimes I can see 34.9 or 34.3 GHZ. Some State troopers use K band only radars and this guy will tell you what it is. Basically, I got a ticket from a state trooper for 230$ and decided it's time for to know where they're hiding. This radar detector spotted an evil Dodge of local highway patrol behind the bridge where he was hiding. No way I'd see him. On Friday nights Highway patrols are all over the place, last week of a month the same thing.This detectors keeps me in check all the time and I've avoided many tickets since and it'd paid off its cost. 4 stars cos it gives false signals on X band(like all others do) and sometimes screams on K and KA band also false. But guys, don't be fooled if you pass a highway patrol car on the road that just pulled someone over and it doesn't go off, it doesn't go off because at the moment that cop pulled someone over he fixes his speed and his radar is not working anymore. Also don't be fooled when it doesn't go off when a police car drives behind you, not all police cars have speed radars, cos they're not highway patrol! So don't expect it to go off near 911 police or some detective.. Hope you drive safe and never get a ticket.
~ March 13, 2010 ~ Alexander E. Khait from Chicago said:good radar detector
my third whistler. so far, no complaints, works fine. sometimes goes into a fit with no obvious targets in sight, might be responding to other radar detectors?
~ March 7, 2010 ~ R. C. Glowacki from USA said:Great Fuzzbuster
I was looking at the Bell's but when I seen all the extra features the Whistler has and it was $60 cheaper, it was a no brainer. Sine receiving the Whistler I have not been disappointed in it's performance. It's a great fuzz-buster!
The XTR-695 maximizes sensitivity and minimizes falsing. Click to enlarge. |
7 Color Backlit LCD Text Display
The XTR-695's brilliant text display provides distinct visual confirmation of signals detected, signal strength, and indicates engaged modes of operation. You can choose from 7 different display colors for a bit of personalization, even assigning a different color for each band, or scrolling colors.
Filter Mode
There are times when a radar detector can emit the same frequency as police radar and can cause your detector to falsely alarm. Sometimes a detector can display a signal when picking up another radar detector in vehicle close by. The Whistler Filter Mode checks the signal to verify if it's a legitimate police radar or a false alert from another detector.
Auto Dim Mode
The Auto Dim feature automatically switches the illumination of the text display between the bright and dim settings according to varying light conditions so that the text display will always be easy to read.
INTELLICORD Ready
Add the Whistler INTELLICORD and you'll be able to remotely control the radar detector in settings such as power on/off, city modes, dim/dark and quiet/auto quiet with a simple press of a button.
Real Voice Alerts
Real Voice provides added information to the detected signal over and above the simple band ID tones from internal speaker. Click to enlarge. |
7 different display colors. Click to enlarge. |
Low Profile Alert Periscopes
Whistler's Low Profile Alert Periscopes provide an added attention getting visual alert. The two extra LEDs flash on and off when the unit alarms to provide a unique visual alert.
3 City Modes/Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio and visual warning of laser/radar systems while maintaining full sensitivity. Highway mode is the default setting of all Whistler's laser/radar detectors. City mode helps reduce the annoyance of automatic door openers and burglar alarm alerts by providing an initial alert (same distance as Highway Mode) then remaining quiet unless the signal strength becomes very strong. When the signal increases the unit will alert briefly to notify you of the change in signal strength.
Stay Alert
The Stay Alert feature is designed to test a driver's alertness. Within 30 to 60 seconds after the feature is engaged an alert is sounded; to show alertness, the driver must press the volume, city or the mute button within 3-5 seconds. If a button is pressed within 3-5 seconds, the cycle is repeated. If a button was not pressed within 3-5 seconds the unit alarms at full volume and the display shows an unique visual alert.
Quiet/Auto Quiet Modes
Pressing QUIET before a signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode, which automatically reduces the audio level after the initial warning to a low audio level setting. Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.
Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same time, the alert priority is: Laser, VG-2, Speed Radar, Safety Radar.
Example: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.
Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your detector within 3 hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer is reset if the detector is turned off, unplugged or any button is pressed before the 6 hours have expired. The detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts off.
Safety Warning System--SWS
This relatively new radar is not for speed detection at all, it is used to keep you informed of highway safety. Transmitters are installed and programmed (for example: in emergency vehicles) to make you aware of possible situations that may require your attention, such as: ambulance vehicles that are moving or stationary, road hazards ahead, road construction delays or detours, etc.
What's in the Box
Whistler XTR-695, Power Cord, Windshield Mount, User's Manual

(351 votes)

~ September 3, 2010 ~ MarkOTheBigO said:Garmin nuvi 855 is a DISCONTINUED product...
...but it wasn't when I ordered it 4 days ago! Still debating to send it back if the price drops alot.
~ September 2, 2010 ~ G. Dyer from Ohio said:Faulty Product
Do NOT purchase this Garmin product. I previously had a Garmin 250W and LOVED it. But the price is so low on this model because it's apparently hit or miss on weather it will actually function. The one I received powers off as soon as the voice tries to speak the first direction. Does NOT function. Will be returned immediately.
~ August 25, 2010 ~ Steve K. Pierce from Newnan, GA, US said:Best GPS on the Market
With all the negative reviews, I was a bit apprehensive. Glad to report that I couldn't be happier. The volume is fine, snappy response even with map at maximum detail, no lockups, the voice recognition is excellent, the FM transmitter works great and crystal clear (have a rear antenna on my 2003 Cadillac), and no problem updating the system software and downloading the free 2011 map update. I would normally go with a refurbished unit but spent about $10.00 more to purchase at Walmart online for a faster return if needed. This 855 has everything that I wanted and at a great price. Didn't want bluetooth or traffic reports (traffic available if needed). Buy this unit.
For those that have a problem with the volume, there is an easy fix. Simply download the free "TTSVoiceEditor" at [...]
Open the "jack.vpm" or "jill.vpm" file in the "Voice" folder on your computer connected 855 unit. Increase the volume to "99" from the default of "65" and save the file back to the "Voice" directory and you are done. Don't forget to save a copy of the original in case you want to change back or the unlikely event that you make a mistake.
You can also doubleclick on any of the default voice prompts and change them to anything you want. Changed "drive to highlighted route" to "we are off to see the wizard".
Since I love wife jokes, I changed the "recalculating" prompt to "Linda must be driving, recalculating". Change to 2 spaces to get rid of the word entirely. The unit will just start giving you new directions without saying "recalculating".
~ August 25, 2010 ~ tulips said:regret it!
The internal speaker in my old Garmin Nuvi 350 was dying and I decided to replace it. I saw this one with a good pricing and many new features! I used it couple of times during a 600 mile drive and everytime I ended up following just road signs! Even though the navigation settings were identical as my previous Garmin GPS, when both were simultaneously used, I realized the new one gave a much longer distance route!!! It has a very slow response time meaning was missing turns! To add to the troubles, it freezes in the middle and I had to pullover twice on the highway to reset it! This should be taken off the market- it is dangerous!
~ August 25, 2010 ~ oldman said:garmin 855
Was suprised at the ease of which this navigator worked. As with every thing new once getting use to how it communicated with you it became a blessing on the last 3000 mile trip I just made.
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Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. Click to enlarge |
Junction View gives you a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. Click to enlarge |
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This advanced model feature voice-activated navigation and lane assist with junction view. Click to enlarge |
The nüvi 855 offers full coverage mapping for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The preloaded map data features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping.
Simply speaking, nüvi 855 is one advanced navigator. It features voice-activated navigation, a widescreen display, preloaded maps, an FM transmitter and more. Like the rest of the wide nüvi 800-series, just speak a menu option and nüvi obeys your command.
Speak Commands
nüvi 855 not only tells you where to turn but listens to your spoken commands. With nüvi's innovative speech recognition, you safely control nüvi's interface with your voice--allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel. Simply press the button on the remote (which attaches to the steering wheel) to activate speech recognition and begin speaking menu options. nüvi even recognizes shortcut phrases for popular functions. Tell nüvi "Find Address" and speak an address to start navigating.
See More
With nüvi 855's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read--from any direction.
Know the Lane Before It's Too Late
nüvi 855 takes navigation to the next level with lane assist. No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. It realistically displays road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation.
And with the 3D Lane Assist Junction View, you'll be able to see a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. The signs that aren't needed for navigation are faded compared to the appropriate lane signage.
Navigate With Ease
nüvi 855 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs) such as hotels, restaurants, fuel stations, ATMs and more. Speak a menu option or touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2-D or 3-D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, nüvi 855 accepts custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs.
Where am I?
Keep track of yourself and your car with nüvi 855. Just speak or tap "Where Am I?" to find the closest hospitals, police stations, fuel stations, nearest address and intersection. Also see your exact latitude and longitude coordinates. nüvi 855 even remembers where you parked. It automatically marks your position when you remove it from the windshield mount, so you can navigate with nüvi on foot and find your way back to your vehicle. Perfect for unfamiliar spots and crowded lots such as amusement parks, stadiums and malls.
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With the POI loader program users can set up proximity alerts for school zones, safety cameras, create custom POIs and more. Click to enlarge |
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A handy MP3 player lets you play songs stored on SD memory cards. |
Enjoy a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide with Garmin Connect Photos. Click to enlarge |
Plan Ahead
nüvi 855 includes advanced navigational features to take the worry out of traveling. With route planning you can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns on the 855's wide screen. In addition, nüvi 855 automatically sorts multiple destinations to provide an efficient route for errands, deliveries or sales calls. It also displays speed limits for highways and Interstates. A trip log provides an electronic bread crumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you've been on the map.
Take It With You
nüvi 855's high-sensitivity internal (non flip-up) antenna gives it a sleeker, thinner design than the nüvi 600-series, making it easy to slip in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or on foot.
Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 855 includes many "must have" entertainment and travel tools including MP3 player, audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), JPEG picture viewer, currency converters, Garmin Games, alarm clock and more. With the included wireless FM transmitter, you can hear audio, including voice prompts, MP3s and audio books, through your vehicle's stereo. It's also compatible with optional FM traffic alerts or optional MSN Direct content. With photo navigation, you can download Google Panoramio pictures via our Garmin Connect Photos website and navigate to them. The 855 features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom vehicles that show your location on the map. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards such as Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions.
Search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator. |
Navigate by Photo with Garmin Connect Photos
Using Garmin's Connect Photos Web site, you can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google's Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide.
Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest
Itching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best toffee apples on the East Coast? Now, it's easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator.
The address will instantly transfer to your Garmin device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite.
The process does require a small plugin, which you can get at Garmin's website. You can send business addresses to your Garmin device from these countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.
Other Features
| Device | Screen Size inches (W x H) | Included Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi-Point Routing | Battery life (hours) | ||
| Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe | |||||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | Photos | up to 5 | |||||
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 285WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 465T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 755T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 765T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 775T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 785T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 855 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 885T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 1200 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1250 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1260T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1300 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1350 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1350T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1370T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1390T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1490T | 4.4 x 2.5 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1690 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service) | | Photos | | up to 3 | ||

