Garmin nüvi 785/785T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth and Maps of U.S, Canada & Puerto Rico

by Garmin

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 0.8 x 3 inches ; 6.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001ELJEQK
• Item model number: NUVI 785T
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (80 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #5,175 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 1, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com

Garmin continues to build up its nüvi 7xx series portable GPS navigators with its nüvi 785T, which adds a number of handy routing and communication features to an already impressive list of specs, including a 4.3-inch widescreen display, text-to-speech capabilities, media player, and FM transmitter for transmitting audio--including directions and MP3 music and audiobooks--from the device to your car radio.

Garmin's nüvis pack top of the line features into a slim form factor..

New to the nüvi 7x5 lineup is Garmin's HotFix satellite prediction (which locates your position quickly and precisely), Lane Assist (which provides lane guidance and junction views when possible), automatic time zone transitioning, and 3D Building views as well as Garmin Connect Photos to help you visually ascertain your position. Additionally, the nüvi 785T includes Bluetooth connectivity to your cell phone and real-time traffic updates via the included GDB 50 traffic receiver with access to enhanced dynamic content from the MSN Direct service.

The Garmin nüvi 7x5 Series nüvi 755T: North American maps, GTM 20 traffic receiver with lifetime traffic nüvi 765T: Adds Bluetooth handsfree communication; includes GTM 20 receiver, lifetime traffic nüvi 775T: Pre-loaded European and North American maps; includes GTM 20 receiver, lifetime traffic, Bluetooth nüvi 785T: Adds enhanced MSN Direct traffic receiver; includes North American maps and Bluetooth

As with all nüvis, you get Garmin reliability, the fast satellite lock of an integrated high-sensitivity receiver, a slim, pocket-sized design with a gorgeous display, an easy, intuitive interface, and detailed NAVTEQ maps for North America (United States, Canada and Puerto Rico) with more than 6 million name-searchable points of interest. The Garmin nüvi 7x5 line features three other models--check out their spec highlights at the right and click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nüvi GPS navigators.

The bright, 4.3-inch touchscreen display gives is anti-glare for ease of viewing during the day and automatically changes its color profile for easy viewing at night or in dim light. It offers 2d or 3D perspective views. The widescreen format gives you 70 percent more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push.

The nüvi 785T comes preloaded with highly detailed City Navigator NT road maps from Navteq for the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This map database features nearly six million points of interest (POIs), including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin's interface is a key to their success and one of the things that makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip.

Garmin's patent pending theft prevention system that disables the unit from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location.

Important Product Information: This device features a "screen lock" feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2x5 and 7x5 Garmin units. If you slide the "Power" key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the "Power" key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for "Pedestrian" mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.

With Lane Guidance, the nüvi alerts you to which lane you need to be in for upcoming turns. In the image above, the three middle lanes of this seven-lane highway are highlighted.

With Junction View, you'll get photo-realistic 3D views upcoming turns with signage--signs not needed for navigation are faded.

Lane Guidance
With the new Lane Guidance feature built into the nüvi 7x5 series, you'll never question which lane you should be driving in again. It provides you with a view of what lane you should be in for upcoming turns. And with the 3D Lane Assist Junction View, you'll be able to see a photo-realistic screen that shows you both the road detail as well as the signs as you will see them on the road. The signs that aren't needed for navigation are faded compared to the appropriate lane signage.

MSN Direct Service receiver and car charger all in one device

Integrated Traffic Receiver
An integrated receiver allows you to access enhanced dynamic content from the MSN Direct service. Check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get enhanced movie listings, stock information, news and local events when you travel with your unit. Even plan trips from the convenience of your computer, via Windows Live Local, and wirelessly send custom to your nüvi.

• Free 3 month trial subscription to MSN Direct services, activation instructions provided*
  
• MSN Direct Traffic Receiver included in the box
• Extended MSN Direct service subscriptions available for purchase: 12 months for $49.95 + tax (visit MSN for further details)

Hands-Free Calling
In more and more places, it is becoming illegal to use cell phones while driving without a hands-free kit. WIth Bluetooth capability, microphone and speaker, you can match your nüvi to any Bluetooth-capable phone to make hands-free mobile phone calls. Simply dial the phone number with the nüvi's touch screen keypad to make a call on a compatible phone. To answer an incoming call, just tap the screen and speak into the built-in microphone. Making and taking calls on the road has never been easier, or safer. In addition, Garmin makes it a breeze to look-up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or even tap into your cell phone's call history log.

