Garmin nüvi 780 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct Service
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The nüvi 780 adds enhanced MSN direct content to the multi-destination routing and “Where Am I?” features and gorgeous widescreen display of other nüvi 700s to create a superior navigation device for business as well as casual drivers. As with all nüvis, you get Garmin reliability, the fast satellite lock of an integrated high-sensitivity receiver, a slim, pocket-sized design with a gorgeous display, an easy, intuitive interface, and detailed NAVTEQ maps for the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico with more than 6 million name-searchable points of interest. All of the 700-series navigators also feature a rich array of features including spoken directions in real street names, integrated traffic receivers, MP3 player and photo viewer, and an FM transmitter that will play voice prompts, MP3s, audio books, and more, directly through your vehicle’s stereo system.
 Garmin’s nüvis pack top of the line features into a slim form factor.
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Enhanced MSN Direct Content
An integrated receiver allows you to access enhanced dynamic content from the MSN Direct service. Check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, get 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 custom to your nüvi.
- Free 3-month trial subscription to MSN Direct services, activation instructions provided
- MSN Direct Traffic Receiver included in the box
- Extended MSN Direct service subscriptions available for purchase: 12 months for $49.95 + tax (visit MSN for further details)
Multi-Destination Routing
Wider screen lets you see more of what’s around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen and a 4.3-inch diagonal widescreen  |
This lets you enter several spots into the device (day care – supermarket-cleaners – office – day care, for example) and it will plot the fastest route. And once you’ve found the best router, the “Route Planning” feature lets you save up to 10 different routes, Garmin touts the feature for providing, “the most efficient route for errands, deliveries and sales calls.” The feature also makes this an instant essential accessory for anyone who shops garage sales (you know what we’re talking about).
A trip log provides an electronic bread crumb trail of up to 10,000 points, so you can see where you’ve been on the map.
Where Am I? Where’s My Car?
The nüvi 700 series is the first to answer two common questions: “Where am I?” and “Where’s my car?”
At any time, with a single tap of the screen, drivers can display their exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations. And to help drivers find their car in an unfamiliar spot or vast parking lot, the nüvis in the 700 series automatically mark the position in which they were last removed from the mount.
See Better, See More
The super-bright, 4.3-inch (diagonal) touchscreen display gives is anti-glare for ease of viewing during the day and automatically changes its color profile for easy viewing at night or in dim light. It offers 2d or 3D perspective views.
The widescreen format gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push.
First Rate Map Data
The nüvi 780 is preloaded with highly detailed City Navigator NT road maps for the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This map database features nearly six million points of interest (POIs), including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin gets its map data from NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping.
Hands-Free Calling
In more and more places, it is becoming illegal to use cell phones while driving without a hands-free kit. The nüvi 780’s Bluetooth capability, microphone and speaker lets match it to any bluetooth-capable phone to make hands-free mobile phone calls. Simply dial the phone number with the nüvi’s touch screen keypad to make a call on a compatible phone. To answer an incoming call, just tap the screen and speak into the built-in microphone. Making and taking calls on the road has never been easier, or safer. In addition, Garmin makes it a breeze to look-up and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or even tap into your cell phone’s call history log.
Garmin Lock
Garmin’s patent pending theft prevention system that disables the unit from performing any functions until the user types in a specific 4-digit PIN or takes the unit to a predetermined secure location
Easy To Use Interface
Garmin’s interface is a key to their success and one of the things that makes their devices such a pleasure to use. Simple controls and sub-screens make it easy to enter or search for destinations and get data about your trip.
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Beyond Navigation
 Browse your stored pictures with an easy-to-use JPEG viewer. |
 A handy MP3 player lets you play songs stored on SD memory cards. |
 nüvi accepts custom points of interest (POIs). View larger. |
Navigation is just the beginning. nüvi 780 features travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, MP3 player, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. It also comes with Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map.
This device is compatible with optional content plug-ins available via SD card, such as the Garmin Travel Guides and Garmin SaversGuide provide detailed data for attractions and information on nearby merchants offering discounts, so you can customize nüvi for your travel needs.
