Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 765T
UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide.
The Garmin nüvi 765T
Related units
- The 755T has all of the features found on the nuvi 765T, with the
exception of Bluetooth - Going the other direction, upgrading to the 785T adds an MSN Direct traffic receiver with a trial subscription (but you lose the lifetime NAVTEQ traffic)
- The trans-Atlantic 775T mimics the 765T’s feature set, adding maps of Europe in addition to the U.S. and Canada
- To see how the nuvi 765T stacks up against other units, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart, or use this handy Garmin auto GPS comparison tool
Let’s look at the newest features on the nuvi 7×5 line…
A2DP stereo Bluetooth
The 7x5T series brings us the first nuvis with A2DP stereo Bluetooth, the exception being the 755T, which doesn’t include Bluetooth at all. This allows for a number of interesting things. For example, you can stream music via the nuvi’s MP3 player to a stereo Bluetooth headset. At the same time such an audio link is established, you can connect your phone to the nuvi as well.
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Yet what impressed me most about the 7x5T’s Bluetooth feature was how good the sound quality was of calls made from the nuvi. It has nothing to do with A2DP, but rather with dramatic improvements in Garmin’s echo-cancellation technology. Units I’ve tested in the past have been pretty bad for the person on the other end of the call. But the sound quality using the 7x5T was quite good.
My wife and I took turns on both ends of several calls, as we do every time I have a test unit with Bluetooth, so she’s been exposed to as many of these units as I have. And she agrees with me, this one is good enough for everyday use. She even went further, saying she would use it if we had one of our own (was that a hint?). It may not be as good as using your phone or a headset directly, but it is a huge improvement.
We were able to successfully pair and use both our phones – an LG VX8300 and a Motorola V325i.
Here’s a video showing how to pair your nuvi with a compatible Bluetooth car stereo:
Lane assist
To me, the lane assist feature is the nicest addition to the the 7×5 series. It shows up in two places on the device. The flashiest is for major freeway interchanges, as shown below. This screen appears as you approach your exit.
Just as useful, and perhaps more so, is the lane indicator shown in the upper left portion of the map screen (see below). These don’t just show up on interstate highways; I found them to be ubiquitous in downtown Atlanta.
3-D buildings
This feature adds some flash, but in my mind is less helpful than lane assist.
I’ll give Garmin credit for making the 3-D buildings transparent, but the feature can still obstruct navigation somewhat, as shown below.
Ad-supported lifetime traffic
Without a doubt the most controversial feature on the nuvi 7×5 series is the ad-supported lifetime NAVTEQ traffic, yet I found the ads to be low key and unobtrusive. I only saw ads appear when my vehicle was stopped; they showed up in the following places:
- On startup at the top of the main menu
- At the bottom of the traffic menu page
- On the map screen once you have reached your destination
If you touch the ad, you’ll go to a screen showing the nearest locations for that advertiser. Choosing a location will take you to the detail screen. In the case of the BP gas ad below, a click on the coupon gave me a number to text to enter the contest.
The ads are so low key that I would much rather have them and free lifetime traffic than pay $60 a year for traffic service. The biggest problem I have with the ad-supported traffic is the limited coverage (see image below). With data for only 50 U.S. cities, NAVTEQ coverage lags far behind that of other traffic services. Detailed coverage maps are available on the NAVTEQ website.
There is also an option to add MSN Direct traffic service (which includes gas prices, weather and more), but you’ll need to buy the receiver, which comes with a one year subscription.
If you enable the traffic map, the moving map screen goes to greyscale, so that traffic flow (indicated in yellow or red) will show up better.
Here’s an incident detail screen…
New customization options
New to the 7×5 series are customization options for the lower right field on the map screen. Press this field to bring up the options listed below. When not navigating, the options are:
- Direction of travel (default)
- Elevation
- Time of day
When navigating, the options are as follows:
- Estimated time of arrival (default)
- Distance to destination
- Estimated time to destination
- Direction of travel
- Elevation
- Time of day
Garmin nuvi 765T mount
The nuvi 765T mount has an integrated power/traffic receiver connection, so you don’t have to plug a cable into the device each time you mount it. Unlike the nuvi 2×5 series, all you need to do is snap it into the mount.
Other nuvi 765T features of note
The nuvi 7×5 series has inherited some other features from the 2×5 and/or 800 series units.
These include a redesigned map screen that adds a third data field (current speed). And while photo navigation is not a feature that I find useful, you can download Google™ Panoramio™ pictures via Garmin Connect™ Photos and navigate to them.
