Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Integrated Traffic Receiver (Factory Refurbished)
This is a refurbished GPS. Refurbished generally means that the unit has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the navigator back to like new conditions. Some GPS may contain cosmetic blemishes.Garmin’s nüvi 265WT 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 2×5 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 265WT provides complete maps for North America and the handy Text-to-Speech feature, so you get turn-by-turn spoken directions with the real names of streets (e.g. “turn left in 50 feet at Nebraska Way”, rather than merely “turn left in 50 feet”).The nüvi 2×5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so the … >>> Special Offers and Product Promotions
I was a bit confused at first by the 265w label on the device and on the screen during boot up; however, this unit does have the FM receiver built into the power adapter cable and works exactly as advertised. The routing software is much more intelligent than a previous model I’ve owned, the interface is notably improved and the text to speech for street names is a very nice addition. Hands-free phone features also work flawlessly.
My refurbished 265wt looks and works like new and the features were as I expected. The only thing that I wish it had is the ability to save routes. But you can plan and follow a route by designating a final destination and then again using the “Where To” Feature to add additional locations and then for each selecting the option “Add as Via Point,” but you cannot save the route for future use.
I ran into two glitches when attempting to update the map (free within 60 days of first use). Since it was a refurbished unit, the first use date was more than 60 days before I received the GPS and thus I was unable to download the free update. A call to Garmin easily resolved that – the customer service contact person added it to my account for free download. The second problem was that when I tried to install the updated map I got a message indicating there was not enough space and it refused to install. Another call to Garmin and a software expert used “remote assist” (after my giving him permission to take control of my computer from his location) and made live changes to my GPS. After that the map update was successful. In both cases the Garmin personnel were most courteous, very competent, and easy to understand.
I also found the Garmin MapSource program very helpful. It can be downloaded at no charge if you already have another Garmin program, and if you don’t, you can first download and install the free Garmin Training Center program and then download and install MapSource at no cost. Working in MapSource to create, to view and to edit waypoints and tracks and other features and then using MapSource to transfer the data to the GPS is far easier than trying to do this directly on the GPS.
Apart from mapping, the “Points of Interest” feature can lead you to unexpected places. After using the GPS “Where To”, then “Points of Interest” in the Germantown, Maryland area I selected “Food” to look for lunch. The first two addresses ended up being residential addresses in townhouse developments. Out of curiosity I learned that one house was unoccupied according to a neighbor and at the other house no one answered the door. On my 3rd try I selected the chain “Subway” and that address was right on. Clearly the Points of Interest contains some unreliable information. However, this would likely be true for all Garmin GPS models.
My Garmin 265WT looks and works great. I cannot tell it was refurb. All functions work as promised and registering with Garmin was a breeze. Dont be confused by the 265W marking on the unit, this is a 265 WT.
The only thing that I could not do is update my maps. It did not come with the most current maps but when I tried to update them the only option was to buy them. Garmin made it quite clear that you have up to 60 days to register and get a map update for free, even if you purchase a refurb. I had to email Garmin to request a free update. Their records indicated I was past the 60 day mark even though I had purchased the Nuvi less than a week before. I sent them my Amazon reciept and they gladly provided me with my free map update.
I couldn’t be happier with the unit!