Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
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Garmin’s nüvi 260W combines the thinprofile and attractive price point of other nüvi 200-series GPS with directions in real street names and a wide screen that lets you see more of what’s around you as you drive. Garmin’s line on the device is that, “the nüvi 260W gives consumers the most sought-after navigation features, while eliminating many of the premium add-ons. The result is a PND that simply gets you from point A to point B – reliably, efficiently, and with style.” As with all nüvis, you get Garmin reliability, the fast satellite lock of a high-sensitivity integrated receiver, a slim, pocket-sized navigator with a gorgeous display, detailed NAVTEQ maps that lets you search by name for more than 6 million points of interest like stores, restaurants or hospitals, and an easy, intuitive interface.
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Wider screen lets you see more of what’s around.
Compare these actual size views:
3-inch (diagonal) screen 4.3-inch (diagonal) widescreen |
The nüvi 260W comes preloaded with maps for U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, and features an ultra-slim design. |
Text-To-Speech
The text-to-speech feature of the nüvi 260W means that device automatically calls out street names (saying “turn right on Main Street” instead of “turn right in 200 feet.”). This feature lets drivers keep their eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways.
See More of What’s Around
The 4.3-inch backlit widescreen touchscreen on the nüvi 260W 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.
Smart, Powerful Design
The nüvi 260W is built with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for extreme accuracy, as well as an SD card slot for storing your media and additional navigation tools, and a USB interface for loading data.The nüvi display is touchscreen-enabled, making it a cinch to control the device with your fingertips. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to five hours of battery life depending on use.
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
First Rate Map Data
The nüvi 260W comes preloaded with City Navigator NT North America–road coverage for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico and nearly 6 million points of interest. City Navigator North America NT gives you everything you need to travel North America. Powered by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality digital map data, City Navigator brings you the most detailed street maps available so you can navigate with exact, turn-by-turn directions to any address or intersection.
Easy To Use Interface
Garmin’s interface is a key to their success and one of the things that 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.
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Beyond Navigation
 Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer. |
 nüvi 260W accepts custom points of interest (POIs). View larger. |
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 260W features travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. It also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map.
This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via SD 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.
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 let you ride in style, at least inside your GPS. See more icon option |
Like all nüvis, the 260W supports 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. |
What’s in the Box
nüvi 260W, preloaded City Navigator NT for North America, vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, dashboard disk, and quick start manual.
Visit Garmin.com to get the latest firmware updates for your nüvi to keep it current and performing at its best.
Note: 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.
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Device
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Screen Size inches (W x H)
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Included Maps
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Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names)
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Traffic
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Bluetooth
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Media
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FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system)
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Multi-Point Routing
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Battery life (hours)
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Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
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AK and Canada
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Europe
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| nüvi 260 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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Photos | up to 5 | |||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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Photos | up to 5 | |||||
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 285WT | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 465T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 755T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 5 | |
| nüvi 765T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | |
| nüvi 775T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 5 | |
| nüvi 785T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 855 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 885T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | |
| nüvi 1200 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1250 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1260T | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1300 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1350 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1350T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1370T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1390T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1490T | 4.4 x 2.5 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1690 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service) |
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Photos |
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up to 3 | ||
Features
- GPS system preloaded with City Navigator North America NT
- 4.3-inch touchscreen display with 2D/3D mapping perspective
- Turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance and text to speech
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot
- Includes JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 3 x 1 x 5 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
Garmin is the only way to go
Garmin phone help was awesome. Called on two different occasions to ask a couple of questions and they answered the phone promptly, could answer my questions immediately. They patiently walked me through downloading a different voice. Was pleasantly surprised! Although I really love this gps, beware that it can be distracting while driving; like any gps. The quality of the screen seems to make it even more compelling not to watch the road while you are driving. They didn’t even ask about serial numbers, purchase date. After having one of the original GPS’ with an antenna, what a wonderful experience to have this tiny clear GPS that fits into a small purse. Thank you Garmin. All of my research has indeed paid off! I have been using it for about 4 months now, but so far I like everything about it. I held out for the text to speech and am glad I did. Although the speaker is a bit tinny, one reviewer suggested setting it at 60% and that is perfect. Keeps the satellite although it does take about a minute to find it initially. I am happy I paid the extra bucks for the bigger screen!
