Garmin nuvi 765T Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: The Most Advanced nuvi Yet

REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

New nuvi 705 series replaces the older nuvi 700 series
New map screen enhancements, features, & HotFix GPS technology, make the 765T a significant improvement over the nuvi 760
nuvi 765T is a better bargain than the 785T
FM Transmitter still underpowered
Slowness when manually panning/zooming the map
The best all around nuvi available today. If you don't need Bluetooth, get the nuvi 755T instead

The nuvi 765T 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. Physically identical to the nuvi 785T, the 765T uses an included FM traffic receiver instead of the MSN Direct service used on the more expensive 785T.

Note: Some sections of this review are taken directly from the Garmin nuvi 785T review, as in most respects the two units are functionally identical.

1. Garmin's Growing nuvi Product Line: Meet the 7x5

Garmin continues to expand it's popular nuvi product line, adding four new 7x5 series models to choose from. The 755T, 765T, 775T, and 785T all include text-to-speech, a 4.3-inch widescreen display, preloaded maps of the US and Canada, 3-D buildings view, 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, as does the traffic receiver each model includes: the 785T includes an MSN Direct receiver (GDB 50), and requires an annual subscription ($50/year). The 755T, 765T and 775T ship with an FM traffic receiver (GTM 20), and include free lifetime traffic service.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the differences between the new models

nuvi 7x5 Series Feature Matrix

	nuvi 755T	nuvi 765T	nuvi 775T	nuvi 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
Traffic Receiver	GTM 20	GTM 20	GTM 20	GDB 50
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 765T is using, but my test model used a MediaTek chipset)
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 nuvi 765T, Retail Box

November 25, 2008