Garmin nüvi 260 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Manufacturer: Garmin Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours List Price:$482.13 Our Price:$248.32 Features: Auto Navigation Mapping for the US, Canada and Puerto Rico Turn by Turn Directions with Spoken Street Names 3.5 in Diagonal Color Touchscreen w/High Sensitivity GPS Receiver Trip Computer Records Mileage, Max Speed, Total Time and More 1.0 Lbs (WxLxH) 0.8" x 3.8" x 2.8" Description: Garmin's nüvi 260 combines the thin profile and attractive price point of other nüvi 200-series GPS with directions in real street names. 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. Which nüvi is Best for You?: Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators. The nüvi 260 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 260 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. 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. All this is wrapped up in a package that measures 4.8 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches (W x H x D) and weighs just 6.6 ounces. 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 Navigate with Ease The nüvi 260 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, 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. In addition, the nüvi 260 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. 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. 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 260 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 260 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. With this GPS system on board you'll be prepared to steer clear of traffic with the integrated FM TMC traffic receiver. The nüvi 260W is designed to receive alerts 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. What's in the Box nüvi 260, preloaded City Navigator NT for the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Canada, vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, dashboard disk, and set up and go guide. 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. Screen Size inches (w x h) Included Maps Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) Traffic Bluetooth Media 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 Photos up to 5 nüvi 200w 3.81 x 2.25 Photos up to 5 nüvi 250 2.8 x 2.1 Photos up to 5 nüvi 250w 3.81 x 2.25 Photos up to 5 nüvi 260 2.8 x 2.1 Photos up to 5 nüvi 260w 3.81 x 2.25 Photos up to 5 nüvi 270 2.8 x 2.1 Photos up to 5 nüvi 350 2.8 x 2.1 FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 8 nüvi 360 2.8 x 2.1 FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 8 nüvi 370 2.8 x 2.1 FM (receiver included) Photos, MP3s up to 8 nüvi 650 3.81 x 2.25 FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 7 nüvi 660 3.81 x 2.25 FM (receiver included) Photos, MP3s up to 7 nüvi 670 3.81 x 2.25 FM (receiver included) Photos, MP3s up to 7 nüvi 680 3.81 x 2.25 MSN (receiver included; 1-year free); FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 7 nüvi 750 3.81 x 2.25 MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 5 nüvi 760 3.81 x 2.25 MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 5 nüvi 770 3.81 x 2.25 MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 5 nüvi 780 3.81 x 2.25 MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free) receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 5 nüvi 850 3.81 x 2.25 MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 4 nüvi 880 3.81 x 2.25 MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free); FM (with opt. receiver) Photos, MP3s up to 4 nüvi 5000 4.5 x 2.7 MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) external battery only

Reviews:

Happy with my Garmin 260
Small Nice and, and easily adjustments in the purse. We have it right catch in Hawaii, and it was extemely useful. I think that it is very important to make announce the street names. It is what sold me on this unit. Very easy to use.


Perfect GPS
This GPS does all the things I need it for and nothing more and the price is just right. I am very happy with the product.


All the features you really need!
Finally, a great product with ONLY the essential features that you need! I had to look around too many sites to find a GPS that had only the features I really needed. Sure, Bluetooth, MP3 capability, and photo viewing are nice, but who needs them? I have my iPod for the car, a wireless earpiece for my phone, and do I really need to look at photos while I'm driving? This device updates routes quickly when you stray off course and has easily accessable Point-of-Interest locater. I think this is an awesome value!


excellent gps
it is the second whom I bought. This unit has all the devices which I have need (the screen of contact, express instructions, pronounces street names), without all the additional expenses which are without true use with me, but complicates them by using the total product. Large general practitioners, and easy to employ.


This is great!
I like this product! It is so easy to employ. I bought for my boy friend and liked so much it that I still bought for my father. When I buy myself a car still buys for me. Its pretty inexpensive and so useful!


Garmin 260 GSP Navigator
Seller shipped item promptly and it arrived in good condition. I am very satisfied with my purchase.


Poor Customer Svc at Garmin
I had the same problem with large chain stores, small malls etc. They just aren't in there. It was extremely frustrating and I wanted to file a complaint. All I got was, "go to map errors". That did not satisfy me, why should others get stuck with incomplete information??? They should not have released this product unless it was absolutely correct. The guy at Garmin said "its the map people". HUH? If you get to keep my $250 you should check on the MAP people. I tried reaching a management person to complain to, well GOOD LUCK reaching anyone in authority at Garmin.


A great, affordable GPS unit
I had employed Nuvi 260 during approximately a month now. I am extremely satisfied with him. Before the purchase, I sought a unit it was easy to employ that, had possibilities (TTS) text-voice (would say the street names, etc...) and had easy at the points of use/find of interest. This unit has all that and it is extremely easy lira the charts. We stripped had all the errors with bad directions, etc. During the month spent, we employed it even if we knew the directions with our destination, to just examine out of the route which it gave. Sometimes, we chose a different route based on the known models of traffic, etc, but the routes which it gave were reasonable. Me was impressed that a recently established deviation was identified in the charts. As for the facility of use, we literally took this unit out of the box and started to employ it. All the orders are very easy with find/adjust and the battery keeps its load for a quantity of sizeable time. I wish that it come with an adaptor with A.C., but if you seek accessible, easy to employ, the up to date unit of GPS with a sizeable number of devices, this is a great small unit notes order of the Amazon of **: Although we ordered Nuvi 260 and invoices it and even the BOX indicated that we received from the 260, the unit which we have in the received beginning was Nuvi 250. It was only when we tried to listen to the function of TTS which we carried out that we had the false unit. The 250 does not have TTS. In fact, it is the only reason which we chose the surplus the 260 250. In any case, the Amazon replaced the unit and I had the nine in my hands in 5 days of businesses. You ensure to just you glance the unit and the box to ensure itself to obtain the unit to you which you ordered! !


garmin 260 gps
The portable navigator of the nüvi 260 3.5-Inches GPS of Garmin this product was simply marvellous. We took it on a journey to Florida and could obtain from one spot to another without any problem. Another nice device was the fact that we could punch in a name of a restaurant and obtain its telephone number to make reservations.


Great Buy!
I bought Garmin Nuvi 260 after my dad obtained to it his. It is A must if you travel much or if you move with a new sector. More directions of impression of the Internet and test of reading a chart while the control... of this receiver of GPS will arrive to you there! Only the disadvantage is that it does not contain charts of some new roads or developments of housing. In a general way, it is money spent well. Two inches upwards!


Life saver!
I love this product so much!!!! I am directionally challenged, so this is a must have for me. it tells you where tio turn (the street names and the distance). It is great!!!


NUVI 260 - Great cust serv
This GPS is very easy to use. I had a question about setting something up, all I had to do was call Garmin and they walked me through it right over the phone plus gave me some tips on how to use it. Very good cust serv.


Great Garmin!
I bought Garmin Nuvi 260 well before a movement transversely envisaged of country, feeling I would also need him when I obtained in a new state. I made research on various models and various marks, and read all the customer that the reviews before deciding this could be the lines for me. I was magic to note that after only 10 minutes (perhaps less!) I could employ all the functions easily. A small disadvantage, as brought back by another critic - the frame of aspiration for the windshield is not held after a moment in heat in Florida. No purchaser of first time of a unit of navigation (or one which technically defied) would be disappointed in this article.


baba66
The Garmin Nuvi 260 works great for me. I'm an "electronically challenged" grandma & find it simple to program & operate. The screen is a little small, but I rarely have to look at it. Directions are loud and clear enough for me that I don't get stressed out. Sometimes directions are a little off, but I'm told that's true w/ all GPSs. Wish it came w/ carrying case. Glad I bought a Garmin portable friction mount for my Nuvi so I can easiy remove or tuck my GPS out of sight when necessary.


Fantastic purchase
Great product. worked as advertised. the great advantage is finding grocery stores, etc in unfamialar areas.


It's Been Fun
I bought the Nuvi 260 as a gift for my boyfriend. He's been having a blast with it. It is a fairly intuitive product. Very easy to figure out. I settled on the 260 after much discussion on GPS units, comparing GPS units, and deciding on what features were desireable. The Nuvi 260 offers the text to speech feature while the 200 does not. I felt that this was important, especially if you're focused on looking for a street name. It's nice to have the unit say the street name.

As for the other features like bluetooth, media player, and so on. They were not desireable features. The wish was for a basic GPS unit to do navigation (car, bike, or walking).

It has been a bit sluggish on picking up the satellites at times. But the reason has been because of our location (underground parking lot or a parking lot structure - just can't read through concrete).

It also lost the text to speech function once. But after restoring the defaults, the text to speech function returned.

All in all, it has been a good purchase.


Great product and Great Price
I bought this for my wife because it seems to remember how to arrive at a place of only from where it at the beginning went there (used to thus live 10 miles of north of it of it would lead 10 miles of north right to the south of drive behind the manner that it knew. UGH! ! HELP ME!) It is the first GPS which I bought but I made student and read of it good things about this unit. Let say to me that my wife will not cease to me saying how much she likes me after this purchase. It was a late gift and additional of Christmas. The text with the word functions very well. The screen is interesting and luminous with colors sharp. After you obtained used with which categories to employ in the menu when seeking points of VOR whereas you note that research functions rather quickly and the house of all but of your grandmaw already seems to be in the unit. I checked several places which I appeared would not however be in the unit of the whole it found each up to now. The screen of contact functions well and the unit is so small that my wife can put it in her average console or her pocket. This thing makes very that we want. I was very impressed and my wife was overjoyed with the purchase. I can honestly say that it is the best present than I bought it, good without counting that its ring of interlocking:) Another note is that I in the beginning had bought this with the DC but were turned over to him because the price of the Amazon was so better. Each from time to other it goes the other manner but typically I can find here businesses very good and do not have too hard one moment on returns. In conclusion. If you seek a unit well have the price indicated of VOR which has the text with the word and will not break the bank then I found this to be a good choice. The majority of the additional expenses on the models have the more raised price indicated were not in value the additional money.


360 is a better unit
Then having the 350 during years of a couple I believe that Nuvis are the best in devices of class. The whole and the operation of device are excellent. By comparing the 260 to the 350: For: - price (then in any event, I believe that the 360 and the 260 are the same price now) - no flick out of antenna (saves a stage while installing) - - the connection of power is integrated in the frame thus when you dismount, it automatically disconnects the power - because less complex slightly smaller of less against devices (IE, mp3, audible reader of book): - the case does not include - the charger of wall does not include - no mp3 or quality of voice of the player of book (not a problem for me) - not as good as the series(distortion) 300 - separate connector of power of frame, you must dismount the unit cut the power then, seems as slow but the additional stage still ages, the two units are the best in the class.


