Garmin nuvi 775T review
Hands on with the Garmin nuvi 775T
UPDATE: The Garmin nuvi 1370T is a newer model transatlantic navigator
UPDATE 2: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide.
UPDATE 3: The latest trans-Atlantic navigators to be introduced are the Garmin nuvi 2475LT and nuvi 2370LT.
The Garmin nüvi 775T
The 4.3″ touch screen unit also includes stereo Bluetooth and text-to-speech, so you”ll hear “drive one-half mile, then turn left on Oak Street,” instead of just “drive one-half mile, then turn left.”
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 775T
A closely related unit, the 765T, has the same feature set as the 775T, minus the European maps. This review incorporates relevant parts of a review I did on another 7x5T series model, the nuvi 755T.
To see how the nuvi 775T stacks up against other units, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart, or use this handy Garmin auto GPS comparison tool.
More on the European maps shortly, but first let’s look at the newest features on the nuvi 7x5T 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.
|
|
Yet what impressed me most about the 775T’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 775T 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
For me, the lane assist feature is the nicest addition to the the 7x5T
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.
While the lane assist feature was very helpful, I only saw it appear
in Atlanta. It did not show up during my testing in the smaller cities
of Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC.
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 7x5T
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 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 7x5T 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 775T mount
The nuvi 775T 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 775T features of note
The nuvi 7x5T 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 775T 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
European maps
The image below shows European map coverage included in the nuvi 775T.
Unfortunately,I was not able to get to Europe to test these maps directly. Hmm, maybe I’ll do that the next time Garmin releases an x7x model!
Conclusion and recommendation
The Garmin nuvi 775T 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 from the 275T, which also
has maps of Europe and lifetime traffic. 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 they dominate our top ten GPS list and the Amazon bestseller list
More Garmin nuvi 775T reviews
- Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 775T reviews
have been posted at Amazon
- A comparison of the nuvi 7x5T and 7×0 series
I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…
Other Garmin nuvi 775T resources
- The Garmin nuvi 775T owners manual, in the language of your choice
- Want to see how the 775T stacks up against other models? Check out this Garmin auto GPS comparison tool or my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart
- There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
- The official Garmin nuvi 775T web page
- How to access archived nuvi trip logs
- Five tips for nuvi newbies
Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 775T at these merchants:
- Get a great deal on the Garmin nuvi 775T North America City Navigator GPS
at BuyDig.com
- Find the low price on a Garmin nuvi 775T at GPS Now, where shipping is free on orders over $99 (and the upgrade to overnight shipping is dirt cheap!). Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment
- Check the current Garmin nüvi 775T
- Get the Garmin nuvi 775T Transatlantic Bluetooth Automotive GPS System with Lane Assist & Lifetime Traffic
at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250
- Get the Garmin nuvi 775T
for an amazing price on eBay
| Store | Rating | Best Prices |
|---|---|---|
Compare all prices on the Garmin Nuvi 775T Auto / Road GPS ranging from $169.95 to $1,017.58. | ||
 | In stock at iSave.com | $169.95 |
powered by  | ||
I don’t think it can be turned off.
Given your use, you should look at the 12xx, 13xx, and 14xx series that are compatible with Garmin’s CityXplorer maps…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/garmin-cityxplorer-review.html
Thank goodness for forums! I will research the ones you have recommended.
Regarding turning off 3D, I found this on Garmin’s FAQs. So am I correct in reading this that it can be turned off by simply chaning the map view?
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/support/searchsupport?search_key=nuvi%20765T
Question: How do you change the Map View on my nuvi 2×0, 2x0W, 7xx, 8xx or 5000?
Answer: To change the Map View on the nuvi 2×0, 2x0W 7xx, 8xx, or 5000, please follow the steps below:
1. Power the unit on.
2. From the ‘Where to?’ and ‘View Map’ page, touch the wrench icon (Tools).
3. Touch ‘Settings’.
4. Touch ‘Map’ (may need to arrow down to see this option).
5. Tap on the blue box adjacent to or under ‘Map View’. This box will usually be labeled ’3 Dimensional or 3D View’.
6. Touch ‘Track Up’ or ‘North Up’.
7. Touch ‘OK’.
8. Press and hold ‘Back’ to return to the main screen.
The Map View will now be changed to your view setting.
Last modified on: 06/10/2008
Afraid not. We’re talking about two different things here. Using the settings described above, you can switch from a 2D / flat map view, to a 3D, / birds eye perspective, which is the normal mode for auto GPS. 3D buildings are something else entirely. You can see in the images in this review where 3D buildings can partially obscure your route. Its not a huge issue, but I wanted to make you aware of it.
I purchased my Garmin 775T in October, I updated my North American Maps and I added some favorites. I use the Garmin in my real estate business. Frequently I get the prompts Memory Full & Waypoint Memory Full and soon afterwards my GPS then locks up. I then have to do a reset and I lose all my imput information. I still have my Garmin Nuvi 370, used in both North America and Europe and never had a problem, never had to reset. What can I do to eliminate this problem with the Nuvi 775T. Thanks for any help you can give me. I also own the Street Piolet 2760 and had to send it in for repairs for connectivity under an extented warranty purchased.
