Fletch

You hit the nail on the head for this review.
The Nuvi 200 should be priced at $199 and the Nuvi 250 should be priced at no more than $299.
For the money,I will buy a new Garmin Nuvi 350 for $399 all day long.
You also should test the TomTom ONE with the latest Tele Atlas Q107 software, it should show many improvments.
The Maestro uses Q306 software which is still a lot fresher than the Garmin software. I think Garmin should offer a free update for anyone that buys a unit now for 3 months window.
With the price being at $399 and $499, Garmin is just coming out with units that is losing features that we all like such as TTS, BT etc. Going backwards and racing to zero is no way to do business.
Nice review

Fletch,

Another great review. I look forward to reading your impressions.

I like the new font, treatment of anti-aliasing and the overall, refreshed look of the map screen.

This is yet another example of Garmin "getting it right" right out of the box, unlike their competition. That's because Garmin is doing it from a strength - their product is already refined and they just build on that.

This is in stark contrast to Magellan and TomTom who seem to be churning out new models without concentrating on, even ignoring, fixing their older ones, even recent "older" models.

What I don't understand is Garmin's pricing structure. You're right - this should be priced at least $100 cheaper. It doesn't make sense for it to compete with their own nuvi 350 which gives you the extremely important TTS.

The bottom line is if someone wants a reliable unit, even if they prefer the nuvi 250 and its high price, they won't go wrong with a Garmin device.

Great Review. On item 7 (Map Page) however, you stated that the 300 is like the 600 and the 200 has new features (more clarity). I have a Nuvi 660 and the map quality looks more like the 200 than the 300 as displayed in this review. So does the font. You can see this on the Nuvi 660 review in this magazine. I am comparing the two in different windows as I write. The road lines are smoother on the 200 than the 300, (as displayed) but the 660 is just as smooth as the 200. The color scheme is almost identical too. Is that a typo or am I going blind?

Bought 250 recently, works great in UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, hardly any errors, v9 map database, but CHRONICALLY OUT OF DATE in Italy. Over 50% of the map database for Italy is AT LEAST 4 YEARS out of date. Sometimes it's good, but more often it gives bad routes, ignoring the fact new express-ways and bypasses were built 3 or 4 years ago, not aware that certain roads were extinguished up to 4 years ago, and believes that Car Park N° 1 at Verona Airport is an extension of the freeway! Great anywhere but sucks in Italy.

I second Paul's comments above, also I have emailed the Italian agent, and also Garmin Italia, Garmin UK, Garmin USA many times and I have never even had the courtesy of a reply.
Great for any country, but don't rely on it for Italy.... guaranteed gamble on whether you will reach your destination. I often get guided into closed roads, I mean roads closed permanently years ago, to find I have to queue up to turn around, behind all the other drivers using GARMIN navigators... and we all have a laugh, because it's better to laugh than cry! Seriously, don't try navigating in Italy with Garmin, and don't hold your breath waiting for Garmin to answer any question or comment on criticism.

The one mistake I noticed in the review is about the relative brightness of the 250 vs the 350. I own a 350, and I'm thinking about trading it for a 250 or a 650 because of that issue. The 250 is substantially brighter than the 350, and almost as bright as the 650. The 350 is just plain difficult to see in bright sun, especially with sunglasses.

Otherwise, thanks for the thorough review.

Further to my last posting, I wanted to visit a MASSIVE shopping and commercial centre just outside Verona yesterday, built almost four years ago. I had a couple of hours to spare and decided to follow the advice of my garmin nuvi 250. For 90 minutes the garmin guided me around in circles, into carparks telling me to continue straight on into a wall, into dead-ends. During all this time I could clearly see the complex, it is so huge, within 1km, and after 90 minutes I turned the garmin off and drove there. Once there I set the position of the entrance to the complex and then asked the garmin to take me home. It could not even find its way through the Verona East intersection!!!! I repeat, the mapping database for Italy is NOT JUST UNRELIABLE, IT IS A JOKE!!! I have now had a reply from Garmin saying it's not their fault, that they buy the mapping data from a third party, and I should address my comments to them! So Garmin can sell a product that clearly is not fit, in Italy, for the purpose it was designed, and they just say it's not their fault!!!! I dare anybody to try their garmin in Italy.... and I'll be interested to see how they go.