Garmin Nuvi 260
I am very happy with this model, it makes all the manufacturer says that it. My only felt sorry for is that when I start to type in the name of a city it jumps to a city already in the system, but not that which I want. It jumps when I receive 2 or 3 letters of the city in... I would be much happier if I could seize the name and first names,


This thing is sweet!!!
With bought the 260 of the best purchase, tore opened in the fate of parking. Install took 2 mn, put and almost immediately had under tension my position. With writing my address with the house and we were not on line. It took to me on a route which I had never used, my wife and I thought, "stays is this thing taking to us?" I did not make confidence with the first turn that it indicated that thus I kept to go, rather sure the thing to me recomputed our route automatically. Prove was right for it and carried me directly to the house of a state to another and good. The defect of the sound reproduction this thing is good! ! The next day playing around with the unit, looking me of POI all the courses of golf local preloaded with the address including/understanding the telephone number to reserve your time of part in T (that I found). Then very that you must place it at your destination and pole, you need the line there. No matter who who has minimal qualifications of instrument will not have any trouble to appear this baby outside. The ya of Oh, and the icons of vehicle which you can download are only generic the idiot, not for your private car as I hoped but always a broad choice if you choose. STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE!!!!!


Perfect GPS
If you are looking for a gps that just does gps, this is it. I waited while the price fluctuated down to about $260 and then pulled the trigger--got the Visa card also, so I'm saving $30.

The text-to-speech is fine. I have a Garmin c320 without it and I have never had a problem without TTS, but it's a nice addition for not too much money. The real issue seems to be when there are multiple streets close by--if the corners are far apart, it doesn't really matter whether it tells you to turn on Jones Street or in 100 yards. Even with short street blocks, when the c320 says, "turn in 100 yards," I don't have any problem, since I know what 100 yards is. So, I did fine without TTS. My wife and kid, however, can't estimate distances worth a darn, so the text-to-speech will be useful for them. The downside of it is that it doesn't say, "turn on Jones Street in 100 yards." It just says, "turn on Jones Street." So, you have to look for street signs. To each his/her own...

The POI file and maps, are, as always, out of date the minute they publish them. There is a Walmart in our town that moved down the street 10 years ago; it shows both the old one and the new one. Same thing with a road that was planned years ago but never built by the county--it's still in the mapping database. That problem will never end with gps units; I bought a Garmin because they have a BIG database in their POI and they use Navteq maps. I do like the TomTom idea of allowing customer editing of the maps and database (Map Share), although somebody will surely play games with that--maybe take a competitor out of the POI database... Perhaps Garmin will do that in the future. But for now, the Garmin advantages and maps outweigh the limitations for me.

I used Garmin customer service with my c320 because my power cord went toes-up at 11 months. They were pleasant, apologetic, and immediately sent me a replacement. I anticipate good customer service with them if I ever need it with the 260.

The unit does just what I want--gets me where I want to go. It doesn't have bluetooth or the other high-end stuff; but I just want to go from A-Z and know where I am as I get off the interstate to go around traffic jams. I'm pleased as can be.


Excellent buy!
After enormously of research, I bought a nuvi 260. I wanted one which would speak the street names. This really helps by knowing when with turn.I found it to make any I necessary in a portable GPS. It is very intuitive to employ and obtains to me to where I want to go. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend it as better without gimlets.


Good value but some challenges
I had this since December 2007. It is employed roughly during 3-4 days per week and for people of the country and the voyage basic. Occasionally do not find companies by names and you must type the numerical address in the place. Do not find the subdivisions which are approximately an old year or thus nor of the streets created since approximately then. It is thus art of the car-portrait-updating not an exit which a user can overcome independently. A device that I like is that it has of the "favourites" thus you can store restaurants, the traders and come to end from the spots from holidays with the facility instead of counting on charts. The voice is adjustable volume and kind. Posting is should not look at it while leading):o sufficient (but you) that I would still buy this product. Although the major problem obtains little identified populated sectors, one proves it with being a very useful tool for displacement.


Wonderful tool for parents!
I bought this for Christmas for my parents who have just moved from Connecticut to Florida. They have a little social group they are involved with, but other than that feel intimidated getting around with known reprecussions such as getting lost (they don't want to be at each others' throats because one wouldn't stop at the service station for directions & they hate the thought of dragging maps around everywhere). This was just what they needed! They are so happy with it. I was worried that maybe I should have gotten one with a widescreen since they both have minor eyesight issues, but I deliberately picked one that voiced the turns including street names loud and clear. They have been having no problems and said it was simple to use right out of the box. I told them about the "Places of Interest" and how to use them to find restaurants, entertainment, gas stations, anything they may desire and they are thrilled with it. My dad particularly thought it was amusing how the woman's voice sounds so annoyed when you are familiar with an area so you make a shortcut of your own. She'll say recalculating, recalculating, recalculating & then give you the new route but sound a little ticked off, he says (my father is a sort of a wiseguy). I am very happy with my investment. It made no errors in its routing, is easy to program, has a simple interface, the technology is not too complicated. When I first began to research these things (GPS units) I thought you had to pay for a monthly subscription to use them, but that isn't true. They are all free to use....it is whether of not you want to add extras such as up-to-the-minute traffic services, etc. that you would have to pay for. I'm sure some people have an opinion about those, but I think they are unecessary because if you come upon a problem and turn the corner, the unit will reroute you if you have it set on "shortest route to destination" anyway. I think this is a great gift to give to someone who isn't too old to get around but maybe hesitant to go places without a guide. It gives you confidence that you might otherwise not have to venture out on your own and I think that makes this an outstanding product.


GPS with an attitude!
I obtained this for my daughter for Christmas and we took with a race with that this day. They was clear and precise, but when we took a different route which he wanted, you could hear that irritation in it is voice when it indicated the "recalcul". I liked it! It does not speak too much, at the moment even where it is time to change the direction.


garmin nuvi 260 3.5 inch GPS
The nuvi 260 GPS of Garmin I bought this point for 2 months of me his work very well where, only works well in Manhattan no enough of signal but I like this thing his large


Garmin Good
My wife got it for me for my birthday. She knows how geographically challenged I am and stereotypically shy of asking directions. We decided we needed a GPS that gave the name of the street for the next turn and didn't just say: "Turn left in 300 yards." We've fallen for that one before, only to find we had several choices at the end of those 300 yards. So the text to speech was necessary, and Garmin does it well.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars was its possibility of getting confused if you disobeyed its commands and did a turn around the block to take advantage of a lower price at a gas station or a big sale between you and your destination. Sometimes the "recalculating" feature didn't work and you were sent on a merry chase. Also, be sure you wait until your avatar has found you before you start out. Otherwise, you may be at the first intersection and not know whether to turn left of right.

But all in all, this is a great investment and a lot of fun. I'm only lost a fraction of the time...


Wrong road names & poor directions
Several times during three trips the unit has given the names of the roads to turn on wrong and or there were not even any roads where they said to turn. Eventually after recalculating several times it will get you where you need to go just not by the best route. The unit will have you get off an interstate and get on a service road or secondary road that will end up in the same intersection or exit as if you would have stayed on the main road. I wish there was a setting that you could only use main roads, the direction have taken me thru some very bad areas when if I had known I could have stayed on a better road in a better area and gotten to my destination just as fast, safer and without as much stress. Mine is for sale, I will try a different brand or model if I can find one with a different mapping system.


Fix one problem and I would rate it 4 or 5 stars
I definitely prefer the Garmin to the Magellan 2000 that I had been using. The biggest problem I have with this product is that it won't allow me to enter some of the numeric street names. I live in the Milwaukee/Racine area where typical street names are 6 Mile Road, 4 Mile Road, and in some cases include 1/2 mile in the street name (e.g. 3 1/2 Mile Road). I can't enter a name such as this in my Garmin and it can be frustrating. Sometimes I am out and about when I discover that I need to locate a business using such an address so I have to get their phone number, then call the business location I am seeking to ask for directions, try to find a piece of paper to write the directions on. This can be exceedingly frustrating and time consuming for two reasons: 1) I own a GPS; 2) calling a business nowadays means you have to navigate your way through a damnable lengthy "push button" menus before you can actually talk with a living breathing person. Other than this problem, which would be minor to many, is a pretty BIG problem if you live in an area with such street names. Hopefully they will correct this design flaw in future models. If it weren't for this problem, I would rate the Garmin 4 or 5 stars.


Garmon 260 GPS works perfectly; easy to use

This product works perfectly with the voice being helpful and not annoying like some I have heard. The instructions were short and clear.I would recommend this product.


great GPS
Garmin GPS is a large instrument to be had. It saved several voyages. Large gift for no matter whom who travels, rather portable with the catch for the use in a car of rent.


Good Buy!
This is a really great product. Originally I had the Garmin 250W which I loved because of the wider screen, but it did not have text to speech. I went to the store to demo some other models and as everyone has said the text to speech is an invaluable element to have. The fact that you don't have to take your eyes off the road is definitely worth the smaller screen. I mean, if you truly enjoy staring at the Garmin while you're driving, get the wide screen. If you are using it to get to where you need to be, safely, get the Garmin 260 as it has the text to speech. Great product, you will not be disappointed!


gps by Garmin
It is very easy to employ the unit and very effective. Two minor exits. The handbook is completely limited in the range and if you do not pay attention you can choose the false version of the American English who does not allow the unit to announce the names of the streets. When I called the line of assistance to open space this they were very useful and quickly.


gps by Garmin
It is very easy to employ the unit and very effective. Two minor exits. The handbook is completely limited in the range and if you do not pay attention you can choose the false version of the American English who does not allow the unit to announce the names of the streets. When I called the line of assistance to open space this they were very useful and quickly.


Couldn't be happier!
With obtained with my nuvi 260 this afternoon. It is my first GPS thus I do not have anything to compare it with but after the catch this on top is first voyage, I could not be happier. I was concerned before purchase because I read that that sometimes took many minutes to acquire the satellite for a strong signal. However when I lit mine, it seemed as I had the signal almost immediately! Then, after having punched in a destination, I found it to be precise uncannily. It wanted that I went a different manner, but when I took the streets which I preferred, it recomputed the new route in seconds. Posting is very luminous and the spoken directions were perfect. I am not yet until thus finding stores in other cities I had a little trouble. I tried to seek the material of Lowe in the next city but it would give me only stores downtown my. Thus I entered the deposit to the house and it gave only me one choice of one, rather than to show me the three which are around me. I am sure that it is due to my curve of study as a new user. I entirely count that it will be very old hat in one week. Moreover, because of the innovation, I found looking at the screen and not the road more often than me would have. On the whole, I like this small unit.


Garmin 260
I obtained the garmin 260 realy as it saves much time and the gas money not haveing to support the wish of way there was a prolonged thow warrenty.


Buy This Now
I spent months reviewing all gps on the internet and made my choice to purchase this Nuvi 260, and purchase it from the Amazon site. The price was excellent, fifty dollars less than the big box retailers with their holiday pricing.

