0ur opinion: :Go wide with the ultra-cool nuvi 260W that speaks street names. This widescreen navigator is simple to use. nuvi 260W comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (P0ls) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. lt even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nuvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. nuvi 260W sports a sleek, slim design and fits comfortably in your pocket or purse. lts rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot. Navigation is just the beginning. nuvi 260W includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. lt also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. The optional SD cards slot lets you add additional features. High-sensitivity receiver RoHS version available Built-in memory - lnternal solid state with SD Card slot Waypoints/favorites/locations - 500 Voice prompts Speaks street names 3D map view Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation) Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road) Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.) Custom P0ls (ability to add additional points of interest) Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation) World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, and calculator Unit Dimensions - Width 4.8 x Height 2.9 x Depth 0.8 (12.2x7.4x2.0cm) Weight - 6.1 ounces (172.93 grams)
:Garmin's nüvi 260W combines the thin profile and attractive price point of other nüvi 200-series GPS with directions in real street names and a wide screen that lets you see more of what's around you as you drive. Garmin's line on the device is that, 'the nüvi 260W gives consumers the most sought-after navigation features, while eliminating many of the premium add-ons. The result is a PND that simply gets you from point A to point B – reliably, efficiently, and with style.' As with all nüvis, you get Garmin reliability, the fast satellite lock of a high-sensitivity integrated receiver, a slim, pocket-sized navigator with a gorgeous display, detailed NAVTEQ maps that lets you search by name for more than 6 million points of interest like stores, restaurants or hospitals, and an easy, intuitive interface.
Which nüvi is Best for You?: Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators.
Wider screen lets you see more of what's around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen  and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen  |
 The nüvi 260W comes preloaded with maps for U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, and features an ultra-slim design. |
Text-To-Speech The text-to-speech feature of the nüvi 260W means that device automatically calls out street names (saying 'turn right on Main Street' instead of 'turn right in 200 feet.'). This feature lets drivers keep their eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways.
See More of What's Around
The 4.3-inch backlit widescreen touchscreen on the nüvi 260W gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push.
Smart, Powerful Design The nüvi 260W is built with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver for extreme accuracy, as well as an SD card slot for storing your media and additional navigation tools, and a USB interface for loading data. All this is wrapped up in a package that measures 4.8 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches (W x H x D) and weighs just 6.6 ounces. The nüvi display is touchscreen-enabled, making it a cinch to control the device with your fingertips. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to five hours of battery life depending on use.
Garmin Lock Garmin's patent pending theft prevention system that disables the unit from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PlN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location
First Rate Map Data The nüvi 260W comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including a hefty P0l database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and nüvi takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping.
ln addition, the nüvi 260W accepts custom points of interest (P0ls), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming P0ls
lmportant note about map updates: Due to our high volume of sales, almost every Garmin portable GPS navigator sold by will come with the most recent map version. lf you ever do need a map update, you can purchase one from Amazon.com at our Garmin Store.
Easy To Use lnterface
Garmin's interface is a key to their success and one of the things that makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip.
Beyond Navigation  Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer. | nüvi 260W accepts custom points of interest (P0ls). View larger. |
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 260W features travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. lt also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map.
This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via SD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs.
Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (P0l’s) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras.
Trick Your GPS Ride Custom vehicle icons let you ride in style, at least inside your GPS. See more icon option | Like all nüvis, the 260W supports configurable vehicle icons. These fun, customized car-shaped icons come in a variety of colors to add a personal touch to your vehicle's position on the map. |
What's in the Box nüvi 260W, preloaded City Navigator NT for the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, Alaska, and Canada, vehicle suction cup mount, vehicle power cable, dashboard disk, and set up and go guide.
Note: Like most USB Mass Storage Devices, the nüvi is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me.
Which nüvi is Best for You?
