Garmin nüvi 285W/285WT

Earlier this year, my numerous trips around the Twin Cities and into Greater Minnesota convinced me that I needed additional help navigating the North Star State. So after doing some research, I obtained a base level Garmin and started using it immediately on expeditions all over the Cities and beyond. It became my indispensable companion.

This 285W reviewed here is my second Garmin unit.

The 285W is, really a base level Garmin unit similar to my first. Single point routing, text to speech turn by turn directions, accurate and detailed maps of the US and Canada, and classic Garmin reliability in getting you where you need to go. A nice widescreen (which is really the way to go with these devices, IMO). In those respects, the unit is exactly the same as my first unit, and provides a base level experience for any user. On those features alone, I would recommend this unit to anyone wanting to take the plunge into the world of having a navigation device.

The 285W does have two additional features that put it at the high end of the base level Garmin units:

Bluetooth:
The 285w is bluetooth enabled and allows for pairing with and taking on the features of a bluetooth compatible phone. While I don’t like answering and using cell phones in a moving vehicle as a general rule, the bluetooth pairing worked perfectly for me. And I do admit that using the garmin to make and receive calls is a lot safer than fumbling with a handheld phone.

MSN Direct Traffic:

The traffic feature is somewhat more problematic, although this is not really Garmin’s fault per se. The traffic feature on this model uses MSN Direct, and comes with a 3 month trial subscription. The subscription is fine, and I suspect that would be even more useful for those who live in more densely packed areas with larger coverage than the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

The problem is not that after 3 months you have to pay for the service (its MSN’s service, not Garmin’s). The problem is that MSN’s service is going away at the end of 2011. Purchasing this unit and purchasing a subscription you can certainly do, but the MSN service will only last until then, and then the device will essentially be without the traffic feature, unless you purchase an additional device from Garmin that gives you access to the NAVTEQ traffic system (this is a one time purchase that replaces your charger with a receiver/charger and as of December 2009 has a list price of $120). Again, the fact that MSN’s service is going away is not Garmin’s fault, but its something to consider before obtaining this device. If you just want to use it for the base Garmin features and the Bluetooth, you’re golden. Buy this and be happy. If you are looking for a solution that includes traffic updates reliably, I would recommend one of the Garmin units that comes with traffic such as the 760 and 770 models.

Aside from the traffic issue, I have absolutely no complaints about the product. Garmin devices such as this one simply make my driving and travel better, which is something valuable in this day and age. Period and end of the story.

This is my second Garmin, and I daresay it will not be my last.

Reviewed by : Jvstin “Paul Weimer”,   Dec 13, 2009