I’d talk to Garmin support about the problem. You can remove unnecessary files, such as audio files. You should also get a copy of MapSource and back everything up before doing a reset…
http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-install-mapsource-if-it-didnt-come-with-your-gps/
I purchased a 775T and a 765T recently. Does any one know if I could load the 775T software (maps, etc) into the 765T? They’re supposedly the same, except for the Europe map (on the 775T).
That would be software piracy.
Sorry. Do not mean to pirate the software. The 765T which was purchased from Amazon says it comes with a GTM 21, but was shipped with a GTM 20. My brother who was using the 765T complained of poor reception on the return trip, but had no problem with the 1st leg of his travel. I read that the US version might have limitation due to FCC regulation, and that the transmission for the European version has fewer issue. I have a replacement order coming, but was just wondering if the software on the 775T would make a difference on the 765T just because of this issue.
My apologies. I thought you wanted to copy the European maps over to the 765T. I think the only differences are in the GTM receivers, not the unit software. Hope that helps.
No need. The replacement unit arrived today – still the GTM20. I spoke with 3 Amazon reps already, and even put in the gift note that please send the GTM 21 vesion not the GTM 20 and they still not do it right. Their latest email says it was a mistake on their web page. I spoke with Garmin rep, who says the 765T actually is packaged with either GTM 20 or GTM 21. I guess Amazon does not carry the GTM 21 version.
I use the 775T FM transmitter (GTM 21) without the hissing noise on channel 88.7. I just use the 765T FM transmitter (GTM 20) tonight; big difference. Lots of hissing/inteference. I autoscan, and selected 2 other channels with minimal improvement. I guess it would be the hardware. Does any one ever gotten a GTM 21 which was shipped with a 765T? Thanx.
we are americans in germany and want to buy the 775T..
are the voice directions in german or are they an english version? will the GPS know the german street names? i heard it defaults to distance and cardnal direction instead of the german street names, etc..
pleaase advise.
thanks
The 775T speaks in English. It provides directions using the German street names but the way it pronounces them it is hard to understand. However this is no problem because turns, exits, autobahn numbers, etc. are very clear. Also turn abouts are no problem. The 775T tells you to take the next turn about, the street name is given and then it says …… take the first, second, third, etc. exit. So if you do not understand the street name all you have to do is take the correct exit out of the turn about.
One day we came to one of those German villages and the hotels were very old, run down and the hotel people did not speak English. Using our Garman we found a very nice Chain hotel just 7 miles away. Then we drove back the the village to see the sites the next day. Also after 19 days in Germany we wanted hamburgers/french fries a couple of times and found a Burger King and a McDonalds using the Garman.
There is no way I could have found my way around Germany without the Garman. Hope this helps.
Thanks for helping out!
Hello, I have had a Nuvi 350 with the Europe SD Card for over 3 years and I have been very happy with the unit. I need to upgrade the maps, but the costs would almost be enough to buy a new unit, so I thought I would and keep the 350 for backup. I use the unit mostly for driving, but I also use it while walking in some cities in Europe. Would I be better with the 775 or the 765 or 755 with the New Europe SD card (which would be cheaper than the 775 with integrated maps). Is there any advantage to having integrated maps with the 775?? Thanks.
I thought of something else, my SD Card in my Nuvi 350 is 3 years old and says V9. Is this the same card that is available now?? If so, can it be used in a new unit (i.e. 765)? Also, how does the 7×5 units compare (from anyones’s experience) with the 13XX or 14xx?
Other than the fact that you tie up the SD slot, no, there’s no advantage one way or the other. Go the cheapest route — pre-loaded European maps or another model + City Navigator Europe NT 2010.
Also consider the nuvi 1370T, which is compatible with CityXplorer maps…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/garmin-cityxplorer-review.html
No, V9 is old, though you could still use it, perhaps in conjunction with CityXplorer maps.
7×5 units have a powered mount (no need to connect mini-USB each time you use it), better Bluetooth, multi-destination routing and audio features. There are also touchscreen accuracy issues with some units.
13xx/14xx offer CityXplorer compatibility and more customization options. See my 1490T review for more details…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/garmin-nuvi-1490t-review.html
Hope that helps.
Rich,
THANKS for the reply. Your site is very helpful. NOW I have more questions! What is the difference in in CityXPlorer and City Navigator Maps? We are going to Europe for a little over two weeks in April. We will be driving in Tuscany for a little over a week, walking in Venice (The 350 was a life saver before in that maze) and in Paris (5 days and 3 days respectivly). I Mainly want it for driving in Italy (WHEW, thank goodness for GPS). The 14xx units are nice, but a bit on the large size for walking around.
