Garmin nuvi 780

Experts say MSN Direct is a good reason to spend extra money on the Garmin nuvi 780, but some consumers aren't so sure. MSN Direct is a service that provides traffic alerts, weather, local gas prices, movie times and more. Experts especially like the traffic alerts and gas prices, but consumer reviews are mixed. Some users say they've gotten outdated traffic information and gas prices, but others report no problems. Reviews note that MSN Direct isn't available everywhere (visit MSNDirect.com for a coverage map before buying), and it costs extra after the three-month trial period.

Few reviewers have thoroughly tested the enhanced MSN Direct features that make the nuvi 780 different. GPSMagazine.com and GPSLodge.com cover most MSN Direct features fairly well in their thorough road tests of the nuvi 780. CNNMoney.com's review doesn't mention MSN Direct at all, but it is helpful because it judges the nuvi 780's basic navigation and usability head-to-head against four competitors. About.com's review refers briefly to some limited testing. GPSTracklog.com does not conduct a full road test. Consumers who post at Amazon.com have detected some problems that didn't show up in expert tests of the nuvi 780.