Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
by Garmin
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Customer Review: Good value - lacks support info, features
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my first standalone GPS receiver (I have previously used a computer-based GPS - too bulky for everyday use). Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase. FWIW, my "disclaimer" is that I was a satellite technician on the Block II GPS (NavStar) satellites. So, I actually worked on the satellites themselves (vehicles 13-24) for almost 5 years, but I'm just now getting a unit for our cars. Go figure! ;-)
On to my review...
The Good
* The screen is wide and clear. About the only time I had trouble seeing it (glancing, really) was driving towards the sunset with my sunglasses on. You really can't expect it to overcome that level of contrast, so I don't fault the display for this.
* Reasonably fast calculation. The computer-based GPS I am replacing with this unit often took several minutes to calculate a multi-state trip. This unit typically completes route calculation within 20 seconds or less.
* It does a recalculate pretty quickly as well (typically just a few seconds). So, if you decide to take a slightly (or even radically) different route, it "goes with the flow" and will still get you there.
* I was concerned about this unit not having a way to output the audio to either an external speaker or to the car FM radio (these features are available in more expensive Nuvi models). I was pleasantly surprised at how clear the TTS voice is, albeit a bit distorted from time-to-time. On occasion, I had to turn down the radio or pause my iPod to hear what it was saying, but for the most part it is very clear and understandable.
* I've not tried to stress the battery life to the max, but I've been pleasantly surprised so far at how long I can use it without being plugged in. It's not a unit designed for extensive hiking/backpacking, but for short hikes it seems like it will at least keep you oriented in regard to roads, etc. I've not explored (pardon the pun) whether or not one can load topographical maps for off-road use.
* Size and portability. This is a nice, slim unit. I can put it in my shirt pocket and carry it with me. Even with the suction-cup mount and power supply, it's fairly easy to move from vehicle to vehicle.
* Satellite acquisition is good. Unlike another reviewer, so far I'm pleased with the speed of acquisition. My laptop GPS unit almost always takes 1-2 minutes to be good to go. The Nuvi typically takes only 15-20 seconds to acquire if I'm out in the open (i.e., not between tall buildings, indoors, under a bridge, etc.). I've ready what other reviewers have said, but I've not experienced it so far (I probably just jinxed it, however!).
The Bad
* The documentation is bare-bones. Even when visiting the Garmin website, I found no additional information on how to use the device to get additional features to work. Sure, you can upload pictures for viewing (woo hoo!) and upload "cool" (read: "Dorky") vehicle 3-D icons, but other than that - the "Quick Start Manual" seems to be all there is.
* About 20% of the time, there seems to be a slight hesitation in the voice - almost like it is loading something from the flash memory. It ends up sounding something like "Turn r...ight on M...ain Street". Still understandable, but a bit disconcerting.
* There is a way to search for intersections as a destination point. All fine and dandy, but you still have to know the exact names that the Garmin unit will identify these intersections with. If you are trying to get to a major highway intersection, you would do best to zoom in on it and "click" (with your finger) the roads involved to see what they're named. Either memorize them or write them down, because once you go back to finding that intersection, you'll need to refer to that exact name (e.g., if it says "Bell Blvd." even though you know it's also "Highway 183" - use "Bell Blvd."). Even having a computer open running Google Maps doesn't always help you as Garmin's map supplier may not agree.
* As related to the above point, unlike online resources like Google Maps, Mapquest, etc. - you can't just have it direct you to a town or city. You *have* to know the actual address or intersection or it will refuse to try to route you. It would be _nice_ (HINT, HINT - Garmin!) if it would just say "well, here's an arbitrary address in the city you've requested" and let you deal with the consequences.
The Ugly
* As I'm sure many purchasers will do, I tried it out around my home location (trips to the grocery store, work, etc.) just to see how it would perform. I often found that it chose routes that I knew were not optimal. When I would deviate from its suggestions, it (thankfully) doesn't fuss and say "Off route" as I've heard other units do. It simply recalculates and things straighten out. However, I would like a better way to "encourage" it to take a particular route other than creating a via point (and you *only* get one per trip!).
