Garmin StreetPilot 2620 3.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a 3 year old Navtech based CD GPS system in my Volvo and purchased this device to use in my older SUV that has no GPS system installed. I first tried using the new Streetpilot on a recent trip to Dubuque Iowa from Chicago; using it and the in car systems simultaneously to compare them.The Garmin SP 2620 outperfomed the Navtech installed system hands down. Although the in car system found satellites instantly the Garmin only took about 10 seconds to find them on start up. And it is MUCH faster on route calculations and more importatnly recalculations, about 3x faster. The in car sytem could not locate the exact street address in Dubuque even though I had the Iowa CD disk installed.The Garmin unit did.The details on local businesses was MUCH better with the Garmin.The map was clearer and was better illuminated.Only things I'd like to have in the Garmin would be a two map display option (for differing zooms of the the same route at the same time) and a display of the remianing miles on the main route display, you can get it but it's on another routing description page.The Garmin does display more immediately useful info such as time and distance to next turn so this is a very minor quibble.It is solid, extremely well built unit and mounts very nicely. It tilts and twists to optimize viewing.The "beanbag" friction mount works very well. The nice thing about the portable system is it's portabilty to other cars and rentals, for instance you can loan it to friends and family if you wish!Furthermore, upgrading is very easy via the Garmin web site whereas updates for my Volvo Navtech in car system have been rare and expensive. The hard drive in the Garmin is a memory card which I can see being enlarged if necessary but the current 512mb card has plenty of map details on it.A new CD disk set for my in car system costs over $200, the Garmin updates so far are free.Overall a stellar value and a device that exceeded my expectations in every way. If you travel by car (and who really likes flyng anyway?)in the US and/or Canada, get one, you'll love it.

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Product Description:
Featuring MapSource City Navigator pre-loaded, detail maps, the Garmin StreetPilot 2620 is a plug-and play portable automotive GPS navigator that's ready to use right out of the box. Forget about unlocking or uploading map data to your unit -- with Garmin you'll be ready to navigate as soon as the StreetPilot arrives at your doorstep. The pre-programmed hard drive that stores the City Navigator detailed maps of North America is simple to set up and use. Drivers can navigate to a particular address or access an enormous database of more than five million points of interest (POI). Whether it is lodging, restaurants, gas stations, or local attractions, the StreetPilot 2620 will help you get there. And the user-friendly, menu-driven touchscreen ensures that navigating the unit is as easy as navigating the road.


Look up attractions and services. View larger.

Turn-by-turn directions. View larger.

Detailed map display. View larger.
The Garmin StreetPilot 2620 combines a touch-screen, GPS navigation, voice-prompted directions and more in a single, compact device. Like its successor -- the StreetPilot 2720 -- this unit features a high-resolution color touchscreen with voice prompted turn-by-turn navigation and a powerful microprocessor for fast route calculation and map redraw. Although the new model has a few extra bells and whistles, the 2620 delivers all the navigation you'll need with a lot less strain on your wallet. This unit comes with a unique wireless infrared remote control, which allows easy operation of the unit from a distance and it also offers WAAS-enabled support to ensure the highest degree of GPS accuracy. Mark and name important waypoints with over 500 graphic symbols, set a course for your destination, and listen to the voice prompts for navigation instructions and warnings. And when you get there, you can check your trip computer for miles driven, time on the road, and average/maximum speeds.
With a host of software upgrades, the StreetPilot 2620 can lend assistance in almost any situation. You can find the most efficient route for deliveries or sales calls with the multiple destination feature. Enter all your destinations and the 2620 will automatically sort them to provide the best route. The StreetPilot makes it easy to avoid traffic jams or road work -- just tell the unit where you don't want to go and you'll be redirected around the congestion. Almost out of gas? No need to fret. With a time-saving feature that allows you to limit searches to gas stations, restaurants, and more, this unit will notify you of upcoming points of interest near your route. And, of course, there are those times when you'd just like to take the road less traveled. With the adjustable road class preference, you can select from major, medium, and minor road categories that will help you stay off the highways for a leisurely drive through small towns and winding backroads.
The StreetPilot 2620 receiver includes everything you need to get started right out of the box, including an alphanumeric remote control, car and home power supplies, two kinds of mounts, and a factory pre-loaded version of Americas Autoroute basemap and MapSource City Navigator North America. The basemap is loaded with routable maps of North and South America that contain state and country boundaries, lakes, rivers, streams, airports, cities, towns, coastlines, state and interstate highways, local thoroughfares and secondary roads within metro areas, and federal interstate highway exit information for services such as food, lodging, and service stations. Beyond the basemap foundation, the 2620's pre-programmed hard drive comes with MapSource City Navigation that provides street-level details and addresses, plus millions of listings for restaurants, hotels, ATMs, and more throughout the United States and metro areas of Canada.
What's in the Box
StreetPilot 2620, remote control, external speaker with 12/24-volt adapter cable, PC/USB interface cable, AC power adapter, integrated dash mount, and a portable "bean-bag" (friction) mount.

