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.
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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
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- Get a great deal on the Garmin nuvi 775T North America City Navigator GPS
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- 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
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- Get the Garmin nuvi 775T
for an amazing price on eBay
About Rich Owings
Does anyone know if both NAVTEQ and Traffic Master (in the UK) is supported on a US version of the Nuvi 775T?
I have one of these devices and would like to now how to load additional maps for India which I bought from an vendor ( you claims that the maps are compatible to all Garmin Nuvi devices ). Is there any command that I must use to load these maps from the SD Card.
There are numerous ways to load these maps. One is detailed at the end of this post… http://gpstracklog.com/2007/12/free-maps-for-y.html
Thanks for the quick response. I will check it out. The vendor has already given a *.img file.
Do I still do this process. Will the device switch between the two Maps ( ie one that came preloaded with the device and the new one ) automatically.
You’ll need to go into map setup and select which one to show.
I am about to purchase the 775T but have one question, when the bluetooth is paired with a head set and MP3 music can be played. Are the voice directions able to be directed through the bluetooth head set. Reason i ask is i am thinking of putting it in a motorcycle tank bag and already have a bluetooth enabled helmet.
Hello
Hi every body.If you know Garmin 775t work in Istambul(Turkey)?
Thanks, ken
Garmin maps don’t cover Turkey. You can get free ones here though, but I’m not sure which (if any) will auto-route…
http://mapcenter2.cgpsmapper.com/catalogue.php?country=204
Also, here is a third-party map available for purchase… http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mpc/#Republic of Turkey
I live in Oklahoma City which is one of the listed areas for Traffic Service. The traffic warnings are not sent in real time. These warnings must be pre-programmed to broadcast “Traffic Ahead” warnings where traffic is usually heavy during rush hour/heavy traffic times. These warnings are received even if the traffic is not heavy in these areas when I am driving through them. I also have been delayed by accidents which have slowed traffic down to a crawl and there were no warnings on my 775T. In fact I have never received a “real time” warning from this service. They all seem to be pre-programed as described above.
By the way…. on I-35 South there is a bridge overpass repair that causes the traffic to be routed into one lane on both sides of the road. This has been on going for 4 months. There is no warning of this delay being broadcast.
Currently the system is of no close to worthless to me. A Real Time system is needed for this service to be of any value.
I agree. Traffic services aren’t ready for prime time yet. There are lots of false positives and false negatives. They need many more probes and more bandwidth for this to work.
I intend to buy a nuvi 775T however I need maps for Australia. Will I be able to buy maps for Australia that are compatible with the 775T?
Yes, and here they are… https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=36360
For the additional maps I buy for my Nuvi 775T, do you suggest I buy it in on CD-ROM or micro SD Card?
Is there enough internal memory for the maps to be transferred to the Nuvi 775T (which already holds USA and Europe maps) or must the map be transferred to a micro SD card and then inserted into the slot?
Will the free GPS maps being offered on the Internet actually work on my Nuvi 775T without affecting the existing pre-loaded maps?
Thank you for answering my questions.I hope I am not being a nuisance with all my queries.
Large maps such as the Australian one will have to go on micro-SD. Smaller maps can go onto internal memory.
One advantage of a micro-SD card is that you could sell the card later if this is a one-time trip. A disadvantage is that you can’t load other maps to the card.
You can use the free maps, but it’s a good idea to back up the contents of your nuvi first (in case you accidentally erase the map!).
No problem with the questions. I like helping folks.
Rich,
Great web site and your information is down to earth and factual. Quick question – is lane assist available for European maps (France, UK, etc.)? Before I move up to a new unit I want to be sure of the lane assist feature as I see this as a major improvement over my old 765.
Thanks,
Lewis
Yes, but as with the US, coverage may be minimal.
Don’t buy this unit.
