For peace of mind on the go, nvi 255 leads the way with voice-prompted turn-by-turn and optional MSN Direct to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for North America or Europe. Like the rest of the compact nvi 2x5-series, this portable navigator is priced right and ultra-easy to use.nvi 255 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nvi takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions, 2-D or 3-D maps and and smooth map updates as you navigate. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, giving you a big picture of the surrounding terrain. In addition, nvi 255 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. With HotFix satellite prediction, nvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.Like the rest of the nvi 2x5-series, nvi 255 sports a sleek, slim design and fits comfortably in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot. 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.eft feature. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards such as Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions.
Garmin's nüvi 255W improvesupon its 200-series predecessors by adding top-of-the-line features such as FM traffic updates or MSN Direct content to an entry-level line. But Garmin is also introducing some significant improvements with this new series, like a predictive technology that provides faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen with more information, terrain maps, and an exciting new photo navigation feature. The 255W adds complete maps for North America and Text-to-Speech, so you get turn by turn spoken directions with the real names of streets (e.g. "turn left in 50 feet at Nebraska Way", rather than merely "turn left in 50 feet"). The 255W also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you.
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.
Key Features/Benefits for all 2x5 Series Navigators
New-- Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Basemap shows 3D shaded terrain features (Learn more)
New-- Faster 333 Mhz processor offers faster, smoother map drawing and vehicle icon motion through turns
New-- Redesigned user interface offers more information (Learn more)
New-- Photo Navigation lets you upload geo-coded photos from a phone, geo-coding camera or photo site and navigate to them. (Learn more)
New-- Add Enhanced MSN Traffic and Content with the optional GDB 55 antenna and charger (Learn more)
New-- Send addresses directly to your Garmin from Google Maps or Mapquest (Learn more)
New-- Automatic Time Zone Transition
Text-to-Speech gives directions with real street names
4.3-inch Widescreen shows you more of what's around you as you drive (Learn more)
Memory Card Slots so you can add maps and travel guides, or store photos (MicroSD card slot on 3.5-inch units; SD card slot on 4.3-inch units)
Preloaded Maps with Navteq data of North America + Hawaii + Puerto Rico, including 6.5 million searchable points of interest (Learn more)
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for easy portability (up to 4 hours per charge)
Custom Vehicle Icons let you personalize your navigator (Learn more)
Integrated Antenna for a slim form factor
Where Am I? -- instantly shows you all of the emergency services nearby (Learn More)
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.
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 -- Garmin Connect Photos -- 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 -- Garmin Connect Photos -- 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.
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.
FM Traffic
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 -- 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
Where Am I?
On any nüvi (including this one), you can just 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 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.
Garmin's patent pending theft prevention system that disables the unit from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location
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
Optional software for language translation, detailed travel guides, and savings programs allow you to customize your nüvi to fit your travel needs
Like most USB Mass Storage Devices, the nüvi is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me.
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.
Get detailed info for your Zip Code at the MSN Direct website.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Excellent Product:
Easy to use right out of the box. Very user friendly. Voice speaks turn by turn directions - very easy to hear and understand. The directions were very accurate - if you make a wrong turn, it redirects you so that you won't get lost. Can save favorite addresses to go to again and again. Based on your current location, directs you to nearby gas stations, restaurants, and other locations which are preprogrammed into the Garmin. Would definitely recommend!
Garmin 255W:
This is `MY' first GPS. I tried though many of my friends' gadgets and I finally purchased 255W. My reason was cheaper price, large screen, and relatively good reception. TomTom was the first to "take" military technology and bring it for public use. There are other brands like Navman, Mio, Magellan, Panasonic, SONY and so on. Some are very expensive and with much more larger display. Garmin is thought to have more available models to choose from that have this feature and don't have another. To me all GPS'... more info
Garmin 255W GPS:
Great product....quickly recalculates routes when deliberately went past suggested route. Good graphics. Intuitive. So easy a caveman can use it.
Great buy:
I got this GPS while it was on sale (during black friday) for about 205$. That was well worth the money, and it has served me well so far. It's a simple setup, and easy upgrading firmware online. I had very few Qs, one being, which is the better option to use: Shorter Time vs. Shorter Distance? After some experimentation, Fastest Time seems to be the better setting. The voice (i use the regular american accent one) is clear and I have no problems understanding it. I know some people feel it is too... more info
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. 
