we use it on "back road" trips, in conjunction with detailed paper maps.
i have a hard time finding places so it has been a blessing for me to aid finding an address and to stop bothering my family for detailed directions to everything.
i know there are many detailed reviews of the garmin 255w, but i just wanted to say that this is the perfect device for anyone who is casually looking for a gps navigation system.
the map detail could be better also but it works.
traffic directions are as good and detailed as can be, as you would expect from a garmin, and less intrusive than on some other brands.
it has detailed info at the touch of a button on how far you have left when going to a destination, how fast you're going, average rate of speed, etc.
it has the fastest most detailed routing, and it is by far the most accurate unit i have ever used.
however, if you press this bar strength readout icon for a couple of seconds, it shows you the detailed satellite data.
it is fast to find satellites ( takes 15 seconds most when you turn it on) easy to navigate and the map details are great.
detailed maps
it is more of a quick start guide than a detailed manual.
the maps are the most detailed yet and were very helpful on a recent hiking trip in the great smokey mountains.
the shaded relief is great, the wheel is very intuitive, and maps are pretty detailed.
the screen is very detailed and the display is usually very clear.
the default map overlays are okay, not very detailed but sufficient for street navigation.
* 3d terrain maps are not detailed.
the interface is very intuitive and so you don't really need to read any detailed instruction manuals to use this right away.
the device to my pc, via standard usb (type a) to mini-usb (type mini-b) cable, registered the product on garmin's web site, and was able to instantly download the 2009 map details for the device.
this item is much better than the previous garmins - it is accurate, more detailed and relatively inexpensive.
the user interface is so simple and easy to understand that a detailed manual is pointless.
after getting home from my road trip i connected the device to my pc, via standard usb (type a) to mini-usb (type mini-b) cable, registered the product on garmin's web site, and was able to instantly
map detail is great, lane change and verbal prompts are terrific features.
and being able to download fully detailed cache descriptions as custom pois is just icing on the cake.
the issue: the unit will power off/reset upon trying to display the map or make any changes in the "tools/settings/map" menu such as trying to change the vehicle icon, change map detail, etc.
unit comes with mapsource which has a very detailed map but awkward interface..not so easy to figure out..but it works..i set up a nice route taking the smallest roads possible and got into my jeep.
it moves to a more detailed map when you get close, and covers 1/2 mile on highways when you don't need as great of detail.
below you will find my detailed, usage based review.
cons: map detail, non-included accessories, voice prompts, navigational quirks.
i've spent about seven hours on the computer, all downloads "successful", mymaps says all's ok, but my little garmin says "no detailed maps found that can support routing".
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