Customer Reviews

Lowrance 000-0125-03 iWay 250C 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

We enjoyed the convenience of traveling with our Roadmate 500. When you arrive in a new city somewhere, you are tired and unfamiliar and no matter how much you love each other, getting lost on the way to the hotel is good for some cranky exchange.

The 500 is obsolete as far as European maps are concerned so with an upcoming 3 weeks in Italy, it was time to see how far the new portables have come. My Lexus GX is disappointing and ridiculously expensive for what you get. It is non-intuitive (IMHO) and you cannot change anything underway requiring pulling over in spots equally as dangerous as Toyota/Lexus feels changing while moving is.

It came down to Garmin's sexy and capable NUVI 360 and the fishfinder Lowrance company's iWay 250C. I tried both side-by-side to see how they performed. You cannot go wrong with either one and I found the differences negligible for my needs. Navteq maps are superior to anything else in the USA and Tele Atlas are the benchmark for Europe. Lowrance did that right among other things. NUVI uses Navteq which is apparently very good in Europe as well but Tele Atlas is reprted to be better there.

Both are intuitive out of the box. The NUVI is sleek and slightly smaller and both are about the same weight. The NUVI resolution is superior and the voice street names are great. Lowrance will name some streets and the others are clearly annouced as "Left turn in 400 feet" or whatever. The NUVI sports Bluetooth capability with your compatible phone but the volume is not suffient to make it useable even in a nice quiet Lexus or equivelant so that is wasted on me. The MP3 capability is of little interest to us but we may learn more and find it uselful. NUVI will play your MP3's while navigating which the 250C will not, I don't care.

As far as POI's, the 250C found more for me but it was a relatively small sample so don't make a decision because of this. I found the real resosn for owning either one is the navigation. It is hard to justify paying twice the price for same maps and a slightly inferior voice capability. The auto version of the mapping on the Lowrance is so cool as it knows to give you the grander picture when you have some distance before the next turn and kindly switches to an expanded view when necessary.

The mount on the NUVI is excellant and so is the Lowrance. Both have enroute travel power cords and both have supplementry maps on cards wherever you want to go. I will keep the Lowrance and return the NUVI, the price is just not worth the difference, at least to me, although your mileage may vary...

Purchased this and was very impressed by the touch screen and the ease of use. However, after using it for a couple of days, I'll tell you the things that I found lacking:

1. It knows when you stop the car and will power off automatically. However, it won't power on automatically. You have to unplug, turn on the power, then plug back in. Not so fun after repeating the process several times.

2. The "warm-up" time after it boots up is quite long and I consistently found it took 5-10 minutes to find my current position.

3. Using the turn-by-turn instructions can be challenging at times because the distance is off by about 100 feet. For example, it will tell you to take a left turn in 300 feet. It is actually 200 feet so you get a little confused at first but you get used to it.

4. If you want to cancel your destination, that button is buried in the options page and even when you arrive at your destination, it doesn't always register so as you're driving away, you'll have to listen to it tell you to go back to where you came from. Cancelling the navigation is a pain while you're driving by the way so don't try it unless you want to have a head-on collision with oncoming traffic.

Positive features are that the points of interest are abundant and it saved me much time driving around looking for an ATM or gas station. The "Gauge" page is also pretty cool as it will tell you your current speed and estimated time until destination.

I bought a lowrance 250c after a good deal online. So far its been a unit that has worked for me. One has to understand that this does not use the latest technology in terms of acquiring a signal so everytime you power down then power up, it may take as long as 2-3 minutes before the satellites find your location. Once it is acquired, the signal has so far kept on point (as long as you don't power off again). This is a little more than a minor annoyance for me because I am an impatient person and do not like to sit in a car waiting until a signal is acquired. This unit has also been pretty accurate in my travel, but I've noticed that one road was displayed as "times blvd" while the real road is "rice blvd". The maps and points of interests (POIs) are up-to-date, I believe they are the 2006 version. I went ahead and bought a 4 GB SD card 150x speed to allow for extra memory for MP3s and I heard the 150x speed actually makes the Lowrance faster (in acquiring a signal or calculating routes, I don't know, hopefully both). So far here are some pros and cons of this unit.

Pros:
- A huge memory of POIs. I was amazed at finding a hole-in-the-wall chinese restuarant I go to (some internet maps don't even show it in their database)
- Inexpensive compared to similar models of other brands
- Long battery life (6-8 hours for me)
- Good voice navigation (with exception-see below "Cons")
- Comes with a nice mounting interface (sticker also included) and power charger
- Can play MP3s and navigate at same time (unit will pause MP3s when giving directions, then automatically continue playing MP3s)
- Accuracy to location is pretty good (less than 100 feet for me)
- Updated preloaded maps from 2006
- Once signal is acquired, the signal remains fixed on vehicle continuously
- Compact size, one may be able to pocket or put in a small purse
- Very customizable display, you can show speed of car and distance/time left to destination if you want)
- Automatic power-down and off function.

