Garmin Nuvi 250

VERY EASY TO USE, CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS, EASY TO READ DISPLAY,LIKE HOW IT REMINDS YOU AS YOU GET CLOSER TO ROUND ABOUT ETC.

1. Small size. 2. Good GPS reception even in a Renault with the windscreen coating of Anti radiation. 3. Daylight visibility acceptable.

Where do I start? The Garmin Nuvi 250 is not fit for the purpose it was sold for. There are lots of reasons why you should not buy the Garmin Nuvi 250 but I'll list 12 to give you an idea. The TomTom and Miomaps GPS units are far better. 1. The unit performs particularly badly on roundabouts because it rarely gives adequate warning of the desired exit, which promotes poor signal and lane discipline. 2. Although the copyright on the opening screen says 2007, the maps actually date back to 2003 and don't have the newer roads. 3. The unit can only cope with one waypoint on the route, which is not easy to enter. 4. The unit does not calculate the fastest route when in "Fastest Route" mode. On one particularly journey I decided to take a different road and instantly saved 15 minutes off my calculated journey times. 5. The unit tries to take you through town centres instead of using the by-pass even in the so called "Fastest Route" mode. 6. The routes are labelled by road names, which is downright useless as road signs almost always use numbers. 7. The turn guidance tells you to turn 100m before the junction whatever the speed. On dual carriageways you'll miss your junction and in town you'll turn too early. 8. The route is highlighted by a fat arrow, which obscures junction detail. 9. The autozoom does not work correctly an often requires manual zooming to see enough of the road or enough detail. 10. It sometimes can't find large towns when entering a route because it cannot cope with alternate spelling e.g. St-Yrieix-la-Perche. 11. The female voice can be hard to understand and there are no alternatives supplied. 12. Power supply is connected through the rear rather than the side or underneath, which is harder to reach and means the unit won't lie flat.

Very easy to use - just plug it in to the car socket and go. Screen size is good. Maps and instructions are easy to follow. Positionally accurate within a couple of metres.

It always takes the shortest route, which when used in Italy involved a potentially hair raising drive around a single track road through the Appenino mountains, when driving around and coming in from the other side of the mountain would have been much safer and easier. It would benefit from and option of just being able to select the more major routes, regardless of distance.

Hassle free, once satellite signal is received, away you go.

Not found one yet.

very good product, easy to use, great touch screen. highly recommend...

Easy to use, full postcode search (and it finds them!). It picks up the satellites very quick - especially good in London where tall buildings normally cause problems. Dims itself at night. Touch screen - no stylus. Small and compact - no swivel out satellite receiver. Voice loud and clear, graphics very good - and they scroll smoothly. Better than Tom Tom for the way it adopts Points Of Interest you may download. Speed camera database is good.

Cant be used with a traffic module (TMC) to give traffic updates / avoidance, but I suppose you can pay extra and buy a higher model if you want everything!

Easy to use, clear and very helpful

Wish it had come with a charger for the house

Easy to use.

takes ages to get a satellite and having to keep it up to date with speed camaras, etc....

Easy to use - nothing wrong with it really

Extremely good navigation directions - it took me around the Paris Peripherique faultlessly. After trying a very expensive rival, I realise that simplicity is the key to on the move navigation. Having no frills is a definite plus point.

It doesn't do a lot of things, but after trying a sat-nav that did, this isn't really a bad point. If you want it to play music, get an mp3 player.

Very easy to 8understand, very easy to use. Battery charge seems to last longer than 4 hours advised so that is a bonus!

None

used on difficult journey in Holland & Germany; proved invaluable giving confidence to driver. found it easy to locate parking places in city centres.

none

This product was very easy to use, you don't even need the instructions. Its perfect, easy to understand and very clear. Excellent. Also looks good!!

This product always directs you to Toll roads rather than normal motorways, so if you are not clued up it can end up costing!

good screen size very easy to use

only one voice type limited route type program fastest - shortest could do with only use main roads as well so not sent up tiny narrow lanes when larger roads available

Sturdy and robust device, yet slender and 'girlie' Fits neatly into pockets and bags and isn't too heavy or chunky; it's got me around and where I need to be, but I would still recommend using it alongside it's map (so you don't pick the wrong place by not having a postcode to input, especially in Europe such as 'Paris' - there are a few on the list so zooming out made sure I picked the right one). I'd still take a phone number for where I was going in case it's slightly off with the street, or ask a local - you cannot always account for places being given an incorrect postcode - such as my home address! I was swayed to the pinkness because it came with the Garmin leather pouch, which worked out cheaper than the standard grey model and buying the official pouch.

