Garmin Nuvi 255w
Jan
1
2008
This is a placeholder only, however one of our forum members has written his 255W first impressions you can checkout in the interim.
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|
Compare all prices on the Garmin Nuvi 255W Auto GPS ranging from $219.00 to $299.99. | ||
 |  In Stock at Staples | $299.99 |
 | In Stock at The GPS Store, Inc. | $299.95 |
 | In Stock at QVC | $219.20 |
 | In Stock at Abt.com | $237.00 |
 |  In Stock at Office Depot | $299.99 |
 | In Stock at Adorama | $234.95 |
 | In Stock at PCNation | $235.15 |
powered by  | ||
I just purchased the 255w. I originally purchased the 260w because I wanted the long battery life. I liked the 260 just fine. But there was an issue with the sale that caused me to return it to the store (they had mistakenly given me a used one). The store manager offered me the 255w at the same price as the 260w. I jumped on it. After reading all the comments in the “first impressions”, I was a bit worried about the sound so I listened to it in the store first. The voice is perfectly acceptable, although not as good as the 260. I agree that the Aussie gal is better. Most words are easily understood, but “boulevard” and a few others are not so good. The unit is much faster than the 260. The map shows my exact position even when traveling 60mph. The 260 was always a bit behind when going 35 or 40. I love the fact that the POI list updates itself when driving and shows direction to each item on the list (maybe they all do that - it’s my first one). The battery life is a little less than the 260 but 4hr is still good for me. With no experience like you other guys, I can make little comparison with other units. But I am certain that I am going to be satisfied with the 255w.
The Garmin website reports that the 255w has 1000 waypoints/favourites/locations. What exactly does that mean? Can you do multi-point trips with itineraries?
You can store 100 “favorites” on the device. For example if you frequently navigate to “1234 Main St”, you can save that under a custom name for faster recall. You cannot do multi-point trips/itineraries– you can only add one via point to the route.
Thanks Tim - I thought there was something wonky with the way Garmin shows the feature on their website.
Much obliged.
the voices on my new 255W are scratchy above 50%. are their any updates available, or is that unit too new yet?
You can check for updates with Garmin’s WebUpdater program.
best value for a speech to text GPS - basic navigation needed - no MPE, voce recognition etc.
thanks
Can anyone summarize the differences between the 255w and 260w? 260 is available for $100 less. Is the 255 worth the difference?
Ignore my last question. I just discovered the comparison features and forums on the rest of the site.
I just bought the nuvi 255w mostly from the things I had saw on your website and I must say I’m very pleased with it. It is my first and feel like it was a substantial investment but we travel a lot in my wifes work and we were being sent to Washington DC. Bought it Baltimore and learned to use it in DC. I found it easy to go through the menus and program and hearing the street names called out and turn directions it was a welcome companion driving my wife back and forth to work. Good large screen easy to see but to be honest you don’t have to look at it that much. I think its great. And the concerns with the sound of the voices I think is unfounded I had no problem understanding every word. It never failed me while we were there and we were staying on Vermont Ave with the tall buildings surrounding us. I want to thank this site for there help to the consumers like me.
After using my 255W for about a month now, I am convinced that it was a good choice. The voice is at times hard to understand, but a glace at the upper info bar allows me to read the instruction that was just given (it stays there until I make the turn). Also, to the far left of the info bar is a large area that has an easy to see arrow telling me exactly the kind of turn that I am going to make (full turn, veer, etc). Plus, touching the arrow zooms the map to the next turn and causes the voice to repeat the instruction. This is my first GPS - it takes a little work to learn all the features, and then more work to avoid becoming addicted to the thing. I prefer setting the map to 2D instead of the default 3D. It seems faster and is more like looking at a paper map (comfort level). I love the auto zoom in/out as I approach and then complete turns. I just purchased Europe maps and am looking forward to my first GPS assisted trip.
This site is just incredible - thank you so much for the wonderful resource. My fiancee has just learned to drive and we’re moving to a new city - I’ve been breaking my neck going back and forth between the various devices, but with Amazon having basically the same price on the 255W and 260W, it SEEMS like the 255W is the best bet? I’ve read in the forums that the voices aren’t as good - but hey, I just want the thing to tell me where to go.
