Garmin GDB 55 MSN Direct Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Here's the conundrum...
I have a Garmin nuvi 255. On the POSITIVE side, with the GDB 55, the 255 IS capable of plotting and changing your route on the fly automatically according to the traffic data it receives. The DOWNSIDE is that the traffic data it has received so far has been next to useless.
For example, last Friday we traveled from Massachusetts to Maryland. Coming down the Jersey Turnpike the unit showed a small (1 or 3 min delay) and kept us on the pike. Just before we reached exit 7, we decided we'd had enough, pressed Detour, and ended up doing something involving route 295. When we reached our destination, we learned from those who arrived hours later that the pike had turned into a virtual parking lot and we'd have lost hours if we'd believed the Garmin regarding traffic.
I'd return the GDB 55 except that the traffic data really can get the 255 to change its recommendations. So, fool that I may be, I'm going to keep working with it on the hope that the traffic data service will improve. I figure (a) it's part of the price of getting in when a service is relatively new and (b)I can always hit Detour manually as we did last weekend should we start getting anxious again.
Unless you *have* to have it, however, I recommend against buying this unit until early adopters report that its performance has improved to being minimally acceptable. At the moment, it isn't!

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Notice: MSN Direct service will be available only until January 1, 2012. Activate a subscription between November 19, 2009, and March 31, 2010, and receive 9 months of MSN Direct service for free.
The MSN Direct Receiver/GDB 55 turns your compatible Garmin into a dynamic on-the-go information source. With the purchase of this receiver, you'll get 12 months of MSN Direct services, including traffic updates, gas prices, weather forecasts, and so much more.


Travel Smart The GDB 55 delivers the content you need for life on the go:

Traffic updates
Weather forecasts
Fuel prices
News stories
Movie listings and reviews
Stock info
Local events, concerts, festivals and more

The GDB 55 sends information to your compatible Garmin navigator so you can avoid traffic, save money at the pump, check the forecast, and find your theatre--while staying on top of news and stocks. The Send-to-GPS feature lets you plan your trip on your PC, then wirelessly send it to your navigator.

Activate and Navigate The MSN Direct receiver is plug-and-play portable, making it easy to connect to your unit when on the go. No professional installation required. Simply activate your receiver following the instructions in the manual. After activation, plug the receiver into your compatible Garmin device, connect to your vehicle's power outlet, and you're ready to receive data.

Subscription Information MSN Direct is available only in select cities where coverage exists. Visit MSN Direct to extend your current service, purchase a service plan for an additional area or view coverage information.

Compatibility nuvi 1200, nuvi 1250, nuvi 1260T, nuvi 1300, nuvi 1350, nuvi 1350T, nuvi 1370T, nuvi 1390T, nuvi 1390T, nuvi 1450, nuvi 1490T, nuvi 205, nuvi 205W, nuvi 255, nuvi 255W, nuvi 265T, nuvi 265WT, nuvi 275T, nuvi 500, nuvi 550

What's in the Box MSN Direct receiver and owner's manual

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