I was about to go for the Garmin Nuvi 750 when the 255W was announced. As far as the basic nav system qualities go, will the 255W actually be more advanced than the 750? I know that the 750 has more features than the 255W, but they're not necessarily essential for my needs (e.g. stored routes, multiple destinations, FM transmitter, etc). I'm asking because the 750 is being discounted to the point that it could be close to the 255W's price when the latter is first available. If the 255W has better basics, I'm thinking that might outweigh the extras on the 750. But if they're essentially the same, then I'll go for the 750 to get more bang for my buck. Thanks for any advice.
One navigation feature on the new 200 series models I like that isn't on other models is the graphical next turn indicator/intersection icon at the top. Otherwise the 255 won't be much different on the basics.
The graphical next turn indicator overlaps the top banner. I am concerned that there will not be enough space left for text, especially for the non-widescreen version.
Hi sum52. You posted the "Nuvi 255W vs 750" more than a month ago. I guess that you probably have done lot more research after that or made your purchase decision already. I just narrowed my GPS search down to two models, nuvi 255W and nuvi 750. I have hard time making my purchase decision with similar consideration like you had. Do you have any suggestions for me? 255W is pretty costly while it does not cost too much more to move up to 750 from 255W, but I am afraid of losing the 255W "google photo" and "graphical next turn indicator" feature. By the way, I am not even familiar with these two new features, especially the "graphical next turn indicator". I read about this feature from SuperGoop's posting on May 5th reply? This feature sounds like some thing that will ease my driving in a complicated multi-lane intersection. Thanks a lot.
The 750 is also an MP3 player, audio book player, has a slightly bigger battery, can store 10 routes, and will mark your location when you remove it it from the car. The 255w doesn't do any of that stuff.
The biggest question is the chipset. I think the 255w has a 333Mhz chipset that makes the screen draw faster and the satellite acquisition lock-on is much quicker than the 750. The 750 is older than the 255w. This probably explains why the 750 has more funtionality but it's about the same price as the 255w. I'm still leaning towards the 255w for this reason.
Key Features/Benefits for all 2x5 Series Navigators of Garmin 255W
#New -- HotFix (Long Term Ephemeris Prediction) finds satellites faster
#New -- Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Basemap shows 3D shaded terrain features
#New -- Faster 333 Mhz processor offers faster, smoother map drawing and vehicle icon motion through turns
# New -- Redesigned user interface offers more information
# New -- Photo Navigation lets you upload geo-coded photos from a phone, geo-coding camera or photo site and navigate to them.
# New -- Add Enhanced MSN Traffic and Content with the optional GDB 55 antenna and charger
# New -- Send addresses directly to your Garmin from Google Maps or Mapquest
# New -- Automatic Time Zone Transition
##Other technical detail please see
Deleted affiliate link-- affiliate links are not allowed. -Editor
Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 263 Location: Winter Springs, FL
Wed Jan 21, 2009 3:19 am
wximagery wrote:
I think the 255w has a 333Mhz chipset that makes the screen draw faster and the satellite acquisition lock-on is much quicker than the 750.
My 750/780 locks on in about 10-15 seconds, before I can pull out of my garage. So even if the 255w is "much quicker" I don't think that should effect the decision making process.
Just wanted to add the 255W will also have, or can be updated to, Garmin's new EcoRoute feature. Ecoroute gives you the option to route using "less fuel" but beyond that it adds a number of fuel management tools which I think add considerably to it's usefulness.
Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 263 Location: Winter Springs, FL
Wed Jan 21, 2009 12:35 pm
BTW, if feature-creep bugs you, and you can't understand how/why a feature is added to a similar GPSr but not your GPSr, then prepare to enter a new circle of Hell, more terrible than anything you've ever imagined.
OK - after reading all these posts I'm still confused...255w or 750? Right now I can by both for ~$200. Any more insight? Thanks!
If you wait awhile before buying, one will be discontinued (and even cheaper) and the other will be replaced by a newer model I bought a 260W for $249 returned it and bought a 750 for $299 and 2 weeks later, it was available from the same vendor for $198. Got a credit for the difference. If you don't absolutely need it today...then wait till the next price reduction or fire sale.
BTW, later returned the 750 because of firmware and hardware problems, waited a few weeks and then purchased a 755T for $299... which I just returned to the vendor for replacement because it had a defective battery.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the replacement doesn't have any of the other issues that have been reported (bad touchscreen etc.). Men and their toys!
Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 263 Location: Winter Springs, FL
Re: 255w vs 750 Sat Jan 24, 2009 2:32 pm
Yar wrote:
OK - thanks! So the FM Transmitter/MP3 player on the 750 is not worth it - right?
In most cities the FM transmitter is useless. The spectrum is just too crowded to find a clear channel. Also, antenna location in your car can be a problem. And sound quality it horrible.
Quote:
Could someone please explain the multi-stop custom routes and it's value on the 750?
It's just like it sounds. Instead of one destination you can have multiple destinations. The 7x0 will sort the destinations for the optimal route.
Quote:
Only other concerns...