Finally, as I mentioned earlier, the nuvi 765T has all the great features already found on the first generation nuvi 700 series. These include:
- Multi-destination routing
- Automatic sorting of multiple destinations to provide an efficient route
- Tracklog recording
- Speed limit display for many interstates and highways
- Automatic marking of your last position when the unit is turned off (to help you find your car in mega-mall parking lots)
- A “Where am I” safety feature that gives your current location, nearest address, nearest intersection, along with quick access to POIs for the nearest hospitals, police stations and gas stations
Conclusion and recommendation
The Garmin nuvi 765T is a superior navigation device and I highly recommend it. The only caveat is that it is more appropriate if you are in an area with NAVTEQ traffic coverage. The lane assist feature and improved Bluetooth performance are the best reasons to upgrade 2x5T series, which also has the lifetime traffic feature. Like all Garmin nuvis, the 7×5 series is intuitive and a joy to use. Garmin has created yet another excellent product, and it’s no wonder that they dominate our top ten GPS list and Amazon bestseller list
More Garmin nuvi 765T reviews
-
Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 765T reviews
have been posted at Amazon.com
- GPS Lodge has posted a Garmin nuvi 765T review
- GPS Magazine does their typically thorough job reviewing the nuvi 765T
- Terry White reviews the Garmin nuvi 765T
- Trusted Reviews gives an 8 out of 10 rating in their Garmin nuvi 765T review
- My Point of View has also posted a brief Garmin nuvi 765T review
- Garmin nuvi 7×5 reviews are being posted by owners at GpsPasSion
- CNet gives a 3-1/2 out of 5 star rating in their nuvi 765T review
- The Pool Bar has also posted a review of the nuvi 765T
- I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…
Other Garmin nuvi 765T resources
- A PDF version of the Garmin nuvi 765T owners manual
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
- And another nuvi forum at GPS Review
- Comparing the nuvi 765T to the nuvi 760
- GPSInformation.info compares the nuvi 7x5T series to the nuvi 7×0 models
- The official Garmin nuvi 765T web page
- How to access archived nuvi trip logs
- Five tips for nuvi newbies
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 765T at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 765T
- Get the
Garmin nuvi 765T Portable Bluetooth Automotive GPS System with Lane Assist & Lifetime Traffic
at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250
- Get the Garmin nuvi 765T for an amazing price on eBay
- Check out our GPS deals site for current specials and rebates on a wide range of GPS receivers
About Rich Owings
Best Buy has the 765T on sale at its stores and at Best Buy.com for only $219.99+ tax. This sale is good until 11/25/09. This price includes free shipping. Have not found anyone close to this price on a 765T.
I will not buy anything at Best Buy even if it is a lower price. They have the gall to wish Moslims a happy holiday but don’t mention anything about having a Happy Thanksgiving. Furthermore, their re-stocking fee, when you return something, is outrageous. If it is going to cost you to return something, it is just not worth it.
Does the 765T have a faster map refresh rate (when recalculating) than the 855T?
Yes, it looks like the refresh rate was set slower, even though it has the same processor…
“The 2×5 series got a bump to ~4hz and the 7×5 series got a bump to ~8hz, both up from the long-time standard of 1hz. According to the review, the 8×5 did in fact get a bump up but only up to the 2×5′s ~4hz. It may be that the processor is in fact the same speed as the 7×5′s but just regulated to the level of the 2×5′s to compensate for the voice recognition overhead. This will be revealed as soon as users post the processor info (if it’s listed) from the diagnostics mode.”
From http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=121713&whichpage=2
Hello, I am looking for a gps with one touch drop down menu of turn by turn directions, a current time and arrival time display on the same screen, blue tooth capability, mp3 capability, text to speech capability, auto populate of either recently found states, cities or street names, or of street names in the vicinity, ability to select route based on where I might want to go, ability to decide which highway I may want to take and the ability to select a new route if there is an accident. Traffic alerts is also a plus. Any ideas on one that would be good for me?
I can’t think of a single model that has all of those features. What do you man by “ability to decide which highway I may want to take?” And which features are less or more important to you?
I bought the 765T, I had a Garmin 660 and liked it. Short, sweet and simple. The 765T is the worse GPS I have ever used. It plan out sucked at most everything it did compared to the 660. Garmin can not figure out what they are doing. A model lineup that makes since is the first thing Garmin needs to get a grip on .
Hello
I wonder if the model 765 the Tracklog records so as to bring the tracklog out for the computer.
