Garmin Nuvi 880

Garmin is all about leading, and with the Garmin Nuvi 880, they’re leading us onto the next level of GPS technology. One of the latest from Garmin, the 880 is packed full of features that give you more time to focus on your driving and your destination without worrying about getting there safely. In fact, we think the 880 will make driving even safer than before.

Standout Features

• Exceptional Voice Recognition for voice-activated navigation
• On-demand travel info from MSN
• Widescreen display
• Compatible with Windows Live Local

Features

Many GPS units today are adding voice navigation features. However, it doesn’t always work that well, it’s easy to confuse a machine when you’re slurring your words or shouting over the sounds on the freeway. In theory voice navigation is a simple, safe way to navigate. So when Garmin improved the voice recognition software on the Nuvi 880, they hit gold. The 880 has some of the best voice recognition capabilities on the market. Not only can you navigate through features in the GPS, but you can say “Find Address” then speak the address to begin navigating there. The latest in the Nuvi line also tells you where to turn so you virtually never have to take your eyes off the road.

Garmin has done just about everything they can with their 800-series to give you stress-free travel. They’ve packed it with so many features, it’s bound to get you where you need to go. The 880 has everything from preloaded maps to hands-free calling to a media player so you can blast your tunes, no need to pack your iPod as well.

With on-demand travel info from MSN Direct, you can get up-to-the-minute information on traffic, weather and even construction reports. That could save you lots of time and headaches. You can even find local gas prices so you can get the cheapest price. However, driving 30 miles to the cheapest gas station kind of defeats the purpose, so we recommend you keep it closer to home.

Windows Live Local allows you to plan trips and destinations from your computer. Once you’ve got a trip planned, you just have to send it wirelessly to your Nuvi 880 and you’re set to go.
Add on features like a 4.3-inch widescreen display that easy to read from any direction even in direct sunlight, hands-free calling and it’s slim design, and you have more than a GPS unit. It’s your own personal trip planner, executive assistant, smart computer that all but guarantees you’ll never get lost.

Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet

Experts loved the technology crammed into the Garmin Nuvi 880. Many recognized that it offered the best and most accurate speech recognition technology, assuring that your spoken commands are understood so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. However, because of everything that has been packed into the 880, sometimes route calculations can be sluggish.

Users also like the high-end features, however, many hope that future models will include such things as lane identification so you know which lane to be in to when getting off highways or freeways.

Summary

Go ahead, take the Garmin Nuvi 880 out for a ride. With high-end features like voice recognition technology, a wide-screen display and access to real-time traffic and weather updates, and you will be set no matter where you go. In fact, the challenge will be to try and get lost with the 880. Odds are, you won’t be able to.

Check out other great GPS units with TopTenREVIEWS side-by-side comparison of the best on the market.