Garmin nuvi 255W - An Electronic Compass

Author's Rating:

Pros: The unit gives clear instructions well in advance of any turns, etc.

Cons: Insufficient written instructions and poor website.  No USB cable provided.

The Bottom Line: 
I recommend this unit if you require basic in-state travel assistance.  It has a nice sized screen, clear voice response, and provides sufficient time to follow its instructions.

Author's Review
One of the outstanding features of the Garmin nuvi 255w is the clarity of the voice response.  While the directions given are not always the most direct, the unit is capable of redirecting the user to the destination.  The written instructions provided with the unit leaves much to be desired, and the same is true for the Garmin website.  After much difficulty and persistence in attempting to register online, the serial number finally was accepted, although initially it kept saying that that serial number could not be found.  When trying to download the "free" map update, the website kept giving a message to "check the connection" when there was no problem with the connection.  Only after surfing through several screens, did I find out that there was no "free" map update available for the unit I purchased.  The website should let you know at the time you register your unit, whether or not, there is a free map update for that unit.  Also a USB cable should come with the unit, or at least the written instructions should let you know that you need one in order to register the unit on its website.  If GPS is new to you, you don't know that fact until you start registering; then it instructs you to plug one in.  As mentioned in other reviews, I found that it is not necessary to purchase the Garmin USB cable.  Any "mini" USB camera cable will work.  I purchased a "mini" USB cable at Dollar Tree.  All-in-all, it's a great tool and a good investment.