Garmin - Nuvi 260

The Garmin GPS devices provide you with excellent navigational tools but more importantly integrate the latest technologies to allow you to travel in comfort. All the high-end Nuvi models boast of the latest technological features though they are a little on the expensive side.

However, Garmin is now trying to come up with entry-level models that carry some of the popular high-end features but make them available at extremely affordable prices. For example, in the new Nuvi 260 you have the added feature of text-to-speech. Instead of just reading an instruction which will say ‘turn right’, you will actually get to hear the device say ‘Turn right on Victory street’. Another important feature is the consideration given for pedestrian use. You can use the ‘hold’ switch on top of the device, which essentially prevents an accidental touching of the screen when you are putting it in your purse or pocket. When you need to use it again, you can release the hold and start using the touch screen again. This facility along with the compact size and long battery life make it one of the best fits for pedestrians.

Features

Of course, the Nuvi 260 also comes with all the navigational tools that the Nuvi series is famous for. It comes preloaded with detailed street maps of all of North America and if you would like some more maps that are not included, you can always use an SD card which contains as many extra maps as you would like. The model also contains a comprehensive database of millions of points of interest like hotels and restaurants, ATMS or gas stations.

When you enter the address of the destination, the best route possible based on your preferences will immediately be calculated. Further, these directions will be narrated to you turn by turn like ‘Drive straight through the next two intersections’ and ‘Turn left at Charming Cross on Maple Street’. As a result, all you have to do is concentrate on your driving and let your Nuvi 260 take care of the navigation. If you have doubts at any point, you can take a look at either the two-dimensional or three-dimensional maps to know exactly where you are and where you should be heading. You can also request that you be warned when you are approaching specific points of interest like school zones or hospital zones.

In addition to all these navigational tools, there are many other tools that you are bound to find useful when you are traveling. The device includes standard travel tools like a world clock or currency converter, also a measurement calculator. However, you can purchase additional software like Garmin’s special Travel Guide that contains detailed information on local attractions, hotels and restaurants for hundreds of different places; or the Savers Guide that contains details of nearby stores or merchants offering discounts on their products. These softwares are preloaded on SD cards that you can just plug-in to your Nuvi and start to play.

Thus, the Nuvi 260 with simple, new touches aims to be a great navigational device and an able travel guide.