Garmin has also added the ability for customers to add custom points of interest (POI’s) from third parties such as school zones and safety cameras.
Trick Your GPS Ride
 Custom vehicle icons let you ride in style, at least inside your GPS. See more icon option |
Like all nüvis, the 780 supports configurable vehicle icons. These fun, customized car-shaped icons come in a variety of colors to add a personal touch to your vehicle’s position on the map.
With this GPS system on board you’ll be prepared to steer clear of traffic with the integrated FM TMC traffic receiver. The nüvi is designed to receive alerts about traffic tie-ups and road construction that might lie ahead on your route. All you have to do is simply touch the screen to view traffic details and you’ll be ready to detour around any problem area. And if you end up missing a turn, or you’re forced into a detour that is not relayed through the traffic receiver, the nüvi’s sophisticated automatic routing will get you back on track in no time.
What’s in the Box
nüvi 780, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America*, MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable, 9 months free MSN Direct service*, Vehicle suction cup mount*, USB cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual
Notes
- Optional software for language translation, detailed travel guides, and savings programs allow you to customize your nüvi to fit your travel needs
- The FM transmitter feature is only available in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
- Like most USB Mass Storage Devices, the nüvi is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me
- Visit Garmin.com to get the latest firmware updates for your nüvi to keep it current and performing at its best
Notice: MSN Direct service will be available only until January 1, 2012.
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Device
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Screen Size inches (W x H)
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Included Maps
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Text-to-Speech (Directions in Real Street Names)
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Traffic
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Bluetooth
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Media
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FM Transmitter (audio through car stereo system)
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Multi-Point Routing
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Battery life (hours)
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Cont. U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
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AK and Canada
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Europe
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| nüvi 205 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 205w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||||
| nüvi 255 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 255w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 260w | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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Photos | up to 5 | |||||
| nüvi 265T | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 265WT | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 275T | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 285WT | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 465T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 755T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 760 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 5 | |
| nüvi 765T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | |
| nüvi 775T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 |
| nüvi 780 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 3 months free); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 5 | |
| nüvi 785T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | |
| nüvi 850 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 855 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 885T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (receiver included; 9 months free); FM (with optional receiver) |
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Photos, MP3s |
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up to 4 | |
| nüvi 1200 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1250 | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1260T | 2.8 x 2.1 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1300 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | |||||
| nüvi 1350 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (with optional receiver) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1350T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) | Photos | up to 4 | ||||
| nüvi 1370T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1390T | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos | up to 4 | |||
| nüvi 1490T | 4.4 x 2.5 |
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MSN-enhanced (with optional receiver); FM (receiver included; Lifetime Traffic) |
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Photos |
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up to 4 | ||
| nüvi 1690 | 3.81 x 2.25 |
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NAVTEQ Traffic, 2 years free (Garmin nüLink! service) |
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Photos |
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up to 4 | ||
Features
- GPS navigator preloaded with City Navigator North America NT
- 4.3-inch diagonal touchscreen display with 2D/3D mapping perspective
- Turn-by-turn directions with Voice Guidance/Text-to-Speech feature
- Includes MSN Direct receiver with Version 2
- Weighs just 1.8 pounds and measure 0.8 x 4.8 x 2.8 inches (W x L x H)
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 3 x 1 x 5 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds
Double the cost-1/2 the function
I have an old Tom Tom which is far superior. This unit may have the newer bells and whistles, but it is problematic for me because: It doesn’t give you an option on routing, just picks the route and you can’t alter it. Or at least, I haven’t figured out how to. It invariably thinks the fastest or most efficient route is through the heart of a big city and refuses to take you around cities via freeway. While the distance may be shorter, the traffic is horrible. It is good at rerouting you when you go somewhere else, so if you have any clue where you are going, and ignore it’s directions, sooner it later it will agree with you and map your way. However, if you know better than the navigator, the most efficient or quickest route, what’s the point? Biggest waste of money, too bad I already gave away my old Tom Tom…
The devil’s in the details
We recently replaced our Garmin 360 with this Model 780 and proceeded to take it on a 3500 mile trip. Pros: bigger, brighter screen, faster alignment with satellites, FM transmitter improves audio, nice to have the MP3 player and picture viewer, MSN can be helpful, but only in major urban areas, and the POI database has very good diversity of subcategories. Overall, glad we bought the new unit. However, there’s room for several improvements: The battery icon does not correlate with available charge – seems there’s time left, then screen says Low Battery and almost immediately it shuts down; you shouldn’t have to manually adjust time zones – if it knows where I am to within 15-20′, it must know when I crossed a state border and have now changed zones; the text-to-speech function could be smarter – in TX there are FM (Farm to Market) roads, and the “FM” is translated to Federated States of Micronesia, good for a laugh but not very useful, even more amazing is that St. as in street is spoken as “Saint”, both apply geographically, but there must be a way to program the distinction; finally, a helpful upgrade would be to limit the number of “Recalculating” notifications or provide an “accept new route” keystroke – if, because of accident, weather, traffic or whatever, you alter your course but you have programmed a destination and its routing is defined, you can be driven crazy by the endless attempts to get you back on the original path. In conclusion, well worth owning, especially at the deeply discounted Amazon price!
