Garmin Nuvi 205
Jan
1
2008
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Does the Garmin 250W and 205 have same or different maps (version/year)? Please explain waypoints and optional traffic. If priced the same which is the better value?
Randy, each device could come with different maps depending on when it was manufactured. Waypoints = number of favorites you can store. You can read about Traffic Services at that link.
Do you have an opinion as to which Garmin system is the better value between the 250w and the 205 if priced the same?
It depends. If you think you might want the traffic service down the road for example, the 205 supports it but the 250w doesn’t. Otherwise the 250w has the advantage of a widescreen and includes maps of Canada.
I have a Nuvi 205 with US maps. I have relatives living in Canada and want to add Canadian maps. How do I go about that?
Phil, the easiest way is to purchase the Garmin Canada maps on SD card from Garmin, part number 010-10966-00.
I am thinking between these two. But the comparison did not show the CPU processor speed between Garmin Nuvi 205 and Tomtom 130.
Hope you have this information.
Thanks, Chung
That isn’t information that the manufacturers typically list– and even if they did so it would be hard to use it in a comparison. With different amounts of memory, different operating systems, different programmers, different amounts of data, etc– it would make it difficult to get anything meaningful out of those specifications.
The reason why I am looking for the CPU processor
speed; I am concerning the screen reflesh and route reload.
Thanks, Chung
I guess I’d disagree with the assumption that a faster processor would always lead to a faster screen refresh rate and routing speed. Just too many other factors involved to look at that one alone.
Thanks Tim,
That’s what I was looking for. Every other search I did was coming up with the update DVD for North America 2009, although the prices are about the same. I’ll try to pick up a SD card copy before my next trip to BC.
Hi,
I’m trying to decide between the Garmin 260 and the 205. The 205 seems to have more features, more waypoints, a “Where am I,” and other features the 260 doesn’t have. But the 260 has text-to-speech. How important is text-to-speech? How about the “Where am I” feature? Can I do the equivalent of a “where am I?” (find nearest hospitals, etc.) on the 260?
Thanks,
Geoff
You can probably find the answers to those questions on our Text To Speech page and our Where am I? page.
Does the Garmin Nuvi 205 announce Streets by name as you approach a turn? New to GPS and not sure what ‘text to speech’ means, but it seems the 205 does not have it according to the feature summary…
David, see the Text to Speech link in the comment directly above your question.
Which would be the best choice? They are all priced about the same, so that can be taken out of the equation. My research tends to say the 350, but I wanted to make sure.
1. Refurbished Garmin nuvi 200W
2. Refurbished Garmin nuvi 350
3. Garmin nuvi 205
4. Garmin nuvi 250W
They have different features so the “best” one might be different for different people. I’d take the 250w from that list.
Just looking for a basic, inexpensive, entry level GPS system….Thanks.
Does nuvi 205 show the mph your vehicle is traveling? thanks
Michael, not on the map display, no. Although you can switch screens and find it on another view.
Tim, the 205 DOES have the speed of the vehicle in mph displayed on the map page at the lower left, even when navigating to a waypoint. IMHO, this was a major improvement of the 205 vs the older 200.
I wouldn’t think showing the speed of your car on your GPS would be very important if you have a working speedometer. Is there another advantage to that feature I’m not thinking of?
How do I update the map in my Nuvi 205?
Dan, register your device at my.garmin.com and it will tell you what updates are available and what price you qualify for.
i have garmin 205 and would like to know if i can install anything to get traffic and weather updates? thanks.
Garmin has announced a traffic receiver for the 2×5 series devices, but it is not yet available. Supposedly it should be available in the next couple of weeks.
My new 205 pops up a small speed limit sign if I’m exceeding the posted speed limit on Interstates..pretty handy reminder. Not quite a radar detector, but maybe can avoid a surprise!
Hi, I have a garmin 205 and I want to add the maps of israel, but there are non by garmin, so my question is can I convert the maps of a mio gps on sd card to the garmin 205?
Thanks
Fadi
Fred, you can’t.
Hi, I am trying to decide between the Garmin nuvi 205 and the Garmin nuvi 250. Which is the newer model and the better buy?
The 205 is newer, can be connected to optional traffic services, and has a few other small new features. The 250 is slightly older, but includes maps of Canada in addition to the USA and has a slightly longer battery life.