I opend the box, turned it on and acquired the satilites in my living room. After reading the manual, I reviewd the tool box option and the help option on the unit. I did not have any questions, pretty self explanitory. Really easy to use. . When I discussed it with my wife,he said' another gadget', go aheasd and buy it if you think you need it. Now she will take the unit is she is going somewhere, and destinations are a snap to enter. We have the garmin friction mount, so it is just pickup the complete package, plug it in and go.
It keeps a three hour charge, but keep it plugged in and you are always ready to go. I am very satisfied with the gps. It keeps me updated, the verbal calling out of streets and turn directions is excellent. Like most gps', you might know a short cut somewhere and the unit does not, but it will get you there, if you go your way, it will reroute you from your current area. The only down side is it only has one stop point.\
I purchased an adapter for home at Amazon (agan best price) , so I can charge the unit at home, and plan my route. I use an internet map solution to plan the route, then enter the information into the 260, and off I go. No more maps nor or pieces of paper, which I had to shuffle and try to read while driving. Is an excellenbt unit, makes you feel more secure while driving in an unknown area. Do not hesitate to purchase this one.


Best bang for the buck out there
I bought this for my wife for Christmas based on the recommendation of our son. We could not be happier. Nuvi 260 is the perfect balance of the devices for the price. In fact the lowest Garmin price will pronounce street names, a device which is essential in residential sectors. Its small size, with a built type of friction of bean bag make it perfect to move vehicle with the vehicle or even more important, to be able to fix in the trunk. The size of screen is enough large abundance to see without problem. Cound not to be happier.


Garmin GPS System
I bought the portable system of navigator of the nuvi 260 GPS of Garmin. That is easy to use and functions very well. It is very precise and provides the assistance of voice.


A real stress reliever
I purchased this GPS to replace the less-than-stellar offerings I've had on my Palm. One motivating factor for purchasing it at this time was a planned trip to Pittsburgh, PA, which has some of the most confusing roads of anywhere I've been. I decided to delay my review until I had a chance to try it out in Pittsburgh.

The unit has been excellent! More than once it got us back to where we needed to go when we took a wrong turn (or no turn when we should have). It seems that every time I thought "I wish it would do" something, I found out that it did. The text-to-speech is also very intelligible. However, one of the biggest pluses is that my wife, who normally has problems with all but the simplest user interfaces, had no problems interacting with it while I was driving. We were both also very pleased with the speed at which it computed routes.

I have no qualms about giving this product 5 stars, something I don't do unless a product is nearly perfect. Great job, Garmin!

Update: After I originally posted my review, we were leaving Pittsburgh and at one point the GPS attempted to direct us the wrong way down a one-way street. Upon further investigation, I determined that this was not an issue with the Nuvi per se but with the NAVTEQ database; Google Maps also uses NAVTEQ as its data source and attempted the same wrong-way routing. I have reported the discrepancy to NAVTEQ.

Also, while traveling back home, I managed to lose part of the car mount I took along, a combination of the cradle from the included suction mount and the arm from the optional friction mount. Those parts are not normally available separately, but Garmin stepped up to the plate when I contacted them, shipping me a new suction mount and dash mount (which uses the same rotating arm the friction mount uses) free of charge.


Comparison with Other GPSs
I am a geek of instrument and to have 6 GPSs. This last series of Nuvi is the best than I found if you want simply to obtain with your destination, and want the friendlyness of user. I think that it is a little better in this respect than Tom Tom I also have Lowrance 500c. Lowrance is large, heavy, of the hot races [ will start with far out of hot sun ], screen of contact does not work as well, no battery,


Garmin nuvi 260
Excel produces! Easy not to employ -- no need to read instructions by using the first time. The device text-voice is large!


Garmin Nuvi 260
This product is the perfect fit for the way I use a GPS. I don't need all the features that other units offer at higher prices. The key feature is the voice announcement of turns by name ... don't buy a unit that doesn't have this feature. This is an excellent choice. I did have one error in location of a Atlanta Bread Company in Franklin, TN. But the unit has a feature to allow you to enter corrections, which I did. Very satisfied.


Garmin 260
I bought Garmin 260 for my husband for CHRISTMAS (it is worst with directions) and it likes it... simple lucky find de..we it to employ and in date of the date January 2008 that functions perfectly. Until there, all goes well. Do not know why we waited to obtain one so much a long time!


Great Device - Easy to use, functions well and gets the job done
This device was incredibly useful. To locate new or preferred restuarant in the city to just find my way in streets which I should better know, it works large. And my girl friend is not the best with directions thus it is much more useful to him. One of the best uses directs my manner of the holidays in a foreign city. I could not be happier with the devices and the great directions and maintain it offer. I do not want anything with the bluetooth or a player of music thus this small type works large. Sizewise, it adapts also well in my pockets of trousers of before so that nice too. My only felt sorry for is the lack of viable bearing points of right for it; however, it is not the defect of Nuvi 260' S.


Simplicity is the name of the game
I give the device a solid four stars.

I've seen/played with and read up on many other brands, and while Garmin does seem to be rolling out new devices daily, I think they hit the mark with the 260.

I have had it for roughly a month now and am using it much more than I had anticipated. The lack of extras is a good thing, especially if others who might not be tech-savvy will be borrowing or programming it on occassion.

Yes, there are some gaps in the POI coverage and it does get confused on occasion with strip malls and shopping centers. And yes, the mounting system could be better.

But overall as a package the 260 is very solid. The screen is fantastic, and looks much better in person than online. There are several voice updates avaiable online to expand the TTS options as well. Very much worth paying more for TTS - I can't imagine not having it at this point.

Honestly, I don't think there is a five star unit on the market that I've been able to find that nails all parts of what a consumer would want. So my ranking of four out of five is very good, I don't regret the decision to go with the 260 one bit.

One last note, I would consider looking into a protective case for the unit as it is an awkward size to hold for some reason, and deceptively slippery so dropping might be an issue if you take it out of the car often.





Great little unit!
It was a gift for my wife thus it had to be good! ! ! ! Very easy to install and employ. I approve the recommendation in reports/ratios of the consumer, if you can, to obtain a unit of GPS who rather speaks the name about the streets than the stating right "turn very right, then the turn on the left ahead" (like the unit of the factory of my Acura). And Nuvi 260, and it well! My wife likes it, and also the portable frame of friction of Garmin for Nuvi which I obtained based on the customer reviews. It noted that the frame of friction easy with is hidden when it parks its vehicle (and stories of newspaper indicate that even "the ring of cup of aspiration" on the windshield can carry out to a burgling). I strongly recommend Nuvi 260!


garmin 260
Serves my purpose well. Like having the road by road read out. Only thing I was un happy about was that the maps are 2006. Sould have had most recent maps.


Pretty good, lacks some logic in it's planning.
I recieved the Garmin for Christmas. It is very user friendly which is good as the directions are few. It does a few dumb logic things like sending you out the east end of a parking lot to enter back on the west end of a strip mall.

Also, it does not operate while charging in the car. Granted it is suppose to run for 6 hours on a charge but I tend to leave mine in the car and use the cell phone adaptor to charge (by the way, it is nice that it uses the same set up as our cell phones and black berry). I think the friction mount is hokey. I returned it for a credit.

The operational end is pretty good. Especially looking for certain services/stores etc. when you are in a different part of town.

I like it.


Newbie loves Nuvi :)
I exhaustively sought different GPSes because the labels of the prices were distribute more than I wanted to spend, thus I had to obtain it right on the first test. With Garmin Nuvi 260 I made the good decision, and I am VERY happy. * Facilitated use = (maintaining my old destinations of wire programs even 6 year old by using the "device of lucky find or charm" * portability = I it power use only battery b/c that we taken employ our single current in the car for another thing (radio of Sirius) I was very impressed how long it holds a load and stripped a power of loosening of problem had. Indicating bottom the "of" battery advances when you have always approximately 30 minutes, and it is usually abundance of hour for me to arrive there. NOTE: When you direct (have a regulated destination), you can turn it in addition to then turn it behind above and she will remember your destination. A long voyage of road could be made entirely on the 5 hour old battery while placing the destination, while jumping to bell-foot on I-95, while turning in addition to GPS, by leading 400 miles and by still lighting them when you are close to the city which you go to. - rather fresh. * Pedestrian device - since it is so good contents in the case, times of I often take it out of the car and the walk with it. It gives even the messages of request and the hour of arrival estimated for pedestrians! ! * text with the word - COMMANDER * navigation - research, the garmin is the supposed most precise being - I was impressed once that it is very well granted. (an arrangement avoids half-turns and curiously causes you to be led, thus I make half-turns now so necessary) it against minor: * Magellen has supposedly the estimates of ANTI-AIRCRAFT DEFENCE for all their points of interest which are nice (my voyages of wife distribute and think of the magellen) * when you make start the radio (as we do everything from time to time!) it is difficult to hear the healthy messages of request (but the messages of request of screen are always large thus it does not cause that much problem) * when he obtains really cold outside, and you leave the 260 in the car, that does not function me sometimes (he must be heated) forget to bring it in the house in winter and he causes an interesting scene. On the whole, I like him and very happy AM with the decision - I did not need player MP3, but could like the FM transmission to solve the healthy problem, and in the future, when I am not a newbie, I would probably obtain the notifications of the traffic in the more expensive models.


Great !!! Simple to Use !!! Excellent Value !!!
We bought this article like gift for the family. Defect of the sound reproduction, which ordered device. Obtaining lost more anywhere! The luminous, small screen of contact extremely easy to employ, text with the function of the word is A must, and it acquires a satellite signal rather quickly! Easy to program, easy to employ and include/understand and movements by the screens with the facility. The EC what more would have you need! With so much several of these units of GPS on the market, I am happy selected us this one. It came with much from the great review which influenced or the decision and are to us to be added our to the increasing list! Thank you Garmin for excellent produced.


Garmin Nuvi 260
Highly recommended. Easy to use. Accurate. I like that it says highway and street names. Gave it to my 16 yr old that just got his license - he loves it. Would buy it again.


Excellent, but some minor issues
I bought it last month, and it was so helpful especially when you do a road trip to new places, but i had some issues with it in downtown Tampa Florida, it tells you that you have to keep left on the highway while actually you had to take the exit on the right, but it will recalculate in no time, otherwise its really good.


Love GPS!
With obtained with my daughter of university this GPS like gift. It likes it. It says that it does not go to the sectors which it is not familiar with in addition to campus without him, if it is a pedestrian or a control.


Very Impressed
With receipt Garmin Nuvi 260 of the recently and very happy Amazon with it. You should know that you can upwards charge it by your PC by using a cable of USB of a mini connector at an end which attaches to Garmin. Moreover, Garmin will release soon Nuvi 260W which is inch more the broad one than the 260. That, I knew me could have awaited it. With bought a supporting frame of cup which I like better than the method of aspiration.


gps review
Units were agreeably packed up and seemed to carry out as announced (they were given like gifts). They arrived during 5 days late because a certain end of shippers of bonehead(on) used an obsolete chart of credit rating.


the Lexus of GPS units
Directly compared this unit of Garmin to "credits" which claim to offer the same devices, for example the text with the word, declares street names, etc but of the costs less. Both were new per hour of the comparison. Discovered that the unit of Garmin has the following advantages: 1. Points of interest (POI) on Garmin much easier to direct, with the autocompletion intuitive of the entered text. The device of POI on generic unit OTOH was almost unusable. 2. The battery of unit of Garmin lasts 2X as a long time! The generic unit lacked way of juice 2/3 by a voyage 3 hours. A part of this seems to be due to a frequency more judicious to announce changes of direction (the generic unit was almost too talkative), whereas the part can be due to higher technology. 3. "the sight of the eye of God" of the charts and the destination is available on the unit of Garmin, but not on the credits. It is useful to have quickly a total idea of the route, because Garmin enables you to quickly measure sight of level of street "to state level" the sight of the downsides? The unit of Garmin does not play MP3! Conclusion: deadened above several voyages, the unit of Garmin justifies the premium in the generic units of surplus of cost.