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Garmin StreetPilot c320 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are a first time GPS buyer and want an easy to use unit with intuitive touch screen controls and the best unit you can get for under $300, I recommend the C320 (or C330 which comes with pre-loaded maps). I bought this unit for much more a little over a year ago and so far I am quite happy. It has saved me many miles of extra driving! It also makes me a braver night time driver as I have difficulty spotting a sudden turn in the road at night time. But with my GPS I know exactly when to turn and it even tells me 'stay right' etc. This was confusing at first but now that I know what it means I find it very helpful to not have to change lanes at the last minute. It makes me feel safer on the road at night in unknown places! I can easily type in addresses on the touch screen with it's large display or look for a place of interest (a restaurant, library etc.) if I change my mind while at an intersection and then continue on the specified route. I often type in store names like "Target" or "Borders" on a whim and it takes me to the nearest one in the area. It just made a couple of mistakes so far once for a Kroger and once for a Walmart as the store had moved to another location about half a year ago but even Google maps had shown me the wrong location for that Walmart. It is also convenient to be able to specify the cuisine and locate the nearest restaurant to your current location or near your destination. However the restaurant choices are by no means exhaustive, it may miss a couple of good ones here and there but may show you ones you never knew existed.

I chose the C320 as you can load whatever maps you need by just getting a larger SD card, especially as SD cards have come down in price.
Before using this unit, I had used the Magellan Roadmate 300 for a few days, and Garmin's routing is a definite improvement over Magellan in terms of speed of route calculation and accurate routing. The Magellan locked up a couple of times although it was a new unit and I had to pull off on an exit and power it down for several minutes before it started reading the correct route. The Garmin C320 has never frozen on me. If I do not take the prescribed route or miss a turn it takes just about 2-3 seconds to figure that out and recalculates my route, this is way faster than Magellan or any other GPS system I've encountered so far. This is great feature as the next turn might be just 5 seconds away and you may miss it again if the unit takes too much time to recalculate!

Some reviews complained about the maps sayingthe unit said that they had reached the destination even though they were 100-200 feet away and sometimes confused between left or right of the street. But if you have used other GPS systems you would know that no GPS navigation system is perfect and I generally prefer Garmin navigation over Magellan.

The C320 allows you to specify your preferences such as - Avoid highways, avoid U turns, avoid toll roads etc. And you can set it to "Shortest distance" or "Fastest time". I've found that the shortest distance can sometimes take you on backroads or unusual roads which you normally may not take. This option gave me a great new route between office and home which avoids traffic but when I used the same option on a longer drive it suddenly detoured off the highway ans took me through bumpy back roads, a most unpleasant experience! But with experience I have learned the best way to calculate my route using the options. There is a bit of a learning curve with all GPS systems and the more advanced GPS users have rated Garmin navigation very highly in the several comparisons I read on the web.

The C320 does get a bit confused in situations where -a) there is a small roundabout (like in apartment communities) and may keep missing the exit turn and b) when there are intersecting highways over and under the highway on which you are traveling, especially if it takes you more than 15-20 seconds to cross that area where the highways intersect c) In very long tunnels. But now that I know this I just stay on route and as soon as I've crossed that area it starts showing the earlier route.

Some reviewers complained that the unit does not show the complete route turn by turn text instructions - that is not correct- as it will show you the turn by turn text instructions if you touch the green text bar over the route map.
If you want to take a detour at any point in your route it will calculate an alternative route for you if you touch the detour button, but will try to get you back on the original route very quickly. You can create points of interest in the route through the software and you can also save your favorite locations or most used addresses on the unit.

I prefer having a portable GPS than an in-car GPS as the software update is cheaper than in car GPS and I can carry it with me to use in rental cars when I travel. I tried out the in car GPS system in my friend's Honda and Garmin had better routing and a better "voice". The Honda GPS's high-pitched "Chinese Schoolgirl" voice drove me to distraction....!

