Friday, November 6th, 2009 at
12:14 am
Garmin nuvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Because I could not decide between Garmin nuvi 255W and Garmin nuvi 780 models, so I decided to purchase both of them for analysis the PRO and CON. I mounted them to my car windscreen and used them to search many addresses together. Finally I found that both models mentioned the same directions and declared next turns and street names at nearly the same time.

Garmin nuvi 255W PRO
One advantage feature, I observed about the Garmin nuvi 255W was that it was up-to-date my position on the street more often, I would say around 4 times as often as Garmin nuvi 780. It made for smart graphic on Garmin nuvi 255W of the car moving along displayed streets, where the Garmin nuvi 780’s display was more of a “Rugged” movement. I also observed that the display on the Garmin nuvi 255W was a bit shining, clean, and more intense than the Garmin nuvi 780 in both daytime and during the night. Garmin nuvi 255W has a truly clear display which’s comfortable to see in any light.
Another feature I like on Garmin nuvi 255W is the graphic turn symbol at the top of left screen. This is a tiny arrow symbol which shows next turns and shows the distance to that turn. It also shows things like a crossroad in the street, (e.g. X intersection), and which intersection you will be taking. It’s just a little special feature on the Garmin nuvi 255W which I really like. The Garmin nuvi 255W also automatically changes the alphabet size of displayed text so that even long message will be suitable.
Speed limit Display. My favorite feature on the nuvi 255W is a display of the speed limit on the street which you are present; it is located on right above current displayed speed. So I could simply see the current speed and the speed limit of my way at a glimpse. The Garmin nuvi 780 doesn’t have this specification. I also like that they designed the zoom in and zoom out buttons to the identical side of the screen which makes everything easier. Garmin nuvi 780 the zoom buttons are on opposite sides of the display.

Garmin nuvi 780 PRO
The nuvi 780 can broadcast its sound over FM radio with the provided cigarette lighter cable and it has a headphone jack, which is a great features. The Garmin nuvi 780 also has MP3 player and Audio-book player, which nuvi 255W does not. Another favorite feature of Garmin nuvi 780 is the car locater. It is a wonderful feature that very helpful when you are parking in a large area, for example a theme par. The nuvi 780 memorizes your position when you take it out of the car, then you bring it with you and it can recognize where you parked and leads you back to your car. Garmin nuvi 255W doesn’t have the car locater.
I also noticed that the voice reminders of the Garmin nuvi 780 have friendlier sounding than the 255W sound. The nuvi 780 sounds more like a true female voice, while the 255W sounds more robotic.
Conclusion
My final decision, I chose the Garmin nuvi 255W and return the nuvi 780 because I really liked the symbol upcoming turn and the posted speed limit and current speed indicators. I didn’t find a necessity for MP3 player and Audio book player; however that is up to personal satisfaction.
For more information: Garmin nuvi 780 Review