Yes. Once you connect it, look under Garmin > GPX > Current.gpx.
PC Richard (NY area chain) has discontinued carrying the 765T. Every store in my area is pushing the 255W. I really wanted the 765T for the better bluetooth capabilities. Is Garmin discontinuing this model as well? Have they come out with a model that has an even better feature set? I know you preferred this model over the 1390…
Thanks
It wouldn’t surprise me to see both the 7×5 and 2×5 series discontinued in the near future. Garmin will however continue to support them for years to come, with firmware updates, etc.
I think the best models out there right now are the 7×5, 8×5, 1390T, 1490T and 1690. The 7×5, 8×5 and 1690 are the only ones of those with a powered mount, which I prefer.
I really like what I’m seeing in the 765 (After my Tomtom died) except that it seems like last year’s model. However, the new models in the 1xxx series seem to be lacking, especially with the non-powered mount and some of the other features like MP3 playback and FM transmitter mode.
(Which, though it may seem like one of those freebie features they just throw in to get an extra bullet point, actually can be useful. With the right unit and Bluetooth, FM transmitter, and MP3 you can get functionality very close to what you would have from a car manufacturer’s built in GPS unit at a fraction of the cost.)
So… does Garmin historically stick by their older units? I’d guess there would be little chance of bringing new features to the older GPS boxes, but at least updates for bugs and fixes?
Do I strike now with the 765T on the edge of being discontinued and get a good sale, or wait to see what is next. Decisions, decisions.
I think you nailed it. There’s little chance of getting new features, but they will continue to roll out fixes and updates for years to come. I’m expecting new models to be announced soon and on store shelves by mid-June at the latest. But that’s just an educated guess.
I bought the Garmin nuvi 765T for Christmas for my husband. We used it twice and loved it, it worked perfectly. Used it this weekend for the third time and the voice announcing turns, lane changes, etc no longer works. The volume is turned up to 100% and nothing there. Any help for us?
Is it muted? You could try updating the firmware and/or go in and change to a different voice.
I am going back and forth between the 765T and 1350T. We currently own a Magellan Roadmate 2200T with very few features but it works (biggest issues – takes minutes to secure a satellite and maps are outdated). My top priorities – free traffic updates (live in Wash DC area), assistance with exits/lanes, and an ability for lifetime map updates would be nice. Right now Costco is offering a deal with the 765T.
Seems like a big deal is made of voice prompts with street names for the Garmin’s, but our older Magellan already did that, as well as provide “basic” exit routing.
Any assistance would be great. Thanks.
Lane Assist is very limited on the Garmin units. Not sure how it is in DC. In my testing, it was fairly extensive in Atlanta, but non-existent in Charlotte. That would likely be the biggest issue, given your requirements.
Based on that, would I be better off with a Magellan, even though they are definitely viewed in reviews/ratings as lower than a lot of the Garmin’s? Also, I noticed various comments about Garmin’s “Free Lifetime traffic updates”, specifically that it might be going away real soon. Or has that been addressed with the “ad’s” via NAVTEQ?
Thanks.
Unless you talk to people in your area, it’s going to be hard to know who will have the best lane assist coverage. I’d go with a TomTom before Magellan, but thats just me.
I don’t think the NAVTEQ ad-supported lifetime traffic will go away. MSN Direct service is ending on 1/1/2012, but that only affects nuvi x8x models.
Thanks Rich.
I have made the decision to buy the Garmin 765T, I am going to purchase it online from a retailer that is located in my area in case I have to return the unit. Best Buy and Sams Club are the only two in my area that offer this unit online.
My question, is one of these retailers a better choice?
From which one might I get the more updated version?
Thanks,
Best Buy will charge you a restocking fee IF they agree to take it back. It is a hassle with them
Sams will take it back, no questions asked if you have the receipt. No hassel.
@bettyanne – Thanks for chiming in
@Mark Sparks – I haven’t read all the details of their return policies lately, but I believe bettyanne is right.
Hello Rich,
I’ve found your site very helpful researching my next GPS purchase. Keep up the good work!
Without scouring a massive amount of comments from your site, have you seen any reports of issues with the refurbished models I keep seeing advertised on some of the e-tailer deal sites? Anything to watch out for?
We currently have a Nuvi 350. My wife saw the Lane assist feature described on TV and is looking for a model that supports this. I’ve read your comments on lane assist coverage, but am still interested in getting the new features and a fresh set of maps. I’ve read several reviews commenting on touchscreen issues with this series. This also concerns me if I’m ordering an refurb unit online… I’ve heard there may be steps to ‘recalibrate’ the screen to solve the problem.
