11. MSN Direct Traffic vs. FM TMC

Figure 109: nüvi 265WT vs. nüvi 785T

Garmin's 785T is the only one of the new T (Traffic enabled) nüvi model to use MSN Direct for real-time traffic alerts instead of TMC (Traffic Message Channel).

Unlike the nüvi 265WT, 275T, 755T, 765T, and 775T models, which include free lifetime traffic service via FM TMC, the nüvi 785T includes just 3-months of MSN Direct service, after which you'll need subscribe at a cost of $49.95 per year, or $129.95 for a lifetime MSN Direct subscription, which cannot be transferred from one device to another.

I pitted the FM TMC-powered nüvi 265WT's traffic service against the MSN Direct-powered nüvi 785T on a recent road trip from New York to Maine. Coverage quality varies by region, and it's quite possible that in another part of the country the results would be reversed, but I found the FM TMC traffic service better at alerting me to upcoming traffic problems.

Figure 110: nüvi 265WT's Traffic Provider

The nüvi 265WT, used to compare FM TMC traffic service against MSN Direct's traffic service, includes a free lifetime subscription to NAVTEQ's traffic service, both in the US and Canada.

Figure 111: FM TMC vs. MSN Direct

On several occasions the nüvi 265WT warned me about pending traffic, while the nüvi 785T reported no traffic, even as I drove straight into the traffic.

MSN Direct offers much more than just traffic alerts, and so the decision as to whether MSN Direct is worth the subscription fee will depend on whether you care about the additional service MSN Direct includes, such as weather, news, stock prices, movie listings, local events, and the ability to wirelessly send addresses to the GPS.

For those purely focused on traffic, in locations where FM TMC coverage is good, I believe TMC offers more accurate traffic alerting, and costs less (it's included for free on Garmin's recent "T" nüvis).

12. Night Mode

Figure 112: Color Mode

By default, the nüvi 785T automatically switches to "Nighttime" mode at sunset, darkening the screen brightness and adjusting the color scheme to better fit nighttime driving.

You can also manually force Daytime or Nighttime via the Color Mode menu.

Unfortunately, you can't create your own custom color scheme to use on the map, so you're limited to the Daytime and Nighttime modes that Garmin provides.

Figure 113: Daytime vs. Nighttime Map Page

The Nighttime map keeps the same layout and controls, but adjusts the brightness and colors used to be more pleasing on the eye when traveling at night.

Figure 114: Daytime vs. Nighttime Main Menu

Switching color modes adjusts the colors and brightness of all pages, not just the map.

13. Navigating to A Set of Coordinates

Figure 115: Main Menu, Page 2

Like previous Garmin nüvis, the 785T retains the ability to input a set of longitude/latitude coordinates as a destination address.

This capability can be useful for locations may not have an official street address, or used for Geocaching as well.

To route to a set of coordinates, tap Where to? on the Main Menu, and then scroll down to see the Coordinates icon.

Figure 116: Enter Coordinates

The coordinates are pre-populated with the lat/long of your current location. Use the on-screen keypad to input the longitude and latitude coordinates, or touch Format to change coordinates formats.

Figure 117: Select Format

The nüvi 785T supports the three formats shown above.

14. Using the nüvi 785T In Pedestrian Mode

Figure 118: Usage Mode

It's a little buried in the menu system, but the nüvi 785T can be put into pedestrian mode if you want to use the GPS on foot to walk to a destination. To switch the nüvi into pedestrian mode, tap Tools > Settings > System > Usage Mode > Pedestrian > OK.