Garmin 780
It has been very useful and I am sure I will get more fun out of this item for quite a while
I use it all the time…but it’s not flawlesss
The good: Intuitive interface makes it easy to use. Navigation is awesome. I live in a small town and would never need this GPS here but I travel a lot and wouldn’t consider driving elsewhere without this Garmin. The built-in MP3 player / FM transmitter makes this device useful in my own town and adds outstanding value to the product. You can plug headphones into it, listen to music on the built in speaker, or it will transmit your music to any FM radio’s unused channel. It transmits approximately 5 feet. You can also take the SD card out of your digtial camera and insert it into the garmin and it will show a slideshow of the images you have taken. It’s a nice feature if the display on your camera is tiny. You can choose a photo that is your “startup” photo when the Garmin is first turned on. I selected a screen shot of text that tells how to reunite me with the Garmin if it gets lost or stolen. The unit has an optional security code that can be used that makes it useless if found or stolen, and the text with my cell number specifies that a “no questions reward” is available if somebody finds it (the start up photo I selected).
I also use the Garmin when I’m hiking in the woods because it tells me how far I’ve hiked, how fast I’m hiking, and how much time I’ve been moving versus being stationary. It is easy to reset trip data. You can use such data for calculating calories burned (on your computer, you can’t calculate calories with the Garmin). The unit has a pedestrian screen mode that saves battery power and disables the touch screen.
There is also a feature where you can place calls with the Garmin if you have a bluetooth enabled cell phone. I hooked it up that way and it did work. However every bluetooth enabled cell phone that I’ve ever seen already has a speakerphone option built in so I’m not sure what the point of this feature is. Other than seeing if it worked (it works) I’ve never used this feature.
There is a hidden gem in this unit where you can go to maps.google.com and select locations and it will add that information to your Garmin. Of course your Garmin has to be hooked up to your computer to use this feature. It’s great if you want to find places to visit before you go and put them into your “recently found” folder in your Garmin.
The bad: The Garmin also has a feature to translate phrases, unfortunately the free “demo” that comes with the unit causes the unit to lock up if I try to use it. It locks up so bad even the on/off switch doesn’t work. You either have to wait 3-4 hours for the internal battery to die or call tech support and have them walk you through a manual reset in order to regain use of your GPS! Imagine if you had this problem and you needed to drive somewhere. Fortunatley this is not a feature I wanted to use but it makes me wonder what else is wrong with the product. This was not a one-time occurrence. Everytime I use the phrase translator the unit freezes up.
The map that came with the unit was about 4 years old, however you get one map upgrade for free. After that, map upgrades are about fifty dollars. I think that is steep, especially considering that sometimes you need to buy a map upgrade because the original one had errors in it.
Also, the MSN direct service is terminated January 1, 2011. When I bought the GPS I thought that it meant my subscription was good until 1/1/2011. No. MSN direct is ceasing operation forever on 1/1/2011. So don’t buy this GPS based on MSN direct service. Also the MSN direct only works in a few large cities. Chances are you don’t have it where you live. I did use it in Los Angeles and it was great but it’s never worked anywhere else. And it won’t work at all anywhere after 1/1/2011. They should stop advertising the MSN feature altogether. I feel like it is false or misleading advertising.