From an earlier comment, it sounds like Garmin historically does their model refresh in the summer (June mentioned above). Any word coming down the grapevine about new models? The Nuvi 350 still works, so I’m in no real rush, so I can wait for a deal or a new model.
Thanks again for the great site!
Jason
I wrote a post some time back on this… http://gpstracklog.com/2008/11/should-i-buy-a-refurbished-or-older-gps.html
Here’s Garmin’s official line (from a garmin.com support search for “refurbished)”:
Question: Is a discounted device purchased new, or newly purchased refurbished unit still covered under warranty?
Answer:
Yes. All devices purchased new from a retailer are covered under Garmin’s Warranty policies. A refurbished device still carries the same 1-year Warranty that all of our new products carry. A proof of purchase may be required for any Warranty services.
A refurb may or may not qualify for the nuMaps guarantee (http://gaarmin.com/numaps)
Screen calibration issues were a problem with early 7×5 models, but I think this was cleared up in later batches. Be aware that lane assist coverage is very limited. I’ve only seen it in Atlanta.
These are the newest models:
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/05/garmin-nuvi-295w-with-wifi.html (available now)
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/04/garmin-nuvi-3700-series.html (available this summer)
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the quick response!
Its good to know about the warranty and maps. Even with the warranty in place, I was wondering if you have had any reports of quality issues. I’d hate to have to send my “new” GPS in for service immediately… even if its covered. I guess the likelihood of getting a ‘early’ 7×5 model is higher with a refurb…
As a curiousity, how does Garmin know the ‘first use’ of the GPS? Does the GPS report its first aquisition date when the USB/WebUpdater is used?
My wife saw the TomTom XL350TM on TV (where she saw the lane assist-type feature). Any info beyond the announcement article?
The new Nuvi models look very nice, but I’m thinking for our needs, a 255W or 7x5T would be a much better buy in the $150-225 neighborhood.
Thanks again!
I think those are risks you are taking with a refurb. Generally, people seem pretty happy going this route though.
The nuvis record first satellite acquisition and report it back when you register the unit and check for map updates.
The TomTom 350/550 will use the EASE interface and will have fewer options. I should have a 550 in for review soon, but it will be a month before I complete tests and post it.
If you keep an eye on prices, you can get a good deal on a 7×5. I bought a 765T recently for $189. There’s apparently a bug in the latest firmware that causes it to hang briefly on text entry, but I’ve been told this will be fixed with the next firmware update. The 255W seems to have been less problematic for them, FWIW.
The Garmin 765T has many great features including a wide screen, lifetime traffic, mp3 player and a wireless transmitter for playback through a vehicle’s FM radio receiver. The unit however, has too many quality control issues to achieve a green-light recommendation. First, there is a lengthy delay when acquiring the satellites even when the unit has an unobstructed view of the clear sky. Often, there is an annoying lag time between screen changes as if there is an inadequate amount of RAM or processor speed required by the unit for consistent and efficient operation. The touch screen is habitually inaccurate, which means the user will press a certain button but the screen will behave as if a different button was pressed. I sought help after a 31 minute hold time, from Garmin technical support but a hard reset did nothing to solve, what many owners of the 765T believe to be inherent manufacturing defects with this particular unit. Flaws that Garmin has yet to admit or own up to. Always purchase with your AmEx card because the Buyer’s Assurance Program will double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one year.
A second tech support call to Garmin proved overall ineffectual, following a screen re-calibration. According to Garmin, they will replace a defective GPS device with new one within the first 60 days of the unit’s initial satellite connection. There is no other unit that has exactly the same features of the 765T except for the 770T which is designed for those requiring navigation in Europe. It is also considerably more expensive. My fear is that all of the 765T units behave in the same erratic manner.
Garmin did replace my defective 765T but the replacement unit was a refurb., not a new one as Garmin customer support had promised. When questioned, Garmin would not admit to the unit being refurbished despite the fact that it was clearly indicated on the package. The refurbished unit suffered from the same touch screen inaccuracies as the unit it replaced until a software upgrade greatly improved the problem. The Mp3 player still behaves badly when playing some files and the volume of the 765T decreases if unplugged from the 12 volt power source, even if the internal battery is fully charged. I would not purchase any electronic product without using my American Express card. AmEx, as noted in a previous post, will double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one year.