Garmin's nüvi 255W improvesupon its 200-series predecessors by adding top-of-the-line features such as FM traffic updates or MSN Direct content to an entry-level line. But Garmin is also introducing some significant improvements with this new series, like a predictive technology that provides faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen with more information, terrain maps, and an exciting new photo navigation feature.

• HotFix (Long Term Ephemeris Prediction) finds satellites faster

• Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Basemap shows 3D shaded terrain features

• Faster 333 Mhz processor offers faster, smoother map drawing and vehicle icon motion through turns

• Redesigned user interface offers more information

• Photo Navigation lets you upload geo-coded photos from a phone, geo-coding camera or photo site and navigate to them.

• Add Enhanced MSN Traffic and Content with the optional GDB 55 antenna and charger

• Send addresses directly to your Garmin from Google Maps or Mapquest

• Automatic Time Zone Transition

• Text-to-Speech gives voice directions with real street names

• 4.3-inch Widescreen shows you more of what's around you as you drive

• Memory Card Slots so you can add maps and travel guides, or store photos (MicroSD card slot on 3.5-inch units; SD card slot on 4.3-inch units)

• Preloaded Maps with Navteq data of North America + Hawaii + Puerto Rico, including 6.5 million searchable points of interest

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for easy portability (up to 4 hours per charge)

• Custom Vehicle Icons let you personalize your navigator

• Integrated Antenna for a slim form factor

• Where Am I? -- instantly shows you all of the emergency services nearby

Reviews:

• Consumer Reports rates the Garmin 200 series a Best Buy 61/100 (68 is the highest rating in the category)

• Cnet Reviews 7 Customer Reviews, 5 stars
  Pros: Best GPS in its class & price. Buy it now you will thank me later
  Cons: Garmin 255W does not come with USB cable, charger or even the user manual - shame on you Garmin
  Summary: Voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions that speak street names, widescreen display and ultra-easy to use what else you can want from GPS.

• DigitalTrends
  For peace of mind on the go, nüvi 255 leads the way with voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions that speak street names and optional MSN® Direct to get you there on time and keep you informed. It's packed with millions of destinations and maps for North America or Europe. Like the rest of the compact nüvi 2x5-series, this portable navigator is priced right and ultra-easy to use.

• Amazon.com 359 Customer Reviews
  Excerpt from the general review voted most useful by readers
  I chose the 255W for several reasons: It uses some of the newest and best maps available. It has one of the more usable touch screens for entering destinations. It's fast to acquire satellites. And Garmin almost always comes out on top in reviews--especially in routing. Ultimately, you buy a car GPS to get you from Point A to Point B as easily and efficiently as possible. And that's what the 255W does best.

• Buzzillions 151 Customer Reviews, 4.4 stars
  "The Garmin Nuvi 255W is a great product. I've only had it a few weeks, but I've found it to be user friendly, reliable, easy to read and accurate. It calculates the best route and provides the estimated time of arrival. I visited stores and examined more sophisticated GPS versions (more bells and whistles), but this is more than adequate for all my needs.The only con I have is that the Quick Start Manual could be more user friendly (written GPS 101 or GPS for Dummies style)."

• Epinions.com 3 Customer Review
  I bought my Garmin Nuvi 255w in August, 2008; my first car GPS. It has been an invaluable tool in getting me through unfamiliar territory. It's easy to use (I'm not the swiftest with technology, so that's saying something) and the screen menus are fairly intuitive. The voice commands are very helpful, and easy to turn off if they become annoying. It occasionally won't recognize the street address of a business, and has sent us on bizarre journeys to wrong places. 

Specifications:

• Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 3.81 in. x 2.25 in.

• Display size, WxH: 4.3" diag (10.9 cm)

• Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery

• Battery life: up to 4 hours

• Preloaded maps: North American

• Data cards: SD (Secure Digital) Card Slot

• Waypoints/favorites/locations: 6.5 million