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Garmin nüvi 285W/285WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic

Overall rating:  

This sleek widescreen navigator takes you there with preloaded maps and turn-by-turn directions that call out streets by name. It delivers real-time local weather, traffic, movie times, stock information, gas prices, news and local events as you navigate. The 285WT provides complete maps for North America and the handy Text-to-Speech feature, so you get turn-by-turn spoken directions with the real names of streets (e.g. “turn left in 50 feet at Nebraska Way”, rather than merely “turn left in 50 feet”). Like the rest of the nüvi 205-series, this portable navigator is priced right and ultra-easy to use.

Stay Connected
The nüvi 285WT offers MSN Direct Service and is compatible with Garmin’s lifetime traffic update receiver. Enjoy 3 months of free MSN Direct Service (included) or purchase the GTM 25 and get real-time traffic updates for the life of your nüvi. Choose what’s best for you.

Intuitive touchscreen interface. Click to enlarge.

With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. Click to enlarge.

Pair with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free. Click to enlarge.

MSN Direct
With next-generation dynamic content from MSN Direct, nüvi 285WT is one resourceful personal travel assistant. Using the included receiver and free trial service to MSN Direct, you can check your flight status, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get advanced weather information, 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 locations to nüvi 285WT.

  • Free 3 month trial subscription to MSN Direct services, activation instructions provided*
  • MSN Direct Traffic Receiver (GDB 55) included in the box
  • Extended MSN Direct service subscriptions available for purchase: 12 months for $49.95 + tax (visit MSN for further details)

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

Integrated Traffic Receiver Capability
Power your nüvi and get lifetime traffic updates all with one cable, the GTM 25 with Lifetime Traffic (purchase required). This optional device provides you with updates from NAVTEQ Traffic, a real-time traffic services provider with no monthly fees or maintenance costs. NAVTEQ Traffic delivers accurate, reliable, lifetime traffic data directly to your compatible navigator. NAVTEQ Traffic provides real-time traffic conditions for more than 90 metropolitan markets in North America, including Toronto, Canada. Find out more on the product detail page.

See More
With nüvi 285WT’s widescreen display, you’ll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read–from any direction.

Get Turn-by-Turn Directions
nüvi 285WT’s intuitive interface greets you with two simple questions: “Where to?” and “View Map.” Touch the color screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination. It comes preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps, over 6 million points of interest (POIs), 2-D or 3-D maps and smooth map redraw rates as you navigate. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, giving you a big picture of the surrounding terrain. In addition, nüvi 285WT accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. With HotFix satellite prediction, nüvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.

Make Hands-free Calls with Bluetooth
For hands-free calling, nüvi 285WT integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Just pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the 285WT while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nüvi’s touchscreen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap the screen and speak into its built-in microphone. Enjoy convenient one-touch dialing for contacts and points of interest.

Take It With You
Like the rest of the nüvi 205-series, nüvi 285WT sports a sleek, slim design and fits comfortably in your pocket or purse. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot. With its “Where Am I?” emergency locator, you always know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations.

Go Beyond Navigation
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 285WT includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock, automatic time zone transition, currency converter, unit converter, calculator and more. With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. The 285WT is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download animated vehicles that show your location on the map. It also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in SD cards such as Garmin Travel Guides for detailed data on attractions.

What’s in the Box
nüvi 285WT, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America (full coverage), MSN Direct receiver (GDB 55) with integrated vehicle power cable, Vehicle suction cup mount, USB cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual

Visit Garmin.com to get the latest firmware updates for your nüvi to keep it current and performing at its best.


