PCMag’s Craig Ellison recently had the opportunity to test out the Garmin nuvi 1260T, one of Garmin’s 2009 models that comes complete with a pedestrian navigation mode, Bluetooth, voice directions and subscription-free real-time traffic information. I was expecting the nuvi 1260T to blow the review out of the water, but the reviewer clearly feels that for most of us the Garmin nuvi 265T is a better buy. Why is that?
First of all, the $300 suggested retail price is a bit on the high side. And though the nuvi 1260T is the thinnest GPS navigator on the market because of its pedestrian aim, it isn’t particularly accurate with its public transportation routes. In fact, the reviewer tested out a pair of routes that incorporated the subway in New York City and found that both HopStop and Google Maps produced more economical routes. That said, the nuvi 1260T would still be handy if you’re visiting a strange city with a complicated public transportation system.
For the rest of us though, the Garmin nuvi 265T will do the same navigational job as the nuvi 1260T, but for half the price.
Garmin nuvi 1260T–$299.99 from Amazon; shipping June 28
Garmin nuvi 265T–$179.99 from Amazon