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The nüvi 755T is a major upgrade from the older 750, and introduces free lifetime traffic, 3-D lane assist, 3-D building view, faster screen redraws, route planning, and host of other new enhancements.
You don't mention if the SD card slot is SD only (ie max capacity of around 2GB) or SDHC (4GB and beyond). When you have lots of music, podcasts and audiobooks the space soon fills up.
It's SDHC compatible. I put a 16GB SDHC (Sandisk) card in the 755T and it worked fine.
I have used an 8gb class 4 card with no issue, I have not yet tried by 16gb class 6 card
Fletch, what are your thoughts on the 7x5 series' less detailed (as in not as many roads, streets, etc. labeled) map screen compared to the 700 series? There's are threads about this floating around various GPS forums.
I did a side-by-side comparison between the nuvi 755T and the 750, and it's true that fewer place names are displayed on the map while navigating to a destination.
However, the maps are identical in terms of places and locations, and any address that can be found on the 760 can also be found on the 755T, it's just that the 755T doesn't display as many labels when you're driving.
It didn't bother me at all, and if I hadn't been looking at the two units side-by-side, I never would have noticed. In my opinion it's a negligible difference and shouldn't impact your decision to buy.
i have the 755 and prev had a 760. the features of the 755 are terrific. the only negs so far, i havent had a lane assist as of yet in the AZ area, also, when planning a route, if ou for whatever reason choose to "backtrack". the garmin will get to a via point, and isntead of listing the place name, it will say make a uturn. garmin says this is due to a software chg. hopefully fixed in an update
I am considering updating my Nuvi 660 to the 755T. I am very interested in knowing if the 755T has a "backtrack" feature. Not included in the 660 & many times important to me in off road travel to find my way back over the same trail.I know this is a feature thats been around a long time but for some reason is not included in some units.
Also do you think this is a good unit for off road?
Hope someone can help
John
That feature should be improved via map updates, the firwst of which will be available this month. As a new owner, I'd seriously consider purchasing Garmin's Lifetime maps. Best way to keep improving the Lane Assist at a very cheap $120 to get all the quarterly updates you want.
hi gator,
which will be fixed on this month's updates,(for the 755) the lane assist (or lack of here in phx) or the uturn if u double back on a route? also how do u go about getting quarterly updates? is it 120 a year?
Lane assist is part of the map package. Update maps and get updated lane assist views. The Lifetime Maps program is just that. $120 for the life of the device, all the quarterly updates you choose at no additional charge. . . ever.
Dang good deal IMO. Especially compared to the standard price of a single map for the TomTom 730 or 930. Each TT map update is currently $130 a pop.
The lifetime maps might be a good idea, or maybe NOT!
I now have a Garmin 660 (wife's car) and a 680 for my car. Both units are now about three years old, and both units have gone south!
I have attempted to reboot them, by holding my finger on the top left side of the screen while turning the unit on, but this only works for a few hundred miles and then the units (both of them) say "unable to receive satellites."
This site is GREAT, because it is providing valuable info about which model to replace these with, leaning toward the 755ST, but wondering about the one with the 5 inch screen, because I have vision issues.
Great review!
You said: "Garmin's version is the best implementation I've seen yet"
However with very few intersections actually covered, the average user may never see the pretty graphics.
From what I've seen/read Navigon products do a MUCH better job as far as completeness of this lane information. Which means that while it may not be as pretty, lane assistance still beats no lane assistance.
Is the POI database updatable? I have a Nuvi 350 and literally 50% of my destinations end up with the store or restaurant being closed. It's completely unacceptable I have refuse to buy another GPS until this is a feature.
There's lots of poi files available around the web. One of the best sources is poi-factory.com. The Garmin included poi's are updated with each map release. New map=updated poi's.
I am confused about bluetooth in this model, according to comparison earlier in the article it says no bluetooth but in the pictures there is a bluetooth icon, what gives?
The 755T does NOT have bluetooth. I had re-used a screenshot from the 765T in the review. I've corrected the image now, and replaced it with the 755T screenshot.
FEATURE LACKING IN ALL GARMIN GPS units: None of them will list your favorites automatically in alphabetical order. Imagine that problem on your cell phone--you'd get a different brand. Unfortunately, Garmin is the only gps with the most user friendly features. The only way addresses can be in alphabetical order is by entering a list of them in ascending order. In other words, from Z to A.
I suggested to a Garmin Tech person that they should update the software downloads to make that available. Or, at least have it in new units. Response was they never thought of it before and why should they add that feature. I said the only one that would make sense to them: you can make money on that feature; although, some competitors offer it already.