* Trying to plan a trip via this unit is frustrating. It is really designed for point A to B driving. Granted, I knew that when I bought it. However, it seems that the interface could have been improved a bit in trying to set up a multi-stage trip. The only way around this that I've found is to: (a) Search for a location, (b) go to Recently Found Locations (or whatever it's called), (c) Save the location. Once you've done that, you can reference this point in your favorites and use it as an anchor for your trip.
* The voice prompts can be a bit overdone. "In .2 miles, turn left at Main Street" - immediately followed by "Turn left at Main Street". I realize this is the correct default behavior, but it seems that there should be a way to adjust the threshold of the "nanny" approach. It's not a huge deal - it just gets irritating when you have a lot of turns.
Summary
Besides the peccadilloes I've mentioned above, I still really like the unit. My advice is to do advanced planning (using a computer) to get a feel for the layout if you're going on a long trip. Create via points where they make sense (and save them to your Favorites). Be willing to break up longer trips into smaller ones just so you can get better/more customized routing from the unit.
+ Great screen visibility, TTS clear and correct pronunciation, works pretty well for what it was designed to do.
- Interface limitations/poor choices, refuses to help "guess" destination points, relies far more on built-in help than even what Garmin's website has for documentation.
Customer Review: Problems with Satellite Acquisition and other Issues
Summary: 3 Stars
I received the Garmin Nuvi 260W as a gift. I have subsequently read comments about many different GPS units and have concluded that:
-a hand held GPS is a complement to, not a substitute for a good road map and some common sense. All GPS units have positives and negatives; none are absolutely perfect. These are not toys, but they are not self sufficient navigational tools either. Given enough time, every owner of every unit will have a story about how he couldn't find a particular point of interest, or was directed down a dead end street or across a 4-lane divided highway!
-considering screen sharpness, ease of use and other features, the Garmin 260W is one of the best in its price class.
-Garmin also has the best customer service of any of the companies.
The purpose of this review is NOT to repeat what others have written but to discuss workarounds for the various limitations of this unit.
COMPUTER ACCESS: To download firmware, software upgrades and maps, access to garmin.com is a virtual necessity. Since a computer cable is unfortunately not included with the unit, the user will need to buy a USB 2.0 A / mini B cable. It can be found on Amazon.
At garmin.com, download the web updater and whatever updates it prompts and also, remember to download the updated TTS (Text to Speech) voices. We find that "British" English is sometimes easier to understand than the American counterpart and suggest that it be downloaded as well.
The USB cable will also charge the Garmin's battery but the unit does not operate when plugged into the computer. The optional AC converter is only required if the user wants to operate the unit on 110 volts.
SATELLITE ACQUISITION: Failure to reliably acquire satellite is the biggest single weakness of the Garmin 260W and the reason for the 3* rating. The user never knows in advance whether, after the 30 second boot up, it will take 15 seconds or 15 minutes to find a satellite.
Customer service suggests that the preferable satellite acquisition position is the top edge (NOT the face or back) pointed straight up to the open sky with the unit held still (which means you should not be driving).
When the unit is powered up out of the box and acquires a satellite for the first time, leave the power ON for an hour to download almanac data.
If the unit is moved to a new location with the power off, powering up the unit is similar to an initial power-on, and it can easily take 15 minutes to locate new satellites.
If all else fails, do a hard reset (see the instructions for "clearing user data"). Note that all user data (favorites) is in the gpx file in the gpx folder so save it to your computer and restore it after the reset. Again, leave the unit on for an hour after satellites are acquired.
POINTS OF INTEREST: Some of the data is not current. If a particular restaurant, etc., cannot be found, enter it by its street address and then change the name.