I bought the topographical map add-on for $49.99 and it was worthless. Other than slowing the unit down it does nothing and provides no useful information. For example, I was hiking in the woods and a small lake appeared on the map but much larger ones do not. The data is completely unreliable. Bad data is probably more dangerous than no data. It was a rip off.
I’ve used the Garmin all over the USA including Alaska and the street maps are great. I’ve never used it in Canada. In Mexico it only showed two highways. No streets or businesses. I’ve heard that there is a map upgrade for Mexico but if it’s as useful as the topographical map I bought it is probably worthless. This was advertised as having map information for “North America”. Last time I looked, Mexico was still part of North America. Maybe it broke off and floated away? At any rate there are more roads in Mexico than the two highways and no business information included with this Garmin. Based on the information I have I don’t know whether or not the Canada maps are of any value or if there is business information for Canada.
I’m disappointed in the MSN fiasco and the fact that the unit is buggy enough to lock up so bad the on/off button doesn’t even work. I’m disappointed with the ad-on map I bought. I would have been disappointed if it was a free download and feel like I was robbed paying $50 for it. As a street navigation unit and MP3 player I really like this product and I am happy with it.
pretty handy
First GPS device, couple of friends recomended me to use a Garmin. Really easy to use, I like it.
Lost no more
I’m a first timer and this is so easy to use and fun too! I own a mini cooper so this screen size is great. I worried that it would be an eye sore because it wasn’t built in but it looks very cool and the ease of quickly taking it down to store in a secure place in the car is good. I recommend this happily because I am lost no more!
This thing ROCKS!!!
Let me start by saying I was a little hesitant at first to purchase this Garmin since I had a bad experience with a previous Garmin that I owned a few years ago. None the less, I still decided to purchase this unit and give Garmin another try!! Let me say that I’m SO glad that I did!!
After reading a lot of reviews, the first thing I did was download the recent software version and update the maps as soon as I got it out of the box. (I think it took approx. 3 – 4 hours to do this.) I registered my free 3 month trial of MSN direct too and was able to use it for my commute home. (I wanted to test the unit with a route that I was familiar with before going into unknown territory.) Let me tell you that the Garmin actually took me a way home I didn’t know existed and saved me a few extra mins. too!! I was so impressed. Ever since then it’s been nothing but a pleasure to use. The only thing I don’t really like it how long it takes sometimes to acquire a signal (approx. 2 – 3 mins.) but I guess I’m probably just a little impatient. Ha, ha! :0)~
I am also a little disappointed that the MSN direct service will be unavailable soon but I’m sure I’ll figure something else out by then or just give this unit to a relative and get myself a new one! Oh . . . the bluetooth . . works great with my iphone although I wish the speaker volume was a little higher. I can hear it fine driving around town but when I get on the freeway and start flying, the volume on the unit seems to get drowned out. Oh, I also purchased the bean bag friction mount for my unit since it’s illegal to have the windshield mouth in CA and it stays perfectly in place even when I fly around corners at 50 mph! Love it!
All in all, I am VERY happy with my Garmin!!
MY GARMIN 780
ON A SCALE FROM 1 TO 10 I WOULD RATE THIS PRODUCT A 27!! THIS IS THE FIRST AND LAST NAVIGATOR I WILL PROBABLY BUY. SIMPLY THE BEST FOR ME.
Disappointing because voice lags behind real-time driving
I really wanted to like this unit. However, the biggest problem is that the voice lags behind the real-time driving situation, so by the time it tells you to make a turn, you’ve already passed the opportunity by almost a tenth of a mile. This really needs to be improved.
Good, but not perfect
This is my 3rd GPS, the first being the Etrex vista, the second was GPSMap 60CSx, and now this.
While all the other models are for trail/bike use, this one is a vehicle GPS, with nice large screen, and other functions. While being an iPhone user, the display at best is a “push screen” instead of a touch one, after getting used to it it works pretty OK. Sunlight fades the screen, but when applying brightness keeps it more or less readable.