So to the question - I don’t know if you’ve ever been in a Jeep Wrangler, but they are VERY loud. I checked it the 255W out in a store and it seemed loud enough in there - at 8, the default volume - and obnoxious at 10 - but I wasn’t in my Jeep with the wind rustling the canvas top.
So do you think it will be loud enough?
Also, the primary reason for buying the GPS is to hopefully prevent my fiancee from getting into accidents. Are these things highly reliable in big cities - or are they always directing you on and off the highway, onto one-lane roads, etc. She’s likely to follow the stupid thing’s directions, whereas a seasoned driver would likely ignore it.
Thanks for any info - and do you have a link to click to give you credit at Amazon?
Oh, sorry - just to clarify - the city we’re moving to is Austin, TX - and my biggest fear is that the stupid thing might tell her to get off the expressway, then back on it again, off again, on again, tell her to go the wrong way down a one-way road, really idiotic stuff like that.
Are the Garmin maps and directions advanced to the point where they don’t do that anymore? In the store, they also didn’t seem to be very intuitive as far as relating the turn-by-turn directions ahead of time -
For instance, if you could notice that the GPS was telling you to take an offramp, then get back on via the next onramp - then you’d know it was being stupid. But if it’s dictating turn by turn - then even being a seasoned driver in an unknown city, I’d likely fall for it, thinking the device was correct.
Thanks again for all the wonderful information here.
Jack, I think I answered most of your questions in the forums, but if not drop me a reply over there and I’ll do my best to get you answers.
I just bought the 255w and a SD Card. I placed some photos on the card, along with two mp3 songs. Now how do I get the unit to reconize the card? Thanks
The 255w does not have an MP3 player. For photos, I suspect it might only look in the internal memory for photos and not on an SD card.
I recently purchased the 255w. I am considering returning it due to accuracy issues. On two occassions it has did not get us to the address that we entered. One occasion was our house, so I know where it is. The second occassion was a location on a military base. I am less concerned about the on-base location, but not being able to recognize our address did not improve my confidence in the unit. Am I expecting too much from a commercial, mid-range GPS unit? Even after sitting in my driveway to mark the location as our home it equated it to another address. Not a good sign in my mind.
I’d rather not tell anyone they are expecting too much…. I’d like to see address accuracy improved as well. Some areas are great, some not so much. But you don’t find any significant differences in any other GPS so you might return it and forget about GPS in general, but I wouldn’t return it to purchase a different GPS as you will have similar results.
Have had the Garmin 255W for several months and so far love it. Wanted to check if it will work in Hawaii or is it only contiguous U.S. coverage. Thanks
It does include Hawaii and Canada.
I am considering buying the 255W but want to use it as both a handheld - for quading in the bush - and in my car. Does anyone have advice for being able to use it for both functions
Eric, your best bet would be to look at something in the Garmin Nuvi 500 series, or consider getting a waterproof, rugged case for your 255w.
Which is the better purchase the 255W or the 350? Which one has the most up todate maps? Is garmin upgrading all new purchases? My husband is traveling to Colorado to hunt and I want an early Chrismas present for him. Both seem to have the same feature, but??
I’d go with the 255w as it has a newer interface, a widescreen display, and does come with the Garmin nuMaps Guarantee.
First of all, the 255W is a great unit, fast updates, fast lock in, great mapping ect ect…. however, I live in the country, and we have dead end roads. On two different occasions, the gps has told me to turn where there is no road instead of routing me around the block to get to the correct road. is it perhaps because the road is only maybe a 1/2 mile or so from the main road and the gps thinks that it goes all the way thru?
Do you recommend buying a case for a Garmin 255W. If so, which one and why? Also, do you recommend purchasing screen protectors for them. Thanks
I find the screen protectors unnecessary. If you frequently move the GPS around, a case can be handy but many people just leave them in the car.
Hey Tim, any thoughts on #25?