(41 votes)

~ August 23, 2010 ~ S. Katz from Princeton Junction, NJ said:Not for Garmin 800 series
From sitting in a hot car the glue has on several occasions started to melt and stick to my Navigation unit. It is difficult use the case with my Garmin 855 because the fit is too snug.
~ August 22, 2010 ~ Johnie Collins from MEDFORD, OR, US said:Great Carrying Case
This is a great carrying case that you don't have to mess with zippers. Unit fits nice and snug and is easy for my wife to carry in her purse. Carry it with you and avoid having it stollen like the last one.
~ August 21, 2010 ~ Jim said:Basic carrying case not recommended for Garmin 855
The basic case, as suggested by Amazon, is not a good choice for th Garmin 855 GPS.
The case is too tight and frequently will turn itself on while struggoing with the fit.
If left in the case for a few days, it is almost impossible to remove.
~ August 14, 2010 ~ barrikady from California said:Garmin 1300 GPS and the case
A review that is short and sweet:
* The case is a perfect fit for my Garmin nüvi 1300 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator.
* The price for the case was righteous.
* The quality of construction is excellent.
Another AmazonBasics excellent value!
~ August 12, 2010 ~ C. Weaver from Franklin, TN USA said:Perfect fit for Garmin nüvi 765/765T
Every AmazonBasics product I have gotten has been excellent quality, and this is another example of a quality basic product.
The faux-leather exterior seems reasonably durable, pliable, and low odor. The interior is soft and scratch free and may help remove fingerprints as the device is put in and taken out.
I don't see much use for the "pocket", it is too small and tight to get much in there.
Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging doesn't always make a great gift box but is my preference for low waste and easy opening.
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![]() This carrying case's elastic panels securely hold your GPS unit, providing quick access when you need it. View larger. |
| This Carrying Case is designed to fit small electronics from: | |
| Garmin Magellan Samsung Sony | Apple Nikon Panasonic Plus others |
Durable Exterior and Soft Interior
This durable and stylish Carrying Case for Portable GPS Units offers a rigid, faux-leather exterior that protects your GPS Unit from bumps and jostles. Additionally, its soft tricot liner keeps your GPS device free of scratches.
Elastic Sides and Convenient Pocket
The case features elastic sides that expand to fit most GPS units with 4.3-inch screens. The design makes it easy to insert and remove your GPS Unit, which is ideal for when you're on the go. For further convenience, the Carrying Case for Portable GPS Units includes a pocket for storing notes and other small items.
Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging
This AmazonBasics product features Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging that is recyclable. It comes without excess packaging materials, such as hard plastic clamshell casings, plastic bindings, or wire ties. The packaging is designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife, and it will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging. Products with Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, without an additional shipping box, saving on resources and reducing waste. In addition, the packaging materials that we do use are easily and frequently recycled, composted, or reused by our customers, and all the inks and dyes are biodegradable.
Warranty Information
The AmazonBasics Carrying Case for Portable GPS Units (Black) is protected by an AmazonBasics one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Black carrying case for portable GPS device and warranty card. (Does not include products and accessories shown in photographs.)

(286 votes)

