Figure 10: Garmin nüvi 885T Windshield Suction-cup Mount

The nüvi 885T is mounted to the vehicle's windshield using a suction-cup mount and quick-release cradle (shown below) that snaps onto the end of the mount, forming a joint that can be rotated into the desired viewing angle.

The suction mount is locked into place by lowering the lever on the mount.

Figure 11: Attaching the Quick-Release Cradle

The quick release cradle has a socket in the rear that snaps onto the ball of the suction cup mount. Connecting the cradle to the mount is simply a matter of pressing firmly on the mount until the ball snaps into the socket on the cradle. To remove the cradle, simply twist the cradle to the right or left until it snaps off the mount.

The Quick-Release Cradle is slightly wider than previous nüvi models.

This ball-and-socket style mount has proven very effective for Garmin, and is used on all new nüvi and StreetPilot GPS units. Garmin's well designed mount is easy to use, and holds the unit firmly in place while driving.

Figure 12: nüvi 885T's Windshield Mount and Cradle, Connected

The beauty of Garmin's windshield mounting hardware is its simplicity. With almost no moving parts to break, this mount is economical, simple, small, and highly effective.

Figure 13: nüvi 885T's Cradle, Right Side

The cigarette lighter power adapter connects to the right side of the cradle rather than the unit itself. So once the mount is in place, you don't have to worry about the power cable; just connect the nüvi to the mount and you're ready to go.

Figure 14: nüvi 885T Attached to the Windshield Mount

Garmin's mounting hardware is outstanding: the windshield mount holds the nüvi firmly in place and vibration-free when driving, even at highway speeds. And the ball-and-socket style connection between the cradle and the mount makes it easy to adjust the nüvi's viewing angle with one hand.

Figure 15: nüvi 885T Attached to the Windshield Mount

Good mounting hardware is a surprisingly elusive accomplishment for most GPS manufacturers, and Garmin deserves high praise for consistently making excellent windshield mounting hardware.

Figure 16: MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable

The MSN Direct receiver is integrated into the included 12v power adapter, Garmin's GDB 50. Combining the MSN data receiver in the cigarette lighter power adapter is a nice design choice, as it allows the GPS unit itself to remain as slim as possible.

Figure 17: MSN Direct 3 Month Trial

The nüvi 885T 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. Activation requires a web browser with internet access.

Figure 18: nüvi 885T's Remote Control

The nüvi 885T includes a remote control, used to start of stop a speech recognition session.

Figure 19: Remote Control

The remote has a wristwatch-like band that can be used to mount the remote onto the steering wheel.

Figure 20: Remote Control Battery Compartment

The remote control is powered by a single (included) 3V lithium battery

Figure 21: USB Cable

A standard USB cable is included, and can be used to connect the nüvi 885 to a PC/Mac as well as charge the battery.

Figure 22: Adhesive Mounting Disc

If you happen to live in an area where it's illegal to mount anything in the windshield, the included adhesive mounting disc can be used to attach the GPS to the dashboard instead (although a better option is to use a friction mount, as it's less permanent and can easily be concealed when leaving the car unattended).