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Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Reviews
Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
- Factory Refurbished
- 4.3-inch auto navigator with an anti theft feature
- HotFix 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
Amazon.com Product Description This is a refurbished GPS. Refurbished generally means that the unit has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the navigator back to like new conditions. Some GPS may contain cosmetic blemishes.
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 2×5 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.
Important Product Information: This device features a “screen lock” feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2×5 and 7×5 Garmin units. If you slide the “Power” key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the “Power” key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for “Pedestrian” mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.
Key Features/Benefits for all 2×5 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)
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
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. |
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Old Interface |
New Interface |
New – HotFix™ – aka: Satellite Ephemeris Data Prediction
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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. |
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New – Navigate by Photo
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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.
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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. | |
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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.
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. |
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| Search for the location you want.
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Pick “Send to GPS”.
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Go!
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Traffic-Capable for Either FM Traffic or Enhanced MSN Direct Content
MSN Direct Enhanced Traffic and Content
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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 .95 per year, or 9.95 for a lifetime subscription. |
FM Traffic
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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. |
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| Wider screen lets you see more of what’s around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen
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and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen
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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 2×5 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 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.
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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 |
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Photos |
up to 5 | |||||||||
| nüvi 200w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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Photos |
up to 5 | |||||||||
| nüvi 250 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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Photos | up to 5 | ||||||||
| nüvi 250w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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Photos | up to 5 | ||||||||
| nüvi 260 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() |
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Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 270 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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Photos | up to 5 | |||||||
| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() |
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos | ![]() |
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up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205W | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() |
MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos | ![]() |
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up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos | ![]() |
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up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255W |
3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos | ![]() |
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up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 350 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos, MP3s |
up to 8 | ||||||
| nüvi 360 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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FM (with opt. receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | |||||
| nüvi 370 | 2.8 x 2.1 | ![]() |
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FM (receiver included) |
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Photos, MP3s | up to 8 | ||||
| nüvi 650 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos, MP3s | up to 7 | ||||||
| nüvi 660 |
3.81 x 2.25 |
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FM (receiver included) |
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Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
up to 7 | ||||
| nüvi 670 |
3.81 x 2.25 |
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FM (receiver included) |
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Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
up to 7 | |||
| nüvi 680 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN (receiver included; 1-year free); FM (with opt. receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
up to 7 | ||||
| nüvi 750 |
3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
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up to 5 | ||||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
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up to 5 | |||
| nüvi 770 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
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up to 5 | ||
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free) receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
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up to 5 | ||||
| nüvi 850 |
3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
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up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 880 |
3.81 x 2.25 | ![]() |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free); FM (with opt. receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s | ![]() |
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up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 5000 |
4.5 x 2.7 | ![]() |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |
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external battery only |
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| Basic MSN Direct Content Features | |
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Traffic Reports
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Gas Prices
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Weather Reports
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Movie Times
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| Enhanced MSN Direct Content | |
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Web Favorites (Send custom destinations to your GPS with Live Search Maps)
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Local Events
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Stock Quotes
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News Headlines
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| MSN Direct Coverage Map | |
Get detailed info for your Zip Code at the MSN Direct website. |
|
Rating:
(out of 1516 reviews)
List Price: $ 299.99
Price: Too low to display
TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
- Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico with Lifetime Map Updates
- Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories–gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more
- IQ Routes Technology calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day, saving you time, fuel and money
- Advanced Lane Guidance indicates exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently
- Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names
GPS, TOMTOM XXL 540M, LIFETIME MAPSOutsmart traffic with the TomTom XXL 540·M. With complete, five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates. On average, 15% of the road network changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With the TomTom XXL 540·M you’ll always stay current with the latest and most accurate maps. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico–including more than 7 million preloaded points of interest.
Five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates. |
Expand your horizons with a five-inch, extra-wide touchscreen. |
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability. |
Only TomTom has IQ Routes Technology* which shaves time off even the shortest trips by calculating the fastest route based on time of day you are traveling. You’ll always drive the smartest, most efficient route and save time, fuel and money. Advanced Lane Guidance** uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.
TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds and turn restrictions on your own device.
The “Help Me!” menu provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.
Maps of US, Canada & Mexico
Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device and receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico, worry free.
Lifetime Map Updates
Roads change, but you can keep your map updated for life. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry’s most accurate and up-to-date map. Updated versions include verified Map Share interim updates, plus official road change updates, including those altered or added for new buildings, roads and communities. Only TomTom has the capacity to cover millions of miles and make changes required to maintain our reputation as the leader in accurate navigation. New editions of the TomTom base map are issued every four months.