~ August 30, 2010 ~ Michael Hamblin said:Not the best one out there
I think it is time to buy a new unit. I Connected unit to satellites OK. Changed home and voice settings OK. Screen menus very intuitive. My most significant probolem came when I registered the thing. Had to download software. OK. Then they suggested a map update (good for 60-90 days from purchase). My mistake was when I went for the upgrade. Since then I've spent about seven hours on the computer, all downloads "successful", mymaps says all's OK, but my little garmin says "No detailed maps found that can support routing". Thank you, that's why I bought it. I've tried everything, it doesn't work any more. When I try to send Garmin an email inquiry, it won't send it because my "browser is not supported." I bought this computer in Feb of 98. What's for Safari not being "supported"? I have to wait for the service M-F in the morning.- so I have to lose work to get support? Thanks I've been using computers for 8 years. Can't recommend this model. And Garmin gets a big F for support. I thought it was sweet as the voice accompanied me to work.
~ August 29, 2010 ~ Alison Shih from SF said:Bad luck?
I purchased my Nuvi 205w on May 12, 2010 from Amazon. Everything was great, price, shipping, etc, however, this review is not about the service, but the product.
I knew this was a super basic product, but all I was looking for was simply a moving map that let me know how and where I'm going.
Sadly, after 1 week of excitement putting my tomtom in the drawer, Nuvi had failed me with a common problem that many customers had addressed: Freezing at start up.
This Nuvi 205W had frozen at "load map" at least 15 times over the past 3 months of usage. What it means is, usually when you turn it on, the system requires the GPS to load the maps on the device, and after the maps are loaded, the GPS will show the menu and start looking for a signal. However, on this Nuvi, it's either loading the map forever, or it just turns itself off after the map is loaded(after the loading bar is full).
And that wasn't the end of it. According to the support, I should be able to back-up my GPS if this happens, so after I do a hard-reset, I can import the back-up back to the device. So I tried and tried with my Mac and my PC, but evidently it didn't like my computers. Not only it was dead silence, it stayed on the "load map" section and never went on. So I decided to just do hard reset every time and erase all the data on it since connecting it to my mac/pc did not help at all.
Last but not least, starting a month ago it wouldn't even allow me to do a hard reset anymore, so now I have a GPS that won't even turn on. And since I had to go out of country for a while, I didn't bother to have to deal with it.
I definitely didn't expect to pay about 100+ dollars to have a nice looking black screen suck to my windshield. I realized it has passed the return date on Amazon, so I contacted Garmin's support agents, and hopefully I'll hear from them soon.
Maybe it was just my bad luck. After all this is an item I've been looking at for a few months before finally decided to get it, which has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon... I guess for now I'll stick to my Tomtom which saved my life the first time that Nuvi backed on me.
~ August 29, 2010 ~ Fish hook from Vancouver, Wa. said:Garmin 205W
Easy to use for basic directions. However, it can be rather annoying if you decide to take your own route. The nuvi will attempt, many times, to turn you around so you can follow it's chosen route.
~ August 27, 2010 ~ J. Gorglione from brunswick oh said:great product for great price
dad bought one so i already know what i was getting i am writing this even before i recieved it from amazon. come on 99 dollars for a garmin that is 4.3 inchs square what a deal, it even tells you the speed limit on most road frickin awsome
~ August 26, 2010 ~ Mark F. Kitson said:Not bad, but gets lost
The Garmin nuvi 205W works well enough, but it does occassionally get lost. Actually not lost, just sometimes picks the wrong way and has to correct itself. We were in Bosaton, and it constantly had to "recalclulate" because the confusing streets in Boston kept screwing us up (me and the machine). Also I was under the impression that it had Canadian maps, it does not...my oversite, not a fault of the machine. Over all it's OK, but Id suggest spending a bit more and getting one with more maps and voice announce for street names...
The nüvi 2x5 models sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot.All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.
Important Product Information: This device features a "screen lock" feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2x5 and 7x5 Garmin units. If you slide the "Power" key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the "Power" key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for "Pedestrian" mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.
Which nüvi is Best for You?:
Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators
| One of Garmin's key product philosophies is to make extremely complex technology easy to use for anyone right out of the box, and perhaps nowhere is that better exemplified than in the user interface for Garmin's portable navigation devices. Garmin's interface is a key to their success part of what makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth map updates as you navigate. This year, Garmin has redesigned its interface to include much more useful information. | |
Old Interface ![]() | New Interface ![]() |
![]() | Your GPS device locks onto transmissions from a dedicated network of Satellites in order to determine its position. Until the device gets a "lock" on three satellites, it can't effectively navigate, so decreasing the time it takes for your device to get "satellite lock" is always a goal of GPS manufacturers. With Garmin's new HotFix technology, your Garmin GPS remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. This gives the device an idea of where it should look for satellites, and dramatically decreases the time it takes for your Garmin to get its position and start navigating. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to 3 days after the device was last turned off. Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. | ||||
![]() | Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. Choose from Panoramio's collection of photos from around the world. Easy to use interface displays photos on Google Maps. Search for photos by location name or map area boundary. Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator. View photos in Google Earth. Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac.
| |||
| Shaded relief terrain maps show you when to expect hills, mountains, forests and other natural features. Topographic terrain maps are viewable when using the 2D "birds-eye" view. | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | With an optional receiver, you can get alerts from TMC Clear Channel about traffic tie-ups and road construction that might lie ahead on your route. All you have to do is simply touch the screen to view traffic details and you'll be ready to detour around any problem area. And if you end up missing a turn, or you're forced into a detour that is not relayed through the traffic receiver, the nüvi's sophisticated automatic routing will get you back on track in no time. In most areas, TMC Clear Channel traffic broadcasts are continuous â there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. Because traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel, you can still listen to music or news programming on your car radio without interference from incoming FM traffic data transmissions. |
| The super-bright, 4.3-inch (diagonal) touchscreen display gives is anti-glare for ease of viewing during the day and automatically changes its color profile for easy viewing at night or in dim light. It offers 2d or 3D perspective views. The widescreen format gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push. | |
Wider screen lets you see more of what's around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen![]() | and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen![]() |
![]() nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs). View larger. | The nüvi comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps for the continental United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, including a hefty POI database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. In addition, nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs Important note about map updates: Due to our high volume of sales, almost every Garmin portable GPS navigator sold by Amazon.com will come with the most recent map version. If you ever do need a map update, you can purchase one from Amazon.com at our Garmin Store. |
Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer.![]() | Navigation is just the beginning. The nüvi 2x5 models features travel tools including a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via microSD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs. For Accessory Map Cards and Travel Guides the Units Feature: a MicroSD Card Slot on the 3.5 inch Units, and an SD Card Slot on the 4.3 inch Units. Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (POI’s) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras. |
Custom vehicle icons let you ride in style, at least inside your GPS. See more icon option | All Garmin nüvis support configurable vehicle icons. These fun, customized car-shaped icons come in a variety of colors to add a personal touch to your vehicle's position on the map. |
Notes
| Device | Screen Size inches (W x H) | Included Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi-Point Routing | Battery life (hours) | ||
| Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe | |||||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | Photos | up to 5 | |||||
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 285WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 465T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 755T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 765T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 775T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 785T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 855 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 885T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 1200 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1250 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1260T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1300 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1350 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1350T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1370T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1390T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1490T | 4.4 x 2.5 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1690 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||

(474 votes)

~ August 30, 2010 ~ D. Griffith from Utica, NY said:It Works!
It does what it was made for! If it doesn't I hope you dont reproduce!!!
~ August 28, 2010 ~ Julius Kovatch from Roseville, California USA said:Well made functional case for your Nuvi
Nothing fancy, but well made, and well padded case to protect your Nuvi, it fits perfectly.
~ August 26, 2010 ~ Ronald J. Nelson from Chester, NY United States said:Nuvi 3970T Leather protective case
They gotta be kidding advertising that this is a custom case for the 3970T. The Nuvi is a very thin unit. Put it into this case and it falls right out! Not what you want with a $445. gps! Don't throw your money away on this case.
~ August 25, 2010 ~ Gary S. Koech III from WV, USA said:ok product
protects my garmin but if you don't put it in right it will turn on the switch
~ August 23, 2010 ~ Ramkumar Balaraman from Boston, MA said:Excellent for the Nuvi 660
I actually got this bundled with my Nuvi 660. I was initially concerned that the fit was too tight, but over time, the case quickly adapted to the unit and the unit can be slipped in and out with ease, and without slipping out on its own.
Pros:
1. Excellent quality, fit and finish; minimalist design
2. Nuvi 660 will not slip out on its own, but very easy to slip the unit in or out manually
3. Inner padding is soft and will not scratch
Cons:
1. Has a pocket that is unusable for all practical purposes; it fits the unit like a glove and there's no space to squeeze anything in there
The case does not have any extra features; no belt loop or straps or other pockets. This doesn't bother me since I've never had any reason to carry my auto gps unit on my person. I've only needed to throw it into glove box in the car or into my backpack while travelling. For these purposes, this case works great.

(1142 votes)