Navigation is fast, default map detail in the US (Boston, D.C. area) was good, the really detailed Costa Rica map I purchased behaves good too. Route recalculation is usually fast.
Satellite position, list is completely missing. This is my biggest problem with the unit. I just cannot get to a screen where you see all the satellites and their signal strength, and so getting just the right satellites to get a lock is not that easy at times.
Lock-on can be a problem. Interestingly the unit locks on to satellites pretty fast when in a vehicle, while on foot it just takes forever sometimes, even in a wide open place. I am not sure why this is, but when disconnected from the car charger, the unit sometimes refuses to get a decent lock.
The goodies: no Mapsource (or any) CD, no SD card and the manual is a ridiculous 2-page quick start with no detail. This is something I really did not like. The MSN receiver never got activated, even though I did the activation twice. Technically I had 1 day driving in the US, and was eager to see the extras it gives, without any success.
Other functions: while there are a bunch of functions, such as unit converter, media player, world clock, but being a “travel assistant” I was shocked to learn, that you can only select a few countries timezone wise, and that there is NO ALARM CLOCK.
All in all, the GPS is OK for the car, but if I need a serious unit I just take my 60CSx along, as that has replaceable batteries that last 10+ hours, and instant lock-on even in the jungle (I ride dirt bikes in the jungle with the 60CSx, and get a lock anywhere).
I think Garmin has to put the satellite monitoring screen, and alarm clock, and an option for a replaceable battery as an option on these units. I was thinking of getting a portable USB charger, but the unit forces itself into computer mode when connected to USB power and is not very consistent how you can snap it out from that mode (connect, then disconnect, then connect helps).
Also what sense does it make, to turn the unit on (along with the display) when I just want to charge it through USB. This is absolutely nonsense.
So, a lot of complaints, but the GPS is still good for the car. I guess I am just used to more technical units, with more features for the geeks, hikers, climbers, bikers.
Great device, more then just navigation
This is really a great device. As a navigation device, its really easy to use and I have yet to find a destination it does not know. The nice thing about this device it can serve as more then just a navigation device. The bluetooth function on this thing is great. Its very easy to sync your phone too, and automaticly syncs to your contacts. If you want to use this as a bluetooth device however, I strongly suggest you invest in the Mic offered my Garmin, it will make your calls sound much clearer. Now I actually have this device hardwired in my car (well the base is the device can still be removed)I also use the Aux audio function to allow the navigation to play through my car’s speakers. This makes it so its REALLY nice for using the bluetooth function, but the MP3 player is also very nice. The only downside to this device is the MSN direct function. I do not live near a service area, so this function all but useless to me, the information that it does provide, is only for the service area, so its giving me weather, and traffic info, for places 50 miles south of me. So dont let this feature be a big selling point for you.
Awesome Garmin
This garmin has more features then the one I bought at Costco for $100 more. Very easy to use, nice size screen.
Quite a disappintment for money
Have had this for 4 months now. Bought this off of Amazon for a price that I thought was a good deal. After all it had blue tooth, FM transmitter and you can’t go wrong with that. Well first off the database of this model (or at least the model that I got) is pretty dated. I can’t find some roads that I have been driving on for a couple of years. I know that there is database upgrade that can be done but if I am buying a unit in December 2009, I would at least expect the database to be updated till mid of 2009. Second the blue tooth connects well to the phone but it is of now use as there is an echo that the calling party hears a lot of echo so it is pretty unusable. The problem gets aggravated when you try to use the FM transmitter to route the incoming audio to car speakers. Thirdly it does not speak the street names something that you would expect for this price. The other annoying things regarding the layers of menu before you get anything done are really that – annoyances but something that you learn to live with. All in all it will get you to a lot of places but really not worth the money. I would rather buy a cheaper GPS for that.
Talks a big game
This gps boast many features. The main features I was looking for were the bluetooth capability and the lane recognition. I have yet to experience either of these. Of the 10 different model wireless phones I’ve tried to pair with the device, none actually will pair with the GPS. I’m not sure that it is even compatible with any phones as this model number GPS does not exist on Garmin’s website for compatible phones. If you’re looking for hands-free be sure to ask about specific model phones with GPS devices. It took 5 emails to customer service asking for a list of compatible devices before they finally sent me a link that doesn’t even contain the nuvi 780.
