f2000sa said: This model is very old. it may be old, but with lifetime maps what does that matter? I have a 255 and it works just fine. it acquires quickly, routes relatively quickly, shows the speed limit (when known), and has good spoken turn-by-turn directions. the only thing it lacks that I can think of is spoken street names, and perhaps traffic, which is only useful if you frequent a city they cover (I do not). I will admit that the battery not being easily replaced is a bit of a concern, but you should still get a good four or five years of use out of it. after that you will probably still be able to run it off the adapter.
I have the Garmin Nuvi 205 which is the most basic. I got it from BB (learned from FW of course) for $100 a few years back, and it does have the 3.5" screen, but I LOVE it. It's been very reliable, and we just bought my wife's parents a 4.3" model Garmin, and frankly I think the 200 has better contrast and the wide-screen doesn't make it that much easier to read.
My only complaints are: (1) when the Garmin suggests a route that I know is not ideal for one reason or another (ie traffic) then getting it to help me get from A->B using a particular "via-path" or "via-road" is impossible... I would expect that this is common amongst most GPS software, but I'd love for someone to tell me I'm wrong! (2) My maps are old... shocker. I bought this in 2007 and had the free upgrade to 2008 maps, but I'm starting to see that they're dated in some places. With lifetime maps, I'd probably keep this for a long time. It's a great unit, but I got it for $99, so I've been reserved to pay $99 for lifetime maps.
For a good GPS with lifetime maps, I think this is a pretty good deal for someone looking for a GPS that finds value in keeping it for a long time.
On the other hand, if you tend to be more the type who likes to stay up on the latest and greatest gadgets, then this deal is probably not for you.
Though it is lifetime map update, however, how many times can you actually update it?
Does it have enough space to hold the huge file of updated maps? If not, then, that is the issue.
jbigboote said: f2000sa said: This model is very old. it may be old, but with lifetime maps what does that matter? I have a 255 and it works just fine. it acquires quickly, routes relatively quickly, shows the speed limit (when known), and has good spoken turn-by-turn directions. the only thing it lacks that I can think of is spoken street names, and perhaps traffic, which is only useful if you frequent a city they cover (I do not). I will admit that the battery not being easily replaced is a bit of a concern, but you should still get a good four or five years of use out of it. after that you will probably still be able to run it off the adapter.
Though it is lifetime map update, however, how many times can you actually update it?
Does it have enough space to hold the huge file of updated maps? If not, then, that the issue.
jbigboote said: f2000sa said: This model is very old. it may be old, but with lifetime maps what does that matter? I have a 255 and it works just fine. it acquires quickly, routes relatively quickly, shows the speed limit (when known), and has good spoken turn-by-turn directions. the only thing it lacks that I can think of is spoken street names, and perhaps traffic, which is only useful if you frequent a city they cover (I do not). I will admit that the battery not being easily replaced is a bit of a concern, but you should still get a good four or five years of use out of it. after that you will probably still be able to run it off the adapter.
The new map replaces the old one, so the file size is about the same.
FINALLY... LIFETIME MAPS BEING OFFERED!! This is how it ALWAYS should be. My tomtom has been doing OKAY, but I'm shortly starting to hate it b/c of the fact that it hasn't been updated in 2 years and I refuse to pay. Thankfully, my Motorola Droid has a kickass NAV, but I like having a separate NAV so I don't have to tie up my phone.
The one thing I do want with my NAV upgrade to replace my tomtom one (oldie) is live traffic. That's a BIGGIE for me since I live by a bridge and sometimes have to go to NY City (Manhattan and the other boroughs).
bluesz said: Though it is lifetime map update, however, how many times can you actually update it?The standard Garmin nuMaps Lifetime subscription allows you to upgrade up to 4 times a year. Garmin always publishes at least 1 map upgrade so you could upgrade anywhere from 1-4 times a year (depending on how many new maps they release).
bluesz said: Does it have enough space to hold the huge file of updated maps? If not, then, that is the issue.As someone else said, the new map replaces the previous one so the size isn't much different. And I believe the 255 accepts microSD cards for expansion (I have the 255W and it accepts microSD).
P.S. -- On Garmin's site the nuMaps Lifetime subscription is $130. Here is the fine print if anyone is interested:
If you purchase a nüMaps Lifetime subscription (sold separately), you will receive up to four (4) map data updates per year, when and as such updates are made available on Garmins website, for one (1) compatible Garmin product until your products useful life expires or Garmin no longer receives map data from its third party supplier, whichever is shorter. The updates you receive under the subscription will be updates to the same geographic map data originally included with your Garmin product when originally purchased. In some instances, your Garmin product might not have sufficient memory remaining for you to load an update to the same map data originally included with your Garmin product, in which case you will need to either (a) select reduced map data coverage for your updates, or (b) purchase separately a microSD card or a SD card (as applicable to your Garmin product) and load all or a portion of the map data coverage for your updates to the card and insert the card into the microSD card or SD card slot contained in your Garmin product. Garmin may terminate your nüMaps Lifetime subscription at any time if you violate any of the terms of this Agreement. Your nüMaps Lifetime subscription may not be transferred to another person or another Garmin product.
justanothergeek said: kingaroonie said: All I'd have to additionally buy with this is the cable I guess.
What cable are you speaking of? I didn't think this included traffic, correct?
It's a usb to mini usb cable. My digital camera cable looks like the same kind, so it might work.
dstjr
New Member
posted: Aug. 5, 2010 @ 2:38p
How is the volume on this model? I love my 350, and the replacement unit's volume (855 I think) is very low. Does anyone know if there is a fix for my 855?
mrericlee said: This is a terrible deal. Please remove this deal.
