Garmin nuvi 285WT

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our auto GPS buyers guide.

NOTE: MSN Direct is ceasing operations on January 1, 2012.

The Garmin nüvi 285WTis one of the second-generation models in the nuvi 2×5 series, which I dubbed the “best entry level GPS on the market.” This series offers more mid-line features though; in addition to everything that made the 2×5 series a hit, the 285WT adds MSN Direct services and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use. It includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada, has a 4.3″ wide touch-screen and comes with 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.”

The similarly appointed nuvi 265WT has lifetime NAVTEQ traffic instead of MSN Direct; otherwise it is identical to the 285WT.

Step down to the nuvi 265T, and you’ll sacrifice the wide screen for a 3.5″ model. The nuvi 275T also has a 3.5″ screen, but includes maps of Europe in addition to the U.S. and Canada.

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 285WT

Portions of the following were taken from my nuvi 265WT review.

Other nuvi 285WT features of note

As I mentioned earlier, the nuvi 285WT has all the great features already found on the first generation nuvi 2×5 series. These include:

• A redesigned map screen that provides a third data field showing your current speed (screen shot below)

  

• Speed limit display (the number of roads with this coverage seems to be increasing dramatically too)
• Tracklog display to show where you’ve been (can be disabled and/or erased); this is the thin blue line in the image above
• 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 (screenshot below)

  

• Recently searched for cities and streets can be accessed from search screens (screen shots below)

  

  

• While it’s not a feature that I find useful, you can download Google™ Panoramio™ pictures via Garmin Connect™ Photos and navigate to them
• Terrain modeling is a nice piece of eye candy, though it only works in 2–D mode when zoomed out to at least 5 miles (see screenshot below)

More Garmin nuvi 285WT reviews

• Consumer-authored Garmin nuvi 285WT reviews have been posted at Amazon
• HinesSight trades up from the nuvi 350 to the nuvi 285WT

I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…

Other Garmin nuvi 285WT resources

• Confused about so many models and choices? Use this Garmin nuvi comparison tool or check out my own Garmin nuvi comparison chart
• There is a dedicated Garmin nuvi message forum at GpsPasSion
• The official Garmin nuvi 285WT web page
• Five tips for nuvi newbies

Compare prices on the Garmin nuvi 285WT at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin nüvi 285WT price at Amazon
• Get a great deal on the Garmin Nuvi 285WT GPS Navigation System at BuyDig.com
• Check out the deal on the Garmin Nuvi 285WT Auto GPS at Tiger Direct
• Get the Garmin nuvi 285WT for an amazing price on eBay