Hard to say since I don’t know where you were, what the route was, etc.
Hey tim,
want to know which one is better garmin 255w v/s maestro 4250? in terms of navigatios/maps/finding POI’s and user interface for a person using gps for the first time
They both use the same map vendor so they will have virtually identical maps and POIs. The Magellan interface isn’t too bad, although I personally prefer the Garmin interface. Each will have their own personal preference in that regard. The Nuvi 255w is certainly a good pick.
Does anyone know if the 255w is waas enabled?
Theres no option to turn it on/off.
A friend was at my place and he has the Nuvi 680 that offers the option to enable/disable waas and when it is enabled he can see it on the satellite screen that shows that the device locks on the satellite #51 (and that inside my house)
My 255w never sees sat #51.
I want to be sure that I am getting the best precision possible.
Luis, the 255 is not WAAS enabled. WAAS provides no benefits to auto GPS devices, and only serves to drain the battery faster.
I just bought 255W but I can’t find any option to display compass on the screen(e.g., N, NW, E, SE …).
More critically, whenever I try to save some locations or places by selecting the lists this GPS displays, this device stops working (like down in computer). I have to force to shutdown and restart–this makes me crazy.
Some places are ok but some places always make this GPS stop working (for example, west parking lot in Mall of America –> I can never save this place. In fact, in addition to this place, there are some places to make this GPS stop working NECESSARILY.
Is there anyone to experience this?
Dongchul - There is a known issue with the device crashing when saving certain favorites/POIs. Garmin says they are working on a fix.
Where do I find/buy the traffic charger receiver?
The part you are looking for is the Garmin GDB 55 MSN Direct Receiver which is just starting to become available.
/Tim
Thanks Tim. I did not know that issue.
Hopefully, this bug can be solved ASAP.
One more thing,
Is this not rare case that this GPS let us know the wrong (or inefficient)direction?
When I went to the grocery store I used to go frequently, this GPS let me know I have to go back for a long distance and then I have to come back again at that point through a highway in order to go to the grocery store I currently almost arrived. Besides this one, there were a few cases this let me know unappropriate or wrong direction I cannot understand for the last 4 days.
Probably all information in GPS cannot be accurate
. Even though I understand this fact, I realized that I cannot fully rest on the GPS.
GPS can be a just supplementary aid.
Correct, the GPS won’t always pick the same route you like, and sometimes mapping errors can make for route errors as well.
I bought a 255w last week. I’m used to computer equipment having CDs bundled but there weren’t any in the box. I thought software for connection to a Windows or Mac system would be included.
What are you looking to do with the GPS once it is connected? If you just want to run application updates you can download the software from garmin.com/webupdater
Download POIs and check the trip logs, stuff like that. I saw the Mac software, Roadtrip, and checked that out but wonder if there should have been a CD with all that stuff on it, or even a backup of the maps.
“should” as in was there something missing in the box? No. “should” as in it might be a good idea if Garmin include a CD with that software in the box. Perhaps.
Hi Tim,
Been reading lots of forums on 255W vs 260W. And lots of complaints about the “tinny” voice and low volume on the 255W. On the voice issue alone, is the 260W that much better and louder than the 255W? –thanks.
Sue, For people who have used they will notice a difference in sound quality. However people who have never used either will not likely think the sound of the Nuvi 255w is terrible. See this forum post “Garmin Nuvi 255W first impressions for more commentary.
I brought my 255W last night and I cannot find any information of batery operating life and if the battery can even be replaced? Can anyone help?
Approximately 4 hours, battery is not replaceable.
Thanks Tim…. Do you have any idea how long the operating life of the battery is then? If’s not a replaceable battery and it only last a short life cycle I might condsider exchanging it for a different model which you can replace the battery.
There are almost no portable auto GPS devices with replaceable batteries. It should last about 1,000 charge cycles according to Garmin which would probably make it last 5 years or so of average use. (My guess.)
Tim
Thank you for your assistance and information.
