|
The Verizon phone correctly starts the trip at the first road you need to enter.My wife used the 255w to direct her from Indianapolis to Chicago's O'Hare airport, and found that Google Maps provided faster, more direct navigation of the suburban Chicago Interstates.I've quickly discovered that accurate and fast audible directions are more important than glitzy visuals and icing like a compass or a speed limit indicator. I've watched from the sidelines as the GPS products have proliferated, but with the current price competition I have finally entered the fray. But in essential ways it is not a mature product.My only prior GPS usage has been on my Verizon cell phone. I've found that it sometimes instructs to begin the trip at a street two long blocks way, but doesn't audibly tell you how to get to that street. For $10 a month the Verizon GPS service also gives you local weather reports/forecasts, 14 million points of interest, traffic flow maps and alerts, and directions to least expensive gas. Surprisingly, it does a better job than the 255w at the core job of providing trip guidance.The cell phone provides more frequent audible instructions than does the 255w; and with a simple button push the phone repeats the last instruction.
Accurate and quick audible directions are also safer than diverting one's eyes from the roadway to a screen. I'm bemused and disappointed.The 255w has a nice appearance and useful features, and according to reviews it is one of the best GPS units on the market. In fact, visual directions are surprisingly irrelevant when audible directions are good. (This last is easily done with the phone handily in your lap).If you miss your turn the cell phone recalculates and redirects more quickly than does the 255w. The latter is sometimes distressingly silent when a turn or a destination is missed.Oddly, the 255w does a poor job of directing the start of a new trip. When it comes to core performance, a GPS-equipped Verizon cell phone is superior to the 255w.
You can also send directions from the phone to another Verizon phone or any email address.
October '08,purchased the Garmin 255W for directions.do not need it for music, photos, bluetooth. It exceeded my expectations. I recommend this GPS to anyone who can live without "bells & whistles.
We've used it several times, and each time we're simply amazed. We didn't want to advertise that we had a gps system in the car, plus we wanted to move it to any vehicle we were having to use. We're VERY pleased with our choice. This is our first gps system, so I don't have any to compare it with. This is a godsend for me, as I still don't know my way around the area that I've moved to. I strongly suggest purchasing the friction stand (it's like a weighted bean bag) that sits securely on the dash, instead of using the windshield mount.
We're able to move it to ANY vehicle we're currently using, because it is portable.
We like how it tells you the next turn in advance (the actually street name), as well as visually showing where you're at.
I chose a hard type of case that zippered the screen in, as I didn't want the possibility of it sliding out.
I went with the 255W because of the high reviews it received from other buyers, and also from ConsumerReports.
Also, suggest getting a case for the screen, which is not included.
If by chance, you miss a turn, it quickly re-calculates and points you in the right direction.
It's very easy to program and 'user friendly'.
When we reach our destination, we simply put everything in a small tote bag and lock it in the trunk of the car.
Since my 'sense of direction' is really poor, this little gadget has already paid for itself.
After getting burned with online mapping and direction sites we bought this Garmin GPS system. We've used it on 2 long trip and some local travel and found only minor quirks when searching for points of interest. It was tough to decide which brand to buy but Garmin seemed to be the top seller. Amazon had the best price for this model which I chose for its ability to adjust the directions if you reroute, text to speech feature and 4.3 inch wide screen. Some local businesses were not in the system. Overall we are very happy with this purchase after about one month of ownership.
I bought this gps as a birthday gift for my husband. It's just perfect. Up and talking with a quick start guide, "Samantha" has directed us flawlessly to lacrosse tournaments, a party in the city, and a local restaurant. Remember to take it out of the dash mount and stow away when parked (big theft item).
|
