Figure 2: Everything That's Included in the Box

The nüvi 785T includes the following items in the box:

• nüvi 785T
• Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America
• MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable
• 3 months free MSN Direct service
• Vehicle suction cup mount²
• Dashboard disc
• USB cable
• Quick start manual

Figure 3: Garmin nüvi 785T, Front

Although the nüvi 785T shares the same basic shape, size, and style as Garmin's other nüvi 200 and 700-series models, there are some physical differences worth mentioning.

The 785T's minimalist black plastic case that frames the 4.3-inch color touchscreen display has been coated with a rubberized texture that's not dissimilar to the coating found on some IBM (now Lenovo) ThinkPad laptops. This this layer of matt black rubber-like material makes the nüvi 785T easier to handle, provides some protection against scratches and dings, and provides a minimal layer of protection against scratches and scuff marks.

Figure 4: nüvi 785T's Dual Microphone Holes

Also new to the nüvi 785T is the addition of a second microphone hole on the front of the unit. Microphone holes now appear on both the left and right sides of the LCD display. At first I thought perhaps there were two microphones. In fact, Garmin says they have re-positioned the speaker, and added a second microphone hole to the left side of the case. The microphone is still contained in the right hole, but the addition of a second hole is said to improve the sound quality during hands-free phone calls.

Many owners, myself included, complained that previous, single microphone hole equipped, nüvis suffered from poor hands-free speakerphone quality, and voice echo in particular was problematic. We'll test the new microphone setup later in the review.

Figure 5: Garmin nüvi 785T, Left Side

The nüvi 785T comes pre-loaded with maps of North America (US & Canada) stored on the internal memory. The unit has 4GB of internal memory, of which about 1.5 is unused and available for storing photos, music, and Audiobooks. If you need more space, or want to install additional maps, the SD card slot provides essentially unlimited memory.

Figure 6: Garmin nüvi 785T, Back

The loudspeaker and external antenna connector are located on the back of the 785T.

It's not visible, but the internal GPS antenna is located underneath the Garmin logo on the back of the 785T.

Figure 7: Garmin nüvi 785T, Bottom

The Mini-USB connector and docking cradle connector are located on the bottom of the 785T.

Figure 8: Garmin nüvi 785T, Top

The power key is located on the top of the nüvi 785T. Sliding the power switch to the left turns the unit on or off. Sliding the switch to the right locks the screen.

Figure 9: nüvi 785T vs 265WT

The nüvi 785T has a thin layer of rubber-like material on the front and rear of the GPS, and glossy black plastic in between. The nüvi 265WT is the same size and thickness, but is constructed of matt plastic, has no headphone jack, and feels lighter.

Figure 10: Garmin nüvi 785T

Overall the nüvi 785T's physical appearance is very similar to the rest of the nüvi product line. The most noticeable differences are the 785T's dual microphone holes, headphone jack, glossy black finish, and rubberized coating on the front and rear.

Figure 11: Vehicle Power Cable with Integrated MSN Direct Receiver

The nüvi 785T's MSN Direct receiver is integrated into the included 12v power adapter, Garmin's GDB 50. Combining the MSN data receiver with the cigarette lighter power adapter is a nice design choice, as it allows the GPS unit itself to remain as slim as possible, and reduces the number of wires hanging on your dashboard.

Figure 12: MSN Direct 3 Month Trial

The nüvi 785T 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.