4. Mounting the nuvi 880 in the Car

Figure 25: Garmin nuvi 880, Mounted in the Car

Like other Garmin nuvi GPS devices, mounting the nuvi 880 in the car is a simple matter that doesn't require any professional installation. Simply attach the windshield mount to the glass, connect the power cable, dock the GPS, and (optionally) mount the remote control on the steering wheel.

Figure 26: Connecting the MSN Direct enabled 12v Adapter

The nuvi 880's 12v adapter contains an internal MSN Direct receiver, and provides power to the GPS as well as real-time traffic data, movie listings, gas pump pricing, weather, news, and more.

MSN Direct data is only available when the 12v adapter is connected to the nuvi 780 and is in a coverage area for MSN Direct.

Figure 27: Connecting the Power Cable to the Cradle

The power cable connects to the right side of the cradle rather than the GPS unit itself -- a nice feature that makes docking and undocking the nuvi 880 from the dashboard quick and easy; you don't have to hook up any cables -- just snap the GPS into the cradle and you're ready to navigate.

Figure 28: Remove the Protective Backing From the Windshield Mount

Remove the protective plastic from the suction cup windshield mount's rubber backing.

Figure 29: Attaching the Windshield Mount & Cradle to the Glass

Locate the area on the windshield where you want to mount the GPS, then press the suction cup mount against the glass and lower the locking lever into place to secure the mount to the windshield.

Figure 30: Nuvi 880's Windshield Mount, Attached to the Glass

The secret to Garmin's highly effective mount is its simplicity: simple, lightweight and very few moving parts makes for a reliable, solid connection that holds-up well to normal wear and tear.

Figure 31: Docking the nuvi 880

With the windshield mount, docking cradle, and power cable connected, we're ready to mount the nuvi 880.

Fit the bottom of the nuvi 880 into the cradle and tilt the nuvi back (towards the windshield glass) until it snaps into place, as shown above in figure 31.

Figure 32: Docking & Undocking the nuvi 880

To release the nuvi 880 from the cradle, press the release button located on the underside of the cradle, and tilt the nuvi away from the mount.

Docking and undocking the nuvi is extremely simple, and even easier than previous Garmin nuvi models, thanks to the improved windshield mount/cradle design.

Figure 33: Mounting the Remote Control to the Steering Wheel

The remote feels wells made and blends nicely into the steering wheel. Garmin's documentation suggests mounting the remote at 12-o'clock on the steering wheel, so as not to interfere while driving.

Figure 34: Garmin nuvi 880, Mounted in the Car

The nuvi 880 looks good mounted in the car. With only a single cable connecting the GPS to the vehicle, the 880 looks sleek and blends nicely into the vehicle's interior. The bright, sunlight-readable display can easily be seen from the driver's seat, and the 880 can be docked or undocked with one hand in a matter of seconds.