My second suggestion was to include the choice of a loud bell sounding when to turn or speak name of street (present method). As I wrote in my comment to the review of the Garmin 205,
I'd rather have a loud bell sound when to turn. There is no confusion of names when you have the radio on. And, I'm not interested in the names of streets that I may never travel on again. Quite often there is no street sign where you are turning.
Actually, even if you enter all your saved addresses in alphabetical order, they won't necessarily show up in that order. The nuvi sorts favorites by distance to your current location.
While this is usually the most helpful sorting order, I do agree they should allow you to sort alphabetically too. The nuvis do at least allow you to search within the favorites for a specific name.
I have used both Garmin and Magellan and much prefer the Garmin listings of POI's closest to your location. Magellan lists them alphabetically and for me, that slows me down a lot. I want to know what fast food places are nearest me, not having to go down each one letter by letter. Now I am wondering how Tom Tom does it. I have not found any one who has a Tom Tom unit to ask.
You are correct Fletch. I forgot to mention that the Nuvi gps sorts by distance from where you are. The Z to A method was suggested by the Garmin tech person. Goes to show that they don't know everything.
By the way, Big Lots sells an AC 110--220 Volt to 12 Volt converter/charger for $3.00. Works fine with any GPS or cell phone to charge it at home or when traveling, even overseas. Just plug your 12 volt car charger into it and plug unit into wall outlet. Even without a LED light, it is a great deal. It is sold under the Wireless Gear name and has a lifetime warranty. Model 3DC7003. U.P.C. 6-80988-22003-6. Mfg by ESI Cases & Accessories, 240 Madison Ave., NY NY 10016. Their tech support# 212-883-8838.
New firmware v3.00 is out.
What are the fixes in firmware v3.00?
What's up with the woodshed in the pics? I can hear banjos. Also, could you vacuum out the cookie crumbs in the nooks and crannies of your stick shift console before you take a picture of it? What kind of car is that? An Audi? Buy American! I love GPSmagazine.com!
It's a Volvo. We are fortunate to have real-life pix posted in these reviews. The stock pix tend to blur into each other after awhile...
* Added support for new MSN features - Weather Radar and Alerts, Send Routes to GPS, and Flight Delay Status.
* Added support for ecoRoute features.
* Corrected VIB support.
* Updated to support new Audible book format.
* Avoid Highway option now avoids limited access roads over long distances.
* Adjust FM transmitter performance for Europe.
* Corrected several issues with Language Guide support.
* Enhanced A2DP (Stereo Bluetooth) support.
* Added AVRCP (Bluetooth Audio Remote Control) support.
* Added 3 way calling support.
* Decrease traffic delay automatic recalculation threshold.
I live in the desert and it gets very, very hot here in the summer. If I leave my new 765t in the car during the summer, will the rubberized paint melt?
i, too, live in the desert, and have not exp any melting. however, i am told it is not good for the unit, itself, or the screen to have intense heat, so when not in use, nightime, i bring it in the house, and during the day, for the unit and secutity, i hide in glove box or under seat
Well the 765t just came out. Mine hasn't experienced the desert summer yet since I got it in December.
We'll see how it does. I always leave my Nuvi 760 and StreetPilot c580 in my cars during the summer (covered up of course) and haven't had any problems with them.
One more thing I forgot to mention in my last comment. In the review you mentioned that lane assist knows what lane you are in and will direct you to the correct one. This is unfortunately not true, although with the interface I can see where it would appear that way.
The system will simply show the arrow going to the appropriate direction based on which lane you should go to.
Unfortunately the resolution of GPS devices currently isn't good enough to determine which of two parallel lanes you are currently in.
Hi!
Silly question, but is it possible to use portable mini speakers to be used though the headphone jack? What would the sound quality be like? I am interested in the nuvi 755 but it seems to much of a hassle to use the FM transmitter.
Hi!
Silly question, but is it possible to use portable mini speakers to be used though the headphone jack? What would the sound quality be like? I am interested in the nuvi 755 but it seems to much of a hassle to use the FM transmitter.
Fletch,
Please clarify something for me. Your Garmin nuvi 700 series comparison matrix (included in your nuvi 755t review)identifies that the nuvi 775t is the only one that "includes" or can "upload" European maps? My wife and I travel frequently between the USA and Spain, and we would like a version that we can use in both locations. Can the 755t upload European maps? If so, what are the associated costs? We don't need the Bluetooth feature on the 775t, and we'd hate to pay the extra money if it's not necessary. Thank you for your assistance.
Mike
I am reading both pro and con on the sound loudness and quality for the 755. I have some hearing loss but without my radio on I can hear pretty well. Can anyone clarify this issue? Is this something that can be addressed in a software update or other mean. One thing I do need is sufficient volume adjustment and excellent sound quality.