~ September 3, 2010 ~ Sim_Perf from Chicago, IL USA said:Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic
I bought this product as I was planning for my road trip to Canada. This product was very useful during my trip. As I was travelling with little one, I have to make some unscheduled stops but GPS was able to put me back on track without any mistake.
Free traffic information was useful but not accurate enough. Now having so many free traffic information websites and resources available, there is definitely room for improvement in that area.
Routing overall takes you to the destination but sometime those are questionable. Bottom line I did not get lost may have burned more gas :-) It could be good to have a feature where you can navigate the whole route map. As of now you can zoom in and out.
Overall, this product is user friendly, easy to configure, POI works great. It is very easy to mount on windshield. Traffic information is good to have. Re-routing calculation is fast and quick. I like this product by having the peace of mind, no matter were you are going.
~ September 2, 2010 ~ Wile E Coyote said:Good value for the Money
Got the 265WT two weeks ago. It worked well on my road trip to Maine. Picked up satellites quickly. Routing was fairly quick and traffic information was helpful. One issue involves updating the information on the points of interest function. We found a few of the points of interest were either closed or no longer exist. After my purchase I did see that Garmin started providing the traffic function on one of the lower models (255, I believe) and would have considered that model if I had seen it at that time which is 20 - 30 dollars cheaper.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ Mykel from Earth said:Nuvi is great
For general use, Nuvi is great. The traffic is not super accurate, but you can't expect it to know about a crash within 5 minutes of it occuring. But the yellow, orange, and red color coding is a bit inconsistant in the metro Atlanta area.
The screen can be hard to see in harsh sunlight and also with polorized sunglasses.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ Benjones said:love it
I live in the DFW metroplex, and this thing will route me around traffic. This has saved me HOURS by routing me around wrecks. I love this thing.
~ August 31, 2010 ~ XXL from Fremont, CA said:Simply the best GPS that I have
We have two 265t and like them over my other GPSs by different brands. Now, I got the 265wt with a larger 4.3 lcd for my wife. She really likes and enjoys using it. These Garmin 265's are simply the best GPS at this price.
The nüvi 2x5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot. All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. The 265WT also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you.
All you have to do is simply touch the screen to view traffic details and you'll be ready to detour around any problem area. And if you end up missing a turn, or you're forced into a detour that is not relayed through the traffic receiver, the nüvi's sophisticated automatic routing will get you back on track in no time.
In most areas, the traffic broadcasts are continuous--there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. Because traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel, you can still listen to music or news programming on your car radio without interference from incoming FM traffic data transmissions.
Hands-Free Calling In more and more places, it is becoming illegal to use cell phones while driving without a hands-free kit. WIth Bluetooth capability, microphone and speaker, you can match your nüvi to any Bluetooth-capable phone to make hands-free mobile phone calls. Simply dial the phone number with the nüvi's touch screen keypad to make a call on a compatible phone. To answer an incoming call, just tap the screen and speak into the built-in microphone. Making and taking calls on the road has never been easier, or safer. In addition, Garmin makes it a breeze to look-up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or even tap into your cell phone's call history log. Key Features/Benefits for all 2x5 Series NavigatorsWhich nüvi is Best for You?:
Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators
| One of Garmin's key product philosophies is to make extremely complex technology easy to use for anyone right out of the box, and perhaps nowhere is that better exemplified than in the user interface for Garmin's portable navigation devices. Garmin's interface is a key to their success part of what makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth map updates as you navigate. This year, Garmin has redesigned its interface to include much more useful information. | |
Old Interface ![]() | New Interface ![]() |
![]() | Your GPS device locks onto transmissions from a dedicated network of Satellites in order to determine its position. Until the device gets a "lock" on three satellites, it can't effectively navigate, so decreasing the time it takes for your device to get "satellite lock" is always a goal of GPS manufacturers. With Garmin's new HotFix technology, your Garmin GPS remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. This gives the device an idea of where it should look for satellites, and dramatically decreases the time it takes for your Garmin to get its position and start navigating. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to 3 days after the device was last turned off. Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. | ||||
![]() | Using Garmin’s unique Web site â Garmin Connect Photos â users can choose from millions of geo-located photos provided by Google’s Panoramio photo sharing community and download them to the nüvi for a richer navigation experience using pictures as a guide. Choose from Panoramio's collection of photos from around the world. Easy to use interface displays photos on Google Maps. Search for photos by location name or map area boundary. Transfer photos directly from Garmin Connect to device with the Garmin Communicator. View photos in Google Earth. Supports Internet Explorer 6+, Firefox 2+, Safari 3+ on Windows and Mac.
| |||
| Shaded relief terrain maps show you when to expect hills, mountains, forests and other natural features. Topographic terrain maps are viewable when using the 2D "birds-eye" view. | |
![]() | ![]() |
| tching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best toffee apples on the east coast? Now, it's easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your Garmin GPS navigator. Hook up your Garmin to the computer via it's USB port Search for the location you want Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup "Send to" form. Pick GPS, then pick Garmin and hit the "Send" button. The address will instantly transfer to your Garmin device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite. The process does require a small plugin, which you can get at Garmin's website at http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3739. You can send business addresses to your Garmin device from these countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. | ||
Search for the location you want.![]() | Pick "Send to GPS".![]() | Go!![]() |
![]() | With an optional receiver, you can access enhanced dynamic content from the MSN Direct service. Check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get enhanced movie listings, stock information, news and local events when you travel with your unit. Even plan trips from the convenience of your computer, via Windows Live Local, and wirelessly send custom to your nüvi. Check out a full description of MSN Direct content features, or a coverage map for MSN Direct services. A 3-month subscription to MSN Direct is included with the receiver. After that, subscription fees are $49.95 per year, or $129.95 for a lifetime subscription. |
![]() | With an optional receiver, you can get alerts from TMC Clear Channel about traffic tie-ups and road construction that might lie ahead on your route. All you have to do is simply touch the screen to view traffic details and you'll be ready to detour around any problem area. And if you end up missing a turn, or you're forced into a detour that is not relayed through the traffic receiver, the nüvi's sophisticated automatic routing will get you back on track in no time. In most areas, TMC Clear Channel traffic broadcasts are continuous â there's no waiting for scheduled traffic news updates or random alerts. Because traffic broadcasts are received via a "silent" FM data channel, you can still listen to music or news programming on your car radio without interference from incoming FM traffic data transmissions. A 3-month subscription to TMC Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network is included with the receiver. For more information on subscription fees, coverage in individual cities, and traffic data networks in the United Kingdom and Europe, check the Garmin website. |
| The super-bright, 4.3-inch (diagonal) touchscreen display gives is anti-glare for ease of viewing during the day and automatically changes its color profile for easy viewing at night or in dim light. It offers 2d or 3D perspective views. The widescreen format gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push. | |
Wider screen lets you see more of what's around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen![]() | and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen![]() |
![]() nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs). View larger. | The nüvi comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps for all of North America, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, including a hefty POI database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. In addition, nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs Important note about map updates: Due to our high volume of sales, almost every Garmin portable GPS navigator sold by Amazon.com will come with the most recent map version. If you ever do need a map update, you can purchase one from Amazon.com at our Garmin Store. |
Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer.![]() | Navigation is just the beginning. The nüvi 2x5 models features travel tools including a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via microSD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs. For Accessory Map Cards and Travel Guides the Units Feature: a MicroSD Card Slot on the 3.5 inch Units, and an SD Card Slot on the 4.3 inch Units. Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (POI’s) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras. |
Custom vehicle icons let you ride in style, at least inside your GPS. See more icon option | All Garmin nüvis support configurable vehicle icons. These fun, customized car-shaped icons come in a variety of colors to add a personal touch to your vehicle's position on the map. |
Notes
| Screen Size inches (w x h) | Included Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | 3D Terrain Maps | Photo Navigation | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi- Point Routing | Battery life (hours) | |||
| Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe | |||||||||||
| nüvi 200 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||||
| nüvi 200w | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||||
| nüvi 250 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | ||||||||
| nüvi 250w | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | ||||||||
| nüvi 260 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 270 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205W | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255W | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Integrated FM receiver with lifetime traffic; MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver) | ![]() | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Integrated FM receiver with lifetime traffic; MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver) | ![]() | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | Integrated FM receiver with lifetime traffic; MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver) | ![]() | Photos | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 350 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | ||||||
| nüvi 360 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | |||||
| nüvi 370 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (receiver included) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | ||||
| nüvi 650 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | up to 7 | ||||||
| nüvi 660 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (receiver included) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | up to 7 | ||||
| nüvi 670 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | FM (receiver included) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | up to 7 | |||
| nüvi 680 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN (receiver included; 1-year free); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | up to 7 | ||||
| nüvi 750 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | ||||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | |||
| nüvi 770 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | ||
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free) receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 5 | ||||
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 880 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | Photos, MP3s | ![]() | ![]() | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 5000 | 4.5 x 2.7 | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | ![]() | ![]() | external battery only | |||||
| Basic MSN Direct Content Features | |
![]() | Traffic Reports Find the best route through traffic. Your GPS device uses MSN Direct traffic data to select the best route for you to avoid traffic congestion. Check traffic flow. Know at a glance where to expect slowdowns in traffic. Get accident warnings. Receive warnings about accidents, road closures, and construction in the area that may affect you. |
![]() | Gas Prices Compare local gas prices. See a list of recent gas prices in your area and an indication of how recently the prices were reported. Find your way to the savings. Once you find the best price in your area, use your navigation system to guide you to the gas station. |
![]() | Weather Reports Stay on top of current conditions. View the current weather conditions in your area, including today's high and low temperatures, chances of precipitation, and more. View the three-day forecast, Plan ahead by checking the three-day weather forecast for your area. Check weather in other cities. See current weather conditions in major cities across the country. |
![]() | Movie Times Search for a movie. Find the theaters in your coverage area that are showing the movie you want to see. See which movies are playing. View which movies are playing in your coverage area or at your favorite theater. See show times and get directions. Once you find a show you want to see, check the show times and use your GPS device to guide you to the theater. |
| Enhanced MSN Direct Content | |
![]() | Web Favorites (Send custom destinations to your GPS with Live Search Maps) Powerful trip planning: Use Live Search Maps on your computer to look up an address, search for a business, or plan a trip Choose your favorite location, and then MSN Direct delivers the address, phone number, and more straight to your navigation system. Visit Live Search Maps at http://maps.live.com. |
![]() | Local Events See what's happening near you. Find nearby events to see what's happening in your area. Find the events that interest you. Browse events sorted by category. Search for an event. Get details about a particular event. |
![]() | Stock Quotes Watch the stocks that interest you. Select stocks that you want to keep an eye on, and then see regularly updated stock prices and daily changes. Get a little more detail. Touch a stock in your list to see daily highs, lows, and trading volume. |
![]() | News Headlines Browse the headlines at a glance. See breaking news and other major news stories of the day. Read more details. Select a headline to read all the details about the news story on your navigation system. |
| MSN Direct Coverage Map | |
Get detailed info for your Zip Code at the MSN Direct website. ![]() | |

