The Garmin nüvi 265T is one of the second-generation nuvi 2x5 series models; I dubbed the first generation the "best entry level GPS on the market." This new series offers more mid-line features though -- in addition to everything that made the original so popular, the 265T adds lifetime traffic and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use. It includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada, has a 3.5" wide touch-screen and comes with text-to-speech, so you'll hear "drive one-half mile, then turn left on Oak Street," rather than just "drive one-half mile, then turn left."
Step up to the nuvi 265WT and you'll get the same feature set and a nice wide 4.3" touch screen. The nuvi 275T has a 3.5" screen like the 265T, but includes maps of Europe in addition to the U.S. and Canada.
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 265T
I wrote extensively about the nuvi 2x5T series features in my hands on review of the nuvi 265WT. Rather than repeat all the details here, I'm going to refer you there for more information on the series, including lots of screen shots. You'll find detailed sections on the ad-supported lifetime NAVTEQ traffic feature, Bluetooth and features from the original nuvi 2x5 series.
Before we hear from others, here's a brief excerpt from Amazon's Garmin nüvi 265T review
"Garmin's nüvi 265T improves upon its 200-series predecessors by adding free real-time traffic updates from Navteq (for the life of the device) as well as Bluetooth connectivity to your cell phone. Other significant improvements in the 2x5 series include a predictive technology that provides faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen with more information, terrain maps, and an exciting new photo navigation feature. The 265T provides complete maps for North America..."
More Garmin nuvi 265T reviews
- The first consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 265T reviews are being posted at GPS Now
- More owner written Garmin nuvi 265T reviews are being posted at Amazon
- Gadget Review tests the nuvi 265T
- Ultra Review checks out the Garmin nuvi 265T
- A brief Garmin nuvi 265T review
- I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some...
Other Garmin nuvi 265T resources
- The Garmin nuvi 265T owners manual, in the language of your choice
- Confused about so many models and choices? Use this Garmin nuvi comparison tool or check out my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 265T at these merchants:
- Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 265T at GPS Now, where shipping is free on orders over $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!). Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 265T price at Amazon.
- Get the Garmin nuvi 265T for an amazing price on eBay.
- Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers
From the official Garmin nuvi 265T web page:
nüvi 265T's intuitive interface greets you with two simple questions: "Where to?" and "View Map." Touch the color screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination. It comes preloaded with detailed City Navigator® NT street maps, over 6 million points of interest (POIs), 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth screen redraw rates as you navigate. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, giving you a big picture of the surrounding terrain. In addition, nüvi 265T accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. With HotFix™ satellite prediction, nüvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.
Related posts:
I am trying decide between the nuvi 265t for $195 or the Streetpilot C580. I want it for traffic and good directions. Which is better for the money? I know one offers FM traffic and the other is MSN.
Posted by: Crystal | March 29, 2009 at 07:58 PM
I think you would like the flat form factor of the nuvi better. Regarding traffic, quality varies by metro area, so you can't just say one is better than the other. Be sure to check the coverage maps for MSN (http://www.msndirect.com/coverage.aspx) and NAVTEQ/FM traffic (http://www.navteq.com/rdstraffic/).
Posted by: Rich Owings | March 30, 2009 at 08:10 AM