Garmin nuvi 855: Review

Posted to GPS 2010-03-19

Garmin nuvi 855 review:

The Garmin nuvi 855 comes with voice activation, a feature that is beginning to make its way into GPS models to give a safer feel to unit operation whilst you are traveling. This means that you can, with the help of the steering wheel attached remote, activate voice control when it is needed, leaving both eyes on the road.

As with any voice activation software, there will be good reads and bad. Speaking pre programmed commands will be easy, with street search and re-route simple options that the Nuvi will understand. When having to speak obscure street names or locations, there will be problems, voice recognition may need two or three attempts to get it right. The Nuvi 855 comes with the nuMaps guarantee that will allow download of updated maps for free, within 60 days of purchase.

Rating:

3.6 out of 5

Features

The Nuvi 855 comes with the standard features of other models, including Lane Assist functionality to help with highway navigation as well as turn by turn spoken navigation prompts. Street names are also spoken in this version and the previously mentioned voice activation partners in nicely with this to ensure you are in the right place. The Nuvi 855 lets you mark a position where you have parked your car as well providing a 'where am I' functionality to give up to date information on your current location. Up to 10 custom routes can be saved when a microSD card is installed.

Ergonomics

Route avoidance features can be easily accessed through the touchscreen interface, which is intuitive to allow for easy menu navigation. The 4.9inch widescreen display, capable of a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels, provides easy viewing. Battery life of the unit is up to 4 hours when fully charged. The unit is 7inches deep and 3.1inches high, making it a slim line model that should fit easily into your pocket, weighing only 6.2ounces. Additional inclusions to help expand the experience of using the Nuvi 855 GPS include audio book and MP3 player, which can be accessed via the touchscreen menu interface.

Summary

With voice activation inclusion and the additional features such as MP3 Player, the Nuvi 855 slots into a higher price category. These features are useful if your GPS is in constant operation, becoming the central point for your in-car needs. For a busy sales person or regular traveler, the Nuvi 855 will be a useful companion that extends beyond just helping you get around.

Pros

Experienced GPS manufacturer
Voice Activation
Supports microSD
MP3 Player and Audio book features

Cons

Higher price range