New Nuvi 260? or 255
 16 years
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I finally received my new free 260 today. It was free as part of the Discover card promotion. I fired it up and it has on it Where am I, the next turn indicated in the top left corner and the slide out with trip information on the “go” screen and a trip log. The GPS SW version is 2.38B, Software 3.10. The voices sound “tinny”.
I proceeded to use the Web updater and I download several voice updates, along with software updates. When I turned on the GPSr after the download the voices are much better, the next turn was still on the unit, the trip slide out was there and trip log. BUT the where am I was gone. Software Version 4.40 and GPS SW Version 2.38b are now on the unit.
So what gives? What have I got a “260/55 1/2 from Garmin? Back in the seventies the auto companies would introduce a new car in the mid year and call it a 1976 ½.
Also, any opinions on the bravo chip? I know it’s not a SiRF but is it fast and accurate.
LATE ADDITION Upon closely examining this thing I noticed that it has a mini SD slot. The 260 has a standard slot.
Should I return this to Garmin in hopes of getting a real 260 with a better chipset?
New 260W
According to Garmin the new 260W models have been loaded with software resembling the 255W. If you click the car icon it will give you where am I Location Info.Also you can go to the where am I feature in Tools Settings. Mine has a regular SD slot not mini so they have obviously changed that recently also. The signal fix time is much faster on the new models in relationship to the older units. The reason I know this is because I had one and it was replaced by Garmin with the newer version after having been wiped out by Garmin Support. Overall the unit you have is IMO better and I would advise keeping it as long as it works properly.
Thanks for your comments
Thanks for your comments Snagger56. I spoke with Garmin about the differences between my 260 and the 255. At first the customer service rep was confused. He then said after checking with someone that Garmin has incorporated some of the new features of the 255 into the 260. So far I pleased with the unit. It has the bravo chip but I do think it’s as fast or faster in recalculating a route as my C530 which had a SiRS chip. There are other features I like a lot the turn indicator, better map view, and faster remap and recalculation of route. Love the little slide out containing route time & mileage before starting the route. I am really curious about whether I can purchase the receiver and use the 260 for traffic. I know that the 260 doesn't offer traffic but under help the unit says by attaching a receiver I can obtain MSN traffic.
One feature I don't like is the 90 degree power attachment. I can't Velcro my GPS to the dash without the mount.
Keep the next turn indicator
I find that the next turn indicator is probably one of the most important features on a GPS. One quick glance and you know how far you have to go before the next turn, and which direction you'll have to turn in. Today I wouldn't consider any model that doesn't come with one.
As far as the chip goes, I think that Garmin no longer says which chip their GPSes come with, so they reserve the right to change them. All the new ones seem to have the high sensitivity chip, so I wouldn't be too concerned about it.