19. Screen Readability

Figure 125: Measuring Screen Readability

In order to test the 785T's screen brightness, I used a Mastech Digital 4-range luxmeter (LX1330B), capable of accurately measuring from 0 up to 200,000 lux. A luxmeter is used for checking the level of illuminance, defined as: 'the density of the luminous flux incident on a surface'. It is the quotient of the luminous flux by the area of the surface when the latter is uniformly illuminated. - (E = df / dA). This luxmeter has a rated accuracy of ±3% ±10 digits.

The nüvi 785T was placed in a controlled lighting area, inside a light tent illuminated by daylight balanced (5500° K) fluorescent lamps (the lamps are positioned on both sides of the GPS, as well as directly above it.

The luxmeter's sensor was held 1-inch away from the LCD display, with the light sensor horizontally facing the screen. The GPS was set to the Main Menu during the light reading, and the screen brightness was set to 100%. Measurements were taken three times, and the average was used.

In order to accurately compare screen readability between models, I have established Garmin's nüvi 660 as the baseline reference model. At the time of its release, the nüvi 660 sold for around $1,000, and was Garmin's most expensive automotive GPS at that time. The nüvi 660's LCD display was generally considered to have the best display of any GPS at that the. Other GPS displays may have come close, but none were better. In fact, the 660 at the time of its release was as close to a spare-no-expense GPS as had been seen.

The nüvi 785T's display measured almost identical brightness to the reference nüvi 660. The average reading for the nüvi 785T was 302, while the nüvi 660 scored 305 - a negligible difference that's within the margin of error for the luxmeter's rated accuracy.

In other words, the nüvi 785T has a bright, high contrast* display that's on par with the nuvi 660 reference display.

* The ability of a display designed into an electronic device to produce and maintain a viewable image with discernable differences between the lightest and darkest parts of the image when subjected to varying external and/or ambient lighting conditions.

20. Speaker Volume & Quality

Figure 126: Measuring Speaker Volume

Like most GPS units, the nüvi 785T has a rear-facing internal loudspeaker.

An Extech Type 2 digital sound level meter was used to measure the sound level at maximum volume. This type 2 sound level meter meets ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards, and has a rated accuracy of ±1.5dB.

The sound meter was setup on a tripod spaced 12-inches (measured horizontally from the face of the LCD display to the tip of the sound meter) from the GPS.

The volume was set to maximum on each GPS tested, and the sound level meter was set to capture the peak level over a 2 minute period while the GPS simulated a route.

Although the nüvi 265WT was slightly louder than the 785T, the speaker was tinny and distorted at maximum volume. The nüvi 785T wasn't quite as loud as the nüvi 660, and I did, at times, find it difficult to hear the GPS when driving at highway speeds.

21. Bluetooth & Hands Free Calling

Using Bluetooth, the nüvi 785T can be paired with a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to become a hands-free device. Garmin has a website (garmin.com/bluetooth) where you can check if your phone is officially supported, although many phones that aren't officially supported will likely work as well.

Figure 127: Settings, Page 2

Before you can use the nüvi 785T's bluetooth features, the GPS must be "paired" by establishing a trusted relationship with a compatible cell phone. After the initial pairing, the nüvi will be able to connect to your cell phone automatically whenever it is within range.

To pair and connect, the Bluetooth device and nüvi must be within 10 meters of each other. The nüvi can be connected to a phone and a headset at the same time.

To begin the one-time pairing process, touch Main Menu > Tools > Settings > Scroll down to page 2 > Bluetooth

Figure 128: Bluetooth Page

Make sure your phone has Bluetooth turned on, and tap Add from the Bluetooth menu.

Figure 129: Set Your Phone To Discoverable Mode

Your phone must be set to discoverable in order for the nüvi 785T to find it.

Figure 130: Nearby Bluetooth Devices

After a brief scan for all Bluetooth discoverable devices within range (10 meters), the nüvi 785T displays a list of all found devices.

Figure 131: Passkey Information

When prompted, enter 1234 as the passkey on your phone. This Bluetooth security measure prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to your phone.

Figure 132: Successfully Paired

The nüvi and phone are now successfully paired. Note that you could have also initiated the Bluetooth pairing from your cell phone instead the nüvi.

Figure 133: Main Menu, With Phone Features

Once the nüvi 785T is paired with a phone, the Phone icon appears on the Main Menu. Touching this icon brings up the Phone page, where you can place phone calls, view your phone's address book, and more.

Figure 134: Map Page, With Phone Feature Enabled

The phone icon now also appears on the lower-right portion of the map.

Figure 135: Incoming Call

If a phone call is received while navigating to a destination, the Incoming Call alert is displayed, as shown above. Touch Ignore to send the call to voicemail and close the alert, or Answer to pickup the phone and user the GPS as a speakerphone.

The incoming call screen is accompanied by an audible ring tone that sound identical to the tone made when you place a call and hear the other end ringing. In other words, the incoming and outgoing ringing tone is identical. It's hard to miss the large pop-up screen that says there's an incoming call, but the ring tone is not loud enough, and sounds like you're placing a call instead of receiving one.

I was successfully able to pair two different Blackberry devices (8700 and 8820) without issue, as well as an Apple iPhone. The pairing process was smooth and worked without a hitch. The GPS can be paired with multiple phones, but only one phone can be actively connected at once.

Some users have reported various Bluetooth usability issues with the nüvi 785T, but in my testing I found overall performance was actually better than previous models. The annoying echo issue of earlier models is gone, probably thanks to the 785T's additional microphone port on the front of the GPS (note that only ONE of the holes contains a microphone. The second hole is to reduce echo and improve audio pickup).

The 785T's internal speaker isn't nearly loud enough to hear a caller when driving in the car, so if you plan on making regular use of the Bluetooth hands-free calling capabilities, I'd highly recommend connecting a cassette tape adapter (like the kind made for using portable MP3 players in a car) to the nüvi's headphone jack, or buying a 3rd party FM transmitter that's better than the 785T's internal one.