Garmin Streetpilot C550 2.1-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator by Garmin
|
List Price: Our Price: $299.00 You Save: $100.99 (25%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $50.00 (click here) Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
Digital camera reviews of Garmin Streetpilot C550 2.1-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator
Digital camera Review: Awesome GPS with Bluetooth and MP3 player!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love it! This GPS is AWESOME! I don't know which feature I like the most. It is either the text to speech (TTS) feature that reads the directions (and text messages) for you (with the female Austrailian accent - there are plenty of others), the Bluetooth feature for hands-free phone usage, the fact that you can load MP3 files directly on the 2GB internal Flash storage (about 650MB free from the factory) and also use SD Cards (I bought an 8GB Micro SD HC card, which works great!), or that fact that I can use all of the features at the same time. Yep, it's definitely the fact that I can use them all at the same time. I can set my destination, by entering an address, search by name (if it is a commercial location), or select a location that was saved as a favorite. While driving I can play mp3 files, and the voice prompts will interrupt the music when necessary. If the I get a phone call, the Bluetooth feature takes over and I have the option to ignore the call or answer it and talk hands-free while driving. It even shows who's calling, if you number is stored in your phonebook on the phone (I have a Razr v3). While talking the display shows your current location the the next set of change in direction you should make. Once the call is done, the music and voice prompts resume. When I arrive at my destination it says, depending upon the destination) "Arriving at Home on the right" or "Arriving at Work on the left" or "Arriving at Mom's House on the left" or "Arriving at Detroit Metro Airport Berry Terminal". You can name a location whatever you want and it will read the name speak it back to you when you get there. Finding places the Airports, Hotels, places to eat works great, even in Canada.
The detour feature works great, as well. When there was some traffice congestion on the freeway, I took the closest exit the used the detour feature to get me around it. The GPS took me along road the were along side of the freeway to the next point of entry. So, I kept hitting detour button until I got to a point where the traffic was moving, six miles away. I got to see some nice scenery, while bypassing the sitting traffic. It was great!
Speaking of Bluetooth pairing, which was easy, the GPS unit automatically connects when the phone is in range and not connect to another Bluetooth device. In my case, I was using a Bluetooth earpiece with walking to my car. Upone starting the car, the GPS powered up when it realized it was getting power to the plug. I turned off the Bluetooth earpiece and the GPS Bluetooth connected to the phone. All the while, I never stopped talking. Did I mention that your incoming text messages are read using the select text to speech voice? Cool!
I got this as a birthday present from my wife and parents. After two days, my wife decided that she wanted one of her own.
Digital camera Review: Awesome Navigation System
Summary: 5 Stars
The Garmin c550 is definitely a great buy. I was amazed at how fast it calculates routes. I definitely recommend this unitDigital camera Review: Battery Died
Summary: 1 Stars
had this thing exactly one year then the battery died. So, now it MUST always be connected by its power cable. it is a royal pain that it must always be plugged into the power outlet. No more Garmins for me . I will try another brand next time. Also, The route they send you is not necessarily the shortest or the fastest. have tried it for trips in my own city and i have to laugh at some of the routes they want to take me.Digital camera Review: Beats Magellan RoadMate 2200T Hands Down!
Summary: 5 Stars
After careful research, I decided on a RoadMate 2200T for my first GPS unit. I tested the unit for 1 week, and was impressed with all of its features, except for the most important one: the routing algorithm. The RoadMate simply overlooked obvious and viable routes too much of the time. It was hit or miss, often directing me to make a legal U-turn when an alternate, viable route (major thoroughfare) was within eye shot in the direction I was traveling in! If I was in an area where I was not familiar, I would have reservations trusting the device.
I returned the unit and purchased the StreetPilot c550 instead. Not only is the menu system easier to use, but the speaker volume is much louder, the touchscreen is brilliant, the mounting hardware is less obtrusive, and the unit is accurate. It consistently re-routed me to the nearest viable route (not a single u-turn request!). Though I did not purchase it for its bluetooth hands free capability, that feature works great with my Samsung a930 Verizon phone - and that phone isn't even listed as a compatible phone on Garmin's site. Highly impressed - just love it.
Digital camera Review: Best Buy
Summary: 5 Stars
After much research, I believe this Garmin to be the best buy for the money. I purchased one for my son, then, after finding it cheaper on Amazon.com, I purchased another for my daughter. They absolutely love the Garmin and have sold me on it. I am going to purchase one for myself. My daughter said the directions are given before you need to make a turn, not right as you are passing the street as most do.