7 Million POIs
Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot, or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own points of interest.
IQ Routes Technology
TomTom IQ Routes Technology puts the driving experience of millions of TomTom users into your maps to shave time off even the shortest trips. Calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day. With TomTom IQ Routes you’ll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. IQ Routes saves you time, fuel and money.
Traffic isn’t the same during Monday morning rush hour as it is on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heavy traffic, rotaries, traffic lights, and even pedestrians can slow you down. The route you need changes depending on the day and time, so the shortest route isn’t necessarily going to be the fastest. With TomTom IQ Routes you’ll always drive the fastest route.
Advanced Lane Guidance*
TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won’t miss your turn or have to make sudden, dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently.
Spoken Street Names
Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names.
Five-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a five-inch, extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.
Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. The EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. The EasyPort mount makes your device even more portable so you can take it with you wherever you travel.
Traffic Ready
Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.
What’s in the Box
XXL 540M PND with pre-loaded maps, Fold & Go EasyPort mount, USB cable, car charger, adhesive disk, documentation, and redemption code for Lifetime Maps
*Feature only available in the US and Canada
**Feature available in the US only
All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go–Works right out of the box.
30 Day Latest Map Guarantee–Up to date, off the shelf.
TomTom Map Share–Modify your own map and benefit from others’ verified changes with TomTom Map Share.
Help Me! Emergency Menu–Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.
TomTom HOME–Always up to date.
Fuel Price Service (optional)–Know more, pay less.
What’s in the Box
TomTom XXL 540M device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guide and lifetime maps voucher
About TomTom
Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.
TomTom is the world’s leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.
We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world’s most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage–more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.
Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
Rating:
(out of 27 reviews)
List Price: $ 229.00
Price: Too low to display


































10 Users Response In " Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Reviews "
Review by Schultzie for Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
Rating:
I actually could not decide between the Garmin Nuvi 255w or the 750 model, so I decided to buy them both for comparison. I mounted them both to my car windshield and gave them various addresses to find together. I found that both models took the same routes and announced upcoming turns and street names at practically the same time. One thing I noticed about the 255w was that it was updating my position on the road more often, I’d say about 3 times as often as the 750. This made for smoother graphics on the 255w of the vehicle moving along displayed roads, where the 750′s display was more of a “jerky” movement. I also found that the display on the 255w was a bit brighter, clearer, and more vivid than on the 750 in both daylight and at night. Another feature I like on the 255w is the graphic turn indicator in the upper left corner, which the 750 lacks. This is a small arrow which shows upcoming turns and the distance to that turn. It also show things like a fork in the road, (ie: a Y intersection), and which fork you will be taking. The 750 just displays text on the top line for upcoming turns without the arrow. It’s just a little extra feature on the 255w which I happened to really like. The 255 also automatically adjusts the font size of displayed text so that even lengthy text will fit.
Another feature on the 255w is a display of the posted speed limit on the road which you are currently on right above your current displayed speed. I found myself not even looking at my car speedometer as I could easily see my current speed and the speed limit of my route at a glance. The 750 doesn’t have this feature. I also like how they moved the zoom in (+) and zoom out (-) buttons on the 255w to the same side of the screen which makes it a bit easier. On the 750 the zoom buttons are on opposite sides of the screen.
Now there are some features on the 750 that the 255w does not have. The 750 can broadcast it’s sound over your FM radio with the supplied cigarette lighter cable, and it has a headphone jack, which I found to be nice features. The 750 also has an MP3 player and an Audio-book player, which the 255w does not. Another really nice feature of the 750 is the car locater. This is a great feature if you are parking in a really big lot, such as at an amusement park or a fair. The 750 marks your location when you remove it from the car, then you take it with you and it remembers where you parked and takes you right back to your car. The 255w doesn’t have the car locater.
I also thought the the voice prompts of the 750 where more pleasant sounding than the 255w’s. The 750 sounds more like a real female voice, where the 255w sounds more robotic.
Another thing to consider was that I paid $50 less for the 750 and it came with the FM transmitter cable and a USB cord to connect it to your computer for updates and downloads.