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

Features

  • 4.3-inch widescreen touch display lets you view map detail, driving directions, photos, and more in bright, brilliant color
  • Preloaded with detailed 2D and 3D City Navigator NT street maps, with over 6 million points of interest
  • Voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions with spoken street names and HotFix satellite prediction
  • Features Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker for hands-free calling
  • NOTE: Model number on the box is 285WT because the traffic receiver is included; however, the model number on the device itself is 285W as the “T” in 285WT refers to the additional component
  • Dimensions (W x H x L): 5 x 3 x 5 inches
  • Weight: 1 pounds

See price and more details at Amazon.com

Reviews

  1. by gustavo

    Ok I write my review in spanish to share my experience with others who dont speak english,

    Antes de viajar a Estados Unidos me la pase buscando que equipo de gps me ofreceria mas prestaciones y con un buen precio, la verdad se que acerte!!

    Hace un mes viaje con mi familia a los estados unidos de vacaciones, recorri varias ciudades (Miami,Orlando,Key West,Washington DC, Y New York)Les voy a enumerar pros y contras de este equipo , aunque de antemano lo recomiendo a ojos cerrados

    Pros:

    1. Muy facil de manejar: El menu se cambia al español y puedes explorarlo facilmente muy intuitivo, solo lo ojee en mi casa antes de viajar y le di una revisada al manual y listo

    2. Capta los satelites muy rapido, rente un carro en Miami y sali a la autopista en solo 2 minutos ya me estaba indicando que camino seguir en forma facil

    3. La voz femenina en español de latinoamerica es muy clara y el volumen del GPS es adecuado eso si con los vidrios del auto cerrados.

    4. Muy preciso te indica con antelacion y en forma repetitiva una interseccion o un desvio a tomar y si uno se pasa recalcula en segundos.

    5. tamaño de la pantalla ideal, ademas muy buena iluminacion , apesar del sol fuerte se puede observar.

    Cons:

    1. En algunas ubicaciones parece enloquecer, cuando conducia por Manhatan me decia la ruta adecuada pero al parecer por la interferencia dada por los edificios , me recalculaba la ruta a seguir repetidamente como si hubiera dado un giro inadecuado( sin haber cambiado de ruta)

    2. En algunas autopistas , por ejemplo en Newark las indicaciones algunas veces pueden ser confusas por lo que hay que estar muy atento a la señalizacion, aunque esto lo comparten otros GPS , un amigo mio tiene un Maguellan 1200 y la verdad el garmin nuvi 285wt es muy superior no solamente por la pantalla sino por el volumen, la sencillez del menu y que el 1200 no se puede poner en español.

    En resumen si estas buscando un GPS de muy buen precio y que te de total independencia para viajar este es un muy buen producto, la verdad me siento completamente satisfecho con mi compra.

    Se me olvidaba, este viene con 3 meses de MSN direct lo que puede ser muy util sobretodo por los precios de la gasolina por ejemplo y actividades que hay en la ciudad.

  2. by Bilguun Ginjbaatar

    It may not have all the whistle and bells, but it will get you from point A to point B accurately.

  3. by Walter A. Kennedy

    Very good! We, our family, have four and each user has never had a problem.

  4. by Patrick Conner

    My last Garmin GPS was getting a little long in the tooth, so I took the plunge and updated to this unit. So far, I haven’t been disappointed.

    Startup time is minimal, and the maps load quickly. Directions are accurate, though sometimes a little quirky on complex intersections. Street names are now actually pronounced as part of the directions, and the speed limit is usually shown. Overall, the basic GPS functions are solid. The extensive list of “Points of interest” is handy, though as with any such list it rapidly gets outdated as businesses open and close.

    Bonus features such as movie times and local weather are nice, though I’ve rarely used them much.

  5. by Josh Weyland

    The Garmin name is known for its reliability and quality when it comes to gps units. This model is no different, the price was great and its feature set is amazing. If you are looking for a entry level gps with some higher level features like bluetooth wireless calling, free lifetime traffic updates, and the ability to have movie times, gas prices, weather, and more updated directly to your unit; the Garmin 285 wt is definitely worth considering.

  6. by Perry D. Stamm

    This is my fourth Garmin – one for each car and motorcycle… I’ll need a few more. Garmin is the easiest to use and the most accurate. I have tried others, but their directions are either too late or too soon. Garmin is just right. Try to get the lifetime map updates if you can.