I have one of the really older Garmin GPS with a motorcycle mount that has worked well for a good long while. I want to upgrade. Any chance I can find an after market motorcycle mount for one of your 7x5 Garmin models? Please give me a steer if they are available.
Check RAM MOUNTS for this item-I've seen them on other m.c.s, specifically Gold Wings.
I too am considering a 755 for my m.c. and am concerned with the water resistance of the device.
D
I just purchased the Nuvi 755t. Is there a way to display the pre-loaded POIs on the map as you are driving? TomTom offers this and it's very nice to see POIs as you are driving.
hi, a silly question, do i need to turn on my raido in order to use the traffic alert feature? if yes, which channel i am supposed to use? can i listen AM radio channel while the 775 unit can still give me the traffic alert? thanks
The traffic receiver is built into the 12v powered adapter. It has nothing to do with your car's stereo.
hi 775 onwers, can POI icons be shown on the map? does the unit tell you your destination to be on your left or right side when you arrive? and does the unit give you a ding-dong sound when you are approaching to next turn? thanks
POI are not shown
Yes, it will tell you right or left
No ding, it will announce you x# of feel/miles to a turn on the right/left
Stop leaving your GPS navigator in the car. If the thieves see any sign that you have one, then they break in and look for it. For example if they see a suction cup mark on the windsheild. A power cable etc. Not worth taking a chance. Thousands of them have been stolen when they have been hidden. I've written too many reports on the hidden ones being stolen.
Hello,
With my Nuvi 750 I did not have a problem with inputting addresses or searching for poi etc. With the 755T, I find if I type a letter or a number, it somtimes give me a different character which are not even close to what was typed. Sometimes strolling through the poi using the down arrow it automatically goes to the screen that says GO. I have read in your review that the on-screen keyboard is "typo-prone" Is there a fix? I have calibrated it several times and its the same problem. I have this unit for 2 weeks now.
Sounds as tho that one needs to be exchanged.
how hard is it to make your own custom route?
When in the car and hooked to the power cable, does the 755t use battery power until it's drained and then switch to the power provided by the car battery? My unit is brand new and the unit said that the battery was low, even though it was hooked to the power cord. Just a little curious about this. Any thoughts on this?
When in the car and hooked to the power cable, does the 755t use battery power until it's drained and then switch to the power provided by the car battery? My unit is brand new and the unit said that the battery was low, even though it was hooked to the power cord. Just a little curious about this. Any thoughts on this?
By plugging the device to the FM transmitter which is also a charger & then unplugging when not in use of the car [ first so as not to be stolen, second to avoid the high heat in TX] would this shorten the battery life. I know that we are supposed to charge the battery when it is completely discharged to lengthen it's life, or is this not the case with a lithium battery?
i went to the store and i am at my ends rope in all this and to the point that i will contact any and everyone to let them know that this isnt right!! i will seek legal help if needed but to be honest i just want my money back and i will gladly walk away feeling justified in all this unjustice!!
yesterday 11/09/2009 I went to the nearest Ritz camera store seeking my money back that I had used to pay for a brand new 755 Garmin gps unit. while there the associate was very nice and helpful and I really give him credit for that. however, I walked away upset, crying and feeling unjustified not by his actions but because of the mangers actions of whom he had to call. the associate had to call someone to find out if I could get a refund for the product I brought back to one of your locations. however, the location I had to drive to wasn't the actual store the item was purchased at. the store I purchased the gps system from closed down and there were no longer any stores in my county AT ALL!! because of this, I had to drive well over 37 miles and lost a complete half tank of gas doing so! I not only had the original receipt but I had the emails sent back and forth to Garmin, the original gps box that the unit came in, the invoice letter Garmin sent to me when it was so-called repaired and fixed and even the box and wrapping Garmin sent the item back in when it was so-called fixed. the reason why I DID NOT send the item to Ritz camera store to be fixed when the unit kept blanking out on me in THE MIDDLE of the highway and making me lost wasting gas traveling long distances to find the right highway, is because the 30 day warranty the store offered was over. HOWEVER, Garmin's website clearly states that I have a YEAR WARRANTY from the date of purchase! before I sent the unit to Garmin I spoke with a representative on the phone who set up the arrangement for me to send the unit in and he told me that there was a "GLITCH" in the gps system unit I purchased. I was also told that I had to pay shipping fee to have the unit sent to Garmin ( the address that it was sent to is posted on their website) to be fixed. very upset that I have to pay a shipping fee for a unit they already had a glitch in I proceeded to mail the unit anyway because I needed it. however, when I sent the unit out for repair and after waiting two entire weeks without using an item that I paid 500+ for, got the item back and IT DIDNT WORK!! I found out that the unit still didn't work IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY!!! AGAIN!! this has caused myself emotional stress and I do not feel comfortable driving around with a faulty unit!! yesterday I was very reluctant giving my unit to the Ritz rep. but I only did so because I didn't want anyone stating that I didn't explore every avenue in trying to get this ALREADY FAULTY unit fixed. one of the other Ritz camera store clerks took the unit and tried to use it in her car and came back stating that I was right it DOESNT WORK. can you imagine me at night with my little girl using a unit that worked but in the middle of the highway turned off??? well...that's what happened!! I not only suffered stress, but I missed the appointment, wasted gas, and wasted time. to make matters worse, I WAS IN ANOTHER COUNTY!! what is going to happen if I drive to another state and the unit I have shuts off?? this is insane!! as a customer I find this to be you robbing me of my money. I cannot drive to Philadelphia where my family resides with a unit I CANNOT TRUST!! I not only would be scared out my mind to use this unit but terrified even more if I do and this situation happens again of which I cannot give a chance for IN ANOTHER STATE! are you serious?? you cannot sell me something that already has problems and get away with this!! I am keeping every document because I haven't lied about a thing and I am being treated like a criminal EVEN WITH A RECEIPT!! I contacted Garmin for a return but they informed me that once a store buys the product from them it is no longer in their care and that I must talk to Ritz for a refund!! well...I am talking to you and I am not getting what I want. I have already explained just about (if not all) information which in my opinion should be enough for someone to understand my dilemma!! however, I will call your office by 9 or 10 am this morning 11/10/2009 to see if you have this email of just to explain my situation again once more. once again, to buy something that is FAULTY and have a receipt and an item that doesn't work is unlawful and if I am not granted my money back as said before I believe it's my best interest to seek legal action.
Though I do feel bad that you got a unit that was faulty, i find it a little crazy that you wouldn't drive to visit family without a working gps. How did people ever take road trips back before Garmins?
just letting people know that i actually got my money back from the faulty device. i did purchase another gps by Garmin and very pleased about this one so far. the reason why i needed a gps to visit my family is because i haven't been there before and i dont have magic abilities to determine how to get places without help. i dont use maps not only because the print is too small but isnt it illegal to read while driving? i believe maps are dangerous and if you are to use one you should have a passenger giving you directions while using a map.
I bought a new Garmin 755T and was generally satisfied with it. Then five weeks later it died. Turns out there was a firmware problem wth the device. Garmin offered to fix it if I would ship it to them at my own expense, although it would take two weeks for them to do so, because athe whole line of Nuvi 7x5 models have this problem and they have been dying like flies.
Garmin should take responsibility for this defect in their GPS and ship new modles to their customers who have purchased this series of GPS with a free return lable so we can ship the defective units back!
I am very disappointed in the lax way in which Garmin has responded to this issue!
I have the same problem. The screen is blank and the unit can't turn on. I've only had the 755t for seven months. It's outrageous that I will have to give up the device for an extended period of time to have firmware update.
Can anyone clarify something about the traffic function on a Nuvi 755T . . . is this function always ON, or is it just always AVAILABLE if you select the Enable Traffic choice and the unit is plugged into the combined car power cord/traffic receiver? I won't often need traffic info, and when I don't need it I'd also like to avoid the advertising that supports the lifetime subscription.
Robert, The only way you will get traffic info. is if you have the reciever plugged into the vehicle. If you don't want to recieve Ads, just don't plug the FM Traffic reciever in. Hope this helps.
Hi -
I am trying to see turn by turn directions as a preview without actually having satellite connection - is there any way to get those? I can custom-map the itinerary but so far have onlu managed to get a map preview - not any turn by turn preview.
Thanks!
Sven
Turn on the GPS Simulator in the System settings
Is there any difference between the 755T and the 765T other than the Bluetooth? Is the 755T a better unit? Seems that the 755T is rated higher than the 765T but that could be because the Bluetooth is not as good as it can be.
Robby
The only difference between the 755T and 765T is Bluetooth. The ratings difference was the result of the 765T initially being much more expensive than the 755T (cost is factored into the score).
I have a 755T. The original map was a 2009 North America. The Lane Assist feature displayed on certain highways as advertised by Garmin. When I upgraded to the new 2010 map the same intersections that displayed the Lane assist are no longer displayed. Fortunetly I managed to save my 2009 Map program and reinstalled it back in my GPS and the Lane assist was back on the same intersections.
My question is did Garmin release the 2010 mapping and forgot about the Lane Assist feature or is there another or different mapping for the 755T unit? My GPS does show the lane assist on the main screen but it will not display the junction view. I hate to pay money for mapping and then not get what I am suppose to have.
