Fletch

As always, nice review.
I love what the Garmin unit has to offer but think about it, why buy the 780 when the Nuvi 8xx is coming available in a few months and why buy the Nuvi 8xx when the Nuvifone will soon be available?
Missing is 3D building and street view along with true pedestrian mode, lane positioning, AVL features and more. What an Apple iPhone can do is more, if and when Apple adds a GPS receiver to the iPhone, i think most PND manufacturers will have to think outside the box to compete!
Again, nice review but is more of the same things over and over and you wonder why we don't sit and wait, I am sure Costco / Walmart will soon have these units at 1/2 the cost in a few weeks.
These GPS manufacturers are training the consumer not to buy and that is truly a sad day for all of us that is passionate about GPS devices.

The Apple iPhone itself is beginning to see some serious competition as well. I do think any real challenges to the PND are at least 2-5 years out. It's projected that 40%+ of new vehicles will ship with navigation of some sort within 5 years. Most phones will soon have the option of navigation services. Yep, a lot of maeket changes coming up. Think that's why you see so many recent partnering agreements between Garmin and Auto manufacturers (Ford), audio companies (Pioneer/Kenwood) and web leaders (Google and many others)

This is a totally unnecessary offering from Garmin. Its cheaper to get a 760 and the subscribe to MSN2! The 760 has a knocked down price, while the 780 is priced like some new innovative offering!

What does this offer, but price gouging and consumer confusion?

I agree with GPS4Me. Where are the useful new features like Lane assistance, selective route exclusion and historical route times? These are TRUE navigation features that support core nav feature set.

I would rather see them quickly pack those into the 800s or the 900s, than provide these redundant models and act like there is any innovation of note ther!

Bad move Garmin!

I like the look of the new Garmin maps, but the fact that they have left out an arrow indicating the direction of the next turn, turns me off to the 700 series. Why would they do this?

I don't think that many of the 780's will sell. I say this because there is a minor difference between the 680 and 780. For example, the 780 has smoother maps, multi destination routing, and the "Where did I park my car?" thing. And here's the turnoff: The older 680 has better reception than the 780 and has the powerful/reliable SiRF Star III GPS chip that the 780 does not have. I would buy the 680 over the 780.

Why are the negative comments always written by people who don't own and never used the product reviewed. I own the 780 and glad I do. It is one fantastic machine. It does absolutely everything I expected plus more. I don't understand the arrow controversy, My 780 in 3d mode shows arrows all over the place pointing you in the direction you have to turn in plenty of time. Also, what does 15 foot accuracy give you that 20 foot doesn't.

Go to the store and buy a 780 with a 30 day money back guarantee. Use it 29 days and lets see if you take it back to the store. Try and update your 6XX with the extra new MSN Direct features. You can't do it. The ability to send pinpoint accurate POI's right from my computer in the house to my 780 without taking it out of the car is worth the price of admission alone.

Hi HotTub,
I have to agree with you on one thing: The "Send to GPS" feature and so is the "Where am I" feature. But I don't care for the News headlines and Stock updates and Local Events. I mean seriously, who's going to be reading news headlines and looking up stocks doing 70 MPH???? Also, who has time to stop on the side of a road/highway and read the news. It is time consuming and unsafe. It is a liability waiting to happen.

P.S. Why does it say "Do not operate or enter information while driving?" So there you go.

So how much internal memory is on this? I haven't seen any site list how much internal memory is in each Nuvi. I'm guessing the 770 has 4GB like the latest TomTom GO models (to be able to fit the international maps as well). Do the 780 / 760 / 750 all have only 2GB of internal memory?

Infama correctly points out that the 760 with additional MSN cable gives you a 780 for much less money.

@Stefan, what processor do you think the 780 uses?

Hi Warren,
Is that a rhetorical question that you are asking me? If not, than I think that the 780 uses a Samsung processor probably around 300-400 mHz. I'm not 100% sure because I was interested in this GPS devce until I read that it doesn't use the SiRF Star III chip and that the older 680 gets better reception. I'm either thinking of buying a 680 or the new 880.

The chipset is SirfIII, and includes instantfixII,
If you're interested in trading up, both the 750 and 760 (bluetooth) are better values even puchasing the MSN cable as an ungrade. The 750 would run about $460 with one year of MSN2, the 760 around $80 more.

If you're not looking for Bluetooth, you can get a great deal on a 750 and the MSN adapter; purchased separately, the MSN adapter comes with a full year of service, as opposed to 3 months when purchased with the 780 (or so I've read).

I just received my setup last week and took it for a spin this weekend for the first time -- Fun!

