Nice, thorough review!
I was originally looking at the 760, but, due to budget constraints...I may end up with the 205W.

1 question...does this unit support storage of routes? Is this "standard" functionality on any/all gps devices? What I mean is, if I drive from my home to a specific location today, and want to recreate that trip another day, can I store the route I took? I guess my point is, I do occassional, random backcountry driving, and would like to "recall" how I got from point a to point b for future travel.

Does this require that I put in an origin/ destination?

Thanks,
Rap

Can the Nuvi 205 be used while charging unit, in car?

I was originally looking at the 765 but could not say no to the 255 as I got it at a really good price! For basic navigation, I have to agree that this is a solid unit. However, when I tried to make use of Garmin's software downloads (to allow my GPS and PC to communicate and to update my product, I had nothing but problems. I did not find the documentation or the garmin website particularly useful to resolve any of these issues. I am not trying to resolve a "Missing Operating System" error...a little search on the web shows that this is not uncommon after users tried to update their product...

Yes, you can use the power cord that COMES WITH the unit to power AND charge at THE SAME TIME. This is not true if you use a USB cord and charger.

Ed

1 question...does this unit support storage of routes?

No, unfortunately it doesn't. It stores neither routes nor tracks (with the exception of the trip log). I think this is a major shortcoming, but otherwise, the 205w is really a nice device. As the review says, it is probably the the best in its price class.

Yes, you can use the power cord that COMES WITH the unit to power AND charge at THE SAME TIME. This is not true if you use a USB cord and charger.

Yes, you can use the power cord that COMES WITH the unit to power AND charge at THE SAME TIME. This is not true if you use a USB cord and charger.

This is not completely true. Here is a nice trick to use the Garmin while charging with a USB cord or a wall charger: with the Garmin unplugged keep your finger on the battery icon for about 10 seconds until the diagnostic screen comes up. Then connect the USB cord and press EXIT; the Garmin will reboot and you will be able to use it normally.

Your reviews are the best I've ever seen and your photos are excellent. I think you should have a clickable donation button for MC/V, Dis, AX and PayPal. I'll make a donation!

I've had many GPS units and have a complicated, $2000.00 built-in version, in my 2008 Toyota. The Garmin 205W serves me better than the fancy one in my car. It gives me the shortest route; whereas, the Toyota GPS will take me 50 or more miles out of my way. It will give three routes and, not one is the simple, down the freeway route. With Toyota, it is any way, but direct! Also, Toyota's GPS will give old addresses for companies that changed names and locations 20 years ago. Incredible, but true. I have the proof. If you're buying a new Toyota, better get a portable GPS instead of the built-in version. Also, you can program it inside your home.

A note on the 205W: it has both the QWERTY & ABC keyboard choices. I bought the FM traffic cord [$120] and it works great--even with unit mounted below the dash. And, I like not having the unit speak the street names. Why? I'd rather have a loud bell sound (like Hertz rental cars) signalling when to make a turn. I know it isn't on Garmin's (is on some Magellan's). Street names might not be heard or can be confusing when you've got the radio on. A loud bell, chime, etc., isn't. Unfortunately, Magellan units volume is less than that of the Garmin brand. I may never travel the same route again and do not want to have to look around trying to find a street sign with the name on it or be confused by street names when my mind is on other things. Often, there is no street sign; especially, on intersecting side streets. On one unit that gave the street name, I wasn't very close to the street and went past it and had to turn around=lost time. I know some won't agree with me; but, that's my opinion.

With a Magellan 1412, trying to add the company name to an address, took many back and forth tries. It is real simple with the Garmin. Just click "Save" after entering an address and before hitting "Go." It takes you to the "Enter Name" screen. I add the name and city + state as many businesses I go to have multiple locations.
And, in using the Garmin 205W, I haven't learned how to make the Favorites be alphabetical. It lists the addresses with the closest one first and so forth.

First off, thank you for your fantastic Navi system reviews. I am on the verge of buying one (probably a Garmin 255).