MODIFYING A ROUTE: This unit is less flexible than some. If a favorite place is selected and the GPS simulator mode activated, the proposed route will be highlighted. "Sliding" the screen with an appropriate magnification will allow the route to be compared with a computer or road map alternative. To force Garmin to select a particular road or direction, add a VIA point (gas station, motel, whatever). Because Garmin only allows one via point per route, several such points may be needed and the driver may have to skip stop between them.
ADD: June 26th. The Garmin 260W will NOT display routes downloaded from Mapquest. That feature is reserved for more expensive units.
ADD: June 26th. Failure to arrive at a specific house number may relate to mistakes on the part of developers, subdivision planners or mappers rather than the GPS. If necessary, give an address TWO favorite places - one labeled (per gps)that has the desired address; and one labeled (actual) determined by touching the car icon when standing in the driveway.
ADD: Aug. 4. Polarized sunglass lens fix: If you have the brightness set low (to conserve the battery when walking or biking, for example), polarized sun glasses may make it difficult to read the display which is also polarized. But, if you turn the display VERTICAL, the polarized settings will align and the display will immediately brighten up.
BATTERY LIFE: We've run two hours on battery without losing a green bar. Battery life can be extended by reducing the brightness level to the lowest acceptable.
In summary, the Garmin Nuvi 260W will do pretty much everything it is supposed to do EXCEPT acquire satellites quickly every time. If the company fixes this problem with a new firmware upgrade, the 260W deserves 4 stars. If the unit were also to allow multiple via points and route selections, then it would, in our opinion, earn 5 stars.
Customer Review: Lots to like about it!
Summary: 4 Stars
Four stars, only because I bought one, didn't have occasion to use it a lot (other than looking up physical addresses for places I knew, just to see how it works) so not much use, and after about 3 weeks it stopped giving text-to-voice directions, meaning saying the street names. It started acting like one that didn't have text/voice. "In .2 miles, turn left." (No street name.)
I contacted Amazon via return screens, got the return paperwork and labels, sent it back for a product exchange, and Amazon had my new one on the way before I even hit the UPS place. Great service from them.
So I now have the replacement, and so far, so good. I'm a little hinky that it, too, will un-learn its text/voice capability, but only time will tell.
ROUTES: It's missed a couple of better routes, but then equally, it's found me some better ones than what I've been using. Secondly, if you purposely override its chosen route by making what it considers a wrong turn, it recalculates VERY quickly. It found a great shortcut I'd have missed also.
SCREEN CLARITY: This is my first, but I've seen my future son-in-law's older model. The wide screen is definitely a good thing. You can see more of what's around you. Yesterday I came to a "Y" where it was a toss-up which was the "continue on" road, and a quick glance at the screen was all it took (just a second of eyes off the road) to see the highlighted route.
BATTERY LIFE: I got very little from just the spotty car charging periods (no long trip to give it a good charge). However, I also ordered the DC charger, and while I haven't tested out a full charge's worth of time length, I have a feeling it'll be a lot better.
WINDOW MOUNT: Excellent design. I read that the black rubber suction cup (which really holds well, by the way) leaves a telltale black mark, so I tried it with its protective plastic still on it. It worked, so as long as that stays on it, I'll keep it there.
DOCUMENTATION: As far as I'm concerned, it sucks. It does explain some stuff, no question. However, it doesn't tell you the following, for instance:
a. "Screen Lock": From the way it's explained (like one sentence), you get the impression that this simply stops the screen from responding if you touch it by mistake... in other words, that if you put it on "screen lock," it would keep giving you directions. Not so! "Screen Lock" also means the voice directions stop, and after about 30 seconds, the screen goes dark. You can touch it again, and it'll refresh, but everything seems to sleep with it on "Screen Lock." So I don't know WHAT the purpose of it is. The manual doesn't explain what it does beyond "stops it from responding to unintended touches." (???)
b. Battery charge time: No documentation with the DC charger, and the manual doesn't tell you beans. I can't find anything on the Garmin that tells me when it's charged either. I have no clue how long one should leave this thing plugged in for a full charge. And I no longer believe "don't worry, it doesn't have memory." They ALL have memory.
c. Documentation also doesn't tell you whether it's charging while you have it plugged into the car charger AND simultaneously working, or whether it's charging if you have it plugged in, but turned off. Nothing in there about its rules for battery charging.