January 7, 2007 update: I've gotten so used to my GPS that I don't know how I lived without it. The only complaint I have about the unit is that it is very hard to read in bright sunlight and I have to depend on the voice instructions. Also, please don't leave it mounted in the car if it's above 90 degrees as my unit's battery died after it was out in the summer for a few days at 100 degree temperatures and now it takes time to read satellite signals when I start out as it starts from a "cold" state.
May 7, 2007 Update: I called Customer Service last week as my internal battery died and the unit started falling off my windshield as the heat exposure reduced its grip. Hold time was very short, 3-4 minutes each time I called. They offered to have the unit repaired for $150 which is more than half the cost of a new unit, so I refused as it wasn't a critical problem. However, they offered to send me a new mount (including the windshield mount piece and car adaptor) for free despite being out of warranty . It was FedExed and reached me in 3 business days. That's good customer service!

Overall I am satisfied with C320. Better GPS systems exist (some made by Garmin) but this one is the best bang for my buck by far!

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Product Description:
With a simple touch screen interface, automatic route calculation to any destination, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, the StreetPilot c320 GPS navigator is a powerful companion for your adventures on the road. Plus, Garmin has designed the "c-series" of car navigation units to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible-- no more intimidating features,just straightforward, basic navigation at your fingertips.

The streetPilot "c-series" GPS navigators feature a simple touchscreen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination.

The 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display makes navigation a snap.

A convenient touch screen allows for quick access to features such as addresses, recent locations, food, and lodging. Selecting a destination is as simple as a few finger-strokes, and you can choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional "bird's eye" overhead view.
Although the c320 boasts distinctive and sleek styling, simplicity is the name of the game. The only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles. You can customize the unit's appearance with an array of colored faceplates that are sold separately.
For navigators who only require detailed maps for a limited area, the StreetPilot c320 features an SD card slot, a 128 MB SD card, and MapSource City Select street data on CD-ROM. To load the area you need, simply select the specific area of interest on your computer and the data is transferred from a PC to the unit via a fast USB connection. The c320's bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display makes navigation a snap. The unit also features dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

What's in the Box
StreetPilot c320 receiver, vehicle suction cup mount w/integrated power cable, PC/USB interface cable, 128 MB SD memory card, and setup guide. Also, Americas Recreational Basemap and MapSource City Select North America CD with full unlock.

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Garmin StreetPilot c340 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Pros: Easy to use, sharp screen, clear voice instructions and less expensive than other GPS units with comparable features

Cons: Needs more dynamic search capabilities for POI (its a little too simple which is good and bad)

The Garmin C340 is a wonderful unit, I've tested several other units such as the Navmans & Magellans, but the Garmin was the hands down winner.

It has built in street level maps for both US and Canada - so there is no need to download detailed maps from your computer. In addition, the interface is a breeze to use - w/o even reading the manual I was able to get it up and running. The screen is razor sharp and the navigation controls are intuitive. Another bonus is that it has a built in rechargable battery, so you can walk around with it for a while or even program your next destination while you're away from the car.

I recommend this unit very highly - especially after reviewing the alternatives at this price point.

---------Update--------------

Just an update because I've taken my Garmin C340 to: 1) Toronto, Canada 2) Omaha, NE 3) Salt Lake City, UT 4) Denver, CO and 5) Seattle, WA. I have to say it worked wonderfully. It NEVER led me astray and got me to my destinations without any problems. This is a definite must have because it's so compact and easy to program that it makes exploring new cities a breeze. Who needs to rent an expensive GPS unit from a rental car agency when you have the Garmin C340 with you!

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Product Description:
If you're looking for vehicle navigation that's powerful and simple to use, the Garmin StreetPilot c340 is just the ticket. Right out of the box, this unit helps you make the right turns wherever your travels take you. With an easy-to-use touchscreen interface, text-to-speech voice commands, a brilliant display that shows the way with 2D or 3D animations, and a massive points of interest database, the c340 has all the basics covered. Plus, you'll find some great additional features that make it a must-have companion.


Look Mom, no buttons! Garmin has taken simplicity to a new level with the c340. The c340 is designed with simplicity in mind, although Garmin hasn't forgotten to add a touch of class. With a weight of under ten ounces and a width of 4.4 inches, the c340 is ultracompact and easy to transport. To keep confusion on the road to a minimum, the only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The bright 3.5-inch-diagonal display features a touchscreen, making it a snap to input routing information and make quick selections on the road. The c340 sports dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, a USB port for PC connectivity, and an internal lithium-ion battery that provides power when you're planning your routes outside the car (approximately 4-8 hours battery life). In addition to an included 12-volt power adapter for in-car power, there's also an SD memory card expansion slot for use with other Garmin MapSource mapping products. The unit is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield, allowing for easy portability between vehicles. You can even customize the c340's appearance with optional colored faceplates that suit your style. While the c340 has an internal GPS antenna, it also has an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna.
Finding your way with the c340 starts with inputting a location on the touch screen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn--don't worry, the c340 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while keeping your eyes on the road. You can also choose between a 3D mapping perspective or 2D overhead view.