I got mine for Fathers Day 2009 and it works great! It names the street you need to turn on, not just "take next right". I connected it to an external antenna and it finds satellites very quickly. It took me a little time to learn how to save music on it but once I learned how, I gave my old MP3 player to my wife and now I use the Garmin! If you're only going to use the MP3 player (with FM transmitter) you may want to figure out how to keep the unit from interrupting with directions.
My first trip was from NW Arkansas to Myrtle Beach. It was invaluable there because the streets are kind of confusing to a new-comer.
The biggest weakness is that it calculates the fastest route by figuring that you will drive the speed limit. Not so hot when you're in traffic. You can always figure alternate routes, though. Once it had trouble finding satellites and didn't know where I was. I was on the freeway and it thought I was on a cul-de-sac somewhere.
2 questions. I just had a Nuvi 360 stolen and want to replace. Is the 755T a reasonable replacement. Priced very similar to what I paid for the 360.
Has anyone used the 755T USB adapter with a Synch system on a Ford? My 360 worked great and eliminated the need for FM transmitter. Will the 755T work the same?
thanks a lot.
2 questions. I just had a Nuvi 360 stolen and want to replace. Is the 755T a reasonable replacement. Priced very similar to what I paid for the 360.
Has anyone used the 755T USB adapter with a Synch system on a Ford? My 360 worked great and eliminated the need for FM transmitter. Will the 755T work the same?
thanks a lot.
Aside from the price and the Bluetooth on the Nuvi 765T, is there any other differences between the 755T and the 765T? Why? I have a 755T and it’s VERY TYPO-PRONE and I am getting really tired of it. I have no use for Bluetooth (yet) but to get rid of this annoyance, I think that will be the way to go. I have re-calibrated this unit several times but to no avail. This is my second 755T. I have read your reviews on this unit but I have not seen anything about a fix. Is there a fix?
I have read a few different reviews on this unit and am curious why no one has mentioned the routing feature on it yet. It does have it doesn't it? Where you can program a route with up to ten stops? I am just curios if this is just not interesting enough to write about or if Garmin's site is wrong and the unit doesn't actually have this feature?
Also I would like to know if there is a way to turn off the 3D buildings? I think they would be more of an annoyance then they would be of use.
Thanks,
Petaris
Yes - the 755T has the ability to create and store routes, and you can turn off 3D buildings if desired.
I am considering this 755T and the Magellan Roadmate 1470. Based on both of the reviews, it is becoming a difficult decision. I like the features of the Magellan better, especially being able to select No Interstates; but the Garmin would seem to be the better over-all GPS -- especially the Map Screen.
My main question that would help in this buying decision is this: Is there any way to have the Garmin select a route that is Not Interstates -- in other words, using back road highways? If so, how can this feature be implemented.
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Jim
I read the on-line manual and there was a section called Route Preferences with a sub-section called Avoidances which states: "select the road types you want to avoid on your routes."
I e-mailed Garmin's tech. support and they rapidly provided the following information in two separate e-mails.
"The following is the list of road types that you can
select to avoid.
Highways, Toll roads, Ferries, Car pool lanes, Unpaved Roads.
The reference is to interstate highways, this would mean that
the Nuvi would route you over state highways avoiding only the Interstates."
So if anyone is on the fence between a Garmin or a Magellan based on Route Preferances, it would seem that this is not an issue. I was very pleased with Garmin's fast replies and if this is any indication of the quality of their tech. support, Garmin just may be the best.
Jim
Yes – it’s true you can configure the avoidance preference on Garmin nuvi GPS units. However, unlike Magellan or TomTom, you CANNOT browse the list of turns along the route and pick a specific road to avoid. That’s a great feature for tailoring the route, or manually avoiding a traffic jam. Also, when you change that setting on a Garmin, it becomes the permanent routing method, and not just a one-time thing for the current trip.
It’s not quite as clear cut as you might think. In my experience, Garmin units have better overall routing logic than any other GPS right now. However, they are missing this handy feature of being able to exclude specific roads on an ad-hoc basis.
Fletch,
You say: "the nüvi 755T's fatally underpowered FM transmitter remains totally inadequate." Since my new van does not have a cassette player, I can not use a cassette adapter to transmit the GPS sound through my audio system.
Can I use a cable plugged into the GPS audio jack and the other end of the cable into the car's audio system's AUX for an MP3 player to have GPS sound through my audio system?
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Yes - you can use the nuvi's headphone jack to connect to your vehicle's audio system.
My 3 year old Mio GPS burned out in July 2009, so after doing homework which included this comments section, I bought a Garmin 755t. I'm not only very happy with it, but after 3 months of use, I still think it's heads and tails above anything Garmin has introduced since.
I do have some minor nits to pick. Here's one: Often, after pressing "Go," my unit often will not start navigating. I go back and re-select the destination, and it runs fine. Is this a characteristic of this model, or is mine an anomaly that should be returned to Garmin?