Garmin Nuvi 260
With bought Garmin Nuvi 260 for my wife - she likes it. Very easy to install and employ


Easy to Use
I thought the Garmin nuvi 260 would take a few times to figure out, but the very first time we opened the product and took a turn onto the interstate, the image and clarity were amazing and the system knew how to navigate from any street we chose. We would sometimes deliberately take a different street to see how quickly the device would recalculate the change, and it's usually immediate. This was the best Christmas gift of the season! We are already using the device regularly. It is easy to use, and up to date, even in Florida, where growth is constant. The only problems I have had so far, is (1)sometimes when you have an address that is similar to one already in the memory, the navigator doesn't want to accept the new address. I have had problems where it skips to the address it already knows. This has only happened a few times, however, and we use it a lot.(2) My husband would like a map on the screen which covers a larger area. You can't judge distances or exits that are more than a few miles from where you are traveling. The longer range view skips to a zoom out very quickly which loses the street names and includes only interstates and a general map of the state.


Excellent GPS
I previously owned the Garmin C330. This was a good GPS unit but sort of large. I didn't mind the lack of voice announcements for street names until I got into the city where some streets may only be 100 feet apart. I often took the wrong turn during these situations but the Garmin did a reasonably good job of recalculating my new route to my destination. I owned the C330 for about a year but it got stolen in an airport when I took my eyes off of it for a minute. This was my opportunity to get a Nuvi.

I researched the various models and believe that the Garmin Nuvi 260 offered the best price for the features that I desired. I didn't need a Bluetooth device or an MP3 player that plays through a tiny speaker.

Pros:
1. The receiver sensitivity of the Garmin Nuvi 260 is greatly improved over the C330.
2. The size is perfect for my jacket pocket or a ladies' pocketbook. Be sure to buy a case in order to protect the unit. I found a nice one at Radio Shack for $3. This unit will stay in my pocket at the airport; I won't have to watch it.
3. The street name announcement is a wonderful feature, especially when streets are close together.
4. Map details are better than on the C330.
5. The dashboard base is smaller and easier to put in your carryon baggage than was the previous base for the C330.
6. I have found that some routes have changed when using the Nuvi 260. Most have improved.
7. I have found that the stored list of restaurants, parks, etc. has improved. It's not comprehensive and somewhat out of date but certainly better.
8. I have not had any problems with either Garmin unit but I have contacted customer service with technical questions. I found them to be courteous and helpful. They, also, voluntarily mailed information at no cost to me. This included a map CD-ROM.

Cons:
1. The speaker points to the rear of the unit. This causes a somewhat muffled voice to reach the driver after echoing from the windshield.
2. Some spoken street names are difficult to understand and sometimes slurred. You still have the option to look at the screen and read the street name but this takes your eyes off of the road.
3. The unit only allows one via point. It would be nicer to have more.
4. You don't get the "ding" announcement when you reach your turn. The C330 had this optional feature. You may now look for the street sign unless it is night or you have a New York City taxi driver on your bumper.
5. The unit doesn't always tell you the side of the street where your destination is located. It does say that you are arriving so you get the opportunity to look all around for the building. I'm glad that streets only have two sides so that I select the wrong side only about 90% of the time when this happens.
6. Sometimes, the map update rate appears a little slow when zoomed-in. This makes the maps appear to jump onto the screen. The C330 didn't do this but it had less detail. Maybe that's the tradeoff?
7. Be prepared to play with the Menu structure as the manual is very "thin." In fact, it is almost non-existent.

Overall, however, this is an excellent unit and I highly recommend it. The price is excellent and it provides great value, especially for those of us who get lost and never stop to ask directions. This means almost every man that I know. I plug in my destinations before I leave for a trip. I arrive, get my rental car, plug in the GPS, select my destination, press "Go" and fight the traffic until I arrive. Just imagine, no more MapQuest maps that were wrong most of the time and no more driving while reading a list of directions that won't get you to your final destination. That leaves both hands free for your cellphone and coffee. Happy traveling!



Garmin nüvi 260
Why did I choose this model?

I compared several models from different manufacturers in a shop; the Garmin interface seemed to be the simplest and most usable. (Tip: There is a demo mode where you can enter a destination and simulate a trip, all while standing in the shop.) I didn't need the MP3 player, radio and hands-free kit that some of the more expensive Garmin models provide, and was skeptical about the usefulness of the traffic information feature after reading some reviews. On the other hand, having a model that can pronounce street names (rather than just say "next right") is a good idea because the GPS can't always be accurate, and I want to be able to check the names of the streets I am turning into without having to consult the display. Finally, some Garmin models are a bit wider, but this didn't seem to make the display easier to read for me, plus the wider models don't fit into your pockets quite as easily.

How do I like it?

I've been using the nüvi 260 for several weeks now, and don't think I could live without it anymore! Following are some comments on various things I like (or that I think could be improved):

- After switching the unit on, the GPS is usually able to locate the satellites within a minute or two -- about the time I need to fasten my seatbelt etc and enter the destination.

- Compared to a small handheld GPS unit I own (Garmin Geko 301) the unit works fine with a much weaker signal, sometimes even indoors. The only place where I run into trouble is in downtown (Seattle) between tall buildings. Instead of just loosing the signal, the GPS goes off, and the unit starts telling me to turn etc even while I'm on the right way... I'd prefer if the unit gave some indication of the current accuracy (as the handheld unit does) and refrained from giving directions while the accuracy is below some threshold.

- The unit doesn't have a built-in compass (but uses the GPS signal to extrapolate the direction in which you are heading). Having a real compass would be useful when orienting yourself in a parking lot, when turning in complicated intersections, and of course when on foot.

- The map display is quite good. The only squabble I have here is that there is no indication of the current zoom level. I'd like to know if one inch on the screen is 100 yards or 1 mile!

- When you reach your destination, the unit will tell you if it's on right or on the left side, very useful.

- The maps are not 100% accurate. I have the most recent map, but ran into some cases where the unit told me to turn where I couldn't, get into a turn-only lane when I shouldn't, and, my favorite, to jump onto an overpass. It's a bit frustrating that I have no way to correct this.

- The unit has an excellent database of "points of interest" such as shops, attractions, parking lots, gas stations, you name it. However it doesn't know about my nearest Safeways (though it does find a smaller one nearby).

- One killer feature the unit lacks is Google Maps integration (as you get with some TomTom units).

- The unit is sold with maps for Canada, but apparently these are not detailed? I don't live too far from the border, so maybe one day I'll go investigate...

- The unit can be connected to a computer with a normal type-B USB cable -- no need to buy an expensive, proprietary cable. Once connected you can use the unit as a portable hard drive, and update the firmware (need to download some software from Garmin's website for that).

- Voices that can speak street names sound a bit robotic (and don't always get the pronunciation right) but are clear and still useful.

- The power cable plugs into the unit rather than into the mount, so some extra fiddling when installing or removing the unit is required. I haven't had any problems with the mount, so far.

- There doesn't seem to be a tracklog function. Would be cool for trips.



Amazing
These small units are really astonishing. The functionality and exactitude are really exceptional for a GPS reasonably have the price indicated. I bought this particular model because it was the first level which included the direction of voice with street names, and more which it function is enormous particularly when you are in a sector where the streets are narrow unit. Except tracing exactitude and the great goniometry, it also provides all the suitable data concerning your voyage (time, distance, etc...) The orders of screen of contact are very intuitive and easy to employ, it is easy to see and read work of frame of windshield easily, and the screen. I could not more be satisfied with Nuvi.


Awesome
It was a Juste extremely usable of product out of the box. I gave it to my parents savvy technology even of one and they could appear that it out of the right-hand side far how small the device east is incredible. Very happy with this purchase.


great gps
my husband did some research on the gps systems and this is the one he wanted. It works great and he loves it, I also think ordering it on Amazon is great too.


Can be a little confusing
We could easily download new voices of the Web site of Garmin. We found one which was more comprehensible. It is... ddéchirer funny (DR.) goes well to the doctor, road of state (Sr) became elder. The text with the word is terrible. In addition to road was terrible. It was made kiss upwards. Aucunes accentuated roads. It is nice if you precisely prove to have to take a different road because it will recompute for you this spot. Not all the stores/restaurants, etc are on top. Thus it helps to know the address. If you want to know some generic share in another city from where you are, that will not function. You will need an address. It is not magic... but it is very useful and we are happy we bought the nuvi 260.


Works right out of the box
With bought this for my daughter and it is perfect for its needs. It was quickly and very easy to employ the initial installation. Strongly recommend.


GARMIN NUVI 260
This navigator was a gift to myself because I may need to be traveling more than usual. My first trip was simply fun -- getting to know the device and what happened when I turned off the designated route. It did save me several miles and possible wrong turns. I've found that the navigator uses mostly main highways, but once you're on a less travelled road it can find its way -- sometimes slowly -- but it gets there. So far in the few times I've used it the only problem I've found is that it won't accept an address (which is correct) and take me directly to that address. It accepts only 2899 instead of 3160 on the actual street address. Curious. This, so far, is nothing to keep me from finding my destination, but I would like to know why the NUVI won't accept the actual complete address. All is all, I am completely happy with the NUVI and am looking forward to a lot more traveling using this navigator!


Nice little unit, but ... but ... but.
Note: For people who are looking to buy the Nüvi 260, Garmin is releasing the 260W (wide-screen version) early this quarter (identical except for screen size).

Like many, I've done a bit of research, only to find I'm just as confused as ever, so I decided to go basic. This is my third GPS (two I bought as gifts, and finally, and just recently, one for myself), and all were Garmin units. Why? Ignorance and word-of-mouth, but Garmin units do have an easy interface, and the company has pretty good customer support and a solid reputation. So I must be a happy camper, right? Not really. I ended up liking the features on the Magellan units quite a bit better (here is a partial list):

1. QuickSpell (darkens/disables unneeded keys as you type -- a real time saver).
2. Automatic maneuver list (pops on screen when satellite signal is lost).
3. AAA guide book (roadside assistance for AAA members) -- a great feature exclusive to Magellan.
4. Road exclusion/avoidance (so basic, I'm surprised Garmin refuses to adopt it (or put it back in). They had this in some older models, no?
5. Exit POI (very handy, it can show services for each upcoming highway exit).
6. Multiple-routing capability (self-explanatory).
7. A detour function whose mileage is user-specified to limit the length of detour.