Cons:
- Takes at least 2 minutes to acquire a signal. Too long compared to other models (less than 30 seconds for Garmin Nuvi). It could definently be longer if overcast or raining. It will be a pain for those who travel constantly as a job (e.g. Fed-Ex guy), because u can't afford to wait until signal is acquired again (i suggest don't power off the unit at all to keep the signal).
- In daytime, the sunlight causes glare on the screen and is not very readable. Worse if you wear sunglasses, I had to rely solely on the voice commands.
- Small capacity for MP3s (40MB) on the packaged 2GB SD Card, people who wants to use dual functions simultaneously (MP3s and navigation) must buy a 4GB SD Card
- No text to speech function. If I can't read screen, I would prefer that the voice says the street name instead of calling out "take right in 500 feet"
- A few POIs are incorrect, experienced a time where a restuarant was at the right side of the street while voice commanded me to take a left instead.
- If you use picture mode, the pictures are very slow to load.
- Does not give you alternate routes (route fo shortest time). I noticed that it gave me a route that would definently take 20 minutes longer if I decided to take it. I believe it calculates routes skewed to taking the main roads and highways instead of smaller obscure ones.

Overall, I'm satisfied with this 250C unit. I could have definently afforded to buy a Garmin Nuvi for twice more, but didn't think I needed to. I also thought about the Mio, but aside from a fast acquired signal, I heard too many bad things about it including awful maps and directions. Now if my job required me to travel everyday, then yes, spend the cash and get the Garmin Nuvi.

I have read previous reviews about this unit. However, I have mixed feelings about the issues with the signal acquiring time too slow, and puny CPU when calculating routes. Well, I purchased the unit for my wife's car, because the built in NAV for my car is very useful. We use my wife's car whenever we go for a long distance trip with the kids. So, I thought a portable NAV should be feasible in term of costing. I purchased the unit a little over a week ago, and I'll tell you it works like a charm. The nice thing about this unit is it got the latest map and build version when arrived. I took the little iWay out for a test against my in car NAV, and it works beautifully. Acquiring signal within minutes (less than 2). What I found interesting was the auto re-route function. After setting the destinations for both NAVs, and proceed as instructed. I purposely take a wrong turn to see how the auto re-route wok, and to my amazement, the little iWay quickly auto re-route a few seconds before my in car NAV does! The auto re-route was fast and pretty accurate. I was amazed. I also did a little test on how fast the routes generation work by entering my parent's home address, which is in Montreal Canada. And I'll tell you, the route generations only took less than a minute (say about 30 seconds). Quite fast for a little guy. One other function that I found most often used when on travel is the Find function (iWay) or the Quick Stop (my in car NAV). This function will find the nearest restaurants, rest stops, ATM, GAS, and etc. Very useful feature and a must have. Overall, this little Gem iWay 250c is a Champ. Works great out of the box, easy to use Graphical interface, pretty darn accurate, great price and features for the money. I highly recommend this product to everyone. If you have an issue with your signal acquisition than you must have gotten a defected product. Return and exchange for a new one.

I've owned Lowrance aviation gps units, so I already knew they build high quality units, with lots of features, at prices much lower than Garmin units. Lowrance is definitely not a no name nav sysgem, as they pretty own the marine matket..
Mostly same concluson for the 250c, Works great out of the box, using default settings, all US maps on a SD card, don't have to select or load map for current position. They cut costs on the GPS engine, as it is not a WAAS unit, regardless of what documentation says, and don't know what chip set they used. But lock on time was quite fast, and position seemed accurate. May not be most sensitive receiver, but more than adequate. Driving in DC burbs, was seeing 5-6 sats, while a very sensitive gps I have often shows 7-8 sats. So can't report how the 250 performs in an urban jungle, with lots of sky blockage. Unit itself is quite slim in thickness, with a 3.5 inch color touchscreen.

Route calculations DC to LA address, took the unit 2 minutes to calculate, I think very good for a 2600 mile trip, though the way it got to the San Fernando valley was a little odd, coming slightly from North. A short local route took 20 seconds. Uses an unusual sliding bar preference scale for advoid highways, toll roads, instead of just check boxes, but I like it, because it actually lets you set the preference bias on how it will calc a route, and than tweek it and tune to what you want, rather than just a yes/no. Instructions say it trys to advoid
freeways for short trips, but I found that to be variable. Sliders were set to mid points on scale.

Sound clear and loud, but name to voice option only has it call the name of some major roads/highways, otherwise is just says turn next right, which is better than a computer voice calling out a street name you can't understand. The name calls it does make almost sound prerecorded, and maybe they are.

Only small negative, sometime the voice prompts get ahead of itself. For example, take next right onto highway, and as you start to make turn, you hear, take next right again. It is telling you to take first offramp in 2 miles, but you might think there is a trick bear right entrance to highway right on you. But a quick look at the map screen shows you and the route. It only occurs ocassionally, and it might be possible to tune that with voice option promps. My other software will say, turn right, follwed by bear right, for those situations of two instructions very close together.

