The Garmin Nuvi 855 GPS device combines the best of both worlds; affordability and voice activation features. A Garmin car GPS is a solid choice.

The Garmin Nuvi 855 (not to be confused with the more expensive Nuvi 885) has a generous list of features at a pricepoint below $140 at the time of this writing. First off, Garmin’s reputation for user-friendly and accurate consumer gps devices is as good, or better than the competing manufacturers. The 855 does nothing to damage that confidence in the Garmin name.

The combination of so many functional features at a low price makes it a must to consider this model in your buying decision. Here are some of the high points of the Nuvi 855:

What I Like -
1.) Price, Price and then Price – Under $140

2.) 4.3″ widescreen – clear and bright display, even in direct sunlight.

3.) Voice activation (or voice command) functionality, of course.

4.) Lane assist – Each Garmin device will tell you what lane you should be in to make an upcoming exit, however, the lane assist feature goes a step future by giving you a visual image of the upcoming exit signs and shows you which lane to move into (see image below). This may seem a bit trivial but when you’re stuck on congested freeways with numerous highway merges (California freeways come to mind), you’ll really appreciate being able to get a visual glance of where you need to be for your next exit. Not all exits are on the right side of the road, some exists are also to the left side.


See More Information and Specs on the Nuvi 855 – Click Here


5.) Multi-point routing – I like this option for planning my trips. This feature allows you to enter in up to 10 destination points along your route. Once you reach the first destination, the device automatically directs you to point #2, # 3 and so on. This is great for planning long road trips or even for someboday who makes deliveries locally in their city. Even though this feature seems like a no brainer, not all GPS units have this option.

6.) Direct sync with Google Maps and MapQuest – Did you find a map of a restaurant or gas station on your computer using Google Maps or Mapquest? Hook up your Garmin 855 to your computer and send the address information directly from your PC to the Garmin. No more wasted map printouts!

What I Don’t Like –

1.) I don’t have many complaints about the 855, but one of the biggest disappointments with this model is the poor FM transmitter option. The transmitter allows you to hear voice prompts, MP3 music, etc. through your car’s FM stereo speakers. You basically tune your radio to an open FM frequency and your device transmits audio so you can hear it on your car speakers. A nice idea if only the transmitting signal was strong enough. You’ll more than likely end up hearing static or “station bleed” in crowded FM frequency locations.

Although this feature is disappointing, I find that most Garmin GPS devices are loud and clear enough to hear from the built-in speaker, even when travelling at highway speeds.

I highly recommend the Nuvi 855 for the list of features and options at such a tempting price. It would be hard to find another model or brand that offers so much for so little. You can’t beat the Garmin reputation or quality either.


See More Information and Specs on the Nuvi 855 – Click Here



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