Unfortunately, Magellan's customer support is (and I quote from GPS magazine): "Horrible, atrocious customer support." Atrocious? Wow. But atrocious support or not, the 260 does not have those features. And there are a few other items I question:

1. No physical volume control like on the c300 series (yes, most are going the software route, that doesn't make it better), and it has a "tinny" sounding speaker, but certainly loud enough -- cost cutting (you'll quickly see a pattern here).
2. ABC keyboard (tedious, but perhaps qwerty wouldn't fit well on this screen -- too bad Garmin can't come up with a "QuickSpell" equivalent.
3. No AC power adapter -- cost cutting.
4. No USB cable -- cost cutting.
5. No carrying case ... talk about cheap -- cost cutting.
6. This is a manual? Go to gpsmagazine.com if you really want to see how this thing works -- read their comprehensive, but too pro-Garmin reviews.
7. Removed the ability to plug power into the mount (a big Garmin plus suddenly gone!) -- cost cutting (I'm pretty angry about this one -- see #8).
8. Power plugs into the back on the left (driver's side) of the Nüvi. Awkward (unless you live in England) and makes it more difficult to hide or route the cable.
9. Removed the ability to add an external antenna -- not good! -- cost cutting.
10. Draconian update policies (and updates may be of marginal value) -- price gouging at its finest. If you buy a Garmin today and they release an update tomorrow, you pay full price. More than one Garmin unit? You pay full price for each one you own -- no discount -- and thank you for shopping Garmin...
11. No multiple-routing capability and only one "via" point -- very limiting.
12. Weak detour function - can't input miles around detour -- limiting.
13. No road exclusion -- very basic and critical feature ridiculously MIA. Not even Garmin's top unit gives you this, while everyone else does. Hard to believe.
14. Scrolling through the POI can get tedious (listed nearest POI first, which makes sense, but I also wish you could search alphabetically with a keystroke).
15. Box came shipped with the Nüvi rattling around inside and not secured. I've heard this same story many times, so it didn't surprise me. Luckily, my Nüvi was undamaged, but it's an example of more ridiculous cost-cutting by Garmin. They can't even spend the money necessary to package their products properly.
16. It's difficult to make a proper decision when you don't know what receiving technology the 200 series is using. Is it SiRF Star III, Bravo or MediaTek (MTK)? All Garmin says is "high-sensitivity receiver". Why the mystery? After much digging, I found that my unit came with MTK (what's in your wallet ... er ... Nüvi? -- it could be any one of the three).
17. A minor nit is that this unit doesn't allow you to get any satellite information detail (other than signal strength). Garmin took that ability away on the 260.

With all that said, I "am" reviewing a Garmin unit. That means I bought the Nüvi 260 over the others, even when I knew many (but not all) of the negatives going in. And there are things I actually do like about my Nüvi (in case you were wondering):

1. Supports Macs (barely -- must have OS 10.4 or higher).
2. Has a nice, rich display, good map layout, fairly bright (although it washes out quickly when tipping it up or down, but good viewing side to side), and a very nice, well-implemented night (dimming) feature on ALL menus (most manufacturers dim their units only at the map level). But it's time-implemented and not light-sensitive.
3. Ease of use -- a Garmin trademark. Logical, simple, easy to setup and execute (but really not all that much better than Magellan -- they are very similar in this aspect). If you want a lot of customization, you need a more expensive unit, or go to TomTom (amazing amount of customization, but obviously adds complexity). Because the 260 doesn't really give you a lot of adjustment choices, one can go through all the options and know everything about this unit in record time.
4. Generally good routing, but not the best according to GPS magazine -- the LG790 from ... who else? ... LG, is said to be superior to all they have tested.
5. Better customer support than the top two competitors (that may not be saying much -- Magellan's support is "atrocious" and TomTom's is very suspect). Still, Garmin is highly rated by many.
6. Want to stop a route? The stop function appears on the main map while driving to your destination (along with a detour function). Doesn't sound like much, and it isn't, but hey, it's right at your finger tips (you have to dig a bit on other units).
7. While Garmin changed chips from the highly regarded SiRF mid-stream to Bravo and MTK, this is not necessarily a bad thing. My unit picks up the satellite signals quickly and stays locked quite well. If you hear opposing statements, that could mean the chip they have is different from mine.
8. The TTS function, while it does butcher some names, is considered one of the better TTS programs in the industry (less mechanical sounding and more natural). This is one of the big reasons I opted for the 260 and I think "Jill" sounds fine (but I may think differently over time).
9. Tapping the car icon gives you your current location (which can be saved in your favorites folder). Not as complete as the 700 series, "Where am I? / Where did I park?" function, but it's still a nice feature to have.

There are a couple of features I wish the 260 had (not including those I already mentioned):

1. TomTom's Mapshare or something similar. It allows users to correct data on maps and POIs that others can download, and is a step in the right direction (but has a ways to go).
2. The ability to edit points of interest -- does anyone do this successfully (and easily), or is this just a pipe dream? Thank goodness we can save to favorites.

Simply put, there is no such animal as a "best" GPS receiver. They all are full of compromises, especially within Garmin's own ever-growing family. Even with all my moaning and groaning, I actually consider the Nüvi 260 to be a nice little unit (the sum being greater than its parts), and it's particularly nice for the first-time buyer. If it wasn't, I probably would have closed my eyes, said a prayer, and bought the Magellan. While it doesn't have the bells and whistles, the 260 does what it is suppose to do and does it very well. No muss. No fuss. At least most of the time.

So how do I rate it? Between 1 and 10, I give the Nüvi 260 a very marginal 6 (or barely a 3-star rating ... meaning just above average). Had Garmin not cheapened their mount on this series (nice mount, just not a powered one), not gone on a greedy cost-cutting frenzy (no external antenna capability leaves the consumer vulnerable), and if they had added just a couple of important (and basic) features and left out the "fluff", I would have gladly given the 260 a solid 8 (or a 4-star rating). But until Garmin changes their terrible update policies, I don't think I could ever give any Garmin product a 5-star rating. Greed doesn't deserve a star added to it, no matter how good their customer support (or their products) may be.

Sorry for the length, but if you're still here, I've got something to say about mounting hardware that may interest you. Everyone knows that windshield mounts are illegal in California and Minnesota, and most use a dash mount (usually a bean-bag type -- Semsons has a nice one) or a mount from ProClip (custom to each car and each GPS -- it's nice, but can cost over $60). Well, I found another (thanks to someone at GPS Passion). Handstands makes a small, flat jelly pad that actually works well (I was highly skeptical). It wasn't created (or promoted) as a mounting surface for a GPS. It was created to keep items on your dash without them being flung about (glasses, ipods, cell phones, etc.). Just clean your dash, place the pad where you want it (it grips your dash and won't slide), dampen the suction cup, push the mount onto the pad, flip the lever, and you're set to go. A totally unobtrusive and very inexpensive ($4-$7) alternative, and easy to remove (leaves no residue). For those interested, I bought mine here on Amazon.


Men don't need to ask for directions now!
I bought this model for my husband for Christmas 07. We call his Lola and it is excellent! The text with the voice is worth the sorrow the additional money and this unit will carry you to your destination even if you strongly make ata false rate turn.I this product.


excellent product
Very handy, gave as gift want one for myself, can't beat amazons price, I looked all over.


Satisfied Customer
This product is well made, completely intuitive to employ and, in short, a revolutionary development by leading technology!


Good product
It is very a good, easy to employ the product. The only problem was up to now that the unit was in Russian mode of language when I obtained it. The booklet of instruction was not much of assistance and it was difficult to work by the menus in a different language. A call in Garmin solved the problem. It was easy to reach their support of technology, friendly, and well-versed on the product.


Big World Small Package!!!
Impressive obvious graphs with the prompt correction of course, and portability! ! Adjustments in your hand bag, or pocket thus can be used in any vehicle, or while travelling a city such as NYC:)


Love the Garmin
Works like a charm... I will never have to buy another map. The size makes it easy to put in my pocket when I leave the car so nobody will decide they want to steal it. Easy to learn and use. Get one... you'll never get lost again.


Garmin GPS
I am well pleased with the GPS in both capabilities and price. It was delivered quickly and in a well cushioned box.


Definitely buy the Nuvi
I spent to seek much time of the units of navigation of front GPS to buy. I bought it for my wife, who by her own admission is not too technologically savvy. The thing is, she also likes technologies which are device-rich person, thus finding something which was robust and intuitive was important. I looked at several various marks, spoke to people who had units of navigation of GPS, and read much Spéc. of product and reviews. I finally balanced the account on obtaining Nuvi, but then I had to decide which. I spoke to my wife about what she would like that the unit makes, and finally decided that the Text-with-Speech and the full whole of the north of chart of America Puerto Rico were the ticket. Less expensive Nuvi 200W looked at very attractive, but no Text-with-Speech and a reduced whole of charts balanced me more to spend little to obtain model 260 more. Completely in value him.


Lack of Options
I received this unit right before Christmas with much of positive anticipation. While the 260 generally carries out and has devices while announced I am disappointed in a couple of the things. Initially, there are not enough options to choose how the unit selects your route. Fastest or shortest? ? The selection most quickly (that I make it place above) does not guarantee it that a route of road will choose. Shortest puts to you on the terrible back roads. The choices of action to avoid do not seem to make much. Yesterday that took to me by the intermediary of the roads postpone directly with my destination but on the return to the "house" it chose a completely different route which had me in the medium of nowhere when the road near or the reverse of my voyage to the destination would have been half an hour more quickly. Confusion! ! In the second place, when you add in cost of the equipment included in Nuvi the 350 260 is not completely the business which it in the beginning seemed to be.


Garmin 260
Nice product! I was at a Christmas party in northern New Jersey and left very late at night. I did not know how to get home and the Garmin 260 got me through the twists and turns in a very tricky area to guide me safely home. The voice on the unit is a little mechanical but not bothersome. Some voice GPS systems can actually sound irratated if you make a wrong turn! The 260 does not and that's the last thing someone needs when they are lost!



Great unit easy to use
I bought the nuvi 260 of Garmin for my husband for Christmas. We both were impressed way in which easy to employ it is, we have it literaly taken out of the box connected it entered a route inside and started to lead without reading equalizes the assistance of handbook or unit. For this time it has explored much more aspects of its possibilities and we are very happy with this unit. I sought a certain number of marks and units before this one, and decided on Garmin, one because we have a boat and had 2 Garmin GPS for him and were happy with them and two, because the other spoke of criticisms strongly of Garmins and specifically of the series of Nuvi. We did not have the need for blue possibilities of tooth of the 300 series nor do not need to connect our MP3 to our GPS thus I chose to spend less money and to buy the 260. the device to tell you the real name of street to turn on rather than the line right of turn is in my opinion A must have. We had employed a product of software of Delorme with a receiver of GPS which functions with my portable computer which did not indicate to you that the street name you were to turn above to, we found muddling it very particularly in the occupied cities and took turns badly much of time. This occurred only one time with the nuvi and it was because we had it in the pedestrian mode by error and "Jill" does not give the instructions of turn as far in advance since "it" supposes that you walk. The glare of the screen is excellent and work of frame of windshield very well. This unit exceeded my hopes for the paid price I which was below $300.


