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October 24, 2008
Garmin nuvi 785T Review
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GPSmagazine Rating: 4.5 of 5
 
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Verdict: Inches closer to navigation perfection
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The nuvi 785T introduces 3-D lane assist, 3-D building view, faster screen redraws, route planning, and host of other new enhancements to Garmin's already top-notch nuvi product line. A few grievances aside, the new 7x5T series is a major update from previous nuvi models, and ups the ante in GPS navigation.
Table of Contents
- Garmin's Growing nüvi Product Line: Meet the 7x5
- Specifications
- What's in the Box
- Mounting the Garmin nüvi 785T in the Car
- Navigating With The nüvi 785T
- Entering A Street Address
- Finding A Restaurant
- Setting the Home Address
- Favorites
- Traffic Information & MSN Direct
- MSN Direct Traffic vs. FM TMC Traffic
- Night Mode
- Navigating to A Set of Coordinates
- Using the nüvi 785T In Pedestrian Mode
- Canceling A Route
- Where Am I? / Saving Your Current Location
- GPS Reception Performance
- Routing Engine Performance
- Screen Readability
- Speaker Volume & Quality
- Bluetooth & Hands Free Calling
- Playing Audio Through Your Vehicle's Speakers
- Media Player
- Pros
- Cons
- Conclusion
1. Garmin's Growing nüvi Product Line: Meet the 7x5
Garmin continues to expand it's popular nüvi product line, adding four new 7x5 series models to choose from. The 755T, 765T, 775T, and 785T all include text-to-speech, preloaded maps of the US and Canada, 3-D buildings, 3-D lane guidance, photo navigation, faster screen redraws, route planning, and Garmin Locate.
All four new models include traffic receivers, but service varies between the models: the 785T includes an MSN Direct receiver (built-in to the 12v power adapter), and requires an annual subscription ($50/year). The 755T, 765T and 775T ship with an FM traffic receiver, and include free lifetime traffic service.
Below is a more detailed breakdown of the differences between the new models
nüvi 7x5 Series Feature Matrix
| nüvi 755T | nüvi 765T | nüvi 775T | nüvi 785T | |
| Diag. Screen Size | 4.3" | 4.3" | 4.3" | 4.3" |
| Text-to-Speech | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maps of U.S. & Canada | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maps of Europe | No | No | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live Traffic | Included | Included | Included | MSN Direct |
| MSN Direct | Accessory | Accessory | Accessory | Included |
| Retail Price | $499.99 | $599.99 | $799.99 | $699.99 |
2. Specifications
| Specifications | |
| Physical size (WxHxD) | 121.7 x 75.2 x 19.5 mm (4.79 x 2.96 x 0.77) |
| Weight | 175 g (6.17 oz.) |
| Display | 4.3 in. diagonal, 480 x 272 pixels; WQVGA TFT landscape display with white backlight and touchscreen |
| Operating Temperature range | from 32 to 140 degrees F (0 to 60 C) |
| Charging Temperature range | From 32 to 113 F (0 to 45 C) |
| Data storage | Internal memory (4GB, 1.7 GB free space) and SD memory card slot |
| Computer interface | USB |
| Headphone jack | Standard 3.5 mm |
| Charge time | Approximately 4 hours |
| Power input | DC vehicle power using included 12 vehicle power cable, or AC power using optional adapter |
| Usage | 10 W max. |
| Battery life | 3 to 7 hours, depending on usage and settings |
| Battery type | Non-replaceable lithium-ion |
| GPS receiver: | High Sensitivity (Garmin won't disclose which GPS chipset the 785T is using) |
| Acquisition times | Warm: <1 sec. Cold: <38 sec. Factory Reset: <45 sec. (Average time for a stationary receiver with a clear view of the sky) |
| Maps | Pre-loaded maps of the US and Canada (City Navigator North America NT + City Navigator North America NT 3D) |
3. What's in the Box
Figure 1: Garmin nüvi 785T, Retail Box