Ok, this gets better, try to driving from Venice to Milan... as you leaving Venice Garmin can not send you easily to the motorway, it does not recognise two big junction and does not tell you to keep left so you end up going either to Trieste or to Mestre! No excuse as garmin woks excellent OUTSIDE Italia, are we really a third-world country?

I bought recently a nuvi 250 to be used here in Portugal and Europe.
I'm very satisfied with the road detail... even with 2 months old road (they are there!).
The big problem is the POI: I did not found a way to add a my actual position as POI.

The second problem: we do not know our actual position in coordinates... wy?

Looking forward to your reply,

Jorge Ferreira

Has anyone figured out how to save images to this devide as there is not images folder and I am not certain if I can create one through explorer.

Robin - there is no photo viewer on the nuvi 250, so you cannot view images on it. You can, however save screenshots, if that's what you're trying to do.

Hi Fletch

I think I must have missed something somewhere. I've got a 250 and it's got a (not great) picture viewer for jpg's on an SD card. There's no way that I've found to select individual folders so it's a sequential search (tough when there's 1600+ pics). There's also a slide-show feature.

That aside, I use the unit in the UK and France (not Italy YET!) and I think it's brilliant. I also think this review was exceptional - measured and thoughtful. Well done.

Mark

@ Robin:
To save pictures to the nuvi 250, just create a new directory (I called mine "Images") in the main "Garmin" directory using the Windows Explorer, and then drag&drop your images. When you disconnect the nuvi from the PC and power up it normally, go to the Picture Viewer function - it finds the images automatically.

Re Italy: I bought a TomTom and ran it side-by-side with the Garmin for two weeks in Italy, Austria, Germany and France. In Austria, Germany and France I have to admit the Garmin is better, but in ITALY the Garmin is just total rubbish in comparison with the Tom Tom... I mean there is not even any similarity, the Tom Tom works, the Garmin simply does not work outside of major cities and most motorways, though it even makes big errors on motorways too. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING TO ITALY OR LIVING IN ITALY DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON GARMIN.

Your wish just came true... Costco is now selling the nuvi 250 for 100 less (299.99) until August 12

I have purchased Garmin Nuvi 250. I think that Garmin 250 is an excellent product. But I have one big question. Why Garmin Nuvi 250 can not use traffic receivers? Haw can I fix that problem? I think that option "Traffic Alert" is very important option. Is there any solution (in future)for this problem in regard to Garmin Nuvi 250?

I can buy the TomTom One with all the accessories for the same price ($300) as the Garmin nuvi 250 with the window mount and power cord. I'm leaning toward the Nuvi. Any suggestions?

Jay - buy the Garmin nuvi 250 over the TomTom ONE. Read the review on this site to understand why.

Redcoon is selling the Nüvi 200 at 199 €. Who can beat that?

I just bought NUVI 250, This is my first GPS and I am in the process of understanding this model as well as GPS system in general. It directed me in to wrong exit on an highway where three exits are close-by (I am driving at a speed of 50 MPH). So now question is the Accuracy? it looks for me this Nuvi 250 is not? GPS expert please post your valuble input...

The NUVI 250 at costco for 299.99. US or Costco.ca?

I just got the nuvi 250 today that I ordered from BestBuy.ca. From the review I had expected it have the old City Navigator maps. To my (happy) surprise, this unit has City Navigator 2008 maps installed. Garmin must be adding the latest maps to the newer units they are shipping out.

I just got my Nuvi 270, how can I find out what version of City Navigator I have?