How did we live before we got this?????
I bought this Garmin for my son for Christmas. He likes it honestly! I am really happy to have bought something which it really employs and likes. It is large a!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! of article


Don' t over spend on a GPS. This one is all you'll need.
Two years ago, I had to buy a GPS because wide of displacement I would make in the area of Los Angeles. Since I do not know the sector and AM basically directionally defied (I lose myself), a GPS was the manner of going. I have at the beginning taken a unit of Magellan because all my friends had one and I regretted this movement since. It was difficult to employ Magellan, the charts were vague, and it was often incorrect by giving instructions. Enter Nuvi 260. It is astonishing what obtain in this GPS. What would have cost $800 easily and to rise only two years ago is now available to $300 below. Nuvi is a breeze to be used and the device of voice-with-text is really fresh. Instead of the "good turn in 2.1 miles" of kind of thing, it speaks really the nearest motorway exits/streets outside extremely. It also has a load of truck of the points of interest for the small box and you can préplanifier your voyage by the choice which the places you want to go before hand and to write them as your favourites. Its obtained nice leaven outside the device with key which you can use by writing a code of four numbers. The device opens automatically if you place "open" the place. Go at this point, and it opens for you if you would forget your code. It is also a nice device to protect your data and your place at the house if the unit obtains ever lost or stolen. The GPS is rather luminous during the day but erases, just like other units of GPS, in the light of the sun direct. It has an automatic device of time of night in which the posting of liquid crystal display directs itself towards an arrangement of color and a level different of glare to adapt for the control of night. Additional with this, you can charge of the photographs as starting screens and permuting out of the small icon of car on your chart for other downloadable. I selected the mooses for mine. The screen of chart of liquid crystal display can be seen in 3d or 2d mode and is easy to direct around. Posting gives you that various information such as time travelled, the mean velocity, time with the arrival and a crowd of other devices right in contact with the screen. The unit is portable, that the means you can dismount it adaptor with A.C. of car and carry it around with you to go around the city. I was going to buy the adaptor of wall with A.C. to charge the unit to the top when it was not in the car, but what they do not indicate you is that you can just charge to the top of Nuvi by the intermediary of a cable of USB. Catch right it in your computer while you work, and your Nuvi will be entirely charged in a few hours. You will save yourselves approximately the $20 by buying this adaptor of wall with A.C.. The large negative one of this unit, which does not have even anything really to make with the device of GPS, is the handbook and the horrible Web site of Garmin. If you are not computer savvy or do not include/understand the electronic device very well, you will miss outside on much of what this GPS can do for you. If it were not for the laughably weak Web site of Garmin and the very sparse handbook, Nuvi 260 would have of the five hold the first role the estimate. But indicator that not each one is quite informed computer, Garmin made a great bad service with its customers while not providing to instructions proportioned on their units and a Web site which hardly passes while being useful.


I'd be lost without it
With obtained this toy for Christmas and likes it. Posting is the first rate. I was astonished that it darkens in evening. It knows when the sets of the sun and place the basic black. It is rather obstinate if you decide to take a route other than that which it calculates. It continues to try to obtain to you again with his route. Thereafter it accepts your decision and shows the route which you want to take. The device of TTS is really nice if you must turn where several streets are narrow unit. In a general way a great investment if you travel much to the not very familiar places.


Very Happy with the Nuvi 260
I obtained Nuvi 260 for Christmas and was very happy with him. The screen of contact functions very well. It has the useful tools such as a computer of voyage, a computer, a text-voice, basic points of data of interest, variable icons of vehicle, and easy to employ the menu. I had appreciated the battery rechargable and not must maintain it connected to a cord all the hour. It is also a good tool to check the exactitude of your speeddometer. The joining stopped by frame of cup of the aspiration of my Garmin old man above the summer and of me decided to invest in a frame of friction for Nuvi. It was one of the best things than I ever made. That functions flawlessly. Some exits, although the minor, I had with Nuvi are differences in healthy volume. This can be due to the dissensions in the load of battery. I sought the best purchase on an occasion and it did not find it. The store was in the sector during approximately 10 years! It found a store close without problem. The two exits are the only problems which I had with Nuvi and I strongly recommend it.


Excellent Purchase
I searched and compared products and prices. The price for this was the best anywhere and the product was an excellent choice. He is very happy with this version and well worth the price paid.



Just right, very accurate
I bought this nuvi 260 of Garmin for my wife for Christmas, used him immediately to direct the voyage of 700 miles and that functioned flawlessly. Downtown and on the road it was precise, fast, and gave us a time very enriching with him (POI are large, one duty-to have!). As each one the states of other, you must obtain the frame of friction, it is excellent/hideable/portable between the cars. It is the model which you have need if you do not want all the refuse of imagination MP3, etc... Text/SPEECH is excellent and holds account of little real viewing by the driver. With with GARMIN on this product.


Very Good with a Few Shortcomings
I had thought during some time to buy approximately a unit of GPS for my car and made research much about the EC what I wanted or needed. Then low and see obtain me Garmin 260 for Christmas. While it was not the model I thought of buying for me that I am perfectly happy with this. At the beginning I was laid out little about obtaining one with the text with the function of the word thinking that it would be distracting or worsening to have it to speak to me while leading, in fact although it is probably the best device on the unit. Control in a not very familiar city is difficult not to mention dangerous looking at the screen instead of the road but the speech with the text eliminates these problems. The noise is due little a hail and robotics with the small loudspeakers but is not terrible. It would be large if it could be led by radio operator FM of your car as a radio XM but I am sure that would cost more. It is easy lira posting during the most luminous sun and the night it seems to darken automatically for not plugging you. While the control of him shows the street you are on line and the transversely nearest streets on each side. While leading to a destination it indicates you to which distance with each turn and informs you then while you go up on top. To miss a turn or the manufacture of a false turn forces the unit to still recompute the route and almost immediately directs you towards the best manner of still reconsidering the course. My first test had me to laugh because that resembled obtained to him worsened with me. "turn on the left 200 to the left tower of pi... turn... on the left, turn the leftturnleftturnleft". You can take it out of the box and to employ it in five minutes but some options of menu are not clearly explained an instruction manual. The handbook is very thin, most of the time how to light it. The basic functions like how to place a preferred place whole is not explained. After two days I found it in the section of assistance of units and the weather is really easy to be, just noneasy to learn how with do it. You have the capacity to seek points of interest for your sector but I also wish that you could make thus in your place of destination. For example, by writing a postal code it would enumerate the various restaurants or motels in this sector. Currently (or at least insofar as I know) if does not do that, you must enter one in a general way of TO address which I played with him during one week now and really likes it. The imperfections would be found in all the units of GPS which I looked at. With what I know on his subject me would buy for me and to give him 4 the first role in reason of the thin handbook holds and to be able not to seek points of interest for other sectors.


Great GPS
I bought this article as Christmas present for my husband who is techno of sooo not savy. It took with a voyage 2 hours with him a couple of the days then and absolutely liked it. It also had directions of mapquest and it said that it would have been lost without general practitioners. It carried it directly with where it had to go. I am so happy I sought this product and each one re-examined was very useful by making my decision to buy general practitioners of this garmin.


Great basic GPS with text-to-speech
This GPS might not have all those fancy features like mp3 and traffic update of the high end models, but it does very well the basic functions of a GPS, with what I consider as the essential Text-To-Speech function.

I've had this unit for about a month and a half now, and here are some pros and cons I've discovered:
Pros:
Excellent route mapping. Nearly always plots the route I'd plot myself.
Clear warnings well ahead of time (I think it adjusts when it gives the warning depending on your speed).
Also tells me to which side the next next turn will be on right before I make my next (upcoming) turn, so I know which side of the road to keep onto (good for traffic heavy roads).
Recalculations are fast: Driving downtown with those really short distances between intersections, this GPS manages to recalculate a new route if I missed a turn.
Bright screen, good, large graphics, nice day-time contrast, auto color switch for night time driving, intuitive interface for setting ur destinations

Cons:
Slow boot up, satellite acquisition can take a while in places with lots of tall buildings (up to 5-8min!) when boot up for first time (fast acquisition after that)
Alphabetically listed keyboard, no way to switch!!(bad for geeks like me)
POI search a bit slow if u're searching by spelling (search by pre-defined categories are fairly fast)
If you've set in a security code, u have to reboot the GPS if u misentered it (or go to your preset security location)


Overall, this GPS is great, performs all the functions of a GPS to near-perfection. So if you're just looking for a hassle free GPS that you can rely on to guide you everywhere you go, this is the unit for you.



A map problem eroded my trust in it.
I've had my Nuvi 260 for a month now. The unit is small, good-looking, very easy to set up, came with the latest version of their maps but... if I followed its direction I'd never get out of my neighborhood.

Driving from my home on GA SRXX I need to turn right on Hwy YYY. My nuvi260 tells me to first turn left on ZZZ Rd. about 200 ft from the Hwy, and then make a right U-turn on HwyYYY. The problem is that ZZZ Rd. DEAD ENDS in bushes and there is no way to get to the Hwy from there. This problem makes me wonder where else my nuvi will send me to when I'm in a location I do not know.

Garmin's customer support was very apologetic about this snafu and directed me to the web site where you can report such map deficiencies. But that was it, no patches offered. I guess I'll have to wait until they have a new version released and pay another $70 to get it.

Aside from this one dead-end trap (that I've discovered), my nuvi260 has been giving me generally good directions in my everyday driving within ~100 miles from my home. I'm yet to test it on an out-of state trip.

Overall, I like having a "live" map in front of me with my location clearly marked, particularly when driving at night in a city. The voice prompts about upcoming turns, often with "funny" pronunciations of street names, are very useful in locations you do not know, and they can be muted if you find them distracting. The display of the distance to the next turn is particularly useful for me and saved me several times already from making turns too soon. For the price Nuvis can now be purchased for(~$260), it is a good driving aid to have in your car. But do not trust it completely...!!



Garmin Nuvi 260
Up to now we employed this product three times - it is very easy to program, the visual ones are clear messages of request and very useful voices - as with all the systems of GPS, you should check a chart while it sent a long way to us to a destination, when we knew a shorter route. We also bought the frame of friction for Nuvi 260 and found it very useful.