I have a comment on your review of the Garmin 205. Concerning your Routing Tests of the Garmin 205, the Magellan Roadmate, and Tom Tom 330 S, in Routing Test #2—from 550 E. Brokaw Rd., San Jose, CA, to 300 Grove St., San Francisco—you noted that the Tom Tom chose to send you north on 880, then west on 80… In other words, over the Bay Bridge into San Francisco, in the toll direction! Very bad idea!

Do any of the navi systems note when the advised route crosses a toll bridge, and whether it’s in the free or toll direction? I recently took a trip, guided by a Tom Tom, and when we were about to cross a toll bridge, with no warning or confirmation, we stopped to double-check that we were on the correct route. (We were.) But still, it would be nice to know ahead of time…

Thanks again, and keep up the good work.

I just purchased the Garmin nuvi 205w and it has severed to be nothing less then excellent. I love the feature of quickly re-routing you in case you choose to turn off the route chosen. I tested it many times and is very fast and responsive.

My 205w has the qwerty keyboard. This review stated it didn't. Not sure if it is an option on the wide screen version which mine is. But I thought I would include it.

Read an earlier comment about installing the software via the website was nothing but problems. Mine was super -fast, smooth, with easy directions. No problem here.

The only reason I think I should have gone with another one is because I figured I wasn't going to Canada anytime soona ansd when I wennt I could purchase that map a long time from now when I went. A few days later...I am planning a Canada trip. I think I should ahve purchased one that included that map and maybe would have had one more expensive, included canada and maybe more options! :-) But that is no one's fault but mine.

I don't think installing a new map will be a problem. If it was as easy as the software download online, it will be a cinch.

I recommend this to anyone looking to purchase it. You can get one brand new much cheaper on Amazon.

Just replaced Shinco 350 with a Garmin 205wt the Garmin is not as accurate or user friendly wonder if I did the right thing.In the UK I have only had Motorway speed limit showing.

Quick question... I just bought the Navigon 2090S the newest version its originally $200, got it on sale for $180. It worked in all rural areas in illinois: lemont, plainfield, oswego, joliet, romeoville, orland park, etc. Then came the weird part I used it to drive downtown and it worked fine. Then I was about to leave the city and I was trying to get signal on it and nothing happened for 20 mins and it still didnt find any signal. Thats when I realized it either does not work well, i got one with os errors, and or Navigon does not supply good GPS signals.

I read the reviews and everyone seemed to be happy with it, but did comment on how long it took to get a singnal, but never said it took 20 mins just a few mins.

I think it is ridiculous that it would not work in a major city of Chicago; it does not make any sense.

My question is does Garmin have better GPS signal or does it still take a long time to find signal? and would it crap out on me like the Navigon when I am in the city?...Or do I return the current one and get a diffrent one just incase it was just an error in the programming?

Suggestions anyone?? :)

Thanks

The unit works great, except for one big flaw which caused me to sell mine on Ebay. It gives instructions for all the turns during your route... perfectly. However, once you're on the road where your destination is located, the unit doesn't say a single word until you are right in front of the building, and you might be going by at 40 MPH. So if you turn onto the street where the address is located, and then drive 3 more miles to the destination, the unit says "arriving at destination" right in front. You may have already missed the driveway, and then have to make a U-turn to get back. It would be nice if it would say "approaching destination" or something similar.

I was wondering if/how can I get satellite signal strength and location accuracy as shown in F'igure 75: Garmin nüvi 765T vs 660 vs 205' on a 255W. Thanks.

Great review.

One question though: how do you get those nice pictures of the GPS satellite coverage and strength that you're showing on page 8? I have a Nüve 205 and can't find it anywhere.
The obvious tapping the GPS signal bars in the top left does not work.

I got G-map east for iPhone app from app store.
This is Awesome app!!!!!!!
I have been using this new app a few days; basically I love almost everything about this app. It is only $24.99 bucks. But has features found $100 dedicated GPS devices. I think this is the only one navigation app in app store.

How do we update or install new maps on a device bought in 2008? Do we pay for that? How much do we pay, if any?

Abhay

The reason you think this is better than the 130 is by the looks of routing, not the features, the 130 has a foldable mount and it has the help me menu and it has canada maps