My final decision was to keep the 255w and return the 750 because I really liked the graphic turn indicator and the posted speed limit and current speed indicators. I didn’t find a need for the 750′s MP3 player and Audio book player, but that is up to personal preference. Since the USB cable was not included with the 255w, I purchased it on this site for $10. I also intend to purchase the MSN direct cable when it is available in August 2008.
Review by EmbeddedFlyer for Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
Rating:
If you spend much time driving in unfamiliar territory, especially if you rent cars in big cities, a good portable GPS makes an amazing difference. And the Garmin 255W is the best one I could find in the $250 – $350 range.
First this thing just plain works. I haven’t had any issues with mine. It was easy to set up and figure out right out of the box, and it’s easy to use. It never has had trouble getting sufficient signal unlike earlier and cheaper models.
I chose the 255W for several reasons: It uses some of the newest and best maps available. It has one of the more usable touch screens for entering destinations. It’s fast to acquire satellites. And Garmin almost always comes out on top in reviews–especially in routing.
Ultimately, you buy a car GPS to get you from Point A to Point B as easily and efficiently as possible. And that’s what the 255W does best. If you’ve ever had a “Brand X” GPS take you on some strange route that adds 20 minutes to your trip, has you turn the wrong way down a one way road, tell you to turn AFTER you’ve passed the street, frequently loses the satellite signal, or has old maps missing streets, you know how important this stuff is.
The 255W has a really clear display that’s easy to see in any light. It’s small enough to use on foot. The windshield mount works great and it’s easy to toss in the glovebox when you park. It even tells you the speed limit on most roads. The “points of interest” feature works very well to find places to eat by type of cuisine, gas stations, etc.
The difference between the 255W and 205W is the 255 speaks street names and includes Alaska and Canada. The 205 and 205W will tell you to “turn right in 500 feet” which isn’t as helpful or obvious as “turn right on Ivy Street in 500 feet”. The “W” models are widescreen which makes entering destinations easier due to having a bigger “keyboard” and also lets you see more map area while driving.
All in all this isn’t the cheapest GPS in its class but it’s one of the best. My only gripe is you need an expensive add-on to get live traffic data–something that’s included with the Magellan Roadmate 1430 which is close to the same price. But the Garmin 255W is a better GPS in every other way.
Review by L. Smith for Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
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I received this GPS system about a week ago, and I haven’t found one thing to complain about yet. The features are great, and all entirely user friendly. No need to read the manual, just plug it in and go! The Garmin Nuvi 255W connects to satellites extremely fast–So when I get in my car and turn it on, we’re pretty much ready to go immediately. The new display posts speed limit signs of major roads flush left on the screen, which is a new feature that is also really helpful, if you’re driving in an unfamiliar area. The widescreen display makes it possible to view the names of roads that you are passing on the screen–which makes it much easier to differentiate between which road to turn on when there are two streets on your right (not clearly labeled) that are only one house apart…which has happened to me twice… Also, the fact that the Garmin Nuvi 255W speaks street names is also helpful in times like these. In addition, another feature I find to be immensely helpful is how fast the Nuvi 255W recalculates your position if you do miss a turn. I love the detour feature, it saved me a ton of time when I heard there was an accident on the highway and took back roads that I would have never known existed! I would recommend the Garmin Nuvi 255W to anyone looking for a fast, reliable, and easy to use GPS system.
Review by Derek for Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
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Was exactly what I was looking for. Widescreen unit that spoke the actual street name at a budget price. Was originally shopping on auction websites but Garmin’s 1 year warranty doesn’t support refurbished units sold on auction websites. Was also scared about it being a refurbished unit, but so far no issues. I’ve updated the software and downloaded the latest maps, all without issue. Doesn’t come in a fancy retail box, but does include the mount and suction cup. Based on my experience, I would recommend the unit to a friend.
Review by Chuck T. Moser for Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
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I’ve never owned a GPS personally, but have had the occasional opportunity to use friends and family’s GPS that comes with the cars, most notably the ones in Honda’s CRV’s… and have wanted one ever since.
After picking up the Nuvi 255w, I gotta say, this comes pretty darn close to the experience with the expensive factory-installed units… only smaller. In short, I can’t think of much I don’t like about it.
It picks up the satellites quickly (I’ve never noticed a lag), routes fast, has good animation (maybe 6-8 frames a second?), and is very, very accurate. The preloaded maps don’t include some of the roads that have been built in our town in the last year (which is to be expected), but does include our street, which isn’t even available on Google Maps yet. (Go figure) It’s light, looks good and comes with everything you need EXCEPT the USB cable to hook it to the computer. If you don’t have this, the only way to charge it is to use the cigarette lighter adapter that comes in the box. I just used the one that came with my digital camera, and it works fine. The screen is easily readable in the sun, and I love how it automatically dims to 20% at night.
