Figure 11: Garmin nuvi 880 Windshield Suction-cup Mount

The nuvi 880 is mounted to the vehicle's windshield using a suction-cup mount and quick-release cradle (shown below) that snaps onto the end of the mount, forming a joint that can be rotated into the desired viewing angle.

The suction mount is locked into place by lowering the lever on the mount.

Figure 12: Attaching the Quick-Release Cradle

The quick release cradle has a socket in the rear that snaps onto the ball of the suction cup mount. Connecting the cradle to the mount is simply a matter of pressing firmly on the mount until the ball snaps into the socket on the cradle. To remove the cradle, simply twist the cradle to the right or left until it snaps off the mount.

The Quick-Release Cradle is slightly wider than previous nuvi models.

This ball-and-socket style mount has proven very effective for Garmin, and is used on all new nuvi and StreetPilot GPS units. Garmin's well designed mount is easy to use, and holds the unit firmly in place while driving.

Figure 13: nuvi 880's Windshield Mount and Cradle, Connected

The beauty of Garmin's windshield mounting hardware is its simplicity. With almost no moving parts to break, this mount is economical, simple, small, and highly effective.

Figure 14: nuvi 880's Cradle, Right Side

The cigarette lighter power adapter connects to the right side of the cradle rather than the unit itself. So once the mount is in place, you don't have to worry about the power cable; just connect the nuvi to the mount and you're ready to go.

Figure 15: nuvi 880 Attached to the Windshield Mount

Garmin's mounting hardware is outstanding: the windshield mount holds the nuvi firmly in place and vibration-free when driving, even at highway speeds. And the ball-and-socket style connection between the cradle and the mount makes it easy to adjust the nuvi's viewing angle with one hand.

Figure 16: nuvi 880 Attached to the Windshield Mount

Good mounting hardware is a surprisingly elusive accomplishment for most GPS manufacturers, and Garmin deserves high praise for consistently making excellent windshield mounting hardware.

Figure 17: MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable

The MSN Direct receiver is integrated into the included 12v power adapter, Garmin's GDB 50. Combining the MSN data receiver in the cigarette lighter power adapter is a nice design choice, as it allows the GPS unit itself to remain as slim as possible.

It's worth noting that the nuvi 850 and 860 are also compatible with the GDB 50 power adapter/MSN Direct receiver. So if you already own one of the other nuvi 800-series units and want to leverage the MSN Direct features, you can always purchase this adapter separately for around $110.

Figure 18: GDB 50 vs GTM 20

Compared to the GTM 20 FM TMC traffic receiver that ships with the nuvi 660, 760, and 860, the nuvi 880's L-shaped 12v adapter/MSN Direct receiver (GDB 50) is slightly shorter and protrudes less into the vehicle cabin.

The MSN Direct enabled adapter has an internal rechargeable battery that allows it to continue receiving traffic and other information even when the GPS is powered off. When you're ready to get in the car and go somewhere, the MSN Direct data is immediately available and already downloaded to the adapter. Garmin says the adapter can last up to several days between charges.

The longer, straight GTM 20 relies on Clear Channel's TMC (Traffic Message Channel) to receive traffic using FM signals. The nuvi 880's GDB 50 adapter, however, makes use of Microsoft's Enhanced MSN Direct data to deliver real-time traffic information, weather, gas prices, movie listings, stock prices, news and local events to the GPS. Both services require annual subscription fees of about $60/year.

So which one is better? Last year when I reviewed the nuvi 680, I found MSN Direct and Clear Channel's traffic information about equal, but MSN's coverage wasn't as solid. This year, however, it appears MSN Direct's coverage has improved, and is now better than Clear Channel's. Considering that both services cost the same (about $60/year), and that MSN Direct provides much more than just traffic information, it seems MSN Direct is a better deal overall.

Figure 19: MSN Direct 3 Month Trial

The nuvi 880 includes 3 months of free MSN Direct service, after which it will cost you around $60/year. The three month trial begins once you enter the activation code found on the adapter. Activation is easy, and takes just a few minutes.

Figure 20: nuvi 880's Remote Control

The nuvi 880 includes a remote control, used to start of stop a speech recognition session.

Figure 21: Remote Control

The remote has a wristwatch-like band that can be used to mount the remote onto the steering wheel.

Figure 22: Remote Control Battery Compartment

The remote control is powered by a single (included) 3V lithium battery

Figure 23: USB Cable

A standard USB cable is included, and can be used to connect the nuvi 880 to a PC/Mac as well as charge the battery.

Figure 24: Adhesive Mounting Disc

If you happen to live in an area where it's illegal to mount anything in the windshield, the included adhesive mounting disc can be used to attach the GPS to the dashboard instead (although a better option is to use a friction mount, as it's less permanent and can easily be concealed when leaving the car unattended).