Garmin 255w $98 Amazon.com

I know there's a ton of love for the 255W and the $98 price makes it an even better entry level value. However, I've been wondering why the 1350, which has lane assist, for what was just $20 (now $30) more seems to be largely ignored. From my reading here and elsewhere I'd think lane assist is worth an extra $20/$30.

Comparison on the Garmin site show just two functional differences -- lane assist and SD vs. microSD slots. Plus the 1350 is thinner and lighter. At this point they're both reasonably mature products, so firmware reliability shouldn't be an issue.

Why isn't the 1350 as popular as the 255W?

Probably because the 255W has been around longer. It would have a larger user base and has stable firmware. It seems that Garmin eventually has good stable firmware for most of its units, but often in the first year or two of a model series the bugs can be frustrating.

My 255W is still working great. Unless there are major functions and improvements added, I personally don't see a reason to upgrade. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Just a matter of preference I guess..

Probably the 255W has a better review as many have tried & found it an excettent GPS unit, where as the 1350 has been new in the market and not have had that many reviews. People like to go for something that has been in the market and tried out with positive reviews. This could be the only reason I could think of.