A must have for home health
I have really put my Garmin Nuvi 260 to the test and am very pleased.
I work in home health in a fairly rural area and search for several locations every day. So far I've been able to locate every address in the GPS, but sometimes it has taken a bit of trial and error. For instance, the location city in the GPS is not always the same as the postal address. You can enter 'search all cities' but I usually start with the closest small town and find it pretty quicklly. If the search gives me more than one similar address, I check out the map to see which one sounds similar to the clues my patient has given me. When entering an address on a hwy, you just enter the number of the hwy. With streets with multiple names, you enter the first name (except North etc) then it gives you a list of roads to choose from.
I have programed it for the fastest route and, with the exception of a bridge being out, have agreed with the route it has taken me.
I disable the Avoidances for dirt roads when using the GPS for work and enable the Avoidances for U-turns when using it in our truck when pulling the horse trailer.
Twice, when leaving a driveway or parking lot, the voice has prompted me to turn right when the screen showed the arrow correctly turning to the left. Once, the destination was some 200 yards beyond where the GPS said it would be. Other than that, I've had no problems.
I have not lost my satelite link for more than a second, even during a nasty thunderstorm.
I set the unit in map mode when not using the location finder so that I can see the names of approaching roads, especially at night.
I chose this particular unit because Garmin gets such good reviews, and because of the text-to-speech feature. I no longer have to fumble for directions in my laptop that may not be correct. I get to my destinations a lot faster and I'm a whole lot less frustrated when I arrive. It's a great investment.


More Sweet Than Sour
Soft side, I had Nuvi approximately during 3 weeks and finds it completely astonishing. I did not have any exit to obtain with signals the same crossing thick cover and rain of cloud. It is completely precise as for the place because you move and it is initial evaluation of hour of arrival at a place is supernatural. It will update the hour of arrival the enroute if you obtain hung up again in the traffic or delayed along the manner. It is easy to employ and the visual ones are completely clear. I bought a stand of support of cup rather than uses the device of windshield or a bag with beans for the indent and establishes to him well. The stand of support of cup makes it easy to put left Nuvi not leaving any obviousness have a GPS in the vehicle. Sour side, I find the device always does not take to you the shortest route by the intermediary of the service roads or the known short cuts, but directs you by the intermediary of the principal roads. If you change your route along the manner the device is fast to recompute your new lead. The street of advertisement of voice calls sometimes fights with the pronunciation, but it is a small irritation and can really be full with humour. Above all, I am very happy with the device and wait with interest the use continues.


Garmin Nuvi 260
I had the GPS available to my telephone of cells but had the difficulty seeing the screen when it was in its support on my dashboard. Thus I decided to look at the products of Garmin which always were strongly evaluated in the majority of the reviews that I saw. I did not seek a model which would play MP3s or would cling to my telephone via bluetooth. I just did not need all these bells and of the whistles plus me wanted to keep the price in a reasonable budget. I chose the nuvi 260 which had with his clear screen and his exactitude. It gives you estimated the time of arrival, and most important for me, it gave messages of request of voice for nearest turns or streets so that I could keep my eyes on the road and did not have to look at the screen constantly. I would strongly recommend this product to no matter whom.


Garmin Nuvi 260
Excel produces. My 10 old years rest in the back bench of the car and research while I lead. Easy to employ and follow.


Good, but some quirks
I used this GPS last weekend and just seeing what it would do. I was looking for a Walgreens and typed in Walgreen, so it didn't find it. Then, tried another major chain and it didn't find that one either. You apparently have to be very specific in your searches for POI's.

Where I was ready to throw it out the window was on a trip last weekend, and the address was so new that it isn't on the maps yet. So, I programmed in city to city, and it directed me onto one lane county roads out in the middle of the wilderness and created a very frightening 60 min. detour off the main roads, which I didn't want. It failed to recognize where I was, and I had to turn the unit completely off twice for it to recognize where I was, then I had to reroute to a different city for it to guide me out of the horrible dirt wilderness where there was no sign of life or civilization. Horrible experience.


Great GPS for the price
After having done much research on the GPS, I must say that it is a really good choice for a semi-price GPS which obtains to you where you must go without all the additional gimlets. Light him, the bond with the satellite and your top your manner. Lighting is perfect during time day and night which marks it really easy to see. The ranges of volume are excellent, only to 50% you can motionless hear the directions above the music in speaking about car and people. Adjust yourself more quickly on the deviation in the route than I saw than other general practitioners and naturally the text with the word makes him much easier to appear out of which street your research instead of having to determine where 300 pi are really. The device that I like is better if you make with a mall your final destination, it says to you where the atmosphere nearest is, LOL. It does not come with the case (* which I will obtain *) or the USB but good in value him for the devices. Mine was only $250 which is $100 less than the price with the detail of detail thus suggested still $30 for accessories is very well with me.


It's a NUVI 350 Killer
It's a NUVI350 killer i.e. total retail cost of Nuvi 350 minus AC charger and carrying case is higher than total cost of Nuci 260. It will outsell Nuvi 350 soon. Other than that they are identical in functionalities but with newer GPS chip and built-in antenna which means one less thing to break. Lots reviewers said screen is sharper but I did not have Nuvi 350 so I could not tell about screen the screen sharpness. I always have 5 bars(full scale)of satellite signal strength on my 2nd floor with one layer of shingle roof vs 4 bars on my 1st floor (indoor), not to mention outdoor it has 5 bars from power-on to power-off.


It works even for me.
This won't take long. I am not good at gadgets. I resent them mostly, and have horrible success.

Here's my review. I received mine as a gift Christmas day. I flew to my home city, opened the thing and plugged it into my car in the airport parking lot and put in my home address. It talked me home. I'm still a little shocked.

First gadget ever that worked for me right out of the box.


Garmin Nuvi 260
Garmin Nuvi 260 is worth the sorrow simply the light increase in cost above Nuvi 200 for the device text-voice. Except the recreation you can have the play with various the voices and accents available to give you directions, the true advantage is that it announces the street names, which are of priceless value for those of us who cannot say 300 feet of 50 feet while turning and do not turn a block constantly too early. The identification of street eliminated "to recompute" last the block or two because my direction of the distance is ugly. The points of possibilities of interest and research are also the best, finding film theatres, gas stations and anything else which you can think of to find in the sector. Evaluate-certainly it that of the five hold the first role!


We Love Gertie the Garmin!
After a horrible experiment with Tom Tom XL S, obtained a nuvi 260 of Garmin. Ahhhhhhh. The installation was instantaneous. Its directions are CORRECT - if you know almost where you go, you can obtain some "who recompute," but once that you are close to your destination, let Gertie succeed - it will arrive to you there. The handbooks, updates on line, all are nice and quickly - you can equalize the geocache! Ya obtained with the getta Garmin!


doesn't save 'favorites'
i really like having it, but it (1) doesn't save 'favorites'. when you give the location a 'name', it reverts to saving your 'HOME' location under that name. a software glitch; (2) wrong directions for my own house number, which made me not love this device right off the bat. I wish Garmin had a way to email them with fixes they need to make; And the price amazon has for it is way above mfr list, which is wierd.


THIS GPS IS AMAZING!
I WAS VERY HESITANT IN BUYING A GPS.. I READ MANY REVIEWS FROM PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT HAPPY WITH THEIR GPS... . ONE BRAND IN PARTICULAR (WHICH SOUNDS LIKE A PERSON'S NAME) HAD MANY BAD REVIEWS. I DEFINITELY DIDNT WANT TO BUY THAT BRAND.....
AFTER WEEKS OF COMPARING , I DECIDED ON BUYING THE GARMIN NUVI 260...
I HAD IT FOR over A WEEK NOW AND I LOVE IT...
I M REALLY GLAD I BOUGHT THE GARMIN NUVI 260...
FOR A FIRST TIME GPS USER.. I THINK THIS ONE IS AMAZING .. ..
IT IS SO EASY TO USE.. EVEN WITHOUT READING THE MANUAL.....THE SCREEN IS SO READABLE EVEN IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT...
OK... SO IT DOESNT HAVE A MP3 - BIG DEAL... I HAVE AN IPOD ALREADY.. THAT CONNECTS TO MY CAR STEREO ANYWAY...
THANKS GARMIN FOR MAKING A GREAT GPS.. I WILL HAVE THIS ONE FOR YEARS
OH BY THE WAY...I AM NOT FROM GARMIN.. :-) I AM JUST A SATISFIED CUSTOMER....!




garmin 260 gps
large small so much easily transportable excellent general practitioners the screen and visual graphs added the voice with the advertisement of the street names also ice on the cake.


would love to try it
I placed order of the Amazon during years without tear. Up to now. I order this beautiful Garmin GPS for my husband, the box arrived, and it was.... empty! Queest this which I make? Is there a telephone number, or even addresses to contact people at the Amazon? I was by the options of assistance, detected the packaga -- yes it was delivered on the porch. Can no matter who help me?


Great navigational tool.



Love my GARMIN NUVI 260 !!!
I just recently purchased my GARMIN NUVI 260 GPS system and I love it!!

I have never owned a GPS system before, and never even had any intentions of buying one. I am not really a "gadget" type of person. I am pretty darn novice when it comes to all the technological devices etc. But, I read a litte about GPS systems, saw that they are now affordable, played with them in the store, and bought one. Now, I LOVE IT!!

The GARMIN NUVI 260 is so easy to use, right out of the box!! I just charged it using my car and the included cord, and I was ready to go!!

I love the TEXT to VOICE feature, as you don't even have to look at the unit when you are driving. You just listen to the voice and it will take you right to where you are going!!

The bottomline is, if I can figure ot how to use t, anyone can!!

I purchased mine from AMERICAN ELECTRONICS in Oak Creek, WI. I worked on the purchase with Matt S., who is the manager of the Electronics Department there. Not only was the price excellent at AMERICAN, they were one of the only places in town that had actual stock on the product!!

Get a GARMIN NUVI 260 and you won't be sorry. Buy it AMERICAN ELECTRONICS in Oak Creek, WI and tell them that Brian sent you. You won't be sorry!!


I Love My Garmen GPS
I have always been known as the one who can get lost in my own neighborhood. My family bought me this GPS for my birthday in November, and I have probably saved gallons of gas and hours of driving time by having Jill (my daughter named it that) direct me.
One day I needed to find a gas station quickly in an area I didn't know, and entered find fuel, and it immediately led me to the closest station.
It has shown me shorter ways to get to places I go frequently, and when I do something different than what it originally tells me to do it doesn't tell me how dumb I was!
It is easy to use. I had to call to find out how to get it to tell me the street names, but it was just how I had the language set. It's a great unit for most anyone, who doesn't need bluetooth or MP3 capibilities.


Great Product out of the box.
It is easy to employ this GPS out of the box. Just it liked inside the cord and with you of filling can trace your first course. The function spoken about street names is marvellous, in particular with the intersections with the multiple streets converging or on interstates with several very narrow exits in the proximity. The first night I employed it that I was confronted with an important accident which enclosed of a state with another and it recheminé me several times and so much exactly. The screen can be seen clearly, even in the luminous and bright light.


A four-plus with caveats
Initially - like my Nuvi. We travelled everywhere with him and we travel now with confidence. The speech-with-text is essential, in my opinion, and Nuvi it well. Do not know we obtained length without him. In the second place - the caveat(s). The charts are slightly obsolete in the places just as the points of interest (which is a true disappointment). To take of Nuvi during some time with the bond upwards. We liked it so much that we bought a second for our other car, although, and it broke from the very start. Envoy him again in Garmin and their sent refourbi which was worse than the first. Just recovered still today thus we will see how it disappears. BUT - the support of service at Garmin is very good. Nice, people useful. What is probably why - of all the choices of GPS outside there - I just bought third Nuvi for my parents. It is good and that functions (most of the time).


