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The unassuming Nuvi 250 might be the very embodiment of what Garmin is trying to achieve with the Nuvi range: namely, something a little more than just sat-nav.
To do this, it set up the Nuvis as travel companions, with paid-for extras like city guides, currency converters and foreign phrasebooks supplied on SD card. Useful functions, but we imagine that most consumers feel self-conscious brandishing the larger Nuvis in public. Especially in a strange city.
The perfect size
The Nuvi 250, though, is a lot smaller and, with its rounded corners, integrated GPS aerial and glitz-free design, could easily pass as a generic device. Like, indeed, an electronic phrasebook.
So, the 250 proves itself as being more useful than just sat-nav. But is it useful as a sat-nav? Its simple, light design and uncomplicated windscreen mount make it easy to get in position.
It's quick to start up, and as with all kit equipped with the SirfStar III GPS chipset, quick to establish its position. At start-up, the Nuvi faces you with just two options: 'Where to?' or 'View map'. This ease of use is continued throughout the menus and once navigation begins.
The maps are heavily stylised, with your route marked with a bold coloured line. This makes the information marked on the 250’s small screen clear to see, but it can confuse complex junctions or roundabouts.
Clear voice instructions
Fortunately, the spoken instructions are comprehensive enough to clear up most confusion, and it handled complex one-way gyratory road systems about as well as we’ve seen.
There’s little auxiliary information on-screen while you drive: no information about upcoming petrol stations or other POIs, other than on-map icons. Plus, apart from the travel tools, there are few bells and whistles – no Bluetooth, no TMC traffic updates, and no MP3 playback.
Still, at this price, these features aren’t expected. The Nuvi is a small, but capable sat-nav that handles the basics well, and justifies its optional travel guide features better than other models in the range.
Comments
gusters
4 years ago
I agree with the above. I bought mine for £80 on Amazon. With European map included this is a bargain.
dundeedunc
4 years ago
I've had mine for over a year now and just got a free map upgrade from Garmin - cheers Garmin! I bought it last summer as I had a wedding down south and I was dead impressed - well worth the £150. I previously had an old AA map and having a leaky mx5, it soon got mouldy and damp. This was a good replacement. I have just had it to Lanzarote too and the European map made my first overseas driving experience completely hassle free - finds local garages, places to eat close to your destination, close to your route, close to your current position, nearby attractions, shops blah blah. Has never once put a foot wrong. A couple of my mates have other makes and my one definitely looks the best - very compact and feels substantial. Has been kicking about in my glovebox and in drawers in the house and it has no scratches or dents. Suction mount is very secure - no problems there. Battery life good but adviseable to take the USB charger in case. Automatically goes on to night mode in the evening. Occasionally takes a while to start up but never more than a few minutes. Sound quality good. Voices not interchangeable though like some other makes but this is no big deal. Couldn't recommend it more. 5 star all the way!! Tip for all satnav users, remember to remove from car when you leave. Remember to wipe round marks off window so as not to give the game away to pesky tea-leaves.