HotFix Satellite Prediciton
Garmin's HotFix capability automatically calculates and stores satellite locations, greatly reducing satellite acquisition time so that you can turn the unit on and get going. With HotFix, your nüvi remembers the position of all satellites it is tracking when you turn it off, and calculates their movements in order to predict where they should be the next time you turn it on. HotFix can predict satellite positions for up to 3 days after the device was last turned off.

Multi-Destination Routing
This lets you enter several spots into the device (day care - supermarket-cleaners - office - day care, for example) and it will plot the fastest route. And once you've found the best router, the "Route Planning" feature lets you save up to 10 different routes, Garmin touts the feature for providing, "the most efficient route for errands, deliveries and sales calls." The feature also makes this an instant essential accessory for anyone who shops garage sales (you know what we're talking about). A trip log provides an electronic bread crumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you've been on the map.

Where Am I? Where's My Car?
The nüvi 7x5 series is the first to answer two common questions: "Where am I?" and "Where’s my car?" At any time, with a single tap of the screen, drivers can display their exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations. And to help drivers find their car in an unfamiliar spot or vast parking lot, all nüvi 7x5s automatically mark the position in which they were last removed from the mount.

Other Features

The 3D Buildings feature helps you navigate by landmark.

• The 3D Buildings feature is able to reference the buildings displayed on the map as well. Some buildings will be grey images "extruded" from the map, other buildings will be life like representations of the actual property.
• With Automatic Time Zone Transition, you'll never have to remember to set the time as you travel. When the unit acquires a position fix, it automatically sets the unit to the correct time zone.
• MP3 player compatible with audiobook playback
• JPEG picture viewer
• FM transmitter plays voice prompts, MP3s, audio books, and more, directly through your vehicle's stereo system
• Compatible with optional content plug-ins available via SD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide, which provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts.
• Add custom points of interest (POIs) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras
• Travel tools: World travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more

What's in the Box
nüvi 785T preloaded with maps of North America (United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico), vehicle suction cup mount, MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable, USB cable, Dashboard disc, and Quick start manual

Notes

• Optional software for language translation, detailed travel guides, and savings programs allow you to customize your nüvi to fit your travel needs
• The FM transmitter feature is only available in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
• Like most USB mass storage devices, the nüvi is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me.

*Notice: MSN Direct service will be available only until January 1, 2012.

Which nüvi is Best for You?

Note: All nüvis come with detailed NAVTEQ maps containing more than 6 million pre-loaded point of interest locations.

Device	Screen Size inches (W x H)	Included Maps			Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names)	Traffic	Bluetooth	Media	FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system)	Multi-Point Routing	Battery life (hours)
		Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico	AK and Canada	Europe
nüvi 205	2.8 x 2.1					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 205w	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 255	2.8 x 2.1					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 255w	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 260w	3.81 x 2.25							Photos			up to 5
nüvi 265T	2.8 x 2.1					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 265WT	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 275T	2.8 x 2.1					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 285WT	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free);		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 465T	3.81 x 2.25					FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 755T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos, MP3s			up to 4
nüvi 760	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos, MP3s			up to 5
nüvi 765T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos, MP3s			up to 4
nüvi 775T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos, MP3s			up to 4
nüvi 780	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos, MP3s			up to 5
nüvi 785T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos, MP3s			up to 4
nüvi 850	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos, MP3s			up to 4
nüvi 855	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos, MP3s			up to 4
nüvi 885T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos, MP3s			up to 4
nüvi 1200	2.8 x 2.1					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1250	2.8 x 2.1					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1260T	2.8 x 2.1					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1300	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1350	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1350T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1370T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1390T	3.81 x 2.25					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1490T	4.4 x 2.5					MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic)		Photos			up to 4
nüvi 1690	3.81 x 2.25					NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service)		Photos			up to 4