750 - Time it takes to auquire satellite
255W - Sound
Satellite acquisition is not an issue on the 7x0. Mine take ~15 seconds in the garage.
Could someone please explain the multi-stop custom routes and it's value on the 750?
There's more value to it than meets the eye.
a. Mutliple destinations (waypoints) for a trip.
b. Pre-planning a trip. IE: You are flying into Albuquerque and renting a car and traveling on to Santa Fe and then to Durango, Co, Mesa Verde, NP, and then back to the Airport. You can set up the route from start to finish including any number of stops for food, gas, hotel stays, sightseeing etc., and be able to choose the roads that you prefer. You will know in advance how long (distance/time) each segment is as well as the entire trip.
c. Saving a route that you will be traveling more than once and being able to recall it when needed. You can also add or remove waypoints at a later date and still retain the route
d. You can route a trip using the roads you want to take rather than the roads that the GPS chooses for you to follow.
There are also many other ways that it can be used, you just have to use your imagination.[/quote]
Not sure if anyone is still checking this post or not, but I purchased the 750 about three weeks ago and am very happy with it. I just got back from buying the 255w for one of our vehicles at work, and had the two units running side by side as I drove across town.
Here's what I noticed during my 10 mile drive...
1. The screen on the 255w refreshed more often, giving a smoother picture as you drive.
2. I really like the turn graphic in the upper left corner.
3. The speed is shown on the 255w while you are en route. The speed is only displayed on the 750 when you are driving with the map (when it is not directing you to a specified location).
4. The car charger plugs directly into the window bracket on the 750 instead of directly into the 255w unit. This makes it handy when you are out on errands and take your unit in with you...one less thing to unplug.
5. I set both units to American English. The cadences were very much different. The woman's voice in the 255w was more natural, while the woman's voice in the 750 sounded more "robotic" and slower in general...like how you speak when you've had to repeat yourself to your kids for the third time - I...said...clean...your...room.
6. With the 255w, the woman gave more information about where you should turn. She would say "in .2 miles, take exit 1B to 36th street". The 750 would say "in .2 miles, take exit on right". The 255w would say "turn left on 36th street", and the 750 said "turn left".
That's what I have noticed so far. Now I'm stuck with which one I should keep for my car, and which one to give over to my office.
Do you think the difference in what the Nuvi gal says and how she says it could be due to updates, or just the new technology in the 255w? The reason I ask is because I updated the firmware and the voice on my 750 as soon as I got it - before I took it on the road. I have not yet updated the 255w at all yet.
I'll give it a shot. I just noticed the difference since they were both on the same voice...which was not a tty. Not really sure what the tty means, but I'm try it anyway!
Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 1226 Location: Southern California
Fri Apr 03, 2009 12:03 am
tafkap777 wrote:
Not really sure what the tty means, but I'm try it anyway!
TTS=Text To Speech where the voices speak street names such as "in 500 feet, turn left on Elm Street". Non-TTS voices will only give basic directions such as "in 500 feet, turn left".
Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 604 Location: east coast
Fri Apr 03, 2009 5:35 pm
I know Tim didn't say that. I was referring to Tim's comment about the guy who posted the TTY link as a smart ass instead of a TTS one. Notice the quote Bulliever at the very top.
I know Tim didn't say that. I was referring to Tim's comment about the guy who posted the TTY link as a smart ass instead of a TTS one. Notice the quote Bulliever at the very top.
Perhaps you should edumacte yourself on the use of the "quote" function.
Okay, I think we are all done bashing each other here... let's move along...
I agree. Thanks to Tim and all those who came to the defense of a humble newbie like myself. Rest assured I am now fully educated on the subjects of TTY and TTS.
Back to the original subject I posted on... I did have my 750 and 255w set on different voices. I thought they were both set to plain old American English, but the 255w was actually on American English-Karen. That's why the 255w was giving me more detail on turns.
I once again had both units running on my dashboard on the way home and then again on my way to work. IMHO, there really wasn't anything that would steer me away from my 750 and take the 255w instead. Yes, the 255w grabbed satellites about a half second quicker. Yes, the screen on the 255w had a faster refresh rate - almost twice that of the 750, but refreshing every 3/4 of a second compared to every 1/3 isn't really a big deal to me.
I will be sticking with my 750 for the multiple route feature. I did like Karen though...I'll miss her
Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 604 Location: east coast
Fri Apr 03, 2009 7:20 pm
tafkap777 wrote:
Back to the original subject I posted on... I did have my 750 and 255w set on different voices. I thought they were both set to plain old American English, but the 255w was actually on American English-Karen. That's why the 255w was giving me more detail on turns.
I will be sticking with my 750 for the multiple route feature. I did like Karen though...I'll miss her
Why can't you have Karen on your 750? I find that to be one of the clearest and most natural sounding voices. Plus, she's a real person and dead sexay!!!
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
I bought a 260W for $249 returned it and bought a 750 for $299 and 2 weeks later, it was available from the same vendor for $198. Got a credit for the difference. If you don't absolutely need it today...then wait till the next price reduction or fire sale.
which I just returned to the vendor for replacement because it had a defective battery.