Just purchased, but found roads and freeways missing in the Phoneix,Maricopa area. How do you get updates? Can you send e-mail messages when updates are ready to buy?
Nuvi 200-205 skimpiest instructions ever, limited to a quick start “manual” which doesn’t cover half the details, even what the SD card can and can’t handle. Also, looking for work-arounds to allow deleting single entries, as in favorites.
Derricl – You can register your device at my.garmin.com and they will tell you if there are updates available.
jack – The vast majority of people will never need to use a SD card. You can delete a favorite by selecting it and instead of hitting ‘Go’ you can edit/delete it.
The nüvi 205 is definitely an improvement over the older 200 and has loads of extras. I switched from the 200 to the 205 simply because of it’s newer interface(turn arrows, speed display, etc), faster processor(333mhz), hotfix(faster satellite acquisition), where am i function, and lastly much brighter and crsiper display screen. I must say I’m really impressed with the 205 and would highly recommend it to any new GPS user.
I have bought the 255W but the “speed limit” sign does not come up. I have 2009 maps. Do I need to update something else, or is this not available in Canada?
I have the Garmin nuvi 205 & I keep reading about it having a text to speech feature but I can’t seem to find it on my device. Does it even exist on it?
my unit has the option showing text to speech on it
The Nuvi 205 does not have text to speech.
I would like to know if there is or someone have the maps of israel for the nuvi 205.
Garmin 205 vs Garmin 205W?
Which one would do you recommend?
205w (widescreen) is wider.
205 is cheaper by $50 or so.
Which is more ideal for a bmw 3 series car?
Thanks,
Rick
You can read about Widescreen models and what changes.
Nuvi 205 has new updates, version 4.40.
“Added bluetooth support.”
Is the 205 integrated with a bluetooth? I doubt that..
Hi I am currently debating b/w the Garmin 350 and the Garmin 205. (Currently about the same price). The 205 is a newer model with the HotFx (How helpful do you think that is?) If it came down to it, which GPS do you think is better overall. Thanks!
I’d go with the 205 over the 350 unless you need maps of Canada.
Hi Tim, thanks for the quick response. I had one more quick thing I wanted to run by you. As far as the Garmin 205, 250, and 255 is concern, what are some of the main differences? I know the 250/255 has North America maps and the 255 has Text-to-Speech. Other then that, is there anything else different that you make you choose and buy one preferably over the other? Thanks a lot for you help.
The 255 and 205 are a newer generation (2×5) than the 250. They have a few small subtle improvements such as a next turn arrow that I really enjoy. They also have the ability to connect to optional traffic service should you decide you want that down the road. The 250 is a fine device, just a few months older than the other models.
Hi I was wondering if you can help me. I am currently debating between two models, the 205 and the 260. I saw that the 205 has the hotfix and the next turn arrow while the 260 has the North America map and text to speech. If both were equally priced, which unit you think is a better deal?
I WAS ALSO WONDERING BETWEEN THE 205 AND 260. tHIS IS FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO IS IN COLLEGE IN N.H.
Ron, see comments #12 and 13 for the primary differences.
What is the best Garmin unit for the price and ease of use. Not sure what I need, will not be traveling to Canada, but want one with good directions
Carolyn, this 205 might be a good pick for you.
I have the oppurtunity to get the 205 but will be travelling to Canada. What is the cost to upgrade the unit to include Canada?
Jaron, Garmin part number 010-10966-00 is an SD card for Canada, $60.
Does the sd card load to the unit or do you constatly have to have the sd card in the unit to have the Canada maps? I noticed there is a dvd as well. Will that load to unit?
You can just leave the SD card in the device. You can purchase the DVD as well, but there isn’t likely enough room in the internal memory for both map sets at one time.
hi, i’m looking for a gps so i dont get lost in the forest again!!! really dont need it for on highways, so which product would you recommend
I’m looking at getting either the Garmin 260 (3.5LCD) or Garmin 205W (4.3LCD) I can’t decide which would be better for my husband… 260 has text to speech and the 205 has a wider easier to read screen. Which do you think is better? I really want both fixtures but that cost way more.
Missy, I’d take Text To Speech before a Widescreen– so I’d go with the 260.
I have a Nuvi 205. Why do searches take a long time?
Sorry if this was alreay asked. I read the nuvi 200 GPS feature can’t be turned off, so you can’t calculate directions from a point other than where you’re at. Does the 205 have this ability (example: while at airport calculate from hotel to a meeting)?