My Traveling Companion
This is the first GPS unit I’ve used and I find it very accurate and easy to use. Already it has been of immense help.
Love the Garmin nuvi w/ 4.3 in. screen
I bought this device for a trip to Florida. It took us straight to the hotel in less time than a popular online mapping website estimated. It was easy to learn how to use the options. I like the feature of being able to search by business name as well as an address. I have only had 2 problems with the device, it has offered me a choice of restaurants and led me there, only to have the places not be there. I just asked for more choices and moved on to a different place to eat. Since the voice is feminine I named it “Garmina.” Garmina is awesome for a directionally challenged person like me! Would recommend!
Garmin Rules, I owe four of them!
You will never go wrong with your trust in Garmin. I own four different Garmin units, one for my car, my wife’s car, hiking and golfing. I have always recieved tremendous customer support when needed and software upgrades at a very reasonable cost or for free. This is a great company that offers reliable products and super support after the sale.
GPS
This product directed me through Chicago, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh in one week. If I never use it again (which I will), it was worth every penny. I can read the screen without reading glasses (which I do not wear while driving). It gives the estimated time of arrival to the destination and how fast I am going (discovered my speedometer is inaccurate at higher speeds). If a wrong turn is made, the GPS recalulates and gets you where you want to go with specific exit numbers and street names.
best deal around
this is the second garmin GPS i have bought from amazon and each time i get a better deal….
a terrific guide
We drove with our Garman through unchartered cities – Vancouver canada and also Portland and it proved invaluable. Since I have always been the navagator and many times chose the wrong way it was relaxing to depend on the Garman to lead us correctly. Will never take a driving trip without it.
Garmin 260W
This is by far. The best GPS I have owned. It’s been very accurate. I downloaded all of the updates, icons and voices with no problem at all.
works great !
worked great on a trip to St Paul MN. would definitely recommend it
Good value.
Short on features (which I don’t need) at an excellent price. Used to download traffic cam data for AZ.
Great Product
This is one great product. I’m an older fella (62) and I wanted to visit my grandchild in Imperial Beach, California. I had no idea where they lived. All I had was an address on a piece of paper. Well, I put this address into the machine and this amazing product took me right to the front door!
It was extremely easy to program and it gave me an abundance of information. The days of paper maps are over. Since I have no sense of direction whatsoever this product is invaluable to me. I was truly amazed.
Better than my TomTom
I was very excited to get receive said object in the mail. Its totally a lot better than my TomTom One I had. It actually speaks the street names, tells you what side of the street your location/destination is on. One thing I do miss is the different voices. But I can make do.
All I can say is….buy this product you will never turn back to something else.
Great Investment !
Just got back from Ohio to Texas and back. This little jewel really took much of the stress out of finding our way there and back. We drove down through Nashville and Memphis and came back through StLouis with a stop in Dayton on the way to Zanesville. Silly me I thought that Points of interest would include like scenic points – but maybe that will be the next model. GeePee was good about finding which restaurants were in the area and specific restaurants along the way. Finding Hotels along the way was a snap. All our running around in Dallas and Fort Worth was done by GeePee. You had to pay attention when “she” (hehehe)was giving directions sometimes she sounded like a computer. Also things got confusing in areas of new road construction but we allways got “recalculated” outathere. Everything you need is in the box – click – snap – plug and away you go. You do need to allow time for GeePee to tri angulate and from there She tells you where to go! GeePee has officially become a member of the familly – we’re keepin’er.