The c340 offers clear, easy-to-read 3D directions. Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the c340 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the c340 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed City Select NT street data of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the c340's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.
Garmin really kicks the power of the c340 up a notch with the addition of real-time traffic information. This optional service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route. All this wizardry is made possible by the new Garmin GTM 10 receiver that connects to the c340 and other select Garmin products. Note that while the GTM 10 receives digital data from specific FM broadcast stations in select major metro areas throughout the United States and Europe, note that these traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists. The service requires the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver and, in some cases, a subscription to enable these traffic capabilities.
What's in the Box
StreetPilot c340 receiver with built-in antenna, dual internal speaker system for voice guidance and alerts, vehicle suction cup mount with 12-24 volt adapter, dashboard disk, USB interface cable, preloaded City Select North America NT database, and quick-reference guide.

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Garmin StreetPilot c330 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UPDATE:
Below is my review which a lot of people found useful. So, i want to write this udpate. Now, get the C340 & not the C330. the biggest difference is C340 spells street name out like turn left on main st, take 95S etc.It MAKES A BIG DIFF FOR ANOTHER $50 !!!

AND GET THIS MOUNT, IT IS FANTASTIC:
Garmin Dashboard Mount for StreetPilot c320, c330 and c340
===============================================================

I have used Navman ICN 630, Megallen RM 700 & finally this one.

I can tell you this is the best & most of all easiest.This is why this unit is the best:

1. No downloading of Maps
2. Has most udpated Maps compared to other brands
3. Has 5 million points of interest compared to others
4. Touchscreen
5. Easiest of all to use.Easier than the Acura GPS i have used.
6. Very small but with most usable screen view.It doesn't take a lot of winshield space, doesn;t block visibility.Though screen is small, letters are SO BIG & EASY TO READ.
7. Very fast software
8. Very easy to carry while traveling.
9. Excellent windshield mount. Very stable
10. It comes on when Car is turned on.
11. It has rechargeable battery which lasts for about 3 hrs i think.
12. Loud/clear voice.
13. Very intuitive operating system.
14. Fixes the GPS signal instantly. Navman used to take longer.
15. This is interesting. You can remove the unti without unplugging the car DC cord.DC cord is connected to mount always.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin StreetPilot c330 3.5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Product Description:
With a simple touch screen interface, automatic route calculation to any destination, and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, the StreetPilot c330 GPS navigator is a powerful companion for your adventures on the road. Plus, Garmin has designed the "c-series" of car navigation units to be as simple and easy-to-use as possible-- no more intimidating features, just straightforward, basic navigation at your fingertips. Selecting a destination is as simple as a few finger-strokes, and you can choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional "bird's eye" overhead view.


The streetPilot "c-series" GPS navigators feature a simple touchscreen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination.

The 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display makes navigation a snap.

The included database features nearly six million points of interests including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. The c330 keeps track of places that you find and stores the fifty most recent finds in an easy to access list called Recent Selections, placing the most recently viewed at the top of the list. This becomes a very helpful feature if you visit the same places over and over and don't want the inconvenient of reloading the information in the unit multiple times.Although the c330 boasts distinctive and sleek styling, simplicity is the name of the game. The only buttons are a rotary volume knob and an on/off switch. The device is secured by a suction-mount cradle that fastens to the windshield for easy portability between vehicles. You can customize the unit's appearance with an array of colored faceplates that are sold separately.For the ultimate out-of-the-box convenience, the StreetPilot c330 comes pre-loaded with highly detailed MapSource City Select street data. The database features an industry-leading five million-plus points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. The c330's bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display makes navigation a snap. The unit also features dual integrated speakers for high-quality voice prompts, and an internal lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.It's also worth mentioning that with some GPS units the manual to use them is as thick as a phone book, but it was a pleasant surprise to find that the c330's manual was very easy to use and provided many screen shots to make sure the user understood the units capabilities.If you find yourself on the road looking for addresses often and just want a GPS to tell you where to go simply and clearly than this unit was made for you.


What's in the Box
StreetPilot c330,Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Vehicle suction cup mount with integrated power cable, USB cable, USB drivers disk, Dashboard disk, Quick reference guide

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