Garmin StreetPilot c330 GPS Receiver
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In-car navigation has never been easier - or more affordable.
StreetPilot “c-series” GPS navigators feature a simple touchscreen interface, with automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions along the way. Selecting a destination is straightforward and requires only a limited amount of input from the user. Plus, the StreetPilot c330 allows you to choose between a three-dimensional navigation view or the more traditional “bird’s eye” overhead view.
The c330 comes factory preloaded with MapSource City Select map data. The centerpiece of both units is a bright, 3.5-inch diagonal, 16-bit color display that makes navigation a snap.
The new StreetPilot c-series boasts distinctive and sleek styling - 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. Users can customize their unit’s appearance with an array of colored faceplates (sold separately).
Product Specification :
GPS Type :Automotive
Receiver :12 channel
Waypoints :500
Maps Included :North America
Display Size :3.5 in
Max Battery Life :4 hrs.
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10 Comments
January 29th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
I've had my c330 for about three months now. I did tons of research and decided that only Garmin, Tom-Tom, and Magellan offered what I wanted: portability, touch screen, ease of use, and quality. To make a long story short I decided on the Garmin, mainly due to my previous positive experience with a Garmin aviation GPS unit.
Things I've noticed about the unit:
1) It's nicely portable: I remove it from my windshield and put it in the glove box every time I park.
2) The data base is very extensive and easy to use: For example, the other day I wanted to go to a sporting goods store. I only knew part of the name of the store. So I put "Mel" into the unit, and it came back with "Mel Cotton's Sporting Goods". Right next to that was a green button that said "GO". I touched the button and the unit started directing me to the store!
3) The unit has many great things about it that I'm not going to list here. Suffice it to say that I'm very happy with mine.
Having said that, I think it's important to mention that it's not perfect. And here are some of the unit's shortcomings that you should know about:
1) I've read other reviews which complain about the screen. I've found the screen to be nearly perfect in all conditions…except one: the screen nearly disappears if you put on polarized sunglasses.
2) It would be nice to track routes (where you've been, how you got to where you are).
3) The time to destination and time to turn should change with your speed (The Tom-Tom has this feature).
4) It would be nice to zoom all the way out to see where you are in a city. The c330 only zooms out enough to see a few blocks.
5) The unit gives voice directions something like this: "In 300 feet, turn right". At first, I thought the unit should say something like, "In 300 feet, turn right onto Smith Avenue". The problem with this of course is pronunciation. Some streets are pronounced differently by different people. Imagine the cost involved in programming a unit to say street names like: "In 300 feet, turn right onto Auzerais Street" - an actual street in San Jose, CA.
In conclusion, I recommend the c330. It does what I want it to do, which is get me places without having to go inside, turn on my computer, enter relevent data, print it up, etc. Also, being male, I don't like to ask for directions
Pro : Touch screen; intuitive; quality image and voice
Con : It's pricey, but competitive to others in its class
January 29th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Just got the unit today. I love it. The one thing that I wish was different is: From the first screen you touch "Where to?", then you can select from icons and it will automatically search near your current location OR you can touch "Near" and it gives you the option to select a different city, current route or destination. I wish there was an option to choose one of your saved destinations from this screen. It would make things simpler. Instead, you must first select your destination from the saved list, then come back to this screen and select "My Destination". It's not a major complaint - just a pet peeve. I'm looking forward to driving around with this little baby. Too bad gas has gone up so dang much! Honestly, I was a little apprehensive about the screen size but it will do. I'm used to having a 7" diagonal GPS in my car in Japan. Spoiled. Also, I have no idea why they don't offer Japanese as a language selection considering they offer such off the wall choices as Svenska, Dansk, Norsk, Portugues, etc. Why no Japanese? I don't get