Doesn't come with a cable to download updates, you have to get this separately. A stylus would have been a nice addition too. Not supplied with a mains charger, this isn't too much of an issue because I only use it in my KAr. I can charge it via USB since I bought a cable. It can get a little confused recalculating when road works are going on, you can end up going in circles in an unfamiliar city, but as soon as you realise, ignore it and it'll recalculate again getting you back on track.

Easy to use, compact size makes it easier to carry outside of the car, simple and effective mounting bracket, excellent user interface.

looks nice, a variety of different pointers available to use, safety camera feature. following the map has seemed clear, precise and easy to follow so far. it has also made driving a little more fun again

drove into centre of london and its performance became erratic, tall buildings may have caused interference. spoken instructions have been different to the map indications, which has been found to be very good. so must keep eye on map. travel data is not as straight forward as it could be.

Easy to use. ompact. Long battery life from fully charged.

The signal. It takes an absolute eternity to pick up the satelite. Every time I need to use it I have to stand still, away from the car and wait, and wait, and wait.

simple touch screen use. accurate voice and map directions, easy to mount

care needs to be taken when mounting in front of windscreen to avoid reflection in screen at night, this applies to other models as well as the Garmin

easy to use software

none yet!

Easy to use with adequate maps. Good way to find shops and fuel stops in the area

Sometimes lost satellite signals and seemed to get itself confused. Also had moments where it would not recognise a road even though we were driving on it.

Stylish design, compact and works very well

Haven't found any yet!

It is easy to use and the screen is a good size.

Some directions given, can be confusing at times.

Almost everthing

None

Easy to use out of the box

no querty keyboard which im used to.

Nice size and design. Many useful directions such us restaurants and pubs, etc.

Maps not up to date, for example no Terminal 5 at Heatrow. Also when you giving a directions, you can not choose the route.

Destination address erquires information (eg street name, number) which does not apply to many of the destinations I wish to reach. Postcode details are not always available.

Fairly easy to use, fits nicely in pocket, excellent value with European mapping.

Not supplied with home charger or carry case.

Simple but effective - great value - it's the least expensive Euro-wide sat nav I could find.

Functionality is basic, e.g. doesn't manage traffic jams

Full confidence in this product whilst touring France, Spain and Andora. Very Accurate and easy to use. Longer battery life than antisipated.

speed camera points, widescreen for ease of use and good graphics

n/a

Easy to use if have postcodes.

Difficult to trust as it seems to take in to the back of beyond, even though it takes you to your destination.

it is really simple to use and easy to read

Quality product, great size screen while still remaining compact overall size. the picture viewer is excellent on the larger screen and is great for looking at your holiday photos instantly - if your camera uses an sd card It acquires satellites quickly and the directions, so far, have been faultless

only minus that I can think of is the lack of bluetooth to use your phone hands free in the car but I knew that when I bought it.

This unit is light weight and very easy to use. So far it has been very accurate.

The holder supplied with this product is not transferable between vehicles and requires permanent erection on the dashboard.

great interface, easy to use.

Was cheap at the time. Covers Europe (though I haven't used it there yet). Pretty slimline and looks nice.

No free updates that I'm aware of meaning that I have found myself in the middle of a field on the screen when in actuality I am on a new stretch of road. Speed cameras are also not updated. There is a part of the m25 that had cameras during roadworks but now they are gone. Whenever I drive down this bit the Sat Nav beeps at me incessently. Moreover, it doesn't always go the fastest way when set to fastest route. If I know better I ignore it only for it to kind of go 'oh yeah, you were right' and knock 20 minutes off the journey time.

Size ease of use

Got lost a couple of times in France

easy to use always gets you there functionality is excellent - counts you down both speak and visually to every next "occasion", ETA, Miles to go, etc. Great all-round product

It sometimes won't always take you the "quickest route" - at least two occasions when this has happened.

Pocket size. Ease of use and quick understanding of functionality.

Small, easy to use, accurate.

A little slow to update now and then.

very accurate when directing. Love the colour

None

Size of unit and ease of use.

None

easy to use

It's a good size and easy to use. It also comes with a case and suction mounting cap. Clear instructions and screen resolution making the map easy to follow. Excellent for motorway driving and for getting around towns.

In cities it struggled at some points and made me go round in a few circles but then sorted itself out but was quite slow resulting in me having to lane hop at roundabouts and junctions which is dangerous enough in small towns never mind large busy cities! Also on some country roads it didn't seem to know them or exactly where i was.

I jwanted a simple,easy to use sat nav to get me there. No bluetooth, bells or whistles required, This does that very well.

None so far except my family keep borrowing it

very compact and slim. Easy set up.

None yet

Compact, easy to use and good value for money. While quite basic it does all that the average motorist requires of it. I've bought three, one for myself and the others for my children who are relatively new drivers. It allows them to complete journeys more easily and safely and makes an ideal gift for any new driver.