Hi Warren,
Actually it isn't a SiRF Star III chip. If it had this chip, than the Garmin webpage for the 780 would say so and it does not. Also, what do YOU think of the new version of MSN Direct? Do you think it is good/helpful????

Stefan,

Warren is correct. It is SS3. Garmin is playing the obfuscation game, as they want to reduce the brand power of Sirf.

If it was not a Sirf, then the InstantFix2 software upgrade that occurred with firmware update 2.6 would NOT have worked. This consitiutes proof positive. garmin did not even openly acknowledge the upgrade, but the info screen showed it clearly and the time to first fix performance boost was undeniable.

You can believe me, as I am a TomTom guy that would not be touting Garmin positives if not true. I used to "remind" the Garmin guys of their slow fixes every chnce I got. LoL

I usually don't fly down the street reading the stocks and headlines screens at 70 mph. I have plenty of time to do that while I'm sitting in Walmarts, Target or Dillards parking lots waiting for the wife while she shops. Helps me pass the time.

So how much internal memory is on this? I haven't seen any site list how much internal memory is in each Nuvi. I'm guessing the 770 has 4GB like the latest TomTom GO models (to be able to fit the international maps as well). Do the 780 / 760 / 750 all have only 2GB of internal memory?

Alright HotTub. I guess that's a good way to kill time. I would rather do that than go shopping.

To Everbody:

Get the nuvi 880!!! The best.

According to GPS now web site, they list available memory as . . .
Approximately 550 MB of internal memory available for nuvi 750
Approximately 750 MB of internal memory available for nuvi 760
Over 1 GB of internal memory available for nuvi 770

I checked out my 780 and it says the storage size is 1.85 gb and the available size is 462 mb. Looks like there is not much room left. I did add a 4gb SD card in the available slot that I use for talking books and whatever.

Does anybody know when the Garmin nuvi 8-series, like the 850, 860, and 880 come out? It says the second quarter of 2008 but I'm not sure when and when the second quarter of 2008 starts. Please help!!!!!!!!

The second quarter is anytime between the beginning of April to the end of June. I'm waiting on the Nuvi 8xx series as well. The embedded Linux OS, user replaceable battery and dual front firing speakers are all features I'd like to have which none of the other Garmin units currently offer.

I wonder if they'll be releasing an 870...

Has any of their other series come with the x80 model before the x70 model? I know the 770 was available before the 780.

HotTub, I couldn't find that information on GPSNOW.

I called Garmin USA yesterday and asked about the nuvi 8xx and the guy said that they didn't give a lot of information so said the only thing he knows is that it will be released in the 2nd quarter of 2008.

To IsLNdboi04: I don't think that there will be an 870 models due to the fact that the 860 is a European model and is only available in Europe. So if you want maps of Europe, buy an SD Card or CD and load it on to the device. I think that the x80 have come out before the x70 but there probably won't be a 870. The 850 and 880 are models for the USA. The difference between the two is that the 880 comes with Bluetooth and MSN Direct and the 850 doesn't come with either. They all come with Speech Recognition.

IsNdboi04
Do a Google search for:
Approximately 550 MB of internal memory available for nuvi 750
and then click on the GpsNow link. Scroll down about 3/4 of the page to memory available in the first column then scan over to the Nuvi box.

Stefan,

If the 800s are going to remain regionalized, then buying a map card probably wont give you the speech recognition feature when you travel to the other continent.

Speech files are large and would have to be in multiple languages. You would need a large card and be willing to pay a lot.

BTW, is garmin moving to Linux like TomTom? No more proprietory operating system?

Infarma,
The only thing I heard is that the nuvi 8xx will run on Linux OS. Also, I figured that there wouldn't be an 870 since it is not out yet. Take note that the 860 will be available in Europe only for the begining. Speech recognition will probably also work with the SD cards for Europe. Also, since you said that the SD cards would have to be in different languages, then Garmin could just make individual cards. For example, instead of making an SD card for all of Europe, there could be one card for Italy, one for France, one for Spain, one for Germany, one for the UK, etc.

Stefan, the nuvi 800's will not be running Linux to the best of my knowledge. The 900 series, on the other hand, is rumored to be Linux-based, but no feature announcements could be expected until very late summer, I suspect. "As the rumor goes", that series is expected to be ready just before the holidays.

Warren,
Where did you read about the 900 series? Can you post/give me a link? Do you know what the 900 series will have??? Also, the 800 series (at least the 880) will run on embeded Linux OS software.