I know you can do that on the 200, and I believe the 205 as well using this tip: Offset Starting Locations.
I was wondering if you could tell me the main differences between the Nuvi series 200 and 205W besides the widescreen difference?
The 2×5 series devices can be connected to traffic receivers for live traffic reporting, have an updated user interface, and a nice next turn arrow that is handy to have.
I am trying to decide between the Garmin 200 & Garmin 205 for my daughter’s birthday. The 200 was about $20 less (both great prices on black friday), but I am wondering if the 205 is worth the extra $20. I saw a review where they did not like the 205 text header showing next road (rather than current road). I don’t want to confuse my 18 year old and get her lost, so wondering which you would recommend? Thanks!
Laurie, for $20 more I would go with the 205. There are some nice subtle changes in the newer model.
Your info indicates that 205 does *not* have text-to-speech, but Garmin’s site says the 205 *has* AND turn-by-turn VOICE directions.What am *I* missing here?
my new garmin has no voice
Is a voice selected? Are you driving an active route where it would be speaking? Is the volume up?
Bob, see our article on Text To Speech for a detailed explanation. The 205 has voice prompts, but no text-to-speech.
Tim, I ditto James’s question (#59) re: why it takes my nuvi 205 (serial # 1C0174514) so long to acquire satellites (~10-15 min). I live in downtown Norfolk, VA and the buildings around are just 2-3 stories high with clear, unobstructed view of the clear sky. Another question, through MapQuest, we are able to send the waypoints (addresses) to the 205 as well as the routes via their “send to GPS” feature, but I don’t see anywhere in the menu where I can pull up the route I sent to the 205. The waypoints are their in “Favorites” as expected. Any idea where I find the route? Thanks!
Sir, see Acquiring Satellites. The 205 doesn’t accept routes, you can only send waypoints/addresses.
Thanks, Tim, but I have another question re: satellites. Since I didn’t do this extra 30-minute “almana-ing” when I first turned it on, could I/should I still do that now? I’ve tried resetting the unit, but it doesn’t have the same satellite acquisition screen as when brand new and turned on for the first time. Thanks again.
You can still do that now… anytime the GPS doesn’t appear to get a signal as fast as it should just leave it with a clear sky view for 30 minutes or so.
Garmin nuvi 205 or the tomtom 125 which would you buy for first time user..
I’m looking at the Garmin 205. In an earlier post(aug.’08) you mentioned that Garmin would be making trffic updates for the model. Has this happened yet? Is there extra software that need to be purchased?
The traffic receiver has been available for a couple of months now. It is an optional accessory.
Does this GPS device display your speed (mph) at all times, even while on a navigation route or just driving?
I just bought a garmin nuvi 205, it is excellent for my needs, but I have one problem, the power cord does not fit my car’s lighter. It is too long I have seen other people talking about this issue, but have yet to find a solution. Does anyone have any ideas?
Geoff, the advantage of displaying your speed is to any backseat drivers in your car. I know my wife loves to use it as grounds to nag at me whenever I’m more than 2 mph over the legal limit.
Otherwise, I own the 205 and I absolutely love it. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and functionality. It’s extremely easy to use but also very handy and well thought out.
how many language have garmin nuvi 205?
I just bought nuvi 205 at a good price, but am now considering the Nextar Q4 with text to speech and bigger screen for the same price. I can’t find much about Nextar, any comments between the two brands/models?
Faith, keep the Nuvi.
I bought my Nuvi 205 in July ‘08, and many streets/restaurants/etc… aren’t found on it. I can’t seem to get these updated (no updates at the website). Help please.
Rob, mapping unfortunately takes much longer than most people imagine– sometimes a couple of years or more before new roads appear. Also, not all known POIs get included on GPS devices. Typically only 5-25% of all known POIs get included.
What is the cost of adding a traffic receiver to the nuvi 205? As opposed to acquiring traffic information with the 350? I’m trying to decide if the 350’s text-to-speech is worth trading for thee 205’s enhanced access to traffic information.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone else had this small problem. When putting in addresses or my home address, the house/checkered flag icons are never in the right spot- they’re always about half a block away from where it really is.
Also I had my first problem acquiring satellite the other day. Took about 5 minutes for the map to work. Is this going to be a common occurrence?
