In the post I will be writing a review of the Garmin Nuvi 255W Sat Nav device, currently one of the most popular units (purchased on Amazon.com).

As the base model in the Nuvi range it doesn’t have the full functionality of the higher spec models, having said that it is not to detract from the usefulness of the unit for getting you from A2B.

As a GPS unit it is an upgraded version of the Nuvi 205 model with the additional features of full mapping details and text to speech allowing street names and POI names to be read by the preloaded voices.

Not quite as sleek and asthetically pleasing as some devices you find on the market it does the core job of route planning for you without any problems. Many have reviewed this model saying it is both fit for purpose and GPS navigation on a budget both these comments should be read as compliments to the unit.

The unit measures 4.8 inches wide by 2.9 inches tall by 0.8 inch deep and features a color touch screen that takes up almost the entirety of the front panel. With a screen that measure in at 4.3 inches diagonally and displays full-color imagery at a WQVGA resolution of 480×272 pixels.

Power is switched on/off via a slider which is located at the top of the unit and doubles up as a screen lock depending on the icon you slide it towards.

On the rear of the unit you will find the speaker and mini usb port which is used for charging/data transfer.

On the side of the unit is the SD card slot used for the map storage or changing the map disk. Changing the map disk allows for when on holiday you can just swap disks without having to back up the currents maps and your unit will navigate around your holiday destination just the same as home use.

The preloaded maps come in various packages depending on where the unit is bought the lower 48 states of the US or Canada or one european country. The mapping for these countries also include speed limit warnings for the driver to ensure that no laws are broken.