There's nothing concrete to read about. At this point it's simply an "educated" rumor (if there is such a thing).

There's a NUVI 900 available in Italy. It's on Garmin.com.

There is such thing as a nuvi 900. It is called Garmin nuvi 900T. It plays TV and has Bluetooth. Only available in Italy(for now). Personally, I wouldn't buy it. I think that it is dumb and mostly useless. I mean, who the heck needs a TV on the go? You can't watch TV while driving in traffic, like New York, stop and go. Not safe at all!!! Or going 70 mph on the highway watching Everybody Loves Raymond. Not logical. I love Garmin overall. But I think that Garmin made the 900T so they can say/brag about how they were the first ones to put a TV into a GPS device. What's next? A DVD Burner? A portable gaming device?

I've seen similar comments about the Nuvi 5000 and the ability to play games when the 5000 can only be used when the car is on.

Did you guys think or consider that these features might have been put in for any passenger(s) in the car to use?

I don't think that passengers would want to play games. It is important not to distract the driver when he/she are driving, especially in new cities. The 800series can also play games.

I dunno. . . Some HP owners seem to get excited about available video out-of-the-box. There's also a few TT owners hacking their units and adding 3rd party software for playing video. It seems to excite them as well.

That because we can use it while waiting in the airport, etc.

Stefan C, I'd be concerned / wary of riding with a driver that gets that easily distracted while driving.

No, I mean if the GPS is on a suction cup mount and your always pressing the screen to play games, how is the driver going to concentrate/listen to the voice commands and if your playing games, where is the map screen? The driver has to look at the map screen also. The games would be OK for rest stops and things like that.

Guys, soon PND manufacturers will offer a dual-view image display offered on a PND product were if you are on the left hand side in NA can only view the GPS street map directions and turn by turn audio direction and the passenger on the P/S right hand side can view a video and hear the movie via BT.
This is something that will be available to differentiate one PND product from the next. Cost is high now but like all things it will cost less if they mass produce it.

A dual-view LCD screen that can show a navigation map and play a movie at the same time, and a navigation system that can route you around bad weather and traffic!

Noticed someone had already announced a product like that and you are correct, I believe it was quite pricey. But a good idea nonetheless.

Amazon.com has the nuvi 780 for $499.79 w/free shipping and a 30 day return policy if you buy one supplied by Amazon and not one of their merchants. This is a good deal on the 780 from Amazon. BEWARE of the “too good to be true” prices found on pricing engines such as “lowpricedigital.com” and “everyprice.com”. Most of the sites that post on these sites are scamming operations. If you don’t believe me, check out the ratings and user reviews on www.resellerratings.com , an excellent site for checking out a potential vendor for your online purchasing.

I am personally intrigued by the growth of MSN Direct. They have practically double the coverage range and double the content in since working with Garmin... Now I am just waiting until they add sport scores too it and I'm sold.

I've heard that the 850 and 880 should be available sometime in June 2008. The 860 will only be offered in Europe.

Peter G,
The nuvi 850 and 880 should be available sometime this month.

Where did you get the ETA info. Stefan?

I asked around. Also, I called an online retailer and asked and he said towards the end of May and possibly into June. Some people say august but that's wrong since it says on Garnin's website that it will be released during the 2nd quarter of 2008 and August is in the 3rd quarter of 2008.

May seems likely.

Fletch,
Thanks for the very in depth reviews. Very helpful.
If you could buy either the Nuvi 680 or 760 at the same price, which would you choose?

Good question wells - if they were both the same price, I'd get the 760. I really liked having the speed limit information displayed as you drive, and also liked the multi-stop routing capabilties, and the 760's ability to automatically remember where you parked the car.

I'm still using a nuvi 660, so it's not worth an upgrade if you already own a 600-series unit.

I have read a lot of dialog lately about whether or not the nuvi 700 series have the SiRF high sensitivity receiver installed in them. I received my new nuvi 780 this week and can definitely affirm the one I have has the SiRFInstantFixII receiver installed. This is verified on boot up and also within the system information available within the unit’s menus. I get full scale satellite signal strength even if I am inside my home within a room with very little glass.

Quick question... the review says that you can't exclude specific roads with this version. Garmin confirms that they have route-avoidance functionality, however. Are you referring to something different? I am very interested in buying the product, but am concerned about this.

Thanks

You can not enter specific roads to exclude. You can select types of avoidances such as highways, toll roads, etc.

Are there any similiar ones that offer road exclusion? Any suggestions?

Great review as always, but fails to cover a major weakness in MSN Direct.

