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Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

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Brand: Garmin
Category: CE

Buy New: See price in cart



New (80) Used (1) from $277.54

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 84 reviews
Sales Rank: 23

Media: Electronics
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Native Resolution: 480 x 272
Display Size: 4.3
Includes MP3 Player: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3.3
Dimensions (in): 4.8 x 2.8 x 0.8
nv:Type: Receiver
Waypoints: 1000
Display: Color
Display: TFT
Touch Screen: Yes
Voice: Yes (Voice Prompt)
Expansion Slots: SD Card
Battery Type: Rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery Life: 4 hours

MPN: Nuvi 255W
Model: Nuvi 255W
UPC: 753759077600
EAN: 0753759077600
ASIN: B0015EWMX8

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Features:
  • 4.3 Inch Auto Navigator with Anti Theft Feature
  • Voice Prompted Turn by Turn Directions
  • With HotFix, It Calculates Your Position Faster to Get You There Quicker
  • Compatible with Optional Enhanced MSN Direct Content
  • JPEG Picture Viewer, World Travel Clock, Currency Converter, Calculator and More

Accessories:

  • Joby GP1-M1EN Gorillapod GoGo Flexible Tripod with Suction Cup & 2 Adhesive Clips (Grey)
  • Scosche IU2PS Dual 12v Power Socket
  • GARMIN 010-10672-02 Nuvi Europe Travel Guide
  • GARMIN 010-10823-01 Leather Carrying Case For Nuvi Travel Assistant
  • Garmin Portable Friction Dashboard Mount for nüvi Series and StreetPilot C5XX Series GPS Navigators (C530, C550, and C580)

Similar Items:

  • Garmin Portable Friction Dashboard Mount for nüvi Series and StreetPilot C5XX Series GPS Navigators (C530, C550, and C580)
  • GARMIN 010-10823-01 Leather Carrying Case For Nuvi Travel Assistant
  • Garmin Vehicle Power Cable for nüvi Portable GPS Navigators (010-10723-06)
  • Garmin A/C Power Cable for nüvi Portable GPS Navigators (010-10723-00)
  • Case Logic GPSP-2 Professional GPS Case for 4.3-Inch Flatscreens

Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
GPS satellite navigation unit with built-in antenna * 6 million points of interest * preloaded with maps for the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico * text-to-speech technology lets voice prompts announce road names over the built-in speaker * microSD card slot *

Amazon.com Product Description----June 3, 2008
Garmin's nüvi 255W improves upon 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 -- HotFix (Long Term Ephemeris Prediction) finds satellites faster (Learn more)
  • 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)

Which nüvi is Best for You?:
Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators


Learn More


New -- Improved Interface

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

200 series ui

New Interface

2x5 Series UI


New -- HotFix™ - aka: Satellite Ephemeris Data Prediction

hotfix
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.

New -- Navigate by Photo


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.



New -- 3D Terrain Maps

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.




New -- Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest

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.
  1. Hook up your Garmin to the computer via it's USB port
  2. Search for the location you want
  3. Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup "Send to" form.
  4. 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!



Traffic-Capable for Either FM Traffic or Enhanced MSN Direct Content

MSN Direct Enhanced Traffic and Content

traffic reports 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
TMC traffic service coverage map
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.


Widescreen -- See More of What's Around

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

3-inch screen


and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen

4.3-inch screen


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.


First-Rate Map Data


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 Lock

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


Beyond Navigation

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.



Trick Your GPS Ride

custom vehicle icons
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.

Which nüvi is Best for You?

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
check




Photos




up to 5
nüvi 200w 3.81 x 2.25
check




Photos




up to 5
nüvi 250 2.8 x 2.1
check check



Photos



up to 5
nüvi 250w 3.81 x 2.25
check check



Photos



up to 5
nüvi 260 2.8 x 2.1
check check
check

Photos



up to 5
nüvi 260w 3.81 x 2.25 check check
check

Photos



up to 5
nüvi 270 2.8 x 2.1
check check check


Photos



up to 5
nüvi 205 2.8 x 2.1 check


MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos check check

up to 4
nüvi 205W 3.81 x 2.25 check


MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos check check

up to 4
nüvi 255 2.8 x 2.1 check check
check MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos check check

up to 4
nüvi 255W
3.81 x 2.25 check check
check MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos check check

up to 4
nüvi 350 2.8 x 2.1
check check
check FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos, MP3s




up to 8
nüvi 360 2.8 x 2.1
check check
check FM (with opt.
receiver)
check Photos, MP3s