(57 votes)

~ September 3, 2010 ~ Erik J. Malvick from Davis, CA said:Not quite as Advertised.
Purchased this recently after seeing my father-in-law's TomTom 540TM.
According to TomTom's web pages and description, this device was supposed to be similar to the 540 besides the screen size, which was ok with me. However, I've found that it isn't quite what is advertised. The first problem is in the lane assist features. The Tom-Tom web page suggests that this device will show a nice graphic at interchanges illustrating what lanes to be in. I've seen this feature work as shown on their web page on the 540 my father-in-law has, but it does not work like that on the 335. Instead, the 335 has some basic arrows that show up under the main graphics in either blue or white to illustrate what lanes to be in and what lanes you shouldn't be in. While this is ok as a passenger, it is difficult to see while driving and trying to keep an eye on the road. Fortunately, the voice queues do a decent job of keeping you in the correct lanes.
The map downloads and traffic feature do seem to work well on this device. I am not a fan of how their map download works since they have you download the full map, when it would be much more effective to provide updates for only those things that have changed. Downloading ~2GB in one file is not as straight forward as it sounds and it took 4 times to get a successful download (files were corrupt the previous tries). The traffic feature is quite useful, although its estimates of delays aren't very accurate. That is probably to be expected since traffic is often dynamic and ever changing. It is nice that at least I know it is coming up.
I do like a lot of the features in the Tom Tom. The directions are quite accurate, and they do a good job of giving advanced notice of when to make turns. I find that when I deviate from the projected route that the Tom Tom does a fairly decent job of updating the route. However, there have been a couple of occasions where I have deviated from a route to have the Tom Tom suggest an alternative that was clearly bad in an effort to get me back to the original route. In each case, prolonged neglect of the directions resulted in the Tom Tom asking whether I wanted to change my route, which I found odd... Most of the time it just changes it.
I do find the points of interest and itinerary features nice. The points of interest allow me to find a close by gas station or restaurant and with experimentation one can navigate to such a place without deviating from the ultimate goal. The only problem I've had is that in searching for a POI, the distance can get a bit deceiving as it isn't always given for the location you are currently at but rather from where you are searching relative to. An example is that I was driving through the bay area north of San Francisco, CA (Santa Rosa area) and looking for a restaurant in the Santa Rosa area. When I search by name relative to where I was at, no results were returned, which is fine. Instead I chose to search relative to a city. The result showed the restaurant to be 10 miles, but it was actually 10 miles from that city, which ended up being 20 miles from where I was at (when I was 10 miles from that city to begin with). While it wasn't a big deal, I feel like the results should show the distance relative to where the GPS is at either instead of or in addition to relative to the location searched.
Last, the voice directions are not bad, but they aren't great either. Only the computer voices give directions that include street and city names, which can be essential when you are in an urban area and you are counting on audio since looking at the screen can be distracting. The problem is that living in California and using the default computer voice has it doing a less than perfect job at pronouncing items. While it picks up some details in pronouncing Spanish based words (San Jose is done decently), it does a horrible job for other Spanish based words (San Francisco, San Jose). Interestingly enough, if I download the UK based computer voice, the pronunciation improves quite a bit. That is probably something any Tom Tom user should consider if they are having that problem. The only problem with the UK based voice is that distances are given in Yards once you are down under a mile from a direction as opposed to fractions of a mile. It isn't a big deal, but when you are used to 1/2, 1/4, etc of a mile, it can be a bit confusing. I've adjusted as I'd rather hear my cities and streets pronounced correctly than the distances.
Overall, the device is decent, although I will say that the "deal of the day" value made it better than full price would have. I do find that many of the features are good and that as long as Tom Tom stays with the basic operations, I'll buy one in the future when I finally need an upgrade.
~ September 2, 2010 ~ John Janisieski said:Very dissatisfied, gets you to the general area , not a specific address.
The unit is inaccurate. When it tells you that you have arrived at your destination (i.e. an address with street and number) you may still be a distance away from it and you have to physically hunt for it. My previous unit was an older Garmin and it pinpointed the destination with a statement such as "you have arrived at your destination on the right". My 335 may dump me at the end of the street instead of the actual address or some distance before the actual address. Then you have to start searching business names or house numbers until you find it, maybe a quarter mile away. Maybe I've just been spoiled by my previous Garmin.
~ August 30, 2010 ~ Leventhal Partners LLC from Cleveland, OH said:Watch out . . . not an honorable company - I would not buy again
I purchased two 355 TM's directly from Amazon. One was DOA, the flash memory was defective. I was unable to update it with the current software release and maps. When I contracted TomTom they first offered to replace it with a refurbished unit. I said that was unacceptable, this was a new unit and I wanted it replace with a new unit. After 45 minutes I finally got a supervisors approval to replace it with a new unit. (every time I called it took at least one hour to conduct my business). When the replacement arrived it was a less expensive 340-S unit. (fewer features - no lifetime maps, no traffic updates) I called and complained after 45 minutes, a supervisor agreed I had been promised a new 355 TM unit, it was in the notes, but all they were going to do was replace it with the 340-S. no matter what I said, that was all they were going to do. I GOT SCR***D. From my experience this is a disreputable company STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
~ August 26, 2010 ~ Amanda Hamm from NC said:Pretty good, but room for improvement
I've been testing this out for about a month, and for the most part, I really like it. Any time I've entered an address, it led me right where I needed to go and gave easy-to-follow instructions. I've come up with quite a few things that bother me about this device, which is why I didn't give it a higher rating. But the fact that it has not yet led me astray is the most important thing and why I didn't give it a lower rating.
These are the strikes: It doesn't say right or left at the destination. One of the few times I used it to navigate to someplace unfamiliar, it said "You have arrived at your destination" in the middle of a busy street with office buildings on both sides. I needed one of those buildings and didn't know which way to turn. One more right or left would have been very helpful.
The "manual" basically tells you how to turn the thing on and that's it. Most of the features and settings need to be discovered. If you're a jump right in sort of person, this isn't a big deal, but I like to read what something is capable of before I start using it.
While it navigates to an entered address without a problem, I have noticed that many locations are not on its map. It lets you search for "points of interest" like restaurants and gas stations, but is missing some. I have found at least one local restaurant not listed and when I searched for local parks, it listed only one of at least half a dozen in our area.
~ August 22, 2010 ~ P J Hyndman said:Free Maps and Traffic sealed the deal
I upgraded from a low end Nexstar and was going to pull the trigger on a Garmin, but I couldn't pass up the free map and traffic updates and the IQ Routes technology of the TomTom, so I pulled the trigger on the TomTom XL 335TM. I was concerned about some of the issues other people were having with the software and map updates, but besides the updates taking so long, I had no problems. You gotta be patient and let it do it's update thing. Also, had no problem with the windshield mount. Used it on a 750 mile trip to Texas and I have to say I am pleased with how it worked. Liked the Advanced Lane Guidance feature. About the only the only negative I have found so far is that it doesn't tell you which side of the street your destination is on and also doesn't show you the destination address when you arrive. That's is a nice feature to have when you have saved a route a few days before you leave on your trip, and saved it as a name other than the address. Overall, it's a great unit!!
Get complete widescreen navigation with Lifetime Traffic Updates. |
Expand your horizons with a 4.3-inch extra-wide touchscreen. |
The award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability. |
Only TomTom has IQ Routes technology, which shaves time off even the shortest trips by calculating the fastest route based on time of day you are traveling. You'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route and save time, fuel, and money. Advanced Lane Guidance* uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.
TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on your own device. The "Help Me!" menu provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take with you from car to car.
*Feature available in the U.S. only
Maps of the U.S. and Canada with TomTom Map Share
Pre-loaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada. TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device, and receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the U.S. and Canada, worry-free.
Lifetime Traffic Updates
Outsmart traffic and avoid delays for life with real-time information via your TomTom. Every three minutes, your TomTom will automatically update with the latest traffic information, recalculate your trip time, and suggest alternate routes.
7 Million POIs
Pre-loaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot, or shopping center, and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own points of interest.
IQ Routes Technology
TomTom IQ Routes technology puts the driving experience of millions of TomTom users into your maps to shave time off even the shortest trips. Calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day. With TomTom IQ Routes, you'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. IQ Routes saves you time, fuel, and money.
Traffic isn't the same during Monday morning rush hour as it is on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heavy traffic, rotaries, traffic lights, and even pedestrians can slow you down. The route you need changes depending on the day and time, so the shortest route isn't necessarily going to be the fastest. With TomTom IQ Routes, you'll always drive the fastest route.
Advanced Lane Guidance*
TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make sudden, dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently.
Spoken Street Names
Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names.
4.3-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 4.3-inch extra-wide touchscreen. An additional 20% in size allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.
Fold and Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. The mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag, and it makes your device even more portable so you can take it with you wherever you travel. All TomToms Feature
Plug and Go--Works right out of the box.
30-Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up-to-date, off the shelf.
TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from other users' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.
Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations, and hospitals.
TomTom HOME--Always up-to-date.
Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less. What's in the BoxXL 335T GPS device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger with integrated traffic, and user's guide.
About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high-quality products and services.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider, with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.
We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.
Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions and innovations to make life easy.

