Garmin Nuvi 200 vs 205 GPS comparison

The Nuvi 205 is the successor of Garmin's entry level GPS Nuvi 200.

The Nuvi 205 adds a few useless features, such as displaying the speed limit on some roads. It's useless since signs are conspicuous enough, it doesn't cover many roads, and it's not always correct.

It offers a faster processor so the display refresh is faster. This is about the only good thing.

On the left is a 200, on the right is 205.

With the unit in free navigation mode "view mode" both units will report where about you're driving.

Nuvi 200 labels way more streets and displays the name of the street you're approaching. The 205 does not.
Neither models speak the street names. Just turn prompts.

This is unfortunate. If you're driving on say NW Flanders, and want to know where nth St street (which maybe mixed with n th place, blvd, cir, etc) is, this feature is a major help.

Overall, I think the Nuvi 200 is a better unit. I can deal with slow refresh.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Garmin
• GPS
• review
• Nuvi
• 200
• 205
• navigation
• driving
• gadget
• tech
• global
• positioning
• system

[drumz0rz]

Makes me very happy I have a Nuvi 200, although recently when I turn it on, it tells me I should buy new maps. That's annoying. Also, with the Nuvi 200, you can downgrade the firmware and enable it to record trip logs which you can then open on the computer which is awesome.

[UrbexNW]

One big downside with the 200 is that it's only 1GB. the 205 is 2GB. With 2009 map, you're pretty much stretching the capacity. When you go into the service menu you can see the memory size.

The 205 actually includes trip log which can be accessed in MapSource.

[itellthetruth5]

The Nuvi 200 DOES NOT say street names. It only says turn right or turn left.

[UrbexNW]

correct. I reworded the description. Thanks

[UrbexNW]

Skip to 1:05 to see my main gripe about the newer Garmins. This is something Garmin started doing recently.

[gr88pnw]

The speed limit changes often in my city so I have to say that I LOVE the speed limit feature!