I have one complaint about an interface downgrade.
On my nuvi 360, when I choose "3D map view", there's a north arrow on the left column of the map display. Your screenshots show no such thing. I can't imagine it takes much compute time to figure out which direction you're going or rendering that arrow.
Is there any way I can get a north arrow on the map page?
-dk
After about 9 mos. and 6K miles I find the 755T a neat gadget but just above the toy level. Traffic info has never been accurate except for the 99% of time when the roads are open. Lane assist is very rare and unpredictable. Uses street names rather than route names so that now I am wondering is this some back street short cut or the highway I and trying to stay on. When twoing a travel trailer this if very important. The data base has many omissions for every category.
With that said it is cute, but keep your maps and use them. Also be willing to follow your common sense.
I have owned the Nuvi 755 for about one month now, used extensively over 3 states. It is a good GPS - very quick to refresh, bright screen, very quick to find a new route if you take a wrong turn, pan & zooming are easy. I have not used the traffic info. Not so good - the 755 FREQUENTLY returns the wrong button despite what you actually hit, after arriving in a new location far from the previous time the unit was turned on it can be 5 minutes + before it finds itself, and finding a POI when you do not know the name of the business nor its address can be difficult and impossible if more than about 5-6 miles from your current location. However, the suction cup for attaching to your windshield is the best darn suction cup anywhere!
Three questions:
1. Can the 755t export and import gpx track files? I use these regularly to upload to gpsvisualizer.com. I also want to import gpx files so that I can follow routes published by others. Also can it export personal waypoints to the computer?
2. What exactly does Garmin WebUpdater do? It says that it updates the software on the unit but does it also give map corrections, POI changes, new lane guidance information, etc?
3. Can you buy the Garmin European map set and load it onto the 755t?
I am am looking for an auto GPS that can also be used passively to identify location, local streets and POIs. I am planning a canal trip and would like access to that information as I travel along the waterway. Will the 755T work for me?
This is my first GPS purchase and only GPS I have ever used. After doing research, especially with GPSMagazine.com, and talking with friends who own a Garmin, I decided on buying the 755T. I didn’t need Bluetooth of the 765. My first trip with this GPS was almost 2000 miles on interstates, then state highways and rural roads to give it a good run-through. I will give my Pros and Cons and then a final summary.
PROS
1) A 4.3” screen is just right and when leaving the car it is small enough to put in my shirt pocket. I found no wash-out and the switch to night screen it great -- especially since all screens have that feature. As for wash-out, when I first turned on the unit outside my house to acquire a signal for my Home location, I could not see anything. I discovered that by going to Tools - Settings - Display and then press Restore I then had no wash-out. I bought this GPS new from Amazon so I assume this may be something that must be done first. The speaker’s volume is plenty loud and I am hard-of-hearing -- mostly in my left ear.
2) Menu system is easy and intuitive. Sometimes when entering information on the keyboard the wrong letter displays. I like that it allows a QWERTY keyboard layout.
3) Avoidances must be done for the entire route. If planning a long trip, this may not be very helpful as a Magellan GPS apparently can do. However, my wife and I enjoy getting off of the interstates as much as possible and we plan our trips in general destinations. We may change our route nightly, depending on what may be available to see; so routing nightly with this GPS is fine -- as I did on this trip.
4) POI using the spelling feature is very accurate. I used it to find the name of a restaurant that wasn’t listed under the Food category.
5) The cable connect to the holder is the best design for a GPS.
5) Garmin has wonderful on-line tech support. I e-mailed them twice before buying and received answers within 24 hours with the correct information. Then after I bought the unit I did the map updates, the download went perfect to my computer, but the installation didn’t work. I e-mailed tech support on the weekend (they don’t answer on weekends but they did reply on Sunday) and their procedure was correct. I sent them a thank you reply to that e-mail with a follow-up question and that was answered within 12 hours.
CONS
1) On a road that dead-ends and then continues later, such as in a subdivision, the unit wants to route to that road even though there is nowhere to go and it doesn’t re-route to get to the desired section of that road. This happens in my subdivision and also happened on my trip. Take along a paper road map as a back-up. This could be frustrating if traveling at night.
2) TMC Traffic Information is a hit-and-miss. On my trip, two occurrences were incorrect. While traveling on I-75 through Lexington, KY, it displayed Red but the traffic was normal speed in both directions. Then on I-75 in Cincinnati, OH when the traffic was bumper-to-bumper, it displayed Green. Maybe this technology will improve. The free ads are unobtrusive and only appear when stopped. I didn’t use the coupons, but maybe someday I will.