(13 votes)

~ September 4, 2010 ~ Jimbo from Austin, TX said:Mothers PowerBall Worthless!
I followed the instructions for this product to the "T" and it made the cloud on my headlight worse. Don't buy this product! Worthless!
~ September 3, 2010 ~ Craig E. Baer from Seattle, WA USA said:Worked for Me!
This product worked well for my 2001 Ford Ranger. The headlights lenses were pretty bad after 9 years. I followed the given instructions. First I used the powerball with the liquid and had limited success. Then I tried the sanding squares. That was the turning point for me. Just follow the instructions that Mother's provides and you will be ok. Don't fret when you finish the sanding procedure--the powerball and the liquid product will finish it in no time. I am very pleased with this product, and recommend it to anyone who wants to restore their headlights back to near-new condition.
~ August 24, 2010 ~ TomK said:Mother's Powerball Car Lens Polisher
A typical, excellent product from Mother's. I cleaned and polished my original head and tail lights on my 93 Mustang. It took about an hour using my power drill, and now they sparkle like new! Thanks Mom!!!
~ August 11, 2010 ~ Wings42 from San Diego, CA said:Works as advertised
I used this on four different cars, two quite bad. It restored all four from good to like new, depending on how pitted and weathered they were before. Three were foggy but the layer of gunk on them wasn't thick. Just the polish worked fine. On my car, a 2001 Highlander, the first time through got them just good enough to see the bulbs underneath. I polished them twice more after washing. They're now very clear, but slightly yellowed. I'm quite pleased.
The last car was a neighbors 2006 Mustang. Her's needed sanding and then polishing, a 1+ hr job. Like my car, the lenses have a slight yellow tint and a very slight surface fogginess, but you can see the bulbs underneath clearly and the car looks good.
Garages charge $30 - $100 to polish headlight lenses so this is a great value.
~ July 2, 2010 ~ Allen S. Hendricks from Charleston, SC USA said:Pretty Good Stuff
The headlight restoration kit does the job but it was work. The 1998 Honda CR-V took over two hours to get rid of the yellowing but some of the fogginess is still on the light. Even with that, this made a huge improvement. I used up the cordless drill battery very quickly and switched to a variable speed plug-in drill. That worked much better. The 2000 Toyota Tacoma took about 5 minutes per light and were like new. Will use on 2001 Highlander this weekend. Use very little of the polish at a time and replenish often or you will sling the stuff everywhere. The kit comes with some sanding pads to use on lights with severe yellowing & fogginess. However, I did not try that on any of the vehicles, yet. I may give it a try on the honda to see if I can get it totally clear. All in all - good product.
Heps To Restore, Maintain, And Protect Your Headlights
Each Kit Includes One Bottle Of PowerPlastic Polish, One Microfiber Towel, One PowerBall 4 Light, And Two Severe Damage Restoration Pads
This Kit Has Everything You Need To Restore Your Headlights And Keep Them Looking Brand New
The Mothers PowerBall 4Lights Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of smooth, shiny plastic and acrylic headlights to crystal clarity. It easily cleans away yellowing and stains, and even buffs out unsightly hairline scratches, smudges and flaws in a single step. The included PowerPlastic Polish restores crystal clarity, leaving a tough protective oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to guard against future degradation from the elements. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table.callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td.vgoverview { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg.png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; }
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(131 votes)