  7. by Paul Hansen

    Over all the Garmin 285wt has been working great for me. There are a couple of things that I have found that I wish where a little better are the quality of the directions for left or right side of the road. the other one is the battery does not seem to stay up as long as it should. Other than that it is a great unit so far. I would recommend this to every one that is looking for a good value.

  8. by Suresh Potharaju

    I was looking for deal for nuvi GPS and i found this deal was attractive and also value for money. I used msn direct feature and i found it is awesome but unfortunately msn is going to discontinue this feature.

  9. by LRL, Jr

    The Garmin 285wt is an excellent GPS.

    On a recent 1800 mile trip it was only confused at one intersection.

    The intersection was on a surface street right on the State Line between Missouri and Kansas.

    The 285wt recovered quickly once we were two hundred feet from the intersection.

    The MSN Traffic feature isn’t worth consideration since it has limited availability and the service is being terminated in 2012.

    I would buy this unit again!

  10. by Bert Sheridan

    This Garmin GPS device is dependent on a Microsoft program that is being discontinued. Do not buy.

  11. by RR

    excellent interface, excellent maps, traffic feature is good not great, bluetooth is basic but works great, and MSN Direct is very handy! A excellent and inexpensive navi with tons of features! Great buy!

  12. by D. Lebron

    It bothers me a little that these things are still advertised with MSN direct traffic, even though Microsoft is doing away with the service. In short, do not buy this unit for the traffic feature if you plan on using it beyond 2011.

  13. by J. D. Patterson

    Even though the 285WT is recently dubbed a “discontinued product” (so says Garmin website), it remains a fully featured, contemporary and very close technical cousin to the current model(s). Buy the optional dash mount for ultimate convenience and portability. Register your unit promptly and get a free map upgrade. DO consider buying the MSN Direct service ($29.95 for about 2 years) which unlocks a host of kewl, almost truly necessary, functional and fun add-on features. Tech support from both Garmin and MSN Direct is excellent. Online Garmin is equally exceptional. Battery life is very good. I am getting 4 hours + when recharging is done via USB directly to my laptop (vs connecting to a USB hub). Don’t leave home without this unit but put it and the mount out of sight when at the Mall or favorite wireless cafe, etc, as anything left in sight seems to tell the bad guys that they have the right to assume ownership. Enjoy and remember, please, DO not text while driving!

  14. by Timothy F. Renfrow

    Very good GPS it was easy to setup out of the box and has so many benefits. Only complaint is that I updated the maps by Navtek (sp)and the maps can’t find my house which has been here for 2.5 years.

  15. by Gary Wade Hutcherson

    Up and running just minutes out of the box. Bluetooth connection to my Blackberry was a slight challenge but works great now. I highly recommend this product and Amazon was by far the best value.

  16. by M Chow

    I like it. Worked right away. Major problem is it always directs the roads through ‘Toll ways’ bypassing the freeways. There many features including ‘Bluetooth’ capability. But after using for a month , I think most of the fetures are not required, sometimes distractors. For a GPS, a person only needs: Where To, Home, Where am I, and location of nearest Police/Hospital/Food/Gas sation and Lodging information. Others features are unnecessary. Overall I am satisfied with the product.

  17. by Jimmy Santana

    Definitively recommend this product. Easy to use, accuracy is great and value is great as well.

  18. by Tammy S

    Very happy with this purchase. It was well worth the money. Simple and easy to use. I do sometimes lose signal and am going to do an update to help alleviate that issue. Voice command is very clear.

  19. by TKD student

    No comparison with Garmin as far as ease-of-use and user-friendliness. Accuracy is good; some minor problems with accuracy in new road construction areas, which is to be expected. Bluetooth a little dodgy to set up, but since I got it going, it functions well and sounds good too. Screen is bright and easy to view. I’m 100% satisfied and I would recommend this unit, and any Garmin GPS, to family and friends.

  20. by Georgia Girl

    This is a great GPS for the price. Very user friendly; would recommend to anyone for a good basic, dependable GPS.

See price and more details at Amazon.com