Garmin nuvi 760: Review

Posted to GPS 2009-10-21

Garmin nuvi 760 review:

The latest GPS devices have been promoting more features, such as FM and Bluetooth, and the Garmin nuvi 760 GPS is no exception. This full-featured navigation system is thin and handy, yet powerful enough for your next road trip. And because it features a built-in MP3 player and FM transmitter, now your trips don't all have to be about navigation. Although this model fails in some areas, overall it is an excellent GPS and should be taken seriously. For the price, it is a great value and a perfect fit for consumers looking to break into the world of GPS.

This touch-screen color GPS measures 4.3 inches diagonally, for a total size of 3.81 x 2.25"x 0.8"and weight of 6.2 ounces. The Garmin nuvi 760 is an upgraded model with more features than the nuvi 660, but basically a similar size and interface. This model includes hands-free calling via Bluetooth, a built-in FM modulator, 2D / 3D map perspective, Garmin Lock, custom POIs, and preinstalled POIs. The maps, of course, have been improved with more streets and better fonts. This automotive GPS is great for first time GPS buyers, but cheaper models exist if you're the budget-wary consumer. Overall, the Garmin nuvi 760 is an excellent navigation system with only a few minor flaws.

Rating:

4.4 out of 5

Features

This model is most well-known for its array of features that are both helpful and entertaining to the GPS user. In addition to offering automatic route calculation and re-routing, the Garmin nuvi 760 gives voice-prompted directions and provides a POI database (it also allows custom POIs). The hands-free Bluetooth calling is great for the chatty traveler, and the built-in MP3 player allows you to listen to your favorite music either directly through the GPS or via the FM modulator to your car radio. The FM feature also supports TMC Clear Channel traffic information, and a 3-month trial is included free. This model utilizes an internal antenna, but an optional external is available. It is also MSN-receiver compatible, and a one-year trial is included free. Finally, for storage, there is built-in memory, plus a SD card slot for external storage. All these features make the Garmin nuvi 760 GPS an excellent value for the price, and a must-consider for new buyers.

Performance

This GPS has an impressive 5 hour battery life thanks to the lithium ion battery. The battery life is longer than the majority of other GPS systems in the Garmin nuvi series. GPS performance is a little above average- the maps are crisp and clear enough for visual confirmations and the FM traffic and MSN services work seamlessly. Although audio quality and performance aren't impressive, the visual performance helps to counterbalance that fault. Overall, navigating seems relatively smooth, simple, and easy, so the performance rating is a little above average.

Summary

When taking into account all the features and capabilities of this GPS, it is definitely an above-average navigational system that is worth every penny. Of course, it has its flaws, so if you are really picky you may want to look for a more expensive model. If you are just a first-time GPS buyer who wants the nice features of this model, then by all means consider it. Navigation is relatively simple (and even fun sometimes!), and the interface is user-friendly. Overall, the Garmin nuvi 760 is a great value and good GPS.

Pros

Lithium ion battery life of up to 5 hours
User-friendly interface and basic operations- great for first-timers
Features built-in MP3 player, Bluetooth, MSN, and FM transmitter
Excellent value for the price, but there is room for improvement

Cons

Better performance and smoother rendering, but still has flaws