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November 17, 2008

Garmin Nuvi 265T review

Product Code: 010-00576-11

The Garmin Nuvi 265T packs a lot of features into a very small case.

This GPS unit delivers lifetime traffic service, hands-free calling with Bluetooth, a hefty points-of-interest database, and more. Unfortunately, the Garmin Nuvi 265T's 3.5in screen is a bit small for taking advantage of all it has to offer.

When you turn on the Garmin Nuvi 265T, you're faced with two options: "Where to?" and "View Map". This makes it easy to get up and running - even if you've never used a GPS product before. All of the screens are attractive, and we found accessing most of the options on this device simple.

The routes that the Garmin Nuvi 265T delivered in our driving tests were decent to very good. The Nuvi 265T always got us where we were going, even if it didn't always find the fastest route.

One advantage of the Garmin Nuvi 265T is its accurate estimates of travel time.

The inclusion of lifetime traffic service is a definite bonus on this unit, as traffic incidents are factored into your routes. Testing the Garmin Nuvi 265T in the US, when we attempted to drive into Boston when a Red Sox playoff game was about to start, the Nuvi 265T wisely warned us about the traffic and suggested an alternate route.)

The free traffic service does come at something of a price, though: you may see occasional advertisements on the Garmin Nuvi 265T. Garmin says the ads appear only after you've typed in a destination and begun navigation; the device won't suggest a new route based on where businesses that advertise are located.

The Garmin Nuvi 265T's points-of-interest database is extensive and easy to navigate.

Among the high-end features bundled in the Garmin Nuvi 265T are: hands-free calling (when paired with a Bluetooth mobile phone), a photo viewer, a currency converter, and the ability to download and navigate to Google Panoramio pictures. It's also compatible with MSN Direct, which delivers local information, such as weather, petrol prices, and movie times to the unit.

The Garmin Nuvi 265T itself is small and slim, and will easily fit in your pocket if you want to take it with you. We do wish its screen was bigger; more screen real estate would allow you to really see all that the 265T has to offer. (Garmin does offer a model, the 265WT, with a 4.3in screen.)

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Independent customer reviews from

Garmin Nuvi 265T scored:
8.5 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 2 reviews:

10 Apr 2009 henry, braintree

9

Good Points

gets you where you want to go with very little hassel

Bad Points

not updated quicklyenough on speed limits and the bleeper continues to make a noise

23 May 2009 Sara, Leicester

8

Good Points

light, picks up signal very quickly, recalcualtes very quickly

Bad Points

Not able to select to avoid a particular road at the beginning of a journey e.g. a motorway

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User Reviews

Monday, 19 January 2009

Reviewed by Exco

Star Rating: rating of 5

Duration of ownership: 206 days

Strengths:
Extreme accuracy in both map detail and timings. Super in-car phone system. Brilliant music player through car stereo wirelessly.

Weaknesses:
Can't find any.

Overall Evaluation:
Superb satnav and great value for money.

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