3) Lane Assist isn’t really needed but a neat visual. When it did display, it only lasted 10 seconds -- not too helpful. The Next Turn icon is very accurate along with the Turn List at the top of the screen.
4) The GPS mph icon doesn’t always match with the posted road mph sign. This is especially important where a city may have a speed trap. How many times have you traveled a state highway at 55 mph, then in 20 yards it drops to 45 mph, and then in another 20 yards or less down to 35 mph? The GPS just doesn’t catch up and if you rely on the icon instead of the posted sign -- be careful! Also, I have experienced times when traveling at 70 mph on the interstate, it drops to a lower speed for about five miles or more, and then goes back to 70 -- and the GPS icon never changed from the original 70 mph.
5) The GPS speed you are suppose to be traveling icon is actually 2 mph slower than my odometer reading. My tires are properly inflated.
6) When routing from one point to another on rural and state roads and I know the quicker route, the GPS routed me 20 miles longer on rural and state roads. I couldn’t figure that one out since I selected the Avoidances to match my desired roads.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The main question is: Would I purchase this same unit again? Yes! I do hope that the Traffic Information feature improves, but I bought this unit for the long term. However, I probably would have been just as pleased with my second choice which was the Garmin Nuvi 255W. It is more of a basic unit and costs less and would have served my routing needs for the trip I took and for future trips. If you don’t need Bluetooth, Traffic Information to avoid slow traffic, and Lane Assist; get the 255W. However, if you think that Traffic Information will improve in the future and you travel in cities that possibly can detect Lane Assist often and for longer display times -- this is the GPS for you. If you need all the 755T’s features and desire Bluetooth, get the 765.
I don’t use the windshield mount but bought a bean-bag unit for the dash and it works great. I bought an almost hard shell case with cable storage and this is something worth considering.
I'm new to GPS units and am interested in purchasing the 755T. I didn't see any mention of the voices available to tell you when to turn, etc. Would that be under tools? I've got a friend who chose an Australian accent and has fun with that. But the main thing is there a voice that gives you upcoming directions?
Thanks.
Jeff
Works Great... Better than the 255 which is in my opinion a flop by Garmin... Go 755T its the best.
[quote]The GPS speed you are suppose to be traveling icon is actually 2 mph slower than my odometer reading. My tires are properly inflated.
[/quote]Most cars' speedometers are inaccurate and read slightly low- likely to avoid issues like speed limit violations. The reading will also vary with the actual tire you use, and this discrepancy is likely to compensate for this variance as well. On a straight level road (and most others) the GPS is likely providing your most accurate reading of speed.
Read that the new 1200 -1400 series left some of the features of the 755/765t off but has slightly larger screens. I chose the 755t while I could get it, knowing Garmin is cutting back on those features I like.
I am trying to decide between the Garmin Nuvi 765T and 785T. There is only $38.00 difference in price between the two. The 765T has lifetime traffic and the 785T has MSN direct.
Is one of them apt to be discontinued sooner than the other? What would you recommend?
I'd say get the 765T. MSN Direct is going to be discontinued. The FM traffic service used on the 765T isn't going anywhere...
Fletch, I'm wanting to purchase my very first GPS and I would like to know which is the best one and most reliable between these two: Garmin Nuvi 755T, or Magellan Roadmate 1475T? Both sound good and I've read lots of pros and cons for both, but still need help in deciding which one of the two I should get. Any and all help is appreciated.
Hi Fletch - I've read great things about the 755T but am worried about the inaccurate touch entry as has been written in many reviews. Should this be a deal breaker, or have they corrected this in a firmware update (if that is possible??)
Since the price difference between the Garmin 755T & 765T is so miniscule, wouldn't it make sense to purchase the 765T in case you decide to use the handsfree bluetooth?
Also, does the 755T work better than the 765T (without using the handsfree)
My concern is that they create a fix for the low speaker volume and I have a 755T.
Someone please chime in!
Thanks.
A relative has an newish 885t with a removable battery, but gets only a short time of use unplugged. He can buy additional or replacement batteries, however.
The 755t review says the battery is non-replaceable. What does that imply for long-term use of the GPS--a return to Garmin for a $100 battery?? Anyone have any battery problems or thoughts?
Thanks!
Joe
That the 755t battery is not replaceable is nonsense. I just opened mine (check utube how to)and found that the battery is 3.7 V, 1250 mAh with part-number 361-00019-16 and is available (google for it). And yes - my unit rarely stays on longer than 90 minutes unplugged on a full battery charge, but for this model - I guess - it is normal. Other than that it works great.