I’ve never owned a GPS before, and am contemplating the 255W. I will primarily use it in N. America, however, I would like the option of Europe maps. Is the 255W capable of downloading/storing Europe maps, and how much does that cost, or should I be looking at a different unit?
Thanks.
You can purchase Europe maps on SD card for about $150 MSRP. You can also purchase them on DVD and load them yourself for about the same price. There are devices that ship with both maps already included which is often cheaper, check out the Garmin Nuvi 770 for that option.
I couldn’t find this out anywhere on this site. Does the 255W have the capability to switch to other modes such as walking or bicycle,etc? The Garmin website has it indicated that it doesn’t, but I thought that all the Nuvi models had this option. I would appreciate a quick response. Thanks!
I bought 255W two weeks ago.
Can I update the map free on the website in the future?
If not, do we have to pay some money if we want to update map in the future?
How can we know if I am eligible for a free map update?
Thanks!
Lauren - Yes, if I recall correctly both walking and bicycle rules are options.
Dongchul - The answer is “it depends”. You can check what is available to you by registering the device at my.garmin.com
Tim,
For planning purposes I would like to turn the GPS off, change my ‘current location’ to somewhere else, and then pick a destination so that I can see how long it will take to get from point a to point b. Is this possible with the Nuvi 255W or any of the 2×5 series? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Rob - Yes, I call that feature Offset Routing. Many devices have that feature built in, but with most of the Nuvi devices you need to employ a little trick. See our article Offset Starting Locations for the instructions.
I just purchased a 255w, is there a good motorcycle mount for this unit as I would like to use it in my auto as well.
Tim:
Looking at the garmin website it states that the 255w is tts only in North American version. Does this means that it only has english tts voices,or that only the version that is sold in USA Canada has tts. If so does the US version has a Spanish TTS voice? Thanks in advance
Grandpa - Check out a company called RAM Mounts.
Cesar - As far as i know it just means that only those sold in North America come with TTS and you will be able to change the TTS language.
Just want to be subscribed to the 255w forum. Thanks.
I was wondering which Garmin is better the 260W or the 255W? I own the 260W now but I thought I would purchase the 255W if it had more updated information on it.
The 255w has a few new features, but it doesn’t have “updated” information like roads/pois.
I am looking at the Garmin Nuvi 250W and the 255W/
I am an inexperience user of gps systems. Which do you suggest and why
I just got my 255w this past week, and so far I’m very pleased! (My first GPS.) One question: does anyone know where to get a cable to direct-connect the device (which uses a mini-USB port for power) to the car’s fuse box (as opposed to using the cigarette lighter adapter)?
Sue- I’d got for the 255w with the new interface and optional traffic.
Garmin’s site say the expansion type is SD not microSD. Can someone verify this for me?
I am thinking about purchasing the 255w, but did I read that it does NOT tell you how far you have to your destination or the estimated time you will arrive? If not, what is a similar Garmin model with these features?
Bob, the 255w will give you the destination distance and estimated time of arrival. The destination distance might not be on the Map Screen, but you can access it by pressing the speed indicator.
how do I mannualy set the latitude longitude on my nuvi 255w?
Straight off the manual:
1. Touch Where to? > Coordinates
2. Touch a box to enter a coordinate.
3. Touch Format to change the type of coordinates. Because different maps and charts use different coordinate formats, the nüvi allows you to select the correct coordinate format for the type of map you are using.
4. Enter the coordinates, and touch Next.
Hi, I’m new to gps. I’m considering a 255W, but was wondering if I purchased one now, would it have the 2008 or earlier maps installed or would it be newer like 2009 map data? Thanks
Mike, it should come with the newer maps, but even if it didn’t the device would still qualify for the Garmin nuMaps Guarantee.
I have used the 200 and when you are driving the next street appears in the top geen bar. I bought a 255w and it simply shows the direction you are driving and the street. Can the 255w be set to show the Next street you are approching in the green bar at the top?
The Nuvi 200 will only do that if you are not following a route. If you have a destination plugged in it will show the next turn on the green bar.
I ordered a Garmin 255W and they told me I needed a memory card. Do I need that? What is the benefit?