This unit is totally unreliable and has many problems. I have owned 10 GPS units and after believing in Garmin enough to purchase a unit for my airplane (396) I even bought them for my office. However I moved to Europe and chose the 775T for the map and the amenities. I’ve been using it here for a week now and have no confidence in the unit. As I stated before I am quite adept at using and fixing issues with Garmin’s product line. Immediately upon receiving the unit I updated all the software. The following are the problems, not necessarily in the order received: (1) Unit locks up for no apparent reason – The screen will freeze and the unit needs a soft reset to restart. (2) Unit shuts down on its own – plenty of battery and connected to the vehicle power. (3) Where to takes you to some random point even though you chose a defined point. This one has me scratching my head. Though I only had 3 favorites, I chose one and started navigating to it. Initially, traveling in the right direction, I noticed the “checked flag” positioned in a random point on the map. When I checked the “recently found” folder the 775T listed the place as “point”. In calling Garmin TS, Randy offered the instructions of a master reset as a last resort before sending the unit back.
It won’t take long for die-hard Garmin customers like me to use the “Where To” feature to find TomTom or another.
I use to trust my life with my 396 in the airplane. It takes a long time to “regain” someone confidence after losing it. Please don’t buy this unit if you are in emergency services or need the unit for appointments with work. You’ll find yourself in a lawsuit or losing money.
Garmin, you have provided me years of joy, please get the 775T fixed, I know you can do it!
Additionally, but not of much concern for the time being, the unit doesn’t integrate with the iPhone 3G and the FM transmitter works intermittently.
Thanks for sharing. I’d love to hear of your experience with the replacement unit they send you.
On August 18 I wrote about my experiences with the Traffic Service which is provided free of charge. Today is November 5, I have navigated many more miles and this service is still worthless. We pay nothing for this service so I guess we receive the same value for which we pay.
I have not tried the radio or cell phone stuff. Don’t need or want these features. Garmin should not attempt to build an “everything unit” because they use up valuable space which could be used for more nav. detail or more points of interest ….. just give me the best navigation unit possible…..and that’s all. I want a navigation unit for only one reason and that is….Navigation!
That said……….I believe this unit is for the most part…..Great. I just returned from a 21 day vacation in Europe. I drove 1,184 miles in mostly Germany but also in Switzerland and Austria. There is no way I could have found my way without my Garmin 775T. Also, it was so much better than the navigation unit in my rental BMW 525D. The Garmin provided much more detail and was faster in letting me know information. I turned off the BMW unit 3 days into the trip because it tried to take me the wrong way several times. Plus it was always way behind in providing information. With the Garmin . . . a few times the navigation to a hotel was off a quarter of a mile but at least I was in the right area and eventually found the hotel. The currency converter, metric converter and max. top speed information also came in very handy. I was surprised a German built navigation unit in a German made car was not as good at navigating its own country when compared to the 775T. On the 11th morning we started to another city and the 775T just kept trying to navigate and navigate but could not lock onto the route. I was really concerned since the car unit since not that reliable. But I used the car unit for about an hour (we were just traveling a long stretch of the autobahn) and then all of a sudden the Garmin came up. It worked fine for the remainder of our vacation….thank goodness.
Garmin needs to update their maps more often. I just returned from a trip and found more roads and addresses that are not in this unit’s memory. My uncle lives in a 3 year old housing addition located in Flint, Texas. Flint, Texas and his housing addition are not in the 775T. So the nav. data is at least 3 years old. Garmin should provide updates at least every 2 years.
On the way to Texas I drove to an area of Oklahoma which is a county seat. The Garmin could not find an address in an old part of town in this area. It kept saying something about not being able to navigate in this area due to limited information. Hey Garmin . . . your crews in the vans with many antennas and computers need to get back out there!
BTW……I had my 775T one week and it went blank like other people have experienced. I ask for and received a new unit. So if you have a problem like this get a replacement and your problems should be solved.
With my past experience . . . would I buy a 775T again . . . you bet. It may not be perfect but it has served me well.
Great write-up. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this. I’m sure it will help quite a few folks researching the 775t.
Looking to upgrade my GPS. With a planned trip to Spain next year, the Garmin 775t caught my eye. Can maps of Europe be downloaded and used on other Garmin models like 765t which is a bit cheaper ? Also, sounds like the traffic alert doesn’t work very well. Really need it for driving in the Sierra’s here in Calfifornia.
Yes, you’ll want the City Navigator Europe maps for that, but the 765T + maps may run more than the 775T.