~ September 4, 2010 ~ C. Christensen from seattle wa said:awesome gps for the price
works very well best for the money by far. garmin's are the only gps to go with. tom toms and others suck if you buy anything else other then a garmin you will be disappointed
~ September 3, 2010 ~ Anne Smith from Hemet, Ca said:1st GPS
I have seen GPS devices in the past and had decided to invest in one for my work after becoming lost while trying to go to a job interview (thus losing the opportunity for the job.) Both my husband & I have used the device and we love it. It works so well... it's easy to use, and it doesn't matter if its bright daylight or darkness of night, I can see everything clearly, I know what to expect, and it's so much fun. I wish I had invested in one sooner and I'm so glad this was the one I chose to buy this one.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ sweetbobby said:Quite impressive!
I was a bit reluctant to buy this at first, but after reading so many reviews from Amazon buyers, I decided to go for it. After it arrived, I was very impressed with how easy it was to use it. It is as good as any portable GPS I have had. And yes, it does loose the signal, I can live with that rather than getting lost. I am very happy with the purchase and it was well worth the money spent. By the way, it arrived very quickly and I was very pleased with the short delivery time.
~ August 29, 2010 ~ B. Breckenfeld from Carrollton, TX said:Nice improvement over the 350 model
I've had a Nuvi 350 model for a few years which worked well, but this 1330T has some nice improvements:
- The screen is bigger and brighter and has a wider viewing angle so my passenger can see it.
- The upper left corner shows the miles to the next turn and whether left or right turn - very helpful. This also shows multi lanes and which to be in.
- The traffic antenna is built in the power cord, so no extra wire required. I buried the power cord under the dash and on top of the radio and it still works.
- The sound is much louder and easily understood.
- The arrival time box can be changed to miles to destination which is more helpful for short trips.
The only thing I do not like is the power cord is plugged directly into the back of the 1350T, so to remove it from the cradle, you have to disconnect the cord as a 2nd step. However I permanently wired mine to a 12 volt source under the dash so I won't be taking it out often anyway.
~ August 22, 2010 ~ Luv2Read from Pennsylvania said:Extremely pleased
This is a fantastic GPS! Screen is a great size! Features are easy to use and the battery life actually holds a charge, unlike a lot of other models our there. I highly recommend this make and model to anyone looking to get a new GPS!
Ultra-thin, affordable, feature-rich navigation with traffic alerts. Click to enlarge. |
With nüvi 1350T's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. Click to enlarge. |
Easy-to-use touchscreen interface. Click to enlarge. |
Preloaded with nearly 6 million points of interest. Click to enlarge. |
Includes a wealth of travel tools and more. Click to enlarge. |
Navigate City Transit
With its enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities, nüvi 1350T is the perfect travel companion for getting around town. Download optional cityXplorer content to help you navigate city public transit. Know where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation and how long it will take to get there. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe. And with prices as low as $9.99, you'll have money left over to spend in the big city.
Take It With You
Twenty-five percent slimmer than other nüvis, you can take the ultra-thin 1350T anywhere. It easily fits in your pocket or purse, and its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot.
Know the Lane Before It's Too Late
No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate.
See More
With nüvi 1350T's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read--from any direction.
Get Turn-by-Turn Directions
nüvi 1350T's intuitive interface greets you with two simple questions: "Where To?" and "View Map." Touch the color screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination. It comes preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps, nearly 6 million points of interest (POIs), 2-D or 3-D maps and the speed limit for most major roads. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, giving you a big picture of the surrounding terrain. With the 1350T's enhanced user interface, you can slide your finger to conveniently scroll between screens. You can also upload custom points of interest (POIs). And with HotFix satellite prediction, nüvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.
Receive Free Traffic Alerts
Steer clear of traffic with nüvi 1350T's integrated FM traffic receiver and free lifetime* traffic updates. Receive alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Next, simply touch nüvi's screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area. Watch informational video
Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 1350T saves you gas and money with ecoRoute--a green feature that calculates the most fuel-efficient route, tracks fuel usage and more. The 1350T includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. It's also compatible with MSN Direct (receiver purchase and subscription required). With its "Where Am I?" emergency locator, you always know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations. The 1350T features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom custom voices and vehicles. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards.
What's in the Box
nüvi 1350T, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America, Lifetime traffic, FM traffic receiver with vehicle power cable, Vehicle suction cup mount, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual
| Device | Screen Size inches (W x H) | Included Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi-Point Routing | Battery life (hours) | ||
| Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe | |||||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | Photos | up to 5 | |||||
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 285WT | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 465T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 755T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 765T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 775T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 5 | |
| nüvi 785T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 855 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 885T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 4 | |
| nüvi 1200 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1250 | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1260T | 2.8 x 2.1 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1300 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1350 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1350T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1370T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1390T | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1490T | 4.4 x 2.5 | | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1690 | 3.81 x 2.25 | | | | NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service) | | Photos | | up to 4 | ||

(134 votes)

~ September 2, 2010 ~ Ronald Schaefer said:Never got this item from Amazon
Any convenience of ordering went right out the window when Amazon chose to send my package by USPS. They (USPS)said i had moved and I had not. Had i known they were sending it USPS I would have put my p.o. box in the address. As we know many vendors will not deliver to PO boxes so this matter NEEDS TO BE CLEAR WHEN PURCHASING WHAT CARRIER IS BEING USED. I work full time and cannot spend a lot of time figuring out WHAT AMAZON IS GOING TO DO WITH MY package. I ordered two similar items from ebay which came almost immediately. ebay didn't have the other accessory but AMAZON did. otherwise I would not have used them (AMAZON)as this has happened more than once before.
If AMAZON had a more interactive custiomer service venue I might not have to write this .
frustrated x Amazon customer.
~ August 23, 2010 ~ Robert said:Glad I bought it
When i first ordered my Garmin 705 I didn't feel I needed a cadance monitor, but after riding and talking with more experianced riders i thought i would buy one. It really does help improve your riding by being aware of your average cadance..
~ August 9, 2010 ~ Shelly said:Good Accessory For My Garmin Forerunner 305
I've had my Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor for awhile now and have only used it for running events. I recently purchased a road bike and bought this to track my bike workouts.
Installation was easy to understand. All the components are held in place with "zip ties" which makes it easy. We had no difficulty getting the sensors to align. The product is small and lightweight, so unless you are worried about ounces added to your bike weight (if you are, you're probably buying an expensive cycle computer), it does not add appreciable weight or bulk. After installation, you turn on your Forerunner and tell it that you have now installed the sensor (consult your Forerunner instruction booklet) and it immediately picked it up. That's all there is to it. You are then able to monitor pedal cadence and speed of your ride.
I would absolutely recommend this if you already have a Forerunner 305 and now want to monitor bike workouts.
~ August 2, 2010 ~ Bigsnaff said:If you are serious about becoming a better rider get this!!
I never thought I needed this piece of tech till I got it. WOW! Combined with the Forerunner 305, you can really track your performance and pedaling efficiency like never before. It works like it's supposed to, and the best part - when you're indoors on the trainer, you'll know exactly how many miles you've done! It has made training a lot more fun, and when you're training hard, you need all the help you can get! Installation was easy, setup was automatic. Pony up the extra few bucks for this unit, you won't regret it! Highly recommended.
~ July 18, 2010 ~ Roberto J. Solis from Los Angeles, CA USA said:Review for Garmin GSC 10 Sensor
I love the extra info I'm now getting on my training bike runs. Highly recommend the Garmin GSC 10 - Speed & cadence sensor to all road bikers.
Like the Garmin heart rate monitor, the GSC 10 attaches easily to your bike, where its sensors detect signals from your wheels and send the information wirelessly to your personal trainer/cycle computer. It's also backed by a one-year warranty.

(295 votes)

~ September 4, 2010 ~ TinaL said:Great. Cheap. Works.
I would agree with the majority of the reviews. I purchased this for my car. I don't have the MP3 connection but do have a tape deck. And I wasn't thrilled with the quality of sound with the FM tuners (my brother has one for his car). There is a little bit of a clicking sound that appears once it starts playing, but with road nose and the general nose of the car, it is a non-issue...can't even hear it. The quality of the sound is not as good as if having a direct MP3 connection, but I consider it very good...(not sure it's even fair to compare). I use this primarily for audio books, and I am very happy with my purchase. I have not had to try the fix that some of the other reviewers had (something about needing to take out a pin on the inside of the cassette).
I would definitely recommend!
~ September 3, 2010 ~ David Buckley from Austin, TX USA said:Occasionally doesn't work, but good overall
It sounds good, and the adjustable orientation for the wire is great.
Occasionally it won't work right away. I have to take it out and spin the gears with my finger, and then it starts working again. I'm thinking it's probably the result of always leaving it in my car in the Texas summer.
~ September 1, 2010 ~ Jason Connell from Drexel Hill, PA, USA said:I ordered another one
Cassette adapters in the past have generally lasted for a few years for me. My last one conked out on me just a few days ago, after many years (more than 4 I think) of service, and it was no longer outputting all channels (worthless). So I ordered this one. At less than $8, I'm ordering another one! I have two items that do not have alternative inputs: A boombox with CD and a tapedeck, and my car that I bought in 2002, also equipped with both CD and tape.
The sound quality is good. I haven't had it long enough to really put it under scrutiny. Basically, I played the songs that I know the other one was leaving the channel out of to make sure it worked, and that it wasn't my ipod and ipad that somehow both had the same issue at the same exact time ;-) I have not experienced the auto-reverse issue that others have, and the dual direction of the wire is not really a necessity for me, but it is a nice feature.
Overall, great product, be sure to read reviews of others that have had this product longer. I can't comment on longevity...
~ August 30, 2010 ~ mg1015 from CT, USA said:Worked great until it didn't
I got this about 4 1/2 months ago and really liked it. The sound quality was pretty solid and I was impressed that it was made with an adaptable cord for playing it either in a car stereo or a more conventional tape player. Unfortunately, about a month ago, I noticed that the tape would abruptly stop for a few seconds and then go back to playing. This became more and more frequent until it was happening every few seconds. When I took the tape out, I realized that there was a loose part (a belt, maybe...that's what it would be in a car) that was causing the problem. I tried fixing it, but to no avail. Now I'm shopping for a new one. Perhaps this was a chance occurrence, but the new one I buy won't be one of these.
~ August 25, 2010 ~ weirdalfaniam from Phoenix, AZ said:Works great, can't beat the price!
FM Transmitters are pretty much all just mono sound and unless you're out in the country or buy a premium transmitter for over $50, they sound pretty crappy at best. I drive a ten year-old Mercedes with a tape player in it, I figured I would buy this and it wouldn't work and I would have to return it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Works perfectly with my Motorola Droid cell phone.
What's in the Box
Cassette adapter