Those are important things to know. Zip documentation on them. There are other areas where the documentation isn't great, but those are a couple of biggies.
FINDING SATELITE: This is likely to vary depending on where you are, but I leave my car parked under trees, and fire up the Garmin when I get into the car to give it time to find satellite. It finds signal very nicely, even under trees. Once it finds signal, the only time I've had it lose signal is in the house.
All other functions that I've tried have been outstanding. Again, documentation could be better on finding "Points of Interest" somewhere other than where you are, but it's intuitive enough that with the little info they do give you, you can figure it out, even if not a technocrat.
If I don't have a repeat of the glitch the first one developed, then I can absolutely rave about the usefulness of this unit. It's programmed not only to give you plenty of warning for an upcoming turn, but its timing of telling you right then and there AT the turn is perfect and consistent.
Documentation is the main reason for the 4 stars. Getting a faulty unit (my first one) can happen with any equipment. If that same thing happens again, then my rating would go to 1 star, because that's unacceptable. But if not, then 4 stars... for sure!
Customer Review: Very happy but some Nuvi glitches
Summary: 4 Stars
I've used this product for several trips and I've never used another GPS. I love the text-to-speech feature, which is very natural; the instructions are usually very clear, but it is worth glancing at the green bar at the top of the screen to see the full instruction. The map with the graphics can often clear up confusion. The other great thing about the map is it labels upcoming streets so you are not peering at street signs.
I purchased the friction mount, which is great because I can take it off my dash and put it under the seat very easily. Around here, there have been a lot of break ins of cars with suction marks on the windshield.
A couple of glitches so far:
1. The Nuvi did not know the street that I was headed to in West Virginia.
2. Once in West Virginia in the mountains, the Nuvi could not pick up a satellite signal.
3. Out on a road trip, I stopped at a restaurant. I restarted my car and turned the Nuvi on again; I have the security feature on, so it asked for my pin. I misentered the pin -- AND IT LOCKED ME OUT UNTIL I RETURNED TO MY HOUSE. That's it -- one shot -- get it wrong, and no navigator for you. Even my ATM machine lets me try more than once. I'll check to see if you can set the number of tries, but I don't think you can.
4. Occasionally it gives instructions that can't be followed -- like when it wanted me to get over four busy lanes in 0.2 miles.
5. Note that when it says "Keep Left" it does not mean, get in the left lane. It means don't take the swerve to the right option by mistake. I got over to the left and was then told to exit right.
6. If the next turn is coming up very quickly, the Nuvi will give you the next instruction immediately. But I turned onto a highway where I had to go 40 miles; and the Nuvi did not give me the next instruction until we were almost on top of the exit and it was too late to get into the lane to make the turn.
I'm still really happy with my purchase and it will be endlessly useful navigating in more urban environments. It recalculates routes quickly. It also tells you on what side a turn or ramp is, which is wonderful.
LATER: Maybe I missed this in the instruction manual, but there are some other neat features that I discovered by playing around. 1) If you touch the car symbol, you get the option of saving your current location as a favorite destination; 2) If you touch the green bar at the top that contains a direction, you can see and scroll through all of the directions so you can see which way you'll be going; 3) I stumbled into a way to set a way point (although I don't remember how). There's no particular reason to have a waypoint -- that is, you can route to your first destination and then route to your second, so no difference; except perhaps if you are trying to generate an alternate route to your destination by perhaps avoiding a closed road.
Would love to have, but don't think it does, a feature that lets you select a particular turn or direction in the list to route around.
This is the only GPS I've ever owned, so my next comment is probably applicable to GPS systems everywhere, but I've found that the Nuvi is quietly changing my life by making me bolder about going to new places, particularly if it involves night driving. Trying to drive to a new place by yourself juggling your complicated handwritten instructions or your printout from Mapquest was always a challenge; doing it at night was downright stressful. You still need your directions just in case, but with the Nuvi I haven't had to look at them yet. I didn't realize how narrowed my world had become because I hesitated to drive to some place I had never been.