For street numbering to be off by about a block isn’t uncommon, and is actually “pretty close” as far as the mapping data goes. Sometimes street numbers can be a thousand or so feet from where they “should” be.
Satellite signal speed should typically be faster than that– if conditions warrant. Things like nearby buildings, the number of satellites currently visible, and the length of time your device has been turned on can all impact acquisition speed.
The Garmin 205 mentions in its very skimpy instructions that there is a “voice prompt”. How do I get it to work? I don’t seem to have any audio. Am I missing a needed part to get audio?
Do you have the volume turned up? Do you have a voice selected? I assume that you actually set a destination to create a route and were following along driving in the car? (Otherwise there wouldn’t be any voice prompt.)
Hi all.
I’m interested in purchasing a bare bones GPS system that will allow me to input about 10 stops via a Mac (with software like Garmin’s Road Trip), have the software suggest the best route and upload it into a GPS system. Will I be able to this with the Garmin 205? If not does anyone have any suggestions?
I’m new to GPS systems and seem to be confused between waypoints, POI and routes so I’m not quite sure what I should be looking for when I look through features.
Here are some articles that should help:
What is a Waypoint?
POI – Points of Interest
Multi Destination Routing – Muliple Vias
So basically you are looking for a device that supports multi destination routing, or what Garmin calls “Routes”. To get that you would need to step up to the Nuvi 700 series or higher such as the Garmin Nuvi 750.
Cheers Tim!
Your information is really helpful!
I have a Magellan 4250, but recently, I worked with a co-worker who had a Garmin 205. I liked the fact that his GPS showed what street we were currently traveling on and it also displayed the posted speed limit. Are there any widescreen Garmin models that also have this feature?
All of the 2×5w models should have that.
My friend has a garmin 200 and gets hotels and resturants, my garmin 205 dosen’t. It gets hospitals and gas stations and police.
Your 205 will have that as well, in the Points of Interest section.
Hello!
I am looking at purchasing a GPS. I am thinking that the 205 will be best, but trying to decide between it and 250.
Only problem is, we are in military and just got orders for Okinawa Japan and want to make sure it will work over there.
Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Mary
If you don’t need maps of Canada, then the 205 might be a better buy than the 250 as the 205 contains only maps of the USA. Either GPS will “work” in Japan, however it does not have maps of Japan. I haven’t seen any available.
Does the Garmin 205 have batteries and can it work right out of the box without being plugged into the car. I was going to try to experiment with it before putting it in the car. My daughter has one and says hers came on right out of the box. Maybe something is wrong with mine or I am not tuning it on right.
Janice, it does have batteries but sometimes when shipped they have a charge, sometimes they don’t.
Thank you, I plugged it into the car and it worked great. I haven’t tried it since I took it out of the car yet, but I am sure that you are right. It probably just needed a charge.
Janice
Hi, I have a Garmin 250 and I was wondering if the speed limit sign will show on the unit so you can see how fast you are going and if you are going faster than the speed limit. I know this is something that the Tom Tom has but I do not see it on my unit. However, I have only the EU maps currently and have it set up to run on KMH. When I am back in the states I will put the US Maps SD card in and run on MPH. Any info you can provide will be helpful!
Scott
Nuvi 205 newbie here… can additional voices be installed/downloaded? I’ve checked the Garmin website and could only find 2 in the \Garmin Garage\ section – \Elfred\ and \Dr. Nightmare\. Are there alternatives sources for voices?
Hi! I’m trying to buy a new GPS, but I really cant decide on the models. Right now I’m looking at either the Nuvi 205, or the TomTom one 103s. Please help! Thanks!
Wanted to know how do I go about getting or seeing the coordinates one of my FAVOURITES?
Kobus – See these three threads:
Coordinates – Garmin Nuvi Forum
Calling up coordinates from my nuvi 750 favorites ???? – Garmin Nuvi Forum
Extracting Coordinates After the Fact… – Garmin Nuvi Forum
I am looking at buying a GPS. Considering the Nuvi 200 at [deleted, see comment policy], the Nuvi 205 at [snip], & the Nuvi 255 at [snip] (on sale). Which one gives the best bang for the buck?
Which has better features, the Nextar Q4 or the Garmin 205
Claudio, I’d go with the Garmin 205.