(35 votes)

~ September 3, 2010 ~ James E. Stark said:TomTom XXl 540M
I have had the TomTom for about 6 weeks and have had no problems. I used the map update when I first received it and it worked just fine. I have not had any of the problems discussed by some other reviewers. The touch screen is quite sensitive and sometimes it thinks you have touched it twice. Do not touch the screen when affixing to windshield! Attach the holder and then press the unit into place, without touching the screen! I am using it in my Tacoma pickup. It did come loose from my windshield once when on a washboard road for about 2 miles. I bought the portable dash mount thingy and I would NOT do that again - too much vibration transferred to the unit making it hard to see. The windshield mount works just fine and has virtually no vibration transfer. I have found it to be quite accurate - better than MapQuest on a couple of occasions. I like the advance notification on turns, especially if you have two turns in quick succession. I gave it 4 stars because I have not had it long enough for long term evaluation. I would purchase again. Buy the house charger so you can program in your locations without sitting in the vehicle. The battery is only good for about 4 hours when fully charged - seems they never are when you need them, like a phone! I have not tried the update feature yet, so I cannot comment on that.
~ August 31, 2010 ~ T. Evanchak from Indianapolis said:Thoughts on XXL 540M
Overall : excellent. The 5 inch screen is far easier to view than the usual 4.3s. Ultimately customizable with other pictures and icons in lieu of the boring arrow that indicates your location on the screen. The night view is also cool and a little JamesBondish. I opted for an extra-cost celebrity voice but was disappointed that there was no notice that you give up the Spoken Street Names feature when choosing other than a machine generated voice. Irresponsible that they give no forewarning to that loss before ordering (and paying).
~ August 27, 2010 ~ K. Fox from Colorado said:TomTom XXL540M -- great gift for Techno-Challenged friend!
Out-of-the-Box great gift for a techno-challenged friend... mounted it on the (optional and recommended) dashboard mount, plugged it into the accessory outlet, and she has been a happy camper ever since. We have the lifetime maps, but have not yet done anything with TomTom to register. Current OOB (OutOfBox) map is very detailed, including our little known and remote mountain community. Unit tracks our narrow winding roads beautifully. Unit is quick to acquire, and remains locked onto satellites, always 3-D, presents real-time info without skipping a beat, almost like a jet's heads-up display.
5" screen was thought to possibly be a little hefty, but have discovered it's perfect -- easy to see yet does not interfere or distract from driving.
Nice menuing system, clean and uncluttered, intuitive.
Previous poor to bad experiences with the later Garmins turned us to this item, and now that my older trusty StreetPilot is recently becoming flakey and now chronically complaining about out-of-date maps (the world is still pretty much the same today as it was 3 years ago, Garmin, get off my back for upgrades!), I think I'll "upgrade" from Garmin to TomTom. Wish they had a backcountry/topo unit, though, I'd have one in a heartbeat.
No experience with Customer Support (ideally, no one should need this if the manufacturer produces a good product), the Lifetime Maps option, or the need to download anything more from the web for this little gem. It's my kind of hardware: Plug-n-Play.
ps: nice shipping packing from Amazon, they're getting better at that.
~ August 25, 2010 ~ Steve from NJ said:TomTom vs Magellan
I recently bought the TomTom XXL. My prior GPS was a Magellan. The TomTom is a vastly superior navigation device. The Magellan's routing was based on distance and posted speed limits, and I'm pretty sure it ignored traffic lights. This results in terrible directions when any city traffic is involved. For example, to get from central NJ to the upper east side of Manhattan, the Magellan wanted you to take the Lincoln Tunnel and then go thru midtown traffic, and take city streets to the upper east side. No one in his right mind would take such a route, as it adds about a half hour onto the trip (about twice as long as necessary, and far more stressful as well). The TomTom gave the correct route, namely taking the GW bridge, and then heading south down the FDR. The TomTom routing is based on actual drive times, not posted limits, and also takes lights into account. The Magellan did very badly in every city I have been to.
Even in rural and suburban areas, the TomTom is far superior. For example, to get to northwest Connecticut from NJ, the Magellan routes you thru lots of small towns, which have lots of trafic and traffic lights, even if you request the fastest route. The TomTom routes you up the NY Thruway, then heads east across the Hudson River to the destination. This is much faster, and much easier driving as well. The Magellan performs far worse than a road map, even if you don't spend much time plotting a route. So far, the TomTom has always produced excellent routes.
The Magellan had a couple of minor advantages. Their model of an 'address book' is somewhat nicer than the TomTom's 'favorite places,' as it allows you to store some additional information. Also the Magellan came with AAA guidebook info. The TomTom has extensive points of interest, but no information about them. For planning potential sightseeing stops on a trip, the Magellan is more useful. But if you know where you want to go, the TomTom will get you there much more quickly and easily.
~ August 25, 2010 ~ M. Nickel said:Pretty good product
I own 3 Magellan GPS units, this is my first TomTom. Ordered through Amazon it arrived early and in good shape. Set up was straightforward but it took a long time to download the new software/firmware, even with a high speed connection. (about 2 hours) The unit acquired a signal quickly and seems able to maintain a lock, even indoors or in mountainous terrain. The screen is bright and easy to read and there are a number of voices to choose from. The touchscreen is very responsive and navigation is simple. It has all the standard features that most GPS units offer but included are periodic map updates which may be an important feature if you are in a fast growing area. It also allows users to upload new map data including POI and streets, which is then verified by TomTom and added. The unit automatically establishes the "fastest" route to destination and while you can ask for a detour, I haven't been able to figure out what route options might be available. Magellan allows one to choose "Fastest Time" "Shortest Distance" "Most Use of Freeways" "Least Use of Freeways" and TomTom apparently does not. This unit also calculates the "potential" for traffic and routes to avoid it, assuming it's a faster route to destination. The one option that Magellan has that TomTom does not is an "Elevation" reading. I contacted TomTom support which was a neutral experience, and was told that this is only a navigation device and this feature wasn't included, though the capability is there. There are a number of third party programs available via "Google" search. I tried two of the simplest and couldn't get either to work.
Overall, not a bad unit but could be better with some simple added features. It does what a GPS is supposed to do, it's reasonably fast in doing it, not a lot of "frills", and doesn't give the constantand annoying "calculating route" that Magellan does every time you deviate slightly from your route. It just changes automatically.
Five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates. |
Expand your horizons with a five-inch, extra-wide touchscreen. |
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability. |
Only TomTom has IQ Routes Technology* which shaves time off even the shortest trips by calculating the fastest route based on time of day you are traveling. You'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route and save time, fuel and money. Advanced Lane Guidance** uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.
TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds and turn restrictions on your own device.
The "Help Me!" menu provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.
Maps of US, Canada & Mexico
Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device and receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico, worry free.
Lifetime Map Updates
Roads change, but you can keep your map updated for life. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate and up-to-date map. Updated versions include verified Map Share interim updates, plus official road change updates, including those altered or added for new buildings, roads and communities. Only TomTom has the capacity to cover millions of miles and make changes required to maintain our reputation as the leader in accurate navigation. New editions of the TomTom base map are issued every four months.
7 Million POIs
Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot, or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own points of interest.
IQ Routes Technology
TomTom IQ Routes Technology puts the driving experience of millions of TomTom users into your maps to shave time off even the shortest trips. Calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. IQ Routes saves you time, fuel and money.
Traffic isn't the same during Monday morning rush hour as it is on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heavy traffic, rotaries, traffic lights, and even pedestrians can slow you down. The route you need changes depending on the day and time, so the shortest route isn't necessarily going to be the fastest. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the fastest route.
Advanced Lane Guidance*
TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make sudden, dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently.
Spoken Street Names
Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names.
Five-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a five-inch, extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.
Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. The EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. The EasyPort mount makes your device even more portable so you can take it with you wherever you travel.
Traffic Ready
Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.
*Feature only available in the US and Canada
**Feature available in the US only
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.
30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.
TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.
Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.
TomTom HOME--Always up to date.
Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.
We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.
Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.