Debbie (and everyone else) - You ABSOLUTELY need to read the following two pages and beware of the scam out there regarding this:
What maps should be included with new 255w
Do I Need an SD Card for my GPS?
It is a scam. Run the other way.
I just bought a 255W and I can’t figure out how to set up a trip that begins from my home, goes to several intermediate locations in maybe 2 different towns (my home is in the 3rd town) and then returns home. Is there a way to do this?
John, you cannot do that (in one trip) with the Nuvi 255w because it does not support Multi Destination Routing. You would have to step up to the Nuvi 700 series for that feature.
Can I make the multiple stops by entering the last one as the destination and then entering the intermediate stops as way points?
Yes, however you are limited to just one via point. So you can specify your destination, and then one point you want the route to go through, but not more than one. You also don’t get any indication of reaching that individual waypoint.
Hi Tim, there are many entries comparing 260w and 255w. But I’m still a little confused. I’ve had the 260w for a week, and I keep missing turns - either turn too early or too late. The 260w doesn’t know where exactly I am sometimes. Is 255w better than 260w in the position accuracy? I heard that 255w has the HOTFIX chip which makes the calculation faster than 260w. True?
I got the 260w on sale, but 255w is also on sale this week. The after sale price for 255w is $20 more than the 260w I paid for. But if the 255w is really more accurate, I’ll return the 260w and get the 255w.
Will the Tomtom 330s be more accurate (fast enough)? How about the TTS quality? Garmin has problems with ‘St’ and ‘Dr’. They are ‘Saint’ and ‘Doctor’ in Garmin. But I fixed them. Not a big deal. Sometimes the pronunciation of street names are funny, e.g. “Charles” is “Char-less”, though we can understand. I just wonder if the Tomtom’s TTS quality is similar or better. (I understand that they are all machines after all.)
Thanks.
Matt, in the majority of cases it doesn’t have anything to do with the position accuracy, rather something bogging down the processor or the underlying map not being quite accurate. If you’ve updated the application to the latest version I’d contact Garmin support for help.
I’m considering the 255w and the 750. It sounds like the 750 has multiple destination capability and slightly better voice. I understand the 255w has some feature upgrades. One I think I would appreciate is the turn indicator and distance in the display. I don’t care about photos, music or traffic. Are there other features that distinguish between these two for basic navigation?
I think you’ve got it, BJ.
Hi Tim,thanks. I decided to get a 255w and try. I’m not sure about the position accuracy yet (hope it’s more accurate), but the TTS speech quality is WAY better with 255w. No more “Doctor” and “Saint”, and “Charles Dr” is “Charles Drive”, not “CHAR-LESS DOCTOR” as in 260w. I also found that in 260w, “1A St” becomes “One-uh Saint”!!! 255w doesn’t have this problem. I could fix the “saint” (see http://www.gpsreview.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7824), but not “-uh” and “CHAR-LESS”! Just to many to be fixed!
The map and software versions are the newest on my 260w, as no more update is available after I registered it on Garmin.com. Don’t know what’s wrong with the 260w, but we won’t need to know. Just get a 255w instead. And I’ll return the 260w.
Tim,
Thanks for the response. I’m really leaning toward the 255w (see #84). My only hesitation is the multiple route capability on the 750. Just to clarify, on the 255w, can I program multiple destinations (as favorites or something), then select them sequentially on an extended trip, or do I have to enter each location sequentially and real time?
There isn’t any way to plug more than two destinations into a single route. You can save each destination as a favorite and navigate to them individually. Once you get to one you then tap through the menus to setup a new route to the second, etc.
Does the 255 or 255w show different routings (shortest, no tolls, etc.)? Also, does the 255 or 255W show the total distance to destination or just the time of arrival?
Yes, it has those route types. the distance to destination is also available, but just not in the primary map display.
I just purchased a 255 and have a question. If I was sitting in my house in Connection and I wanted to see a list or restaurants in, let’s say, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, how would I do that. When I go to points of interest, it gives me a list of restaurants in my town in Connecticut.
Its pretty simple.
