Garmin nuvi 205W Car GPS Receiver

The Garmin nuvi 205W gets an excellent rating from me. I have been using the 205w (w = widescreen) for almost three weeks. I took it out of the box new, plugged it into the vehicle's power port and began using it without any problems. I eventually read the owner's manual and some other basic reading material. I plugged the 205w into my home computer and registered the unit. During the registration process, I was given a map update for the unit.

Pros: Very simple to use. No fancy extras that I need. She (the 205w) talks the basic language: "Turn right in 1.2 miles" / "Exit left" / "Recalculating" / "Turn left" and some other things. She doesn't try to say the street names (like more expensive Garmins) which is fine with me. The touch screen works very well and is easy to see. I have placed my unit on the dashboard 'down low' by the windshield. I have a Dodge Grand Caravan and there is plenty of room on top of the dashboard. It almost reminds me of a "Heads Up Display" used in the aviation industry. I also like the idea that I can plug an actual street address into the unit and get directions to that place.

Cons: I don't always like the way the 205w trys to send me. I have a normal route from my home to work and the 205w likes to send me into town (with all the redlights) instead of trying to get to the by-pass street. Even when the 205w recalculates the time - it's almost always the same. Maybe it's right - if I catch all the green lights! Overall, that a minor problem/issue that I can live with. Really - who uses a Garmin between home and work?

The GPS is not extremely accurate - and it's not designed to be. Sometimes, in multiple lanes with multiple exit lanes (4 or more lanes total) the 205w may get a little lost and try to put you on a road that you're not on. It's only for a second or two - but then it comes right back to the normal. The unit does provide plenty of warning when the turns or exits are coming up (that's a plus!) and therefore you shouldn't be driving by looking at the map.

I have also notice that sometimes, when you aren't directly on the mapped street but a parking lot - the unit may try to put you on a street. Eventually, things shake out and the unit does its job.

Would I buy another? Oh, heck yes! Granted, there are not a lot of features and do-dads like some of the more expensive units. But, if you need just an inexpensive basic GPS to get you to and from places - this is the one. Overall, I am very satisfied with the unit. I gave it an excellent rating because of the great job it does and the best money value for the unit.