Holiday Gift Idea: For the Person Who Needs Directions, But Never Asks

There is just no excuse these days to be lost. Maps are everywhere. In cell phones, on the Internet and even on some MP3 players. But the best in my view are still the dedicated systems from companies such as Garmin and Magellan.

I’ve done a lot of testing, being the gadget guy that I am, and I’ve found a feature-laden Garmin model, that is decently priced. What I like about this one, the Garmin 265WT, is it speaks the next turn including the street name. This is tremendously convenient and enables the driver to stay focused on… talking on a cell phone, eating and adjusting the radio.

Other niceties: a wide 4.3″ screen with bright, easy-to-read text, a database of over 6 million points of interest, and one touch help that will pinpoint your location in case you need to make that dreaded tow truck call.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAGarmin-265WT-GPS-Navigation

What: Garmin nüvi 265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigation

They’ll thank you: for finding that restroom when they needed to… right away.

Mike Carrall is a tech executive by day in Silicon Valley who writes under a pseudonym. Mike's passions include extreme sports, testing audio gear, trying (not so successfully) to restore a vintage 70's McIntosh receiver and spending time with his seven year-old daughter.