In the Poi screen at the button use the NEAR button first before making your search.
Hi Tim. I have 1 more question. Does the 255w show speed limits? I’ve used the unit for a couple of days but I haven’t seen it show the speed limit yet. Does it show only on roads in the US? I’m in Canada.
It probably doesn’t have speed limit data of Canada.
I just want to add that it is probably a good thing that Canadian maps dont have speed limit info.
The box with the speed limit is quite big and takes considerable viewing area of the screen and on top of that its opaque, meaning that you cant see the map in the background.
Also it is permanent afaik and with no options to customize it like time length of display, transparent setting or to turn it off I prefer to not have it.
Thanks Tim and Luis. I never thought of the down side of having it!
I respectfully disagree. I find the speed limit info to be very valuable, and while it takes up space on the screen it never really blocks the route you need to follow.
How does the 255W perform in cold weather? With my previous GPS I had to take it indoors each night when the weather dropped below 32F. If I left it in the car the touch screen wouldn’t work.
Short term storage: -4° - 140°F (-20°C - 60°C)
Long Term Storage: 32° - 77°F (0°C - 25°C)
Operating Temperature: -4°F - 131°F
Hi,
I just bought a 255W. I am planning a trip to Europe soon, so i wonder if there is any way to load maps for navigation in Europe. Can i buy it from Garmin? Can i load it via SD card?
Paul
Yes, you can purchase maps on SD card from Garmin and just pop in the card.
Can you make the 255W repeat an instruction or give updated information. The Garmin I have for my laptop (18) would repeat the information if I hit the space bar and the Garmin 10 repeated the info if I hit a key on my PDA.
How often does Garmin update their maps? I have lived in this small town in Central Oregon for almost 11 years and the streets that were here when I moved here aren’t even on the maps. And, if I enter a location from Google maps, it doesn’t route me correctly because it does’t have the streets to get me directly there.
John, Garmin has historically purchased and made available map updates from the mapping company they use once per year. It looks like that is moving to once per quarter. But that doesn’t mean the map is 100% perfect at that time. It isn’t uncommon to find mapping errors.
Google Maps uses a different map vendor than Garmin uses. You may want to checkout some of the newer TomTom devices if you can find your streets there as TomTom and Google Maps use the same mapping company.
Patrick, if you tap the turn in button you will get repeated info.
Tim, Which TomTom would be equivalent with the 255W? This is my 1st experience with GPS devices.
The XL 330s and the GO 720 are the most similar.
The XL 330 is a little on the spendy side. Why the big price spread on the GO 720?
I think you will find some of those 720 offers are refurbs.
Tim, You are absolutely right. So both of these units are quite a bit more that I gave for my 255W. Can I download complete streets or neighborhoods from Google maps on my 255W? So, it would route me properly? I downloaded an address in Redmond, OR in a new part of town, but was routed there by going around the older part of town to get there. Bend & Redmond Oregon are going rapidly and I live near there and go there to shop, eat out, etc. No way will any map company stay “up-to-date” with their growth!!
No, the maps are limited to what came on the device or what Garmin makes available through updates.
I’m new to GPS and after a bit of research I think I’ll get a 255W. One question, I guess for any unit, if I take a trip from one destination to another, can I easily reverse the destination points to get back to where I started along the same route?
Keith, technically no, you can’t reverse a route. One way streets, turn restrictions, and divided highways are just a few of the reasons you can’t reverse a route. However in your example you would just create a new route to the original starting point– no problem.
Our house was just built this spring, and I am not sure the address is in all data bases yet. Some seem to have it, some don’t. We certainly are getting mail tho.
Will this be a problem when I get a GPS? I am considering the 255W.
Thanks!
John, so long as you know where your house it– it won’t be a problem. It can sometimes take several years for new roads to appear on a map.
I am thinking of buying the garmin 255w but Im so confused. there are so many GPS to choose from. i hear the 255w is good but I hear that the 250w is just as good. AAHH i dont know.
i want it to have the 4.3 screen, text to speech, POI, restaurents, malls, things like that. Any recommendations? I really could use the help.