The 255W (widescreen version) price is even lower. add the lifetime maps to your 255W and check the math, it is NOT a terrible deal, please remove your comment.
capjones said: Not intending to thread crap, just trying to be helpful.
255W with 4.3" and spoken street names is $110 shipped at Costco link add lifetime maps for $99.99 and this isn't even close to the same price value. I agree the 255W is better product, more recent, but more expensive if you want the lifetime maps.
mrericlee said: This is a terrible deal. Please remove this deal.
The 255W (widescreen version) price is even lower.
Alex, I'll take a clue for $1000.
abwhitney
Member
posted: Aug. 5, 2010 @ 6:01p
this is something I might pay for. I don't see why people expect free map updates. for them to do this you have to raise prices on units. I like cheap units. nothing is free, not the employees supporting the map updates software either. $130 is cheap for lifetime of free maps. these things are pretty reliable too.
DUH: stop berating my thread! OF COURSE i know that the 255w is on sale at COSTCO. THIS is NOT about the 255W because the 255W does not have lifetime maps (as everyone is pointing out). This is a thread about the 255 WITH LIFETIME MAPS which is a huge, fantastic GREEN WORTHY (NOT RED WORTHY) deal. it is not as blazing hot as it was at costco for $10 cheaper, but it is still a great deal seeing that lifetime maps will cost you almost the cost of the unit itself!
goodby1 said: DUH: stop berating my thread! OF COURSE i know that the 255w is on sale at COSTCO. THIS is NOT about the 255W because the 255W does not have lifetime maps (as everyone is pointing out). This is a thread about the 255 WITH LIFETIME MAPS which is a huge, fantastic GREEN WORTHY (NOT RED WORTHY) deal. it is not as blazing hot as it was at costco for $10 cheaper, but it is still a great deal seeing that lifetime maps will cost you almost the cost of the unit itself!
Woah. Don't take it personally. Besides, someone else already addressed the discrepancy.
uscgamecock
New Member
posted: Aug. 5, 2010 @ 8:48p
In for one. Lifetime map updates is awesome. Thanks!
The new map replaces the old one, so the file size is about the same.
Not necessarily, my C580 has both the 2008 and 2010 maps on it - I can switch back and forth by choosing the option in settings. If you connect via a USB cable to a PC, you can see how much space you have avail. and make the call yourself.
No one has pointed out yet, that although the MAPS can be upgraded, the Points-of-Interest get old (restaurants go out of business..ie Bennigans) or banks get bought out, and suddenly your "what's near me?" option is full of crap. My exploration of adding new POS is just that, -adding- to the old file, rather than culling the inaccurate items out.
dstjr said: How is the volume on this model? I love my 350, and the replacement unit's volume (855 I think) is very low. Does anyone know if there is a fix for my 855?
I own a 255w so it's the same as the 255. The volume at 80% or above is absolutely horrendous due to its highly compressed TTS as discussed in the gpsreview forum. It's so bad that I think tomtom is making fun of Garmin through Darth Vader recording for TomTom - behind the scenes (while you are there, watch Yoda's recording too.) At the end of the road, turn round (right). Exactly what you will hear from a 255w at higher volume.
BTW, you can download lots of Garmin vehicles here. Enjoy.
I bought it for 110 two months ago and regret it. The navigation system built-in in my Droid is better. Even my 6-years old Garmin c330 model is better. I am not impressed at all and regret buying it. Just my opinion.
RC
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 7, 2010 @ 10:18p
The same price is at Amazon, if anyone is interested. However Amazon is backordered. For me it is the same price as Costco, since I don't have to pay sales tax ordering online.
RC
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 7, 2010 @ 10:20p
PS: as far as the free map updates, it worries me a bit that Garmin can call a unit outdated at any time and refuse to offer the "lifetime" updates.
The new map replaces the old one, so the file size is about the same.
Not necessarily, my C580 has both the 2008 and 2010 maps on it - I can switch back and forth by choosing the option in settings. If you connect via a USB cable to a PC, you can see how much space you have avail. and make the call yourself.
No one has pointed out yet, that although the MAPS can be upgraded, the Points-of-Interest get old (restaurants go out of business..ie Bennigans) or banks get bought out, and suddenly your "what's near me?" option is full of crap. My exploration of adding new POS is just that, -adding- to the old file, rather than culling the inaccurate items out. I never knew that. I thought the new maps updated and replaced the POI's. Guess it never makes sense to pay for a map upgrade then, vs. just buying a new model. Is there not any kind of user created crap cleaner style tool?
For those who think that the POI's aren't updated with the map: from Garmin's website
"Pay Once--Update for Life Know where to go when streets change or new restaurants and other businesses open. With nüMaps Lifetime, you'll get the most up-to-date maps available--for the life of your Garmin GPS. This one-time, single purchase gives you access to the newest map information on streets, highways and points of interest as soon as new content is available. Then, you can download the new data to your device, retrieving up to four updates per year, for the lifetime of your Garmin GPS. It's the most comprehensive update plan you can buy. "
Back in stock at Costco.com for $129.99 + tax shipped.
Bugs
Senior Member
posted: Oct. 5, 2010 @ 3:27p
If you are on Newegg's email list, you can now get this for $127.99 shipped using the coupon code provided in their email. I believe it is tied to your email address so not generic code. In-4-1 now.
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