Note: All nüvis come with detailed NAVTEQ maps containing more than 6 million pre-loaded point of interest locations.
| Screen Size inches (w x h) | lncluded Maps | Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names) | Traffic | Bluetooth | Media | FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system) | Multi- Point Routing | Battery life (hours) |
Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico | AK and Canada | Europe |
| nüvi 200 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  | | | | | | Photos | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 200w | 3.81 x 2.25 |  | | | | | | Photos | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 250 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  |  | | | | | Photos | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 250w | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | | | | | Photos | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 260 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  |  | |  | | | Photos | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | |  | | | Photos | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 270 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  |  |  | | | | Photos | | | up to 5 |
| nüvi 350 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  | | |  | FM (with opt. receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 8 |
| nüvi 360 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  |  | |  | FM (with opt. receiver) |  | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 8 |
| nüvi 370 | 2.8 x 2.1 |  |  |  |  | FM (receiver included) |  | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 8 |
| nüvi 650 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  | | |  | FM (with opt. receiver) | | Photos, MP3s | | | up to 7 |
nüvi 660 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | |  | FM (receiver included) |  | Photos, MP3s |  | | up to 7 |
nüvi 670 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  |  |  | FM (receiver included) |  | Photos, MP3s |  | | up to 7 |
| nüvi 680 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | |  | MSN (receiver included; 1-year free); FM (with opt. receiver) |  | Photos, MP3s |  | | up to 7 |
nüvi 750 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | |  | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | | Photos, MP3s |  |  | up to 5 |
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | |  | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |  | Photos, MP3s |  |  | up to 5 |
| nüvi 770 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  |  |  | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |  | Photos, MP3s |  |  | up to 5 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | | | MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free) receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) |  | Photos, MP3s |  |  | up to 5 |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  | | | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | | Photos, MP3s |  |  | up to 4 |
nüvi 880 | 3.81 x 2.25 |  |  |  | | MSN-enhanced (receiver inc.; 3 months free); FM (with opt. receiver) |  | Photos, MP3s |  |  | up to 4 |
nüvi 5000 | 4.5 x 2.7 |  |  | |  | MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with opt. receiver) | | |  |  | external battery only |
Testimonials
Average Buyer Rating:

Buyer's feedback: 
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* SLEEK and VERY ACCURATE ...
I bought this GPS a month ago to replace my stolen Magellan and I couldn't be happier! This new unit has updated 2009 maps and fits in your pocket. I like the wide screen format, light weight, and portability of my Garmin nüvi 260W. This GPS updates quickly and provides very accurate directions and has even taught me some short cuts around town. Thanks Garmin! Amazon had the best price hands down...they even crushed Best Buy's price by $100.
Buyer's feedback: 
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GPS
Works great.
Very pleased.
Speaks road names; labels all roads.
Everything you need in a GPS.
Buyer's feedback: 
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* review of a novice ...
As advertised. Ready to use straight out of the box. Great for non tech types and occasional users.
Buyer's feedback: 
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Garmin Nuvi 260 W
The Garmin nuvi 260W is a great GPS unit. The 4.3-inch screen makes it very easy to see and type, and the voice street by street directions are a must! I would definitly recommend this exact unit to any perspective buyer.
Buyer's feedback: 
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* Like a DVR ...
once you have it you find it makes your life more efficient. After much research we felt the Garmin nuvi 260w was the GPS for us. It was easy to use right out of the box (good thing because they really don't provide directions). Its like any other type of electronic equipment, once you use it, navigating the different screens becomes second nature.
We traveled the northwoods and never had a problem finding the satellite, takes a few seconds when you first turn it on, not a big deal.
My favorite part of our trip was surfing in our hotel, finding out where we wanted to go the next day - entering the addresses into the Garmin, and it would take us directly there ('500 feet ahead on the left'). Seriously, how much easier can it get? You can search for gas stations, it will tell you how far - in case your tank is getting low. You can find a deli or grocery store, very nice when you are 300 miles from home.
The 4.3 inch wide screen is clear and colorful. You can zoom in or out and there is enough screen space to see where you are going (even exit numbers). It shows trip stats (how fast you are driving and the average speed).
The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is because you can't change the voice. When you are in the car for 6 hours a day, it would be nice to have an option.
Nice clear picture, controls that are easy to use, features that help with creature comforts, and it was always right.
I would recommend it to everyone I know. My husband has it now on his bike ride (also has a walking mode).
Go get Garmin!