MSN direct has the following two key weaknesses:

1. As you move between regions, it can take several hours to load the next region and the traffic feature can be completely useless while traveling.

2. The regions are very small, it does not take long to leave your area.

I live close to a region boundary and drive back and forth, making both sides useless.

A couple of additions to the review:
"Making matters more difficult is that the nuvi 780 can't broadcast below 88.1, and can only move in .2 increments."

The .2 increments is a stupid oversight. While stations in the U.S. only operate on odd decimals, stations in Europe can operate on even decimals. If the (apparently already crappy) transmitter can't transmit to radios overseas, that's a major design blunder.

For what it's worth, Costco has the 780 for $349 in time for Father's day.

Well not so fast, when I got to Costco they had the 680 @ $349 not the 780 as I was told over the phone. I guess cs is a little dyslexic, but since this was also a good buy, I picked this unit up and will give it a try.

Great overview really imformative. Oh and Jdonlive you are wrong costco has the 760 for $349 not the 680!

Jeremy:

I picked up the 680 yesterday, and that was the only Garmin they had in stock, however, in all fairness different warehouses may carry different models

Costco also has the 760 for $349, as posted on their website....

If I can get a 780 for $480 or a 760 for $350 plus the MSN adapter for $100, is the one-year subscription make the 760 worth it over the 780 (which seems to have more storage)? Which would you recommend?

I just purchased a new 780 for $529.99 from Newegg factory fresh with all the accessory's. I did see other places that were offering it for as low as $480.00, but after doing research it was apparent that most of these offers were from the Gyp Joints located in NYC that specialize in Camera sells and for those of you who are unfamiliar with these sellers they offer you a low low price and within 24hr after placing your order on line you receive a phone call from one of their sales people who tries to sell you expensive extended warranty's and if you refuse to buy them your order is delayed or canceled, their also notorious for removing the factory supplied items out of the boxes and selling them back to you. One last thing Garmin will not guarantee or repair any Garmin units purchased using PayPal.

I just purchased the 760 for $360, sold the included traffic cable for $120, then bought the MSN cable for $85. So now I have a '780' for $325, shipped, plus I have 1 year service rather than 3 months.

I just bought my 780 for $499.99 from best buy. I have to say, so far it's been great! I was going to get the tom tom 930, but felt this garmin was the way to go.

I also like the fact that it works great in my coffee holder in my tahoe!

Dear Sir,
am welling to buy Garmin GPS but i really confused which on e shall i buy.
Garmin Nuvi 780 or Garmin Nuvi 770.
pls. help me.

best regards.
Baker

I just purchased a Suzuki SX4 sedan and it came with a Garmin Nuvi. Model Number is a 750. I gave my 660 to my wife to use in our other car. My problem is the safe mode feature that does not allow me to change folders while listening to MP3's or make changes to my route on the fly. How can I disable this feature on my device? My 660 allowed me to make changes. Is there a file that can be changed or is there a hack to turn this feature off

Respectfully,

Phil H
Denver Co

I just purchased a Suzuki SX4 sedan and it came with a Garmin Nuvi. Model Number is a 750. I gave my 660 to my wife to use in our other car. My problem is the safe mode feature that does not allow me to change folders while listening to MP3's or make changes to my route on the fly. How can I disable this feature on my device? My 660 allowed me to make changes. Is there a file that can be changed or is there a hack to turn this feature off

Respectfully,

Phil H
Denver Co

Hi,
Thanks for the comprehensive review and the comments. Okay here's my question.

Undecided between the Magellan 4250 which is around $260 today, or the 760 and then buy the GB 50 MSN cable for around $83 (total price then would be around $410 or the 780 for $455. OR the last option get the 680 which supposedly is coming with MSN for $275 and gives you 1yr of MSN free.

Your feedback and recommendations are greatly appreciated. My mind is swimming from info overload. Thanks all.
J.

Just to clarify, I meant the Nuvi 760, Nuvi 780, or Nuvi 680.

Thanks again,
J

Just got the 780. Bluetooth works with my Treo 650, EXCEPT: my contacts in the Treo do not download into the Nuvi. Other data, like "Call History" does, but nothing from my phone goes into the Nuvi "Phone Book". My phone has hundreds of entries: all the NUVI shows are "Bill Balance", "Check Min", "Dir Assist", "Voice Dial", and "Voicemail", and the last is only the # "1" --- these look like Nuvi "defaults" to me, as for instance, I have no such thing as "Bill Balance" in my Treo.

Is there a trick to this particular pairing? How can I get my Treo entries to show up on the Nuvi 780 "Phonebook"?

Thanks!