Garmin nuvi 205

in Inexpensive GPS Systems

Score: 9.2/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

• Overall

Garmin nuvi 205 Overall - 9.167 (Excellent)

Reviewers are full of recommendations for the new nuvi 205. A part of the 2x5 series of Garmins, this little nuvi features a redesigned map screen and a faster processor that should improve map and routing speed, plus it offers feature previously not seen on an entry-level Garmin -- like a possible real-traffic connection. But text-to-speech still eludes the Garmin nuvi 205, and you'll have to upgrade to a nuvi 255 for the luxury of called out street names. Also keep in mind the Garmin nuvi 205W, featuring all the same features as the regular 205, with a 4.3-inch display screen. 

What the Experts Say: 

• "No longer at prices that force PNDs into locked glass cabinets, the Nuvi 205 and its presentation all speak to the growing commodity status of standalone GPS systems." -- EE Times
• "Let's face it, at the base, you are buying into a quality brand with all of the makings that got Garmin to be the #1 GPS maker in the US. The routing is solid, the interface is better than ever and the prices are very reasonable. ... The Nuvi 205W and Nuvi255W are great choices for the GPS buyers out there interested in solid navigation with great additions." -- GPS Lodge

• "The Garmin nuvi 205W is a joy to use. I recommend it, or any other member of the nuvi 2x5 series, without hesitation. Garmin has set a new standard with this product line, the nuvi 2x5 series is the best entry level GPS on the market." -- GPS Tracklog

Garmin nuvi 205 Performance - 9.5 (Excellent)

Preliminary reviews can't stop singing the praises of the Garmin nuvi 205, but surprisingly spend no time assessing the device's accuracy. GPS Review does note, "A faster 333 MHz processor is said to speed up map drawing and route calculation time. Garmin is also releasing a new 'HotFix' feature which will likely be similar to TomTom's QuickFix system of acquiring satellite signals faster." 

Garmin nuvi 205 Ease of Use - 8.5 (Very Good)

Garmins have generally have a reputation for great usability, but reviewers note the nuvi 205 ups the ante. According to GPS Lodge, the new device comes with an improved interface "that may seem like a subtle change, but I think that this is a big difference and keeps the Garmin Interface fresh, easy to understand and makes the Garmins' more intuitive than their already excellent interface." 

Garmin nuvi 205 Design - 9.5 (Excellent)

Just as sleek and sexy as GPS writers have come to expect from Garmin's entry level devices, the nuvi 205 also earns kudos for its simple screens. O'Grady's Powerpage.org notes, "The home screen would make Steve Jobs proud, since it only has four options. You can select from 'Where To?,' 'View Map,' 'Volume,' and 'Tools.'" 

Garmin nuvi 205 Features - 9.0 (Excellent)

The Garmin nuvi 205's features list is extensive. EE Times reports, "Garmin is neither the first nor the only vendor to field a $200-or-less PND, but the Nuvi 205 comes with a pretty rich feature set given the price. A 3.5-in. diagonal 320x240 touch screen serves up full-color 2-D and 3-D mapping data from Navteq, all preloaded on the device. Turn-by-turn audio directions are features, along with optional FM-band derived traffic information and news via MSN Direct services."

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $130 Mio Moov 200

Like other Mios, the Moov 200 has a bottom line that's easier to digest than other GPS devices, but you'll have to do without some coveted convenience features -- the Moov's appeal is basic navigation.

MSRP: $700 Magellan RoadMate 6000T

The Magellan RoadMate 6000T offers plenty of well-functioning features to assist in car navigation, and is one of the few devices that provides touchscreen functionality as well as buttons along the frame of the device.

MSRP: $190 Garmin nuvi 350

GPS writers say the Garmin nuvi 350 is a breeze to use. From the moment you turn it on and wait briefly for it to boot, the 350 is simple to program and reliable to get you where you need to go. Its only real flaw is time -- several years after its introduction on the market, its features are less-than-exciting compared to newer affordable GPS.

MSRP: $400 Magellan Maestro 4250

The Magellan Maestro 4250's sharp design, easy operation and nifty features are a nice blend. Some reviews point out occasional touch screen lag and even some cases of the unit freezing up. But despite this, the Maestro 4250 receives favorable reviews for its overall value.