The standard 'leather' case while quite smart in appearance does not close and the contents may easily fall out and sustain damage. A simple padded 'compact camera' type case is far more practical, cheaper and in fact what I use as an alternative to the Garmin case.

I have a terrible sense of direction. Garmin is easy to programme and always gets me to my destination. It has made a world of difference to me, I can go anywhere.

None as yet

It works well & is easy to setup. The 5 hour battery life is great for use when walking or cycling. The instructions are clear & spoken in time for the correct actions to be taken. The remaining time to your destination is a useful feature as it is updated as you change course or speed.

The voice is harsh & toppy - I have covered the speaker holes with a layer of gaffer tape to take away some of the toppiness but this also reduces the speech volume. I would have preferred the unit to recalculate my course if I take a diversion, as long as I am still headed in the correct direction, rather than trying to divert me back to its original route. I would love to be able to change the voice to that of Joanna Lumley - I can't think of any other female personality that I would rather be guided by.

price is great and has point of interest. took it to Alton towers and it took the route through the town which people dont use so no traffic!!!!!!! fantastic!!!! oh and went to london driving for the 1st time and didnt get lost or was worried cause i knew it will re-direct. its cool

didnt have a home charger but for thr price it didnt matter

Easy to use,bright screen,quite compact

loses sound quality at higher volume,does not come with home charger

easy to understand and use

no option to change voice ( i fancied listening to sean connery not some woman! )

Great screen. Good views. Accurate

Not as intuitive to navigate round

i love my pink sat nav. its styleish and small and fits nicely into my handbag. postcode in and away i go, no stressing in finding where im going and no worries that im getting lost. i also love the fact i now have my home address programed in so just one touch of home and it takes me home. its great.

non

its fantastic, we get lost a few times in Belguim recently, and its got us back on track, straight away

99% accurate, and very easy to use in this country. I have not tried it abroad yet, if required I will do so when I have.

None so far.

very quick and easy to use, is a good size.

very occasionally locks up and tries to send me to the scilly isles! Generally though it is accurate and we are very happy with it.

Compact, light and easy to use

User booklet could be more informative Sound is on the tinny side at higher volumes

Very easy to use, not many advanced features so it does exactly what a sat nav should do - get you to where you need to go.

Not convinced about 'shortest time' and 'shortest route' makes much difference, which is no big deal

It's quite difficult to get a reception and the reception drops out seemingly quite easily. Other than that it's great.

Never had one before so can't compare. It's fun & companionable, so far I've only used it on routes I know and it doesn't always use the most suitable route.

Many local facilities not included and those that are are out of date. It's scarily easy to see how large vehicles use totally unsuitabe roads. I shall be very careful when following it in unknown areas.

Touch screen functionality

Prefer direction in degrees, e.g. 190 rather than compass points

Compact, Lightweight, Simple, Good value, Great battery life and can use Motorola chargers and leads with it.

Very easy to use, virtually idiot proof

Takes a while to pick up the satellites

Easy to use

Sometimes takes a funny route but gets you there!

Would be nice if you could change to a mans voice if desired and download other voices.

Easy to use, fast and the detour feature is excellent.

None found so far

Price,design,ease of use.

No indoor charger included,only car charger.

show's where places are before setting off on the journey. fits nicely into jeans pocket. easy to set up. At the time of purchase was the cheapest i could find anywhere.

It seems to want to stick to main roads only, going from home to Wakefield it wants me to go through Horbury when the quickest way is straight down the bypass.

address and postcode search, POI, size, display,

no route planner, sometimes it will give you a route thats not always the best

Good functionality Easy to use

None

It's small, lightweight, looks sleek and is really easy to use without looking at the manual!

Easy to use, Detour facility.

simple compact unit

sometimes takes 30 minutes to find satelites when you first switch it on ????

Easy to use, so far very accurate.

Not used enough to identify any as yet.

Nice neat design, great european searches

sometimes takes time in locating satellites

I went to ireland recently about 98% accurate.very good considering not many road signs to let you know where you are.I would have got lost many times without it.Worth the money.

battery only lasts about 3hours,ok if you have in car charger.

ease of use,

some areas of non communication with satellite.

Very accurate and quick to recalculate when you take a turn it doesn't agree with.

Initial bootup is a touch slow,

good design, large clear screen, security protected, easy to use, walking and other useful facilities, excellent carrying case (extra)

instruction book could be more detailed.

this one was so easy and it hasn't got me lost. Very good as it work out arrival time so you can plan you journey.

good quality ,easy to use

nil

Small compact with large easy to read screen, voice directions good, safety camera very helpful.

slow finding satalite, but could be our area

Simple, reliable, accurate, good price

Sometimes confusing routes