Traffic doesn’t work real well anywhere. GPS manufacturers have a couple of years to go before its up to snuff.
I’ve just had two calls to Garmin where one tech told me neither the 775T Europe map nor the City Navigator Europe map shows the 3-D buildings or Lane Assist. The other tech told me it did. Both techs put me on hold to check with the software dept to be sure they were giving me the correct answer.
Does anybody who actually used the 775T in Europe know the answer? Or anyone who used the SD map in a 765T know for that situation?
Thanks
Teri…..See my reply .. number 20 above………
I know the Garmin 775T has lane assist in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The 775T is also very useful in guiding the way through turn abouts. It did not pronounce the German street names very well but this was not a problem with such clear guidance on the screen.
In 1,184 miles of driving including large cities like Kolon no 3-D buildings were displayed. But the 3-D feature is just kind a neat thing and does not really aid in navigation anyway.
Thanks Terry. I left out one pertinent piece of information. The tech at Garmin told me that the European maps that are preinstalled on units purchased in Europe are fully functioning – it’s the units purchased in US that are only full functioning North Am maps, not EU maps.
So I guess a better way to word the question might be, who has used a 775 purchased in US for EU navigation? Who has used the CityNavigator NT Europe maps on SD in the 765 and does the SD card feature the 3D and Lane Assist like the 765 preloaded North Am maps?
Now that the 765T is down to $220ish, would I be just as well off to buy it and a pre-owned SD EU map for about $50 rather than the still $370 for the 775T? I go to Europe a couple of times a year, mostly France.
Also, I’d like to buy my son a new GPS and if we both get the 765, we can share one SD EU map when we go to Europe separately. So further total cost reduction over buying two 775s for both of us.
OK, so we know my 775T was purchased in the US. Lane assist functions worked for my Germany trip but the 3D view was not there.
My question would be does the SD EU using the 765T have as much map detail, as many points of interest, etc. as the 775T would provide. About 15 days into our trip we were a little tired of German style breakfasts so checked points of interest for a McDonalds. The 775T found one within 1 mile of our location. Another time we did not want to stay in a recommended hotel located within a walled city. No elevator, little bitty rooms, etc. Our 775T located a modern (chain type like Hilton)hotel that was only 3 miles away.
BTW……why are you so intent on finding a unit which provides 3-D in Europe. Hey….I just remembered there was one 3-D view we saw on our 775T ….. the cathedrial in Kolon.
I should probably give more information. I am OK with tech stuff but not great. I haven’t used GPS. I want a unit that is as easy as possible to figure out, has blue tooth and preferably voice recognition. Reliable information of course. I do foreign travel at least once a year and would love to have the pedestrian help with Cityscape. For instance I have an upcoming London trip and it can be difficult finding a place by address-only in that city. It would be more convenient to use a GPS than a map when coming out of a tube station that has multiple entrances to orient which way to turn for the next destination. I don’t necessarily need foreign maps on the unit permanently, as will use mostly at home.
I am shopping Garmin because I had read that they are the easiest to learn to use. What GPS would really be best for me? I REALLY appreciate any help.
Definitely go with a Garmin; they are very intuitive. One option for you would be to add CityXplorer maps to a unit without European maps…
http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/garmin-cityxplorer-review.html
The more advanced pedestrian navigation features are only available on the nuvi 1xxx series though, not on the voice command 8xx models.
Feel free to follow up with more questions once you decide which is more important — the CityXplorer maps or the voice command feature.
I don’t find 3D buildings helpful; more of a hindrance actually, in that they can obscure your route. Re: an SD card, yes you can swap it between units. If you buy the 775T or the maps on a disc, you can buy an update, but they are locked to one unit.
Thanks both Terry and Rich. The reason I think I want the 3D in Europe is because I plan on using the unit mostly in pedestrian mode in the big cities. I’m a French teacher and at least one of my trips each year is leading my students. We do the cities mostly on foot, and I think it would be very helpful to be able to see major landmarks, especially in cities I don’t know by heart.
So Rich’s comment that they are a hindrance leads me to a new question – can the 3D function be turned off?