Bought a Nuvi 200 today and love it so far. By the way, you can charge the battery by using a USB cable and leaving it hooked up to your computer..no need to purchase A/C adapter.

The nuvi often uses minor roads - even if "fastest time" is set. This is bad if you are pulling a caravan or trailer. There should be an option to not use minor roads.

I bought the TomTom One at BestBuy last week and returned it last night. I live in a rural area that uses "fire addresses" (ie. 10W354 Main St.), and the TomTom cannot enter letters for addresses. So if this is a concern for you, definately go with the Garmin Nuvi, it handles them nicely.

Another thing I noticed when using the Garmin, as soon as you type enough characters that the list is sufficiently small (not sure if this is 2 -4 items), the Garmin brings up the list and you can just select. Very nice for typing in. Also, when I needed to enter in a highway, like Route 63, I could just enter 63 in the Garmin, some of the other devices needed "Hwy" or "Route".

I recommend going into a local retailer and just play with the devices. I tried a lot of them, and I definately wanted a low-cost solution, and settled on the Garmin Nuvi 200 and am happy.

I had a Street Pilot 530 that was stolen from my car. To replace it, I bougt a 250. But the I noticed the 250 cannot lock on satellites in places where the 530 had no problem to lock. So I checked further and I found that there is no SiRF logo in the boot screen. It means, they have another chip set in the 250. Garmin Tech Support also told me the 250 has no WAAS support. They also explained the weak reception on a need for firmware update or a defective unit (!?!). So I bought a 350; this one is REALLY sensitive; works inside the house too, has better POI search options, gets the power from the mounting bracket, but like mentioned in other reviews here, the screen quality is at a lower level than the 530 or the 250, and it is hard to see it. Also the TTS (text to speach) is a nice to have, but in my oppinion not an important enough feature when you decide what model to buy; and the flip antennae is kind of anoying. I am still not sure I want to keep the 350: it works well, but it is older technology: the model was released in January of 2006.

So here is the saga of the Nuvi 250, to continue and finish my review from September 21:
After being told by Garmin Tech Support that the weak reception on the 250 I have maight be due to a defect, I went and exchanged it for a new one, which I planned to try together with the nuvi 350 for comparison.
First, I used the WebUpdater to upgrade to the last firmware version (as Garmin suggested). In the upgrade there was a "chipset B" option, and I was sure I found the problem... but nothing happened. The 250 has a weird way of acting: it looks like there is some software algoritm that is trying to compensate for the lack of performance of the chipset they are using. Where the 350 will have a rock solid reception, the 250 will sometimes oscilate between full reception to no reception at all, and in some places, it will never be able to lock on satellites. And there is also the resolution issue, because there is no WAAS I suppose: you can be on the highway and it will think you are on the service road, and so on. So if you go to the bottom line, this is a GPS and the first feature you should look for is satellite reception. Would you buy a car without an engine just because it has a nice color? I suppose not. Nether do I. So I returned the 250; this time for good. As for the 350, I believe this is the benchmark of the portable GPS today. I actually found the 360 at 399$ and I upgraded. Same great performance as the 350, plus the bluetooth, which I find amazing and very convenient when you need the phone while driving. As for the rest of the features in the 360, like MP3, picture viewer, book reader, etc., I don't think i'll ever use them.

does nuvi 250 or 250w has option for trucks as I know 350 does.

I want to buy nuvi 250w at costco.com
for their good deal but I need for semi truck

Just looking at buying Garmin 250 (in Ireland), got review from guy in shop, but wanted to look on-line before purchasing, so thanks a million for this review. I think I'll get one (early Christmas/Birthday present from self to self!)

Thanks for this extensive and terrific review.

I have had a Nüvi 250 with European coverage for just 12 days now (my first unit and with no prior SATNAV experience) and am at the point of taking it back and looking for an equivalent TOM TOM (possibly ONE) based on my experiences here in C Spain!