On the advertisements for the 205, they claim that you can set the POI setting for schools & the new traffic monitors… Is this an optional feature that has to be purchased or can it be programmed into the GPS ?? In Sept, of 2008 I left a comment on a 205w. This is the 2nd 205 that I am buying this is a good unit…
hi,
has anyone thought of using this type of gps device on a motorcycle?
i really don’t want to spend the EXTRA money for the zumo model made for motorcycles.
i don’t need a lot of bells and whistles on the device, just the basics like POIs which will guide me to nearby gas stations and places to eat.the ability to save street/roads i want to revisit is also a feature i’m interested in having.
i see that there is a bicycle holder available for the 205 and i curious to know if it will keep the device in place while on th road.
any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Was wondering the same thing. I had attached the suction cup device to the plexiglass windshield of my bike….and was unable to pull it away without releasing the suction, so I believe that it’ll hold ok. The clamp the device snaps into is another concern, though. Dunno how readable the screen is in direct sunlight, either.
For the difference in price between the nuvi and the zumo, I’m gonna probably give it a go. As long as it doesn’t get wet (rain), I think it may be ok.
My daughter received a Garmin 205 for her b’day and needs to be able to switch to a view of the entire route as she travels for her job because she sometimes needs to change destination – is there a way to see the whole route if needed and be able to return to the section you are traveling?
Recently I was using my Garmin Nuvi 205W for geocaching. Apparently I hit some buttons/screen taps because when I removed it from my pocket, displayed was a graph of number of satellites acquired and respective signal strengths. How can I get back to this screen?
tap (and hold for a few seconds) on the little satellite icon near the top left corner of the main menu.
Out of the Garmin 200, 205, and 250 which would you recommend?
Hello! I come from Canada and I bought a Garmin 205 during my summer vacation in Florida.
When I was comming back home the first day no problem but the second day when I tried to enter my \Home\ address I could not find a Canadian map in the GPS.
How do I go about putting a Canadian map in this Garmin 205?
Do I need to do or buy something special?
The Nuvi 205 only comes with maps for the region (or country) where it was purchased. You will need to purchase the Garmin map of Canada (like this) either on SD card or download. The SD card is easiest.
I found my 5 year son playing with my Nuvi 205 and now is asking me for a PIN Number. I asked him if he remember what numbers he press but no luck. What can I do to fix it?
There is a PIN override by turning on the GPS in the same place (by GPS position fix) as the PIN was created. Otherwise you can send it back to Garmin and for a fee ($175 if I remember correctly) they will unlock it.
A restaurant website, at my request, put its phone number AND ADDRESS into my 205. If they can do that, why can’t I?
Sir,
I want to know the compatibility of Garmin 205 with Google Earth on computer Vs same the competing model of Mio C230
Thanks
I have been using my Nuvi 205w for geocaching since I got it 1 year ago. I could load 200-500 caches at a time from there website’s pocket querry option via a USB cable. Last time I tried, the device wouldn’t exept the caches. I thought maybe the memory was full so I deleted all favorites and tried again…no luck. I tried 2 different USB cables …no luck. Other than this , the device works fine. Any suggestions? Bill
I don’t know what’s wrong with my garmin nuvu 205 w is not work I buy the up day one time but somthig aper on my screen it’s say not calific for
Hi. I am from the Phils. I want to buy a Nuvi 205 in the States because the price is not expensive there. And then I will use it in the Phils. What should I need? Also does the Nuvi have warranty on parts and service? How long?
Buying a Nuvi 205 in the States will probably end up being more expensive than buying it locally. If purchased in the U.S. it will come loaded with a map for the U.S.
To use it in the Philippines, you will need to buy the map to load into the Nuvi, which is over $100 USD.
Hello. What do you mean by text to speech feature? What voice prompt is there in Nuvi 205?
The text-to-speech feature means that the GPS voice says something like “Turn right in 100 feet at Elm Street.” The Nuvi 205 does not have this feature; the nice voice says “Turn right in 100 feet” but doesn’t name the street. The street name IS displayed in text on the unit screen, but it is not stated aloud. It’s a nice feature to have especially if you can’t glance at the screen a lot. But, I have the 205 and I’ve done okay without it.
I want to change the datum from WGS84 to something else and enter GPS points in variable UTM coordinate grids on the nuvi 205. Can I do this ? If so, how ?
I am wanting to buy my 17 year old a GPS can you please tell me if the 205 or 255w garmin is the best..thanks..
The 255w has everything the 205 has but adds a widescreen and includes maps of Canada (in addition to the USA).