Product Description

Directionally challenged? Many people lose their sense of direction. Getting from point A to Point B can be so stress provoking that you hardly want to leave point A. The Garmin nuvi 785T helps get you from one point to another and helps you have fun at any point you choose. And you'll never be lost. The nuvi 785T offers full coverage mapping for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The preloaded map data features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. It features 3D buildings, lane assist and lifetime traffic alerts from NAVTEQ. Take advantage of Garmin's first premium traffic service without subscription fees. 3D navigation with lane assist provides drivers a clear picture of what lies ahead on their route, including road sign detail and arrows indicating the proper lane for navigation. Some areas even offer a 3D view of buildings. Steer clear of traffic with nuvi's integrated FM traffic receiver. Receive alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. The nuvi 785T features an MSN Direct receiver with a 3 month trial subscription that includes updated information about traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather reports, movie listings, headline news, stock quotes and local events. Auto time zone will automatically adjust your time zone while navigating Garmin Connect Photos - associate your favorite images with saved locations DEM maps show you shaded terrain contours at various zoom levels High-sensitivity GPS receiver for improved performance and reception Turn-by-turn directions with voice guidance Easy-to-use, Touchscreen interface Trip computer records mileage, max speed, total time and more Simplified PC connectivity, using USB mass storage Configurable vehicle icons allows users to select a fun, and cus

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

174 of 177 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Slow to operate, November 13, 2008

By	Cyrano1818 "cyrano_d" (Chicago suburb) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Garmin nüvi 785/785T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth and Maps of U.S, Canada & Puerto Rico (Electronics)

This is the third Garmin in our family. We have an 880 and an 250. This is the slowest to load maps at start-up, slowest to acquire a satellite at start-up and slowest to re-draw the map when the car makes a turn (I've already completed the turn before it begins re-drawing)...this is a very disappointing unit. To test a theory that it may not be the unit, I purchased an antenna extension from Garmin and temporarily installed it outside the car; this had no affect in speeding up the problems listed above, thus telling me it was clearly the unit and not a poor satellite connection.

I contacted Garmin who informed me that they are aware of the problems and should be sending a software update shortly. That was 3 weeks ago, perhaps indicating a declining focus on customer support.

It appears Garmin rolled this out before the problems they were conscious of were solved, just to get a new unit into the marketplace (similar strategy used by Microsoft). The price and problems associated are not worth the (slightly) enhanced graphics; given you only glance at the screen periodically, you really don't notice the difference in graphics between this and the 880/250. The much touted "lane indicator" graphics does not surface at every highway turnoff where multiple lanes are involved; perhaps that also might be included in the update we are still waiting for.

If I had it to do over again, I would purchase a Nuvi 760 and a MSN Direct receiver on line. By buying the two parts separate, it becomes the same thing as a Nuvi 780 at much less cost. The 760 is a much better unit at half the price of the 785t or 880.

Perhaps Garmin might spend less on marketing flawed products and reallocate those funds to contracting their immense line, better products at roll-out, and more responsive customer service.

I would stay with Garmin or Tom Tom products as they use established mapping companies; Garmin has the edge on the map system they use while Tom Tom recently purchased their own exclusive mapping company (GPS for Dummies).

Dec 11, 2008 update: I recently updated the available software and firmware from the Garmin site. Screen refresh is no faster and it seems that when you first turn on the unit and the satellites are acquired, the screen position has you facing in a different direction than I am in reality. Apparently the CSR with whom I spoke in November was given wrong information; no fix to the problems of which Garmin "was aware" has been provided to date. Judging from other "t line" reviews, the 785t might be the only "lemon". I guess you have to decide how important is MSN Direct in making your model selection.