My first impression was excellent. Easy to manage and operate (in general), with a nice feel, size, weight and minimum of extra gubbins. That said, the car lighter power cord (in contra to the statement in the review) can NOT be used to connect the computer to the unit, and this is a mistake by GARMIN IMO. The cord should have a standard USB connector to plug into the (modified) lighter plug transformer, but is a single unseparable unit, so you have to buy a standard + mini USB cable extra :-(

I've found nearly all the quirks you mention, but there's another factor. Voice instruction - Map inconsistencies.

E.g. In a short journey from home to my parents-in-law's house in an established estate 2 villages away, there are a series of erroneous voice indications which range from interesting to completely confusing. Knowing the route allows me assess the unit's accuracy and on the two roundabouts on this journey it indicates I should turn off either before or after that (correctly) indicated on the screen! - So you have to drive having to check the screen closely at potentially compromising locations! There are also two more serious errors where two old junctions are not up to date on the maps, one of which is only c. 15 months old but another is >2 years old.

Also, in several spots it is unable to differentiate between service roads and the main roads (it took me off a main road in Madrid today and didn't recongnise I was off it) and finally in a couple of points it makes either double turning instructions where only one is necessary, or tells me to TURN R/L when in fact it's unecessary and one keeps on the same road which simply bears right or left...

Having tried to navegate my way through their rather complex and quirky website, I finally managed to write to GARMIN to ask about new maps and they've already replied saying that they're only available for updating about once a year! Not good, IMO. Also, concerning the problem of the voice instructions they've told me to report any errors to NAVTEQ!!!

I like the unit in general, but if I were dependent on it to get from A-B, then I'd go wrong with worrying frequency.

Finally, can anyone tell me how to get POIs on-screen while navegating? It's now illegal here to operate SATNAVs of this sort while on the move and if I need to find a petrol station or hospital while on the move, how do /can I do it?? The symbols for these locations do not appear on the screen unless I am with the GPS switched off and am browsing through the maps!!

Regards and thanks in advance.

John

The more expensive Garmin Nuvi GPS units can give you more features, or maybe physically smaller, however the main purpose is to get from point A to B and in general most of Garmin Nuvi units are rated well.

See for Yourself, Garmin Nuvi 200 Review: http://www.bestnewreview.com/polls.aspx?poll=170&partner=0&Desc=Garmin-Nuvi-200-Review

I am surprised Garmin does not really advertise nuvi 250 ability to speak in so many different languages. Shortly after I bought the unit (thanks to this review) I was pleasantly surprised to find the unit's ability to speak fluent Russian with no accent. So my advice for Russian speaking travelers out there who are custom to metric system - nuvi 250 / 270 is a right companion for you.

Just purchased a Nuvi 250 a week ago for $219.00 CDN which is basically $219.00 US. Works very well. Gets a little confused in large mall parking lots but once you get closer to an actual road it quickly recovers. I find the ETA feature is accuarate within a couple of minutes. For the price I paid it is an amazing piece of technology.

Why can you not access the maps when its pluged in?

Does anyone know if it is free to update Map's?

Does anyone know if it is free to update Map's?

Sorry for the little info I gave. I bought a Nuvi250 today and I was wondering if it is updated or not.

I just got my NUVI 250. It does everything I need it to do, including directing me from point A to point B.

I was exploring the capabilities of the unit and decided to register my warrenty online at my.garmin.com . Upon completion it came up with a message saying I was eligible for a free map upgrade! I downloaded and installed the new maps, I had 2008 before and now have 2009 maps.

I was quite impressed with this, as maps are usually $100+. So I guess all new nuvi 250's come with at least 2008 maps and the possibility of upgrading to 2009 for free!!!

Billy

After trying the Nuvi 250 for a few hours (not even in the car) I am returning it for a refund. It will only plan a route from where you are now once it has a fix. It is impossible to plan a route from A-B and check it against an atlas to see if it makes sense before you set off. Example: I want to go to France so it routed me via the Channel Tunnel (this is with 'avoid ferries' unchecked), even though I live about three miles from the Poole-Cherbourg ferry terminal in Poole. So I set Cherbourg as a stopover, hoping it would route me on the ferry. It still routed me via the Channel Tunnel, back to Cherbourg and then on to my destination! I will either get another Satnav that will plan routes in advance or use AA route planner and paper!