GARMIN 755T vs 265WT & 855 Questions
Fletch:
On the map display of my 265WT, the name of a business (or person) and all others nearby that I have in my favorites list will be displayed in small type. On the 755T a billboard-like company name will show; but, not the names of the other nearby businesses that I might want to go to from my favorites list. It only shows little black squares which one must touch to find the name of. That takes time. For this reason, I plan on returning the 755T to Costco.
I am wondering if the 855 (Voice activated) will display all my favorites (in small point type) as is done with the 265WT. If so, I'd like to purchase it through your website. Thank you for your help.
Ps: Does the 855 have the Hot-Fix?
I discovered the same issue changing from a 750 to a 755T. I thought I set something incorrectly as the Favorites' Name Labels were not showing on the screen, only black points. Has anyone figured out if there is a way to get the stored names to appear on the display again? Its very frustrating.
We just finished a 2000 mile trip using the 755t and were very frustrated with the device. It give bad, inefficient directions often, it didn't have many points of interest in it, the key pad is badly aligned so typing is virtually impossible. I am returning mine. I do not recommend it.
I have the 755t and it works fine for me. I calibrated the 755t and I can type with a 95% accuracy. I have found that if I use my end of my finger nail to hit the letters, numbers and so on, that it works very well.
All I can say is read the WHOLE online user manual to learn how to use the Garmin correctly.
A question was asked several time about the 775T whether you can download European maps, yes or no?
No, European maps will not work on the 755t. Try the 775t.
My car does not have a cigarette lighter - I will be powering it only on battery. Does the traffic receiver still work? You had said it is attached to the power cord, so I was hoping it wasn't powered by the power cord but by the battery power. That would be enough of a setback for me not to buy the unit.
No, the lighter is required as the traffic receiver is in the lighter/power-cord
Thanks, Greg. I actually went and got a DC outlet installed so I can use the traffic part of this unit.
Hello; I am wanting to purchase my very first GPS and i would like to know which is the better one and most reliable between these two: Garmin Nuvi 755T, or Magellan Roadmate 1475T? Both sound good and I've read lots of pros and cons for both, but still need help in deciding which one of the two I should get. Any and all help is appreciated.
We just purchased a Magellan 1475T. It is a well-designed unit. However, my wife has hearing problems and a noisy car, and the audio quality on the 1475 is rather poor. We are going to try the 755T because of its FM transmitter and/or headphone jack which should solve the audibility problems.
I purchased a 265WT for bluetooth capabilities and found that the bluetooth was not compatible with my MC InterPhone. I sold my 265WT and bought the 755T. It is a MUCH better GPS and I am sorry I didn't purchase this one first!
I can save routes, it has an MP3 player and an audio jack I can plug into my MC's stereo system, IMO this works way better than bluetooth anyway. Amazing! I don't need to even look at my GPS, it just tells me when and where to turn, keeping my eyes on the road. Spectacular!
Does anyone know what the cradle is for? Couldn't I just plug in a GTM 25 and bypass the cradle? The mini USB is easier to plug in from the bottom rather than remove the GPS from the RAM mount to plug in the GTM 20 back and thru the RAM Mount.
Thanks!
Does anyone know if there is a fix for the routing algorithm? The unit constantly tries to navigate me off the interstate onto traffic filled slower roads. My guess is that it doesn't include traffic lights in its decision making.
I'm finding myself going to Google for directions before I head out. Not exactly what I had in mind when I purchased the 755T. I purchased my unit in March, 2010.
I couldn't agree much more. But then once again it's 3am exactly where I am so I might agree to anything. Oh yeah, thank you for using the apostrophe properly. ;-)
From what I have read in the comments, I can plug in an earplug into the 755T earphone jack hole, and have the other end of the earplug line going into my ear so I can hear route instructions while I ride my m-cycle? Is that corret?
Please confirm before I buy. thanks.
I doubt anybody looks for this discontinued model but whoever has it knows how good and feature full it is.
Just in case somebody comes back and peeks at messages, I finally got Final word from Garmin regarding Oxford Travel Language Guide; if you bought it you can throw it into garbage. It used to work perfectly well before firmware update 4.xx. Now, it will not pronounce words/sentences anymore. Garmin is aware of that but will NOT correct this issue. Ever. If you bought this add-on from Garmin, they will refund your money; if you bought it from retailer – you are out of luck.
For this same reason (complete manufacturer’s ignorance and arrogance toward customers) I do Not buy software. So I was enjoying freebee while it lasted. Yes, I steal software. WHEN software makers start investing in quality control and start making (almost) bug free product I will pay for it. I am sick of weekly updates from ‘big companies’ but why am I complaining – software is free…
I was given the Garmin nuvi 755 as a gift last year, and I am having problems with the touch screen for when you hit a certain letter, like e, a different letter corresponds to that function. Do you or anyone know how frustrating that can be trying to put an address in?
How do I fix this problem please?
John