Jan, 2009 update
A CSR at Garmin made arrangements the exchange my 785t for another one. No luck...still slow. ex: I completed a left turn yesterday before the unit told me to make a left turn and before the screen icon indicated I was making a turn. Hope they know enough to not save money by using a slower microprocessor, especially for what they charge for their units.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice GPS. Some Flaws. Recommended, April 8, 2009

By	William M. Gibson (Washington DC) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Garmin nüvi 785/785T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth and Maps of U.S, Canada & Puerto Rico (Electronics)

**Update 8-13-09**Don't let the recent software glitch scare you off from this unit. By now many people have heard that a software problem caused all 885T units (and several others) to malfunction. Although it was a bit of a hassle, Garmin replaced my unit (and everyone's elses) promptly. New units purchased now will not have that problem.

**Original review**I had a C550 and loved it but it got stolen so I had to buy a new GPS. I started with a Nuvi 885T because I was intrigued by the voice activation. The good news is that the voice activation works very, very well. The bad news is that I found the overall operating feel to be slow and choppy, a fact that is mentioned in several other reviews. Also, I had some issues with the unit locking up, so back it went.

I've had the 785T now for a couple of days.

Here is what I like:

* Quick to lock in satellites, even on cold start
* Accurate directions
* Smooth scrolling
* Customizable display
* Lane Assist works nicely and I like it. Useful feature.
* Junction View works nicely and I like it, but in my opinion it is not nearly as useful as Garmin would lead you to believe. A photo realistic image of upcoming street signs flashes across the screen for about 5-8 seconds, with an indication as to which lane you should be in.
* Bluetooth connected with my Blackberry no problem
* Ability to send addresses from my computer to the unit wirelessly. I've used it. It works.
* Small/lightweight (unlike my old C550)
* MSN Direct works well. MSN Traffic seems to work well, although some other reviewers prefer Lifetime Traffic. I think that is a matter of personal preference, and also depends on where you live. I live outside of Washington, DC, so MSN coverage is strong.

Here is what I do not like:

* Speakers barely loud enough. My C550 had rich, deep, loud sound. The Nuvi 785T, like all the Nuvi's, has shallow, slightly tinny, not quite loud enough, sound. I am really surprised that Garmin has not addressed this, as this is probably the number one complaint that I have, and that I have seen in other reviews. Unlike some other reviews, this wasn't a deal breaker for me, as I find the volume and clarity to be basically acceptable, but just marginally so.
* The underpowered speakers make the Bluetooth component less than perfect, but still useable
* The distance remaining and arrival time are slightly smaller than my C550, but it is noticeable and slightly irritating (only slightly). I wear reading glasses, so sometimes I have to squint at the screen a bit
* I am constantly taking the unit in and out of my car (don't want to have this unit stolen like my last one). Almost every time I have to fiddle with the mount so it clicks in. It has to line up perfectly, or it won't click in, which requires 2 hands and a bit of concentration. Should be easier and more intuitive than that.
* Updating the maps was an adventure. I don't believe this was the fault of the unit, but rather Garmin's website. The map updates are a HUGE file (192 mb), and twice it hung at about 180 mb requiring me to start all over. A little frustrating, but again, I don't fault the 785T for this, and eventually I got it all squared away.

Overall, I give it 4 stars. Not perfect, several flaws, but overall, I like it and recommend it.

By the way, here is a buying tip if you are interested in this unit....keep your eye on it and check the price daily. Amazon changes their prices dramatically from day to day. They do that on all of their products, but I seem to notice it more on GPS units. One day this might be $500, then the next day it might be $350, then the next day it might go back up to $500. My bottom line? Anything under $400 is a buy, and a good value for the Nuvi 785T.

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars BEWARE: Early Software Bug detected, November 11, 2008

By	J. Powell "1stTimer" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Garmin nüvi 785/785T 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth and Maps of U.S, Canada & Puerto Rico (Electronics)

I ordered this product from J&R Music through Amazon. The first unit powered off whenever a map attempted to load. I called Garmin and they had no answers as to why this happened, and advised me to exchange for a new unit, which I did. The second unit had THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. Again called Garmin and let them know the same problem occurred with a new unit. They were unaware of other users experiencing the same problem, but would look into it. When asked when I could expect a software update to fix this bug they said a couple of months. I can't wait that long so I will be going with the 765T (nearly identical in features minus MSN traffic, and cheaper).