Garmin nuvi 250

in Inexpensive GPS Systems

Score: 7.5/10 , Based on analysis of reviews and performance evaluations.

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Garmin nuvi 250 Overall - 7.5 (Good)

From the moment the Garmin nuvi 250 greets you with its familiar "Where to?" prompt, you'll find its design, features and performance all speak to its effortless use. Although the 250 has now been discontinued in favor of newer, flashier models with equally eye-catching price tags, it still does well in our rankings of inexpensive GPS systems. Experts say you won't be disappointed with the purchase of a nuvi 250, considering the device's accuracy and minimal learning curve.

As an entry-level device, the nuvi 250 might not offer all the features you're interested in having in a portable GPS. If you'd like text-to-speech functionality, live traffic information or an MP3 player, you should check out another popular model, the Garmin nuvi 350.

What the Experts Say: 

• "The nuvi 250 is another home run for Garmin, as the company continues to deliver highly refined, easy to use products that consumers love. Garmin's combination of hardware design, routing logic, and user interface is as good as I've seen, and so far proven unbeatable by the competition." -- GPS Magazine
• "The Garmin Nuvi 200 series offers drivers and travelers a more budget-friendly verson of the popular portable navigation devices, but we think the price is still slightly high for what you get." -- CNET
• "There are GPS units that are chock full of useless carp and then there are those that are designed proper, skip the crap and do the job right. The nuvi definitely counts as one that does it's job the way it's supposed to." -- PCMech
• "The Garmin Nuvi 200/250/270 series is a good line-up that should set the bar high for performance at the value end of the market. I thought it was solid through and through." -- GPS Lodge

• "Whether you need the Garmin Nuvi 250, or the wider Nuvi 250W, Garmin has definitely made searching for a reliable and practical GPS device easier for you. You really can't go wrong with the 250 series." -- Digital Editor

Garmin nuvi 250 Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)

The Garmin nuvi 250 upholds the brand name with its quick cold starts and very fine-tuned directions. CNET says, "The nuvi 250 accurately tracked our location. We also planned a specific trip from the Marina district of San Francisco to CNET's downtown headquarters, and the system quickly returned with a route. We also missed several turns to test the route recalculation rate, and after a few seconds, the Nuvi gave us new directions, always before our next maneuver." 

Garmin nuvi 250 Ease of Use - 9.75 (Excellent)

Reviewers are especially impressed with the Garmin nuvi 250's easy mount. According to GPS Magazine, "Connecting the nuvi 250 to the cradle/mount is simple and easy to do with one hand; press the bottom of the nuvi into the cradle, and snap the top of the nuvi into place." 

Garmin nuvi 250 Design - 7.5 (Good)

Reviews like GPS Lodge state that the nuvi 250, like most nuvis, has a design that's "an easy-on-the-eyes, elegant one, oozing simplicity with its deceivingly small appearance." But there are other reasons the nuvi 250's design is well liked; the screen is easy to read thanks to an anti-glare coating, and the 5.2 ounce-weight makes the device highly portable. 

Garmin nuvi 250 Features - 5.75 (Mediocre)

Techies note the Garmin nuvi 250's lack of features, but find that less important than the device's great performance. With one exception -- text to speech. Increasingly, GPS writers wish more and more manufacturers would provide this item on the entry-level devices. GPS Review says, "So, no Bluetooth, no traffic, no MP3 player, no FM transmitter, no widescreen display. However, most people can probably get by just fine without those features. However, there is something else that you might just want that is missing, text-to-speech."

Other GPS Devices to Consider

MSRP: $556 Garmin nuvi 660

For a discontinued model, the nuvi 660 has a price tag that ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous, but electronics reviewers say you'll be pleased with your investment.

MSRP: $500 TomTom GO 930

Reviewers praise the TomTom GO 930 for its novel features and accessibility. Its performance is considered good, if not quite class-leading. However, some feel that the GO 930's voice command feature could be improved.

MSRP: $186 Mio Moov 310

The Mio Moov 310 gets a mixed response from reviewers. On one hand, they like that its MSRP is easy on the wallet, but on the other hand, they feel there is better performance to be had among inexpensive GPS devices.

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.