Garmin nuvi 885T Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: Great if Speech Recognition Is Your #1 Priority. Otherwise, Get A nüvi 7x5 Model Instead (And Save Money Too)

REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:

Garmin's nüvi 885T replaces the older nüvi 880
885T is the best voice activated GPS Available
Lacks some key features found on the less expensive nüvi 7x5's

First, a little history: Garmin has been steadily updating its popular nüvi product, rolling out new units complete with updated map screens, lane guidance, improved GPS chipsets, free traffic, and more. First to receive the update was the entry-level nüvi 200 line, which has now been replaced by the nüvi 2x5 models. For example, the nüvi 200 has been replaced by the nüvi 205, and the 260 has been replaced by the 265, and so on.

Next to get the updated features was the nüvi 700 series. The nüvi 750 is replaced by the nüvi 755T, and the nüvi 760 by the 765T, and the 780 by the 785T.

Now Garmin is completing the update to its nüvi catalog, replacing the high-end nüvi 800 series with the new nüvi 8x5 series. The nüvi 885T replaces the nüvi 880.

1. Specifications

The most noticeable physical difference between the nüvi 885T and other Garmin nüvis are the two front-facing speakers, located on either side of the LCD display.

Also new to the nüvi 885T is the move from a non-serviceable internal battery to a user-removable, lithium-ion battery.

Physical & Performance:
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:	4.9"W x 3.1"H x .7"D (12.5 x 7.8 x 1.8 cm)
Display size, WxH:	3.81"W x 2.25"H (9.7 x 5.7 cm); 4.3" diag (10.9 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:	480 x 272 pixels
Display type:	WQVGA color TFT with white backlight
Weight:	6.2 ounces (176 g)
Battery:	removable, rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life:	up to 4 hours
Waterproof:	no
High-sensitivity receiver:	yes
RoHS version available:	yes

Maps & Memory:
Basemap:	yes
Preloaded maps:	yes
Ability to add maps:	yes
Built-in memory:	internal solid state
Accepts data cards:	microSD card (not included)
Waypoints/favorites/locations:	500
Routes:	10

Features:
Voice prompts (e.g. "Turn right in 500 ft."):	yes (internal dual speakers)
Speaks street names (e.g. "Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.") :	yes
Speech recognition (navigate with voice commands):	yes
3D map view:	yes
Lane assist (guides you to the proper lane for navigation):	yes
3-D building view (displays buildings in 3-D):	no
Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route):	yes
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation):	yes
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road):	yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.):	yes
Bluetooth® wireless technology (connect to your phone for hands-free calling):	yes
MSN® Direct compatible:	yes (receiver included)
FM traffic compatible:	yes
XM® Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible:	no
Speed limit indicator (displays speed limit for most major roads):	yes
Where Am I? feature (find closest hospitals, police & gas stations, nearest address & intersection):	yes
Garmin Locate (marks position when removed from windshield mount):	yes
Qwerty or ABC keyboard (choose keyboard layout):	yes
Multimode (switches modes to drive, hike, bike or boat):	no
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest):	yes
Garmin Garage™ vehicles compatible (download car-shaped icons to your device):	yes
Garmin Garage™ voices compatible (download custom voices to your device):	yes
Photo navigation (navigate to geotagged photos):	yes
World travel clock, currency & unit converter, calculator:	yes
Picture viewer:	yes
MP3 Player	yes
Audio book player	yes
FM transmitter:	yes
Headphone jack/audio line-out:	yes
Dead reckoning:	no
Garmin Lock™ (anti-theft feature):	yes
Motorcycle-friendly:	no
Geocaching-friendly	no

2. What's in the Box (Unboxing)

Nuvi 885T & All Included Accessories
Figure 1: What's in the Box

Garmin nüvi 885
Preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America
MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable (3 months free MSN Direct service)
Speech recognition remote
Vehicle suction cup mount
Dashboard disc
USB cable
Quick start manual

Garmin nuvi 885T, Front
Figure 2: Garmin nüvi 885T, Front

The nüvi 885T has a bronze/gray border around the display, and an all-black plastic case. Except for the power switch on the top of the case, there are no visible controls on the nüvi 885T. All operations are performed either via the 4.3" color touch screen, or by voice commands.

Two front-firing speakers are located on the left and right of the LCD display.

The nüvi 885T feels solid and well built.

Garmin nuvi 885T, Rear
Figure 3: Garmin nüvi 885T, Rear

The nüvi 885T has a user-replaceable, lithium-ion battery. The battery compartment door slides open, and the battery can be removed/replaced.

Garmin nuvi 885T, Top
Figure 4: Garmin nüvi 885T, Top

The power key is located on the top of the nüvi 885T. Sliding the power switch to the left turns the unit on or off. Sliding the switch to the right locks the screen (so that no keys can be accidentally pressed).

Garmin nuvi 885T, Left Side
Figure 5: Garmin nüvi 885T, Left Side

The left side of the nüvi 885T is home to a headphone/audio out jack, micro SD card slot, and USB port for connecting the 885T to a PC/Mac. The USB port can also be used to charge the nüvi's battery outside the vehicle.

Note that all the maps and POI (Points of Interest) information is stored internally on the nüvi 885T, so you'll only need a Micro SD card if you intent to load additional maps, or make use of the multi-media capabilities, such as the mp3 player or audio book player.

Garmin nuvi 885T, Right Side
Figure 6: Garmin nüvi 885T, Right Side

Garmin nuvi 885T, Bottom
Figure 7: Garmin nüvi 885T, Bottom

An external antenna connector is located on the bottom of the nüvi 880, as is the 34-pin docking connector. The external antenna connector is protected by a rubber cap, which I have removed here in the photo for illustrative purposes.

Figure 8: Removing the Battery Cover

Many customers will rejoice at Garmin's decision to switch from an internal battery to a user-replaceable, lithium-ion battery on the nüvi 885T. In the event you continue to use the nüvi 885T beyond the life of the rechargeable battery, a battery replacement can be purchased for around $25.

Insert the Battery into the nuvi 885T
Figure 9: Insert the Battery into the nüvi 885T

The lithium-ion battery only fits into the nüvi 885T the correct way, thanks to plastic guides on the battery that prevent you from accidentally inserting the battery the wrong way around.

Once the battery is installed, slide the battery cover back on until it snaps into place.