Johnman
I love my Nuvi
I have a Nuvi 250W and purchased this 260W as a wedding gift. Where to begin? I carry mine with me every where I go. I have used it to find where I want to go, to find my way when I have been lost, as a business phone book, to find out if I am close to a particular store or restaurant and as a photo screener. It can also be used as a translator in its Trip Advisor. I have had mine for about 3 years now and can’t imagine life without it. Really!! On a holiday weekend I had a big bolt in my tire. I looked up Tow Service and after 5 calls found one to help me. I was out of town and wanted KFC for dinner. Found the one closest to where I was. I wanted to know if a store I was on my way to, would be open long enough to make it worth my while to go there, so I looked them up and called them. Not only does it list the address and directions, but also the phone number. If you make a wrong turn while using the Nuvi, it, almost immediately, says “Re-Calculating” and then tells you how to get back on the right track. The tap screen is simple to use. Just watch as you type because if you make a mistake at the beginning of the word(s) and have completed the typing with an early error, you have to backspace to the error and retype the whole thing. Would like to see a way to just move the cursor to the error instead. The voice is clear and you have a limited choice of male and female voices. You can get an occassional chuckle from the pronounciation of some names. The volume is good but I would like to have the range go a little higher – but it really is ok. The screen is easy to read and instructions are easily accessed. I found the unit very intuitive – no real learning curve. And it is ready to use out of the box. Just turn it on and put it in the window or outside for about 5-10 minutes so it can sync to the satellite. Use after that takes a couple of minutes to give you driving directions. Turn it on. Type in what you want to do, and I put mine on the dash while it is “acquiring satellite” – when it is ready, it will talk to you. I love showing off my pictures on the wide screen. It seems to be durable, as I have dropped mine a couple of times without damage. The unit is not heavy, fits in your pocket or almost any purse. You can charge in it the car or at home. I put a cup in my cup holder in my car, and put the charging unit in the cup. I NEVER leave the unit in car – I would be sooooooooo upset if someone stole my Nuvi. And by having the charging unit in the console instead of on the dash, it is not as obvious that I even have a GPS. I love GPS and I love my Nuvi.
garmin
cheapest price anywhere. same quality you find in big electronic stores. delivery time reasonable. would recommend to everyone.
Worth the Money
For the short time I have used it, has been very good and accurate. Worth every cent I paid for it.
Garmin…Good Value!
I bought this for my wife. She plugged it in and a way she went. It’s easy to use, accurate, & portable enough to move from vehicle to vehicle. I checked the big box stores on price, & Amazon was quite a bit less. I’d buy it again.
There has got to be a better way
This Garmin device works OK giving you direction. However, the maps are really not that accurate and I think they do this by design so that you feel the need to update the maps when they come out. Map updating used to be simple: get a CD/DVD and download via a small application that runs on your PC. Recently Garmin has made changes to this. Now, the update is really expensive and follows a complex, error prone and convoluted process: you will go through not one, not two, but FIVE separate program installs on your computer and the device itself:
1. Download browser plug in
2. Download updater for the Mac
3. Download what you think is the map, but it is not, because there is another map download (see #5); it is actually downloading “Garmin Map Update”
4. Download an update for the device
5. Download “new map” at 1.2GB; took two hours on a high speed connection to abort and give a generic error. Had to restart the download again. Waited another two hours to download.
6. Finally the actual install to the device took over an hour.
For the premium that you pay for the map updates, there should be one install on your computer and one on the device. Garmin clearly doesn’t care about customer service and their attitude seems to be “take it or leave it”. In this day and age, and for a premium price, this is totally unacceptable. Next time, I will not be buying Garmin.
Garmin nuvi 260W 4.3
This is a gr8 lil product! Won’t be lost anymore. Very easy to use as well:)
Decent but less good than the nuvi 205
I had my original nuvi 205, about 3 inch, stolen from my car so I got this one. It works fine but the voice is lousy. It has the feel of a less solid piece of equipment than the 205. I don’t use blue-tooth, whatever. I just use it for directions.