In my estimation the best!
I have purchased at least 8 Garmin GPS for automobiles for myself and friends and relatives. I started with the best hand held even used by the Special Forces the Garmin Map60 CSx. I have tried other companies and was not satisfied. Of course there are models that have a higher amount of options that the adverage customer will never use. Do not be confused with the idea that a 1200 has to be newer and better than a 780.
This unit Garmin Nuvi780 “Personal Assistant” is perfect. It has a 4.3″ screen is about 3/4″ thick and can be mounted in your car or truck or carries in your pocket as your travel guide around the city you are in. Once you leave your car in a parking area you can remove the unit from it’s holder and switch from being in a car to now it is a pedestrian! One thing it will do right off the bat is remember where the car is! Now you have a pocket guide to find resturants and addresses you need. All the regular items such as an ATM machine, do calculations for you and convert currency rates.
This unit is text to speech with the turn announced along with the name of the street you are turning onto. The unit also has a very nice feature when there are multiple lanes to get you over to where you need to be to be ready for your next turn on the trip. The one key or button that I think is the most valuable to any person or group traveling is the WHERE AM I FEATURE. Why would one care about this? When you are in some foreign place or a State you are driving through and you possibly have an emergency situation this is invaluable! You press WHERE AM I and up comes a screen that shows the exact longitude and latitude coordanites, the nearest house, the nearest intersection, all on the left side of the screen. On the right side of the screen you will get listings in this order…..Hospitals and medical help….Police Departments….Places to buy fuel. If you click on Hospitals it will give you a list of them and weather they have ER Services and the distance you are from all of them and the phone number. If you click on Police, you get the name of the agency and the distance to same and the phone number. Lastly the fuel stations available and the distance you are from them. You can type in the brand fuel you like and all those stations will appear. IF YOU HAD AN EMERGENCY AND YOU ARE FAR FROM HOME…..Click on the police option and there is their phone number. Now when you are on the line with them you have your EXACT LOCATION on the screen to get them to you ASAP!
I am very satisfied with this unit and the one I am writing about here today went to a Dear Friend and his wife in the outback in Florida, USA! He is 78 and she is 75 years old and they can run this item! I use the sandbag base in the car so you do leave any sign on the windshield that you own one to tip off a theif. I buy the 115 volt charger also so I can charge it in my hotel room if I am going to be away from my car for a while. I could go on and on about this unit and garmin but this is a taste of what you will find fantastic about this unit. Also, Amazon has all you need and the PRICE YOU WILL LIKE to get one of these! Robert Hauser
President
Data base is not as up to date as my old magellen…does not calculate routes well….sends me away from routes that are out of the way …both in fastest and shortest….magellen puts me down the route that makes sense…..for a 500 dollar plus GPS….not a good choice at all….175 dollar units will do better….
Good GPS, MSN is being discontinued
Works a lot better than the $360 TomTom I had, but still provides goofy directions at times. The suction cup mount is great. TomTom’s mount wouldn’t stick to any glass for long. Touch screen works perfectly, without double registering touch. Keyboard layout is not QWERTY, but alphabetical in rows – takes a little getting used to. Easily detaches from mount and can be used on battery for about 3 hours. I hope a new map update will improve goofy directions. If so, I’ll be very satisfied.
Fantastic item! Best GPS I have ever used!
Fantastic item! Best GPS I have ever used! ALL the features you could ever need and easy to use.
horrible
my item arrived deffective, and it is also discontinued item on the garmin website. do not purchase this item
Not as crisp as other Garmin Products
We bought the 780 after having a nuvi 260 for years. I liked that the 780 had traffic control and msn access for things like cheapest gas prices in the area etc. All of the standard things like ease of use of the interface and quickness to find the satellites and calculate routes were as I expected from my previous garmin experience. What I don’t like is the voice prompts as your traveling your route. Its slow and cuts out. It actually tells me to turn on streets that I have just passed. The map itself seems to be keeping up, but the voice prompts are horribly slow.