One purpose this can be used for, which I never thought of before, is a portable yellow pages. Not only does it give you the address of the business, it also gives the phone number. Pretty cool. I didn’t have the problems with the sounds of the voices like others have. They sound good to me… a little mechanical, but good.
The interface is a seller for me. Keep in mind that I don’t really have much experience to compare it to, but it’s obvious they’ve put some thought into it. The icons are a bit garish and cartoony, though… it’s no iPhone.
The cons: The documentation sucks. Not that you really need it… the directions didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know after fiddling with it for 10 minutes.
It doesn’t ALWAYS speak the street names… most of the time, though.
Some of the voices are annoying. The British accent seems to talk in slow motion, but I think it’s the easiest to understand.
I think they could work a little harder on the interface from a design standpoint. Nothing major, just a few tweaks here and there could really make it shine.
The Mac support is little lacking.
All in all, I’d buy another one in a heartbeat. It truly is a great value, and I have no regrets. My only advice to Garmin is to reduce the number of different models by more than half. It’s a nightmare to try and make a confident decision with the sheer amount of choices and features that seem to make little sense as to why some are more expensive than others.
Review by S. Tolchinsky for TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
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Everything is great until you have to contact customer support.
Before you buy this GPS you must to know: You have only 30 days warranty to replace your device with a new one (isn’t it useful!!!). If it will brake after it, you will get “refurbished” device, which is not exactly what you expect. It will be a USED unit, scratched all over, and in my case – not working! I spent 3 months talking and emailing to TomTom, and it seems there is no solution. You will end up with someone’s old GPS.
I will never buy TomTom again.
Review by Carl Kogut for TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
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Although I just got this unit, I am very impressed! It’s very quick starting up, very quick in determining my location and seems to be very accurate in terms of exits, roads, etc. My only disappointment is that the “lifetime” map feature is based on the “useful lifetime” of the device and TomTom reserves the right to determine what the useful life is and can withdraw support for it whenever they choose to. That significantly reduces the value of the “lifetime” map offer, but for an extra $30, it’s probably still worth it, assuming they don’t stop supporting it within a year!
Review by Gary for TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
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Easy to use GPS, clear and concise directions provided, easy to see screen. This is my first GPS and I have found it very easy to get set up and learn. However, TomTom Home is extremely slow to update, both when downloading a map update from the web and updating the GPS memory. Total process took over 3 hours! Downgrading to the prior version (2.6) of TomTom Home did not help, so I went back to the latest version (2.7x). So far this is my only disappointment.
It is very accurate and timely showing streets and announcing upcoming turns, even is rural areas. Screen is easy to see, even in bright sun on the dash. Window suction cup works well for mounting unit. So far, I love it.
Review by Allison1076 for TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
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I just wanted to provide this small tip to new users of the TomTom. It’s about the suction cup for the windshield – I’ve read review that it doesn’t hold well, and one person said that if he wet the cup before sticking, that worked for a while. The windshield mount that comes with the TomTom actually is designed to hold – but the instructions aren’t clear. So here’s how you get it to hold really tight – you couldn’t even pull it off.
You will need to figure out the position of the mount first, then separate it from your TomTom, since you can’t do the rest of this with it attached. With the suction cup facing the windshield (away from you), turn the disk that is in the center all the way counter clockwise. Then stick the mount onto your windshield where you want it, and while you push it with your hand, use your other hand to turn the disk in the center all the way clockwise. That motion, turning it clockwise, makes the suction cup really tight. Then you can put your TomTom back onto the mount.
Hope this helps some folks. My mount fell off a couple of times, then I realized what I’d done wrong.
When I went to the web site to set up the My Tomtom account and check for updates, I have to say that it wasn’t super intuitive – at first it wouldn’t take my code. Not sure why that is, but after going through some stuff I was able to do it. The GPS itself is very nice, I like the choices of voices, and the display is nice. It does reroute quickly when you make a different turn than it tells you.