up to 8
nüvi 370 2.8 x 2.1 check check check check FM (receiver
included)
check Photos, MP3s



up to 8
nüvi 650 3.81 x 2.25
check check
check FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos, MP3s



up to 7
nüvi 660
3.81 x 2.25
check check
check FM (receiver
included)
check Photos, MP3s

check
up to 7
nüvi 670
3.81 x 2.25
check check check check FM (receiver
included)
check Photos, MP3s

check
up to 7
nüvi 680 3.81 x 2.25
check check
check MSN (receiver
included;
1-year free);
FM (with opt.
receiver)
check Photos, MP3s

check
up to 7
nüvi 750
3.81 x 2.25
check check
check MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos, MP3s

check check up to 5
nüvi 760 3.81 x 2.25
check check
check MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)
check Photos, MP3s

check check up to 5
nüvi 770 3.81 x 2.25
check check check check MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)
check Photos, MP3s

check check up to 5
nüvi 780 3.81 x 2.25 check check

MSN-enhanced
(receiver inc.;
3 months free)
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)
check Photos, MP3s

check check up to 5
nüvi 850
3.81 x 2.25 check check

MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)

Photos, MP3s

check check up to 4
nüvi 880
3.81 x 2.25 check check check
MSN-enhanced
(receiver inc.;
3 months free);
FM (with opt.
receiver)
check Photos, MP3s

check check up to 4
nüvi 5000
4.5 x 2.7 check check
check MSN-enhanced
(with optional
receiver);
FM (with opt.
receiver)




check check external
battery
only

Basic MSN Direct Content Features
traffic reports 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
.

MSN Direct Coverage Map



Customer Reviews:   Read 79 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars Excellent product.   November 22, 2008
Rex Campbell (Concord, MA USA)
The Garmin nuvi 255w has all the "stuff" needed to get the job done. ("Lane Assist" would be a nice addition, but you have to get into much higher priced models to have it included.) The widescreen is easy to read, and the text-to-speech street names makes operation a breeze.


5 out of 5 stars Happy Garmin owners   November 22, 2008
Sheryll Jhammer (Miami, Fl)
You really have to keep a watchful eye on your GPS as the thieves are out doing their Christmas shopping too. We replaced ours with a new one after the first one was stolen a few months ago. This Garmin Nuvi 255W is easy to use and accurate. You will really love the 4.3 screen. Highly recommend. Be sure to remove it when you are not in your vehicle.


4 out of 5 stars Good GPS for price   November 22, 2008
W. McMillan (Atlanta, GA)
Overall this 255W performs very well. My only complaint is the sound quality of the audio needs improvement. I have used a Tom Tom previously and thought the audio was better. The upcoming street turns by announcement is a great feature and is working well. While the audio is tolerable it could be better. So far the installed maps have worked great.


4 out of 5 stars My first GPS   November 22, 2008
Vivian Hendrickson (San Carlos, CA)
I have had my Garmin Nuvi 255W about 2 months. I have not taken any long trips, but, so far, the device was only wrong once. Granted it should never be wrong, but I have enjoyed using it and it has been helpful.

I don't have the best hearing, but the default female voice is very clear and easy to understand. You can also adjust the volume. I don't spend much time actually looking at the screen. Mostly, I just follow the verbal instructions, except when I want to check something such as what the next couple of turns will be or what the speed limit is. If I happen to know a shortcut that I decide to take, this Nuvi re-calculates very quickly, even when I make several self-directed turns in a row.

I am not anything close to being a techie, but I was able to figure out the functions very quickly and easily. I did not initially find all the options, but as time went on, I explored the device and was delighted to discover different features.

I looked a long time to find a GPS that had the features I wanted and not the features I didn't want. I thought the price was very reasonable compared to others I have seen.

I would certainly recommend this product. If I can figure it out, anyone can.



4 out of 5 stars It will get you there   November 19, 2008
Michael W. Boyd (USA)
This unit was very simple to use right out of the box. This is my first GPS and introduced myself to using it by entering destination addresses around my town with which I am very familiar. The GPS would get me to the destination in most cases but I had to wonder why it led me the route it chose. In many cases I knew a faster shorter route. In one case it brought me within .2 of a mile of my destination telling me to turn in. If I was in unfamiliar territory I would have had to ask directions. Garmin probably needs to be notified to update their coordinates in instances such as I described. Over all I am confidant with this unit getting me to my destinations in unfamiliar territory or at least near enough to be on time.

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