LATER: See user comment below that claims that if locked out you can simply power Garmin off and on and try again. I haven't tried this, as I have disabled the security function.
Also, I was in an insanely complicated intersecting freeway knot and I took a wrong turn. Garmin's recalculation was sufficiently slow that I had real problems getting back on the right track, as I had to keep making decisions to turn long before it finished its recalculations. I had to choose some random direction and go in it long enough to allow Garmin to recalculate the route. So it's not perfect.
Customer Review: 2 years old and still love it!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this Garmin Nuvi 260W for 2, maybe 3 years (can't remember which Christmas I received it). I absolutely love this unit - it still works like a charm. My parents bought this for me after doing a lot of research and I'm very glad they did. I still haven't updated the maps again (you are supposed to do this annually), but it's still very accurate. The POI's miss places every once in a while, but I would guess that's my fault for not updating the system. This has been very reliable, and now it's under $100??? I know it was WAY more when I got it, and for under $100 it's a steal. Sure, it's an older model and there are probably cooler models out there, but seriously - why would you use WiFi on this? Or Bluetooth for that matter? Nor do you really want it synking with your radio station (if for some reason you don't hear what it says, it gives written instructions on the screen as well) - I probably listen to my music too loud most of the time, but I have to keep this unit at about 70% volume because it's capable of being REALLY loud. I've heard that other Garmin Nuvi systems have volume issues, but I know for a fact mine does not.
The reason I ask why you would use all of those other features is this.. get familiar with your unit (it took me a little time), enter your destination before you leave - if you ever need a restaurant or gas station, just a couple of clicks gets you there. If you use the via point features, then you never need to re-type your destination. Don't we all have smart phones now? Why do you need WiFi on your GPS? To each his own I guess, but you can't use it unless you're pulled up outside a Starbucks or McDonalds anyways (or you're skimming off of somebody's unlocked home WiFi connection) - either way, it's not practical while you drive. If there is a restaurant that you've heard about but you can't find in the POI's, ASK SOMEBODY. Old concept but it still works.
The only really cool feature that I've seen on other units if the voice command feature (not on this unit). They seem useful, especially if you are driving down a highway by yourself or in traffic and don't have time to focus on typing/searching on your Garmin. Depending on the extra price of those units, they could be worth the money. (However, from what I've seen, the microphone you speak into mounts to your steering wheel, which could get in the way. Also, a problem that I found when researching these 'this may not be typical for all of this type, but for the one I was looking at on Amazon' - when you used the voice command, it used up a lot of the processor and caused the maps to freeze / glitch temporarily. I don't know if that is common, or if that was an older unit of it's kind, but thought I'd mention it.)
Also, this being an older unit, the touch screen isn't quite what we come to expect these days (the iPhone and other devices blow this out of the water). At first it felt odd, texting on the iPhone, which you could probably type on with your tongue, and then using the Garmin - which you have to actually apply a bit of pressure to. After extended use though, I don't even notice it now. I just automatically push a little harder when using the Garmin - I wouldn't have even added this note, except I played with a few of the newer models at Target a few days ago and they are really smooth. The newer units also allowed you to 'fling' the maps when you were at a distance view, like the iPhone on similar devices - whereas this Garmin only allows you to drag the maps as far as your finger will slide, then re-grab the map to slide it more. Again though, this really isn't important (remember the $$$ savings!).
Overall, I am very happy with this unit and will probably buy other one if this one ever breaks. For those of you who want a good, reliable GPS that is easy to use and doesn't have all the bells a whistles, this one is definately the one for you. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to turn off and hide when you park in the 'bad' part of town. Oh, and as with any electronic device, don't leave this mounted in the window in full sunlight all of the time just because the mount is a convenient spot to leave it. Like all electronics, it can get too hot and warp the important parts.