Thanks
Sorry, also what does the “W” mean and what is the difference between “w” models and other models?
thanks agian
Jennifer, the “w” means widescreen. Between the 255w and the 250w I’d go with the 255w that has a newer interface and next turn arrow that are very handy.
I’m comparing the 205W and the 255W. Which one seems to have the best accuracy for directions. I’m concerned that the 255W may have more room for error (staying current) since it speaks the road names vs. just turn right in 100 feet. Any thoughts?
They both have the same routing software and the same underlying map database, so they will give identical directions. Both will stay current at the same rate.
Thanks for the quick response. For a first time user, and ease of use, which one would you recommend?
I’d go with the 255w at the top of this page.
Tim,
I live in Southern California and am always dealing with traffic issues and deciding which routes to take. I am considering the 255w but have not read anything about the optional traffic feature and its effectiveness. Do you know if it’s worth paying for the additional device? I.e., is it any better than just getting reports on the radio?
thanks
Elliot, check out our primer on Traffic. The data won’t likely be better than what you might get over the radio, but being able to automatically get it, automatically factor in the time of delay, and be constantly receiving updates can make it better. Overall there are not many people that think the traffic system is “fantastic”, but most people would say having it is slightly better than not having it.
Last 2 questions, Tim. Again regarding traffic, I’m assuming I don’t have to decide on the traffic adapter at the time I purchase the 255w. Correct? In summary, would you say, in your opinion, that for a portable in the $200-250 range, the Garmin 255w is the best choice considering all the questions and concerns you address here? Consumer Reports rates it the highest in that class.
Thanks again.
Regarding traffic- yes, you can add it later.
I generally try not to give blanket “this is the best” type statements about a device without understanding the full needs of a user and then determining what I think is the best for them. Since people have different needs the best GPS for you could be different than the best for someone else in the same price range.
With that said– it is hard to go wrong with the Nuvi 255w. For something to compare it against consider something like the TomTom 720, but you won’t likely be disappointed with the 255w.
I have a 255W and must say I have experinced no problems what so ever. It has worked fantasticaly on all trips I have taken. There is one thing though. I want to delet certain locations I have entered and retain others. However, this can’t be done. I have even tried deleting them with the aid of the computer; no luck. Question: is there a way to do this without deleting the entire listings: Thanks
I bought a Garmin 255 and really like it. However, it does one strange thins with the text to voice. I live in Connecticut and for a state route, such as route 8, the display shows “CT-8? but the voice announces “Court 8?. Doesn’t it know that the route is prefaced by the state name or is that not universal for all states? BTW, I have no problem with the voice, it is more than clear enough.
Considering the Nuvi 255w, but I can’t find any information about whether or not it provides ability show alternate routes (in case of traffic or accident) or to exclude a road/route in route calculation.
You can connection an optional subscription traffic service and get automatic rerouting. Otherwise you can set a “via” point in the route to specify one location you want the route to go through on the way to the destination, however you can’t tell it to specifically exclude a certain road.
My 255W touchscreen doesn’t to be functioning properly. When I type in the city name on the QWERTY screen, typing the “C”, I get a “V”..or typing in a “R”, I get a “T”. I have tried collaborating the GPS. Any suggestions on how to correct this?
Jimmy, are you actually getting those combinations you mentioned? I ask because I’ve heard of a few issues where people get letters that are not close to the ones they tapped. You might need to contact support or ask in our Nuvi forums for help.
Tim, yes I am actually getting those combinations. Some letters I tap work properly, but those ones I mentioned are coming out with those results mentioned above. It is odd. T is to the right of R and V is to the right of C.
255W. Just returned from a two week trip to Vancouver, B.C., Vancouver Island, Victoria, and Seattle/Tacoma area. Arrived in both Vancouver and Seattle at night, during rush hour…in the rain. Our new 255W was priceless. The only glitches occurred with very short streets and turns but it still got us to our destinations. I recommend it with no reservations. Voice quality is certainly adequate and it picks up satellites quickly. Have not had experience with others, but this one is great for our use. We’re going to buy a couple for Xmas presents too. Maybe it’s not quite 100%, but easily 98.