Garmin Nuvi 260
For the price you cannot beat it. It works very well and very happy with this product.


NUVI260
I used the GPS on a recent trip to San Diego and we managed to travel to a large number of places that we would have had trouble finding without it. It is a very helpful device when traveling.


Get one already!
Ok, it is perfect nothing is; always, I would easily twice pay to have had this beautiful device now. And heard it to you before the WAGES for the text-voice - in value each penny, without this device you buy an obsolete article absolutely do not underestimate this statement(please)! I placed mine in the well of center... I look to the bottom once stopped although even it is now completely useless, maintaining any need to distract the driver while leading. Street name given well, clearly and per hour. Feeling of high quality, and more than proportioned any period. Exits (valid) minor are skilfully stated elsewhere, however it is always A MUST have the article in modern saved hours of the life (and yes which I thought I were to cool to need assistance too much) -, gas, distress mental already and on each lathe. Each year they Re-evolve/move, the purchase right now and you will appreciate the turn! The first day in believing made by SF out of the whole car full with the back control of bench liked those - all the nay-sayers closed it the zip fastener. Improve how the therapy of family!


good but a few annoying problems
I got this unit just a few days ago. I like it, but I must admit I was expecting more. My biggest disapointment is about the startup and fix time and then how unbelievably slow the POI database search can sometimes be plus 3-4 out of 10 places are not found. Example: in Houston, there are a few Fry's but after a few mins it found some 300 miles away from me but none close to where I was when there is one just about 5 miles away. Great ! Well, I can live with it if I know the address but...
I also don't like the fact I have to always enter the city name etc., would be much better if the values were retained or if it worked the same way like for the state screen where there is a button with the state you selected last time. As for navigation it seems to give good routing results, when turns are missed it recalcs quickly and so far after a few days of tests I have always arrived where I wanted.
Overall a nice unit but needs improvements.

Pros:
- very sleek and pocketable
- text to speech (pronounces street names)
- good routing results
- quick recalculations
- nice graphics
- good reception even indoor

Small cons:
- when resuming driving after a stop the unit is confused for a while where you are actually headed
- some streets are missing
- POI database is incomplete
- must enter city every time when searching for an address, should be pre-selected (or should remember all previous values)
- speaker seems weak and distorted

Big cons:
- Start up time is 20+ secs to get to the "I agree" screen + some additional time to actually be ready to drive
- Satelite fix can sometimes be slow - 30 secs, even minutes
- Searching for POIs is painfully slow (minutes)



Very Pleased
I bought the nuvi 260 of Garmin like gift for my wife. She and I are very happy with the unit. It is intuitive and easy to employ. The only negative one is that I could not obtain the device installed on the panel of indent of the car. The "sticking" base would not stick. I had to install it on the window which I find little a distraction while leading.


Best GPS for the price!
I'll keep this short and sweet. Since I've had it, It's led me perfectly wherever I planned out, fit easily in my pocket (smallest car GPS?), and looks great, aesthetically. It has a charcoal body, not silver, and the screen is among the brightest out there (unlike the Nuvi 350). There isn't an mp3 player (who cares?) but you can still use an SD card for the jpg viewer. Grab the update online which increases the draw speed on the maps. What adds to the fun of this unit is that you can also download custom vehicle icons from garmin.com AND download various other voices for the Text-To-Speech. It comes with American English "Jill" but you can download both male and female voices for American, British, and Australian English. I have a Santa Sleigh with (a slightly robotic) Lara Croft telling me where to go. I love this GPS!


This is a light and excellent unit for GPS
I would say that there is no perfect unit of GPS on the market, but it is certainly one of best. If you were an owner of nuvi like me, a preceding owner of a nuvi 350 GPS, you will know that it is very easy to use nuvi. You do not need any thick handbook to study how to employ the unit, just to obtain it out of the box, to turn it above, and to play it around, then you are ready to go. It is a nuvi, thus, yes, it is easy to employ it. Like difference, some avançées functions of advance are not included in this unit, for example, you cannot add much by the intermediary of the points to a route. Basically, Nuvi 260 is Nuvi 250 with the text with the word, if equal you cannot find much reviews for Nuvi 260, really you can just seek those Nuvi 200 or 250. Nuvi 260 is also a nuvi 350 after a certain loss of weight which means certain functions such as player MP3 misses in this unit. The box comes with the unit contains less accessories than that for 350 too. You will not have the cable of USB, the case out of leather, and the charger with A.C.. However, in the other hand, the 260 A more improvement. What I like the majority is the glare of screen which really fantastic is compared with the nuvi350. They are equal strongly readable directly under the sunlight. The angle of sight of this screen is also much broader than that of the 350. The driver and the passenger before seat can read the screen easily if you place the unit in the medium. While my experiment with 350 is that you it need adjust the unit on a right angle so that the reflexion of the screen does not worry the driver of reading the screen. Another soft part is the internal antenna which more makes the unit smooth the 350. It is still easy to meet the frame, easy to be adjusted, make compact. Unfortunately Garmin changed the frame slightly design of 350.For the nuvi 350 that the cord of sector is connected to the frame and then the frame feeds the power in Nuvi, but in the 260, the cord of sector is connected directly to the device. In order to dismount your 260 thus, you need disconnection the electric cable and the frame which is not as convenient as the point of right for 350. My unit has a probe of cheer instead of the probe of SIRF III in 350. Both are praised like high probe of sensitivity. After test of it for several voyages and in my house. I noted that the cheer has better capacities of receipt of signal that the SIRF III. I can easily obtain the full signal of bars before my office of computer with the cheer, but with 350, I can only almost receive the signal with the window. In way or other I estimate that the SIRF III has a better exactitude although the difference is subtle. As I said, no GPS is perfect, thus neither one nor the other does not make the probe. In a general way, I like the 260 much. Garmin has best the engine and algorithm of navigation in industry, thus you do not need doubt its execution of navigation of the whole. Moreover, it is the nuvi of cheaper Garmin with the text with the word. If you like the text with the word and do not need other functions of imagination like the bluetooth, mp3 etc., this one is certainly the choice more adapted for you. Otherwise, if you do not worry the text with the function about the word, you can consider the chart of the nuvi 250 or the nuvi 200(no Canada) what are cheaper. Updated(Dec. 8,2007) for those which do not like the frame of window, I strongly suggest you control out of this frame of friction: Http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Portable-friction-StreetPilot-010-10908-00/dp/B000LRMS66 I bought with my nuvi 260 and that functions large!


Can't believe we lived without it!
Large product! Almost as to have an angel on your shoulder when you lead in the not very familiar territory! You obtains not only where you go, but can help to find something which you could have need. With need a pharmacy while travelling out of the city recently, connected "CVS" - and it directed us towards a store right one thousand of our hotel. Even my husband -- who is not a ventilator of instrument -- is impressed! One only part of the council... the British voice does not announce street names -- known as just it "left tower, right, etc..."... thus for this device, employ the American voice. It is not clear in the literature of "minimalist"!


Great Unit! Accurate !
Nothing bad to say about this baby. Gets you from Point A to Point B with TTS (Text To Speech - Talks Street Names) Great signal range, with fast recalculating when you make a wrong turn. Slim profile. Great battery life (5 hours plus) Only minor complaint is that Garmin doesn't include an AC adapter or USB cable for PC connectivity. Even though the unit can be purchsed for under $300 these acceserries will set uou back another $40.


Awesome.
It's tiny, works great and is a decent price compared to the rest of the GPS units out there. It's my first GPS and I'm using it with a Mac - very impressed! And, Garmin finally has a web updater that works on Mac OS X - now I just need to get some extras for it! My only complaint with Garmin is their website, it seems quite confusing and not user-friendly. Not to mention they have about 40 models of GPS that are difficult to distinguish. Rant aside, this unit is wonderful and has a great new design without any flip up antenna. Recommended!


Can't Go Wrong WIth This Unit.
Never thought that I would buy the unit of I GPS but what the pier with open-type screen, the prices drop and I am a geek of instrument. Thus I obtain this unit, hangs it to the top, and all is good! The voice is a little robot-like but is this what I counted and I suspect that other units of GPS are identical. Some words/letters (street names) not annunciated clearly given the limit of the voice but of them of robot are rather good. If a certain street name is not spoken clearly and you do not be sure what is it spoke right very that you must make to take a quick glance with the green bar with the top of the screen and it is not all definite for you... not a problem of the whole. I like this thing!


Great. It's just what you need in a portable GPS unit. No useless features.
The Nuvi 260 is a Nuvi 250 with the addition of text-to-speech (speaks actual names). Other than the text-to-speech (TTS) feature, the units are identical in appearance and operation.

Why did I buy this?
1)Many GPS models have features not needed for navigating (such as an MP3 player or Bluetooth). The 260 only has what I really think is necessary in a portable GPS. It's sleek (fits comfortably in your pocket), easily transportable, has preloaded maps with a tremendous database, and a fast processor which calculates and recalculates routes in seconds. Eliminating unnecessary features reduces the cost, plus makes it easier to use.

2)The touchscreen interface in the Nuvi 260 is so intuitive, many people can skip the short instruction book altogether. Ten minutes of just "playing around with the unit" after taking it out of the box is all you will need to be navigating. That's the mark of a great design.

3)Unlike the flip-up antenna found in Garmin's 300 series, the 200 series has an internal antenna...a big plus. (One less thing to break.) In addition, the screen in the 200 series units is significantly brighter and sharper than Garmin's older 300 series.

4)Speaking street names is a tremendous asset. Units that don't have TTS only say "In 500 feet exit right". That forces you to glance at the screen to see what street/exit/etc you need to navigate to. A unit with TTS says " In 500 feet take exit 52, on right, to Route 80 West". You keep your eyes on the road with this feature. So besides the convenience, TTS is a safety feature that is worth the extra dollars.

What do I dislike about the Nuvi 260?
1)I am not a fan of the windshield suction mount. In many reviews people have said that the mount is not reliable in the long term. It randomly falls off (this happened to me a few times). On a hot day the suction cup can soften and is reluctant to come off at all, or it leaves a telltale ring on the windshield. That's not good. (As an aside, there has been a significant increase in the thefts of portable GPS devices from cars...even when the devices were not in plain view. Police have stated that thieves assumed there was a GPS unit hidden in the car if a residual ring from the suction cup was seen on the windshield.) Save yourself from the inevitable and buy the beanbag dash mount.
2) The information in the database and maps can be a few years old. This problem is seen in ALL brands of GPS units, not just Garmin. There are millions of points of interest and roads to keep track of. It changes by the day. By the time the final product makes it to market, some of it is already outdated. But, for over 99% of the time, it is correct and it finds what I looking for. Until the manufacturers figure out a way to update their databases and maps in real time, this is what we have.

Once you think about what the really important features are in a portable GPS unit, you will realize that the Garmin Nuvi 260 is a wise choice.



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--end of Garmin nüvi 260 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator