Garmin Nuvi CityXplorer - helpful or not?

Are you driving or walking in Rome? I find walking is the best way to get around with short taxi or bus rides for the rest. The only maps that you will need for Rome and Italy in general are just the European maps. HOWEVER, I had a very difficult time in finding and keeping a satellite signal in the city because there was not line-of-sight between me and the satellite. The buildings are so close together and tall that they blocked out the satellite signal. I relied on a good map instead while in Rome.

We had the same experience as the others. It didn't work in Rome due to the buildings.

I was planning on using the GPS for walking only. If the satellites don't work, I guess I'll use a regular old map. Thanks for the advice!

Use a map, a compass and the locals and you'll have a much richer experience than relying on a handheld GPS.