Ok..i am completly knew to all of this GPS stuff!! I am interested in buying one for my Hubby for Christmas, becuase neither of us are good at knowing roads, and how to navigate in cities, which causes a lot of arguments!! I am wondering which would be best for us at a price below $250?
I’m completly lost in what to do!
All I want is something really simple with voice commads and 2d or 3d map. That we can just put our destination in and it will get us there, also POI such as stores or resturants would be great too. Please Help me
Thanks!!
My six month old 260 was stolen last week, so I just purchased a 255W to replace it. Just posting so I can be on copy to updates. Tim, you do an outstanding job on these fora!
Jim - I’d contact Garmin support.
Jess - This 255w here would be a fine pick.
Duane - Thanks for the comments. You might be interested in also following our Garmin Nuvi Forums.
Does the Garmin 255w have a pedestrian mode like the 205? Can you use it on foot?
Yes.
Hi Tim. My friend has got his 255w for about 1 or 2 months, and suddenly the machine couldn’t load the map/the map was lost. The store exchanged a new one for him (but it’s 260w, not 255w cuz it’s out of stock!). Do you know if this map loss problem is common? I’ve had mine for 2 weeks, and I wonder if one day the same problem will happen to mine too. In that case, what should we do?
I suggested my friend not to keep the 260w. He might want to get a Tomtom instead. For similar functions and price level, which one would you recommend? 330s? 720?
A follow-up on #93-96: Garmin told me that they tested the speed limit function in Canada and they found that the mapping didn’t support speed limit display on most, if not all, Canadian highways. Like what you said in #96, I was disappointed because I do want that function. I wonder if this can be fixed in the future.
I’ve heard about that problem only once or twice before, so out of all the problems I do hear about it doesn’t seem common. Yes, the XL 330s and the 720 are the most similar.
I can’t decide whether to purchase the 255 or 255W. Anything special I should consider in making my decision? Can both units fit in a purse and be used while on foot?
I am considering the 255W for my 85-yr old mother. I’m wondering what else I should get with the unit…carrying case? a different mounting for car? (is what comes with it sufficient?) and do I need to buy a charging unit for the car or does a charger come with the unit? She drives a Ford Crown Victoria … I’m concerned about how to mount the unit in that car. Any ideas? Any accessory recommendations would be appreciated.
Dee,
I just got the 255w and I’m quite pleased with it. I was concerned about leaving a tell-tale ring on my windshield as an invite to a break-in, so I got the Garmin weighted dashboard thing (sorry, I can’t recall the real name). Anyway, it works fine and doesn’t move or slide around.
I also made an interesting discovery with the suction cup. I found I can mount the suction cup on one of the plexiglass covers (RPM gauge) in my instrument panel. I can see it fine, it’s out of sight, and it doesn’t block my view of anything important. I am very pleased about this.
As a result, I’ll mount the 255w with the suction cup in my car, but use the dash mount in my wife’s car, which does not have a compatible instrument panel.
I bought a 255w this afternoon for my husband’s birthday. I wanted to charge the unit before giving it to him so it will be ready to go as soon as he gets it. When I opened the box, I only saw a cigarette charger. I guess I will have to charge this in my car first then? Also, are there any other hardware that should’ve come with this GPS unit? Thanks in advance.
Correct, the Nuvi 255w only comes with a car charger. AC (home) adapters are available as an accessory.
Tim- have another question after reading your #77 posting re: SD card. Is an SD card something that I can see by looking at the GPS unit?- kind of like a memory card for a digital camera)? I ask this because I don’t think it came with the 255W I purchased yesterday.
I just bought a 255W and I’m planning a trip from Indiana to Virginia. It takes me through Ohio but I’d rather go through Kentucky. I know I can use a Via waypoint but how do I use the via waypoint but not put a specific address within Kentucky. I don’t want to get into Kentucky and have it direct me off the interstate to just have to get back on the interstate. Is this possible? Thank you for your help!