This is the newest Garmin Entry model, NUVI 205 (3.5" with less map), NUVI 255 (3.5") and NUVI 255W (4.3") to replace the older NUVI 200, NUVI 250 and NUVI 250W respectively.

The new feature is text to speech... It speaks the street name instead of just left or right turn. It is only a software feature. They have to wait so long to "switch it on" for the lower models.

It is also darker, with an "improved" interface. I heard that the newer models are a little sluggish but I haven't tested it myself, so I'm not sure about the rumor. There is also a new elevation map feature. So it will display maps in 3D with elevation? I am not sure if that's sure. I will update this blog when I get more information.

This is one of the items in my "wish list". I like it for a very peculiar feature, the one that is not even advertised. This is the only unit on the market that is good for long term geocoding for my photos. Many other units can write tracklogs but this one can write the track logs on to the mini sd card, so I have infinite space to store my tracklogs. I have used other units, the track logs were full after one or two weeks. But usually my vacation is 5 to 6 weeks, so none of them can store that much in their track logs.

Another reason I like this unit is because it have very good GPS reception. The reception for walking unit is more important than the automobile GPS which usually have unblocked views to the sky. This walking unit need to stay tuned even under heavy trees.

I have an eTrex Venture back in 2002, but it was broken in about a year. I hope this unit is more solid. The weakest point is the joystick, it's so fragile. And it's true for all electronic units using joystick. They simpl...