Mounting bracket is quite nice, but since I don't like to put sucker on windscreen, I used the option of the adhensive disk to top of dash, and then attach suction cup to that. Much nicer, just don't expect to get that disk off without leaving marks.

Overall an excellent unit, very easy to select destination address with smart lookup, and pick POIs. No PC downloading, since entire US/Canada is preloaded on SD card. I believe the equivalent garmin unit would be twice the price.

Pros:
Cost -- I could have spent twice as much for a better unit but this meets my needs just fine.
Size -- Small size fits fine over one of my A/C vents. Much better than using the included suction window/dashboard mount.
Memory -- I purchased a low cost 2GB SD memory - works just fine as a backup.
Antenna -- This GPS has a connector for an external antenna. I purchased an external active antenna (not the expensive Lowrance brand). It significantly improved the reception and permits mounting of the unit anywhere in the auto.
Performance -- Not the latest technology but OK for my use and its lower cost.
Mapping accuracy -- So far, I have found the road maps to be accurate. However, some POIs were not.
Routing -- In general, it has good routing.

Cons:
Display -- Forget about using the display in bright sunlight.
Street ID -- Displays the name of the road you're driving on TWICE. But does not display the names of cross streets.
Street names -- Voice commands do NOT mention street names, only route numbers.
Heading -- For some reason it can display your bearing, but will NOT display you're heading.
Dated technology -- Older technology means less receiver sensitivity, longer satellite accusation time, slower route processing, etc.

This is my 3rd (and least expensive) automobile GPS. It is by far the best. On a recent trip a reunion group was given written directions to a classmate's home in a gated, remote location. Many lost their way. I entered the address, ignored the written instructions, and was led flawlessly through complex turns to the location. The touch-screen operation (no push buttons!) is a real plus and the programmable SD card data storage promises a long up-to-date life. The screen size is a bit small, but bright and easily readable, even for a senior citizen.

Bought this unit at a Wholesale Distributor for $169.00, got more than I think I paid for. Unit comes fully charged which is wonderful, when you want to play with your new toy. I did not have any problems with the slow Satellite Acquisition here in Phoenix. Although the Unit does not speak the street names, this may not be so bad for barely unpronouncable street names anyway. The only small issue I have is that the maps seem slightly outdated, however contacted Customer Service any they said they update the software now and again and to check their website periodically. To get all the details on the specs of the unit see other reviews but I can tell to you for less than $200 this unit is a steal.

I recently purchased this item from Amazon after an extensive search and a ton of comparison shopping. I'd have to say that I'm amazed at how easy it was to figure out the basic functions. I was able to take the unit out of the box, mount it to my windshield using the very convienent suction-mount that was included, and find directions to a nearby atm machine, a fast food restaraunt, and then back home. This whole ordeal took about 2 minutes. The color screen is beautiful, the menus are understandable, and there is a TON of data on the included 2 gig card.

This was one of only a few units in the price range that supports turn-by-turn directions on land, and "direct to" navigation on water. I've bought the Fishing HotSpots maps to use on the water this Spring, and I can't wait to stick this thing on my boat and see how the direct navigation mode works.

Only drawback (and why the Iway's are cheaper than Garmins) is the accuracy on your current location. I'd say it gets you within 50 feet of your driveway/parking lot/whatever destination. That's close, but it does think I'm home when I'm sitting in front of my neighbors house. My freind's Garmin Nuvi is more like 5 feet accurate. For half the cost of a similar Garmin, I can figure out those last 50 feet on my own.

I've used the MP3 player and it is functional, but nothing special. I don't care though, that's not why I bought it.

This is a great little GPS. It's versitile but still simple emough to be easy-to-use. Highly recommended.

I live in a Small town in Texas. I was amazed how accurate and updated the maps are. This Navigation System is easy to use and easy to setup. I love the touchscreen. The voice is loud and very clear. I have been using it for a few weeks now, and I havn't come accross ANY negative things to say about it.

I first bought a Garmin (not from this seller), and I returned it because too many items were missing with the shippment. Now that I look back, it was a blessing. The screen was too small, and it wasn't a touchscreen. So when you had to type anything, you had to use a Scroll wheel, that took forever to use. Also, it required batteries, not even rechargable.

I read reviews that satalite acquasition was long. Sometimes it was less then a minute for me, but I would start driving anyways, and it would still lock on. So no time sitting idle was lost.

When you stop the car, all the points of interest automaticaly pop up. When your driving a long ways before the next waypoint, all the little streets, exits and entrances are filtered out so it doesn't clutter the screen. They will turn back on, when it is necessary for them to be shown. I was amazed how smart this unit is.

The iWay 250 is a GOOD buy. It exceeded my expectations.