It comes with the GPS, internal rechargeable battery, 12v lighter plug to mini-usb connector for the back of the unit, manual.

Yes it does include maps of Alaska and Hawaii.

no. Once it is charged, via your car's 12v outlet, it will run on its internal battery for about 4 hours (or more) of continuous use

Nope - but you can easily plan a trip on the Nuvi if you know an address, a map location (lat and long), an attraction or business, or any of the other options available on the Nuvi 260.

The unit is instantly updated as you travel, so you can literally just go anywhere, then ask it to guide you home (save your home address as a Favorite location).

Periodically, you may want to update your maps from the Garmin website to keep current.

i think it's the same thing. I own this particular model and when approaching your next turn, it will say, for example, "in 200 yards, turn left on Elm street." Or, if you are on the interstate and an exit is coming up on your right, it will tell you to "keep left on interstate #" so you don't mistakenly take the exit, etc...

Sure can, I bought mine at a SuperCenter

Sure does

I have had my Garmin for about a month and I have never seen a listing for truck routes. Also, I have not seen a option in the menu section to add (or enable them). I know of two "truck routes" in my area and it has never pointed them out or listed them, maybe in a larger metro area???

Not sure about the 2009 maps, but, it has the latest online updated software via webupdater.

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