It is just annoying that the market leader produces such a dismal device. It's all down to the software, it would not cost any extra to manufacture. My Psion Series 5 running TomTom Route Planner hooked up to a Garmin e-Trex Legend does it better and how old is that??!!!

hi i have a nuvi 250 and use it on my bicyle and it works great for me :)

To add to my posting above, I bought a Binatone Carrera X430 European version. It does everything that I was hoping the Nuvi 250 would do. There is only one drawback which is that you cannot plan routes across several countries, although some countries are bundled together, e.g. Spain and Italy, and then you can plan routes across both of them. The Binatone will plan routes in advance, store them for retrieval later, and even remember them if you switch to another country and back again. The bookmarks etc. are stored on the SD card so will be retained even if the battery runs down. Only problem is that the first one I bought didn't work because some **** had taken the SD card out and then returned it to Argos!!!

Forgot another annoying thing about the Nuvi 250. It won't allow you to navigate to a place using just the name of the city (or town), you have to enter a complete address (number, street name). Sometimes you just want to go to a town as a tourist, not to visit your granny's house!! But the 250 won't let you exit the address screen until you have entered a full address.

Suggest you download the manual before you buy one.

I have used a Garmin e-Trex Legend for years and it is great, so I don't have anything agianst Garmin.

Peter - You CAN navigate to a city instead of a street address. From the main menu tap "Where to" -> scroll to the second page and tap "Cities". This will route you to the center of town for the city you enter. You can also use "Intersection" if you know the intersection instead of the address.

Hi Fletch! It is nice to know somebody reads this stuff. If you know of a way of planning a route from A-B in advance as well, I might have kept the Nuvi 250! Have used the Binatone in France for a week and was happy with it. A few very new roads not on the map. I guess we all still need to use our brains and not rely totally on satnav. Did you read about the guy driving from Turkey to Gibraltar who let his satnav take him via the UK?!!!!!!!

Peter - unfortunately you cannot save "Routes", or trips, on the nuvi 250. You have to upgrade to one of the move expensive nuvis for this feature, like the nuvi 500, 700, or 800 series.

hi

i want to buy a nuvi 270
can somebody tell me if they still use the sirfIII chip and if it waas enable

also what the main difference between a gps like the nuvi 270 with a 12 channel and some other gps with 20 channel

thank

hi
my friend bought a nuvi 270 from costco canada and he receive it today

it didnt came directly from costco warehouse but from a third party

i want to know if a new unit come in a sealed box and if there are some plastic bag protection on the unit

the one my friend receive the box wasnt sealed and the gps unit was in the top of the box on a cardboard holder without anything around it only a protector on the screen.

is that normal or he receive a use or refurb unit

thank

Hello:

Being from Canada I'm planning to head south this winter. We wanted to upgrade our road maps for the Nuvi250 and are running into problems. Garmin will not let you download into Canada for some reason. Then after visiting the local vendors of Garmin GPS's none of them are carrying recent CD/DVD versions. One large chain store only had a 2004 version. I hope there's an easier fix than finding a more friendly manufacturer or driving somewhere in the US to purchase an upgrade. //Brian

Thanks

THE NUVI 250 IS GREAT. THE F****NG GUIDE ME TO THE RIVER. WHAT THE HELL. TOM TOM SUCK!!!

Well, I just paid the equivalent of 126 US dollars for my 250, so the improved maps and the lower price make it a better deal than this time last year. Is the Italy problem solved yet though?

i just bought the nuvi 250 at costco california for $129 with instant rebate coupon for $40 that expires on dec 17th, i think. hope my boyfriend isn't insulted, but he hates asking for directions and we get lost quite often.