Review by Tiger for TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
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Really great overall. Only a few things keep me from suggesting 5-star. I find the screen is a nice large size and easy to read. Data input is easy, doesn’t make you type the beyond enough letters to pick from a scroll list, and there are 4 keyboard choices with large keys for my thumbs to work without a problem. I really like the life-time maps concept for current maps (compares to phone navigation that usually is always latest maps). Map updates are expensive otherwise. Routes seem correct and smart. Built in traffic would be nicer (as with the “MT” model), but that is what the optional assessory is for this model. However, I haven’t bought or used the traffic assessory that is RDMS (radio-based), which looks expensive, and supposedly limited to major roadways compared to internet-based traffic updates of phones and other systems. The verbal driections are effective and well worth it. Overall, I really like it. It is a nice device if you want a one-time purchase, a dedicated device, and a large display. All things considered, it really only falls short on no configurable street name speach speed for enunciation and screen touchy so that I keep setting my volume to 0 when I want it to repeat the last direction, which keeps me from saying 5 star. So my rating is I really like it.
A dedicated GPS device will tend to have a much better GPS receiver than phones and I haven’t had a problem at all with GPS signal so far. It can show you active GPS data signal from all sources. Location tracking seems very fast, current, & reliable. It seems to take 30 seconds to 2 mintutes to get a GPS signal when I first turn it on. It seems to remember where I last was and assumes you are still there, and you can plan a new route from there and start. By the time I get to my first turn it seems to be already up and tracking me. If you connect it to a PC by USB to update, it supposedly can update GPS satellite locations for the next 7 days at a time to get the signal even faster.
The spoken turn-by-turn with street names is a must for me so I know which street to turn on when there are several. This is especially useful if there are GPS signal problems which I have had on *other* devices so I can watch for the street if it is lagging my location a little bit. The volume & speaker quality seem great, better than phones, and can automatically adjust based on your speed to account for road noise. However spoken street names really only works with the computer voice. The device comes with 4 English human voices (3 female, 1 male) and one computer voice (female), and you can download a different male computer voice, Simon (UK) for free. The human voices are a bit clearer, but no street names from what I can tell. Some devices like some phone navigation offers many human street names and if none available automatically mixes in a computer spoken street name. I wish I could have this mix a human voice when available and fill in with computer spoken streen names & messages. It is only one or the other, so I just leave the computer voice on. The default computer voice is decent for main directions & numbers, but mis-pronounces a bit. For example, the 10th largest US City, San Jose, is spoken as “San Hua-Se” instead of “San Ho-say”. But realistically that is entirely forgivable and you can navigate by it without error. What is more difficult is the enunciation of street names which are spoken too fast and not enunciated well. I prefer the downloadable Simon (UK) computer voice which seems a bit better. If unfamiliar with the streets, which is the main case for me to use a navigation device, I need to hear the name enunciated well so I can see road signs and understand what the name will look like, and this falls short, but is still workable. If you can look at the screen and just see the name, it solves it, but isn’t always convenient while driving, but a good vent mount like NAVGEAR 14027 Universal GPS Vent Mount really helps. You cannot configure the computer speach to slow down, which would solve it for street names.
The touch screen is a bit too touchy. It actually seemed great out of the box, then after I updated the device the first time which installed an updated version of the software (which added enhancements like 4 keyboard choices), the screen seems to me to be more touchy. This is actually problemmatic and annoying at times. You touch the screen to bring up the menu or select a menu item. But sometimes it registers 2 presses and closes the menu or selects the item that was at the same location without a delay from the first selection. Seems like they could add a delay between registering presses in menus. A bit too often I end up somewhere else from it registring 2 presses. The most problemmatic is pressing the lower-left to have it repeat a direction, which also brings up the volume control starting in the same spot with the 0% at the same location you just pressed. It nearly always ends up immediately changing my volume to 0 when I wanted it to repeat the direction, and now I miss all spoken directions until I can fix it, which is more difficult while driving. Still, if you are just careful, pay attention, or don’t use the screen while driving which you shouldn’t anyway, then should be fine. I am still very happy with it despite a bit of a touchy screen. Makes data entry nice & fast, which is probably why it is turned up.
Updating the device is simple enough and the software seems nice. Enabling the lifetime map service kept failing without a clear error. It turns out you need to run the update first to fully update the device the first time, then it would let me enter the lifetime maps activation code. Restarting the application was the only clue and told me to update. Once activated, it doesn’t make it clear elsewhere in the app that it understands it is updated and goes back to failing. When I first activated, it listed a new map to download, but I just updated the device, so it should have had the latest and I didn’t have the time, so when I went back later the code wouldn’t come up again to list the same map update it did last time. Updating the device the first time took several hours over my DSL to get the 1.6 GB map update and transfer to the device.