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Garmin nuvi 250

Discontinued

Reviewed November 2008

Easy-to-use features
Excellent navigation
Low price

Unable to speak street names
Runs slightly slower than newer nuvis

Where to Buy

for $129.00
for $117.30
for $99.99

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The stripped-down Garmin nuvi 250 is the kind of GPS you'd buy for a non-tech-savvy friend, experts say. It omits extra accessories and menu options, leaving only an excellent navigator that's easy to use. However, the nuvi 250 omits one feature that experts usually recommend: the ability to speak street names. For a bit more money, experts recommend stepping up to newer Garmin nuvi GPS devices, which offer spoken street names plus important extras: optional traffic alerts, photo-based navigation, "Where am I?" (to instantly find the closest intersection, gas station or hospital), as well as faster satellite lock and map creation.

The Garmin nuvi 250 is thoroughly road tested at both GPSMagazine.com and GPSLodge.com.

Although GPSTracklog.com hasn't tested the nuvi 250, that reliable site calls it a top budget alternative. We also found useful owner reviews at Amazon.com.

Where To Buy

Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
1175 store reviews	In Stock.	$129.00	See It
76 store reviews	In Stock. BRAND NEW. SHIPS SAME DAY. SUPER FAST DELIVERY.	$117.30	See It
5264 store reviews	In Stock. Refurbished Refurbished	$99.99	See It
		See All Stores

Our Sources

1. GPSMagazine.com

The main complaint GPSMagazine.com has about the Garmin nuvi 250 -- that it is pricey -- is no longer true, as the price has fallen since this review was written. However, this road test of the nuvi 250 is still comprehensive, thoroughly analyzing the unit's features -- and lack thereof -- and recommending some alternatives for budget shoppers who would prefer more features or a widescreen display.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 250 Review, Fletcher Previn, April 22, 2007

2. GPSLodge.com

GPS blogger Scott Martin has dropped the Garmin nuvi 250 from his latest holiday gift guide in favor of newer entry-level Garmins. However, his thorough test and analysis of the nuvi 250 is still valuable for shoppers considering this unit -- especially his discussion of widescreens versus small screens.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 200/250/270 Review, Scott Martin, March 25, 2007

3. GPS Tracklog

The Garmin nuvi 250 is GPS blogger Rich Owings' alternative pick for a budget auto GPS in his buyer's guide. Although some of the entries in Owings' buyer's guide link to his own detailed road test results, the nuvi 250 page includes only a brief description of the unit's features and links to reviews from outside sources.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 250 Review, Rich Owings, March 26, 2007

4. Amazon.com

More than 125 customers have posted reviews of the nuvi 250, awarding it an average of 4.5 stars (out of five). Several users say they're glad they didn't spend extra, because the budget nuvi 250 navigates very well.

Review: Garmin Nuvi 250, Contributors to Amazon.com

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