Saturday, August 2, 2008

Garmin nüvi 260

The Nuvi 260 is a Nuvi 250 on the addition of text-to-Speech (speaks the actual names). Other than the text-to-speech (TTS) function, the units are in appearance and operation.

Why did I buy?
1) Many GPS models have features that are not necessary for the navigation (such as an MP3 player or Bluetooth). The 260 has only what I really think it is necessary, a portable GPS. It is brilliant (to fit comfortably in your pocket), easy to transport, maps, laden with a huge database and a fast processor, calculates routes and again in seconds. The elimination of unnecessary functions reduces costs, plus makes it easier to use.

2) The touch-screen interface in the Nuvi 260 is so intuitive, many people may skip the short guide book a whole. Ten minutes just "playing with the device after taking it out of the box is everything you need to navigate. That is 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 thing calmed down.) Moreover, the screen in the 200-series units is significantly lighter and sharper than the older Garmin 300 series.

4) Speaking of road is a huge advantage. Units that do not have TTS only say, "In the 500 meters turn right". This forces us to look at the screen to see what the street / output / etc you have to navigate. A device with TTS says: "In the 500 meters, take exit 52, right, to Route 80 West." You keep your eyes on the road with this function. So in addition to the convenience, TTS is a security measure, which is worth the extra dollars.

What I hate about the Nuvi 260?
1) I am not a fan of the windscreen Suction Mount. In many reviews people have said that the mount is not reliable in the long term. It is randomly (this happened to me a few times). On a hot day can alleviate the suction cup and has not come off at all, or leave a tale ring on the windscreen. This is not good. (Incidentally, there is a significant increase in thefts of portable GPS devices in cars ... even if the devices were not in clear view. Police has stated that the thieves were on a GPS device hidden in the car if there is a remnant of The suction ring was seen on the windshield.) save itself from the inevitable and buy the beanbag dashboard mounted.
2) The information in the database and maps may take a few years old. This problem is reflected in all brands of GPS units, and not just Garmin. There are millions of points of interest and the streets. The changes by the day. By the time the final product makes it onto the market, sometimes already obsolete. But for more than 99% of the time, it's true, and he finds what I'm looking for. The manufacturers figure A way to their databases and maps in real time, that is what we have.

If you think about what the really important functions in a portable GPS device, you will understand that the Garmin NUVI 260 is a sensible choice.