Blue Tooth, MP3, are features that I really don’t care about. Multi-destination routing would be great (would be nice to pre-plan, say several hill towns on the way to the final destination. I REALLY want a reliable unit (my 350 has been rock solid) with faster updated features. Originally, I was looking at the 775T and the 1370T. However, I could possibly get a unit without the Europe Maps and buy the SD card for the same or less. Any Thoughts….. Again THANKS.
Rich,
This is what it is down to:
Nuvi 765 @ ~$206 + Europe SD maps @ ~$107 = ~$313
Nuvi 775 ~$370
Nuvi 1370 ~$270 (con no multi point routing)
Nuvi 1690 @ ~$340 + Europe SD maps @ ~$107 + ~$447 (con $$$)
Advantage to Nuvi without SD, new SD purchased can be used in older Nuvi 350 that I own. Advantage to Nuvi with built in maps, can purchase map updates for both, not just US, SD cards have to be replaced.
With these considerations and cost NOT being a major factor, and reliability and useful features being the main driving force (I don’t need Blue Tooth, Voice command, MP3, etc, would like multi point if possible), what would your reccommendations being. THANKS!
I think its a toss up. If it were me and I was going to use mass transit any, I’d get the 1370 and some CityXplorer maps. Otherwise I might go for a 7×5 for the powered mount. You may find the 755 a little cheaper BTW.
Multi-point routing can be nice, but you can pretty easily get around this by using Favorites, Vias and Recent Destinations. Still, you can only route to two points at a time.
But then if cost isn’t a factor, its awfully nice having Google Local search available on the 1690.
Ha! Don’t know if that helps any at all!
Also, the CityXplorer maps maps do have road coverage, just for a more limited area. They also have enhanced pedestrian navigation, offering multiple route options if I recall correctly.
Rich,
THANKS for all your help AND the web site!! I got the 1370t based on much thought and your reccommendations. The unit cost me ~$250 which is only about $70.00 more than what the 2 map updates on my 350 would have cost. I really like the 1370t unit, my only complaints so far would be that Garmin only allows you ONE free update to the pre-loaded maps. You can ONLY update either the European OR the American maps. You would figure that when you buy a new GPS that the company would at least give the latest maps available when purchased. So I updated the more expensive Euro maps and will live with the older versiion of the US maps (2010.10 vs 2010.30) that came out in early 2009. The other of course is the feature I knew about due to your web site, is that the 1370t does not offer the powered car mount which is a VERY desireable feature found on my 350.
Glad it was helpful. Enjoy your next trip!
I own a 775T for some time now, had it replaced twice (1 dead, 1 locked (turns on but no functions) and I am quite happy. One thing I noticed recently on a trip in the desert: The tracking function is great to watch on MapSource and Google Earth where you had been. However, if I try to track back, by following my way I came from (the blue line), I noticed that it stopped after perhaps 20km or so. The blue line (my way I came from), disapperas. Not helpful at all if you want to depend on it for your way back. The track is available via MapSource, but it would not show on the Nüvi screen. I thought the track could be as long as 10000 track points. After that, the unit would overwrite the oldest points. I am talking here about a track of say 2000 points, or even less. And it appears, I see on my way back only perhaps 300 or so. By the way, I dbl checked: Not only on my way back, also at my destination, trying so see where I came from, I don’t seem to see the track complete (as I do in MapSource). Why?
Any idea how I can resolve this issue? Thanks, Erhard
I searched Garmin.com support and found this in reference to the 1xxx series, but I’m betting its the same on the 7×5′s:
“You can view the most current 500 points on the nüvi device itself by enabling the Trip Log. Beyond 500 points the nüvi will begin to drop off the oldest points as new ones are added.”
I’d call Garmin support and let them know you want to see the full tracklog.
hi,
I just purchased a garmin 775t and was trying to pair the bluetooth with my 2010 highlander. But I was unable to do so. I made sure that the passkeys were the same, but still with no luck. Please advise.
Sincerely,
Kris
Pairing often takes multiple tries, so don’t give up too soon. Sometimes the order you do things in can impact it. You might also make sure you have the latest firmware for your nuvi.
I am tryng to decide between the Garmin 775T and the 1370T. I want the European maps. Would you have a recomendation of one over the other.
Thanks.
I’d go with the 775T if the powered mount, MP3 player, FM transmitter, (better) Bluetooth, and / or the ability to automatically mark your parking spot are important to you.
The 1370T would be a better choice if you will be using it for mass transit or want a thinner, lighter device in your pocket.
Or you could pick another model and just add European maps to it!
Hope this helps.
Jerry, I recently faced this same dilemma. After all the good advice I got here from Rich, I went with the 1370T and have already used it in Europe last month.
I do miss the powered mount and I really like the marking feature on the 775, BUT I did not want to have to spend additional money to buy the European maps AND I wanted to be able to load the City Xplorer maps as well as use it in pedestrian mode. I have been extremely well pleased. So much so in fact, my son who went with me on my European trip purchased one for himself. Both of us were upgrading from the Street Pilot series.
Oh, and I have purchased and used the City Xplorer maps for both Washington DC and Paris, and I liked that feature just as much as I hoped I would.