Sunday, October 25, 2009

Garmin NUVI 255

Best Camping Gear Reviews was recently given a Garmin NUVI 255 GPS device to try out. At first we thought it was not worth it but now that we have used it and learned how to use we love it! The Nuvi 255 is an entry level Garmin GPS device. It only costs around $200.00 and can be found at most sporting good stores and camping gear stores. If you are looking for a Garmin GPS device with more bells and whistles check out the Garmin Oregon GPS. Here are the features of the Garmin Nuvi 255:

Battery life: up to 4 hours
Waterproof: no
High-sensitivity receiver: yes
RoHS version available: yes
Maps & Memory:
Basemap: yes
Preloaded street maps: yes
Ability to add maps: yes
Built-in memory: internal solid state
Accepts data cards: microSD™ card (not included)
Waypoints/favorites/locations: 1000
Voice prompts: yes (internal speaker)
Speaks street names: yes
Voice-activated navigation (operate device with spoken commands): no
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation): yes
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road): yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.): yes
Bluetooth wireless technology (connect to your phone for hands-free calling): no
FM traffic compatible: yes
MSN Direct compatible: yes
XM Navtraffic & Radio for U.S. compatible: no
Speed limit indicator (displays speed limit for most major roads): yes
Where Am I? (find closest hospitals, police & gas stations, nearest address & intersection): yes
ecoRoute (calculates a more fuel-efficient route) : yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): yes
Garmin Garage vehicles compatible (download car-shaped icons to your device): yes
Garmin Garage voices compatible (download custom voices to your device): yes
Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos): yes
World travel clock, currency & unit converter, calculator: yes
Picture viewer: yes
Garmin Lock (anti-theft feature): yes
Touchscreen: yes
Marine-friendly: no

This is a basic GPS device but very nice. Once you learn how to use the device it is very easy and helpful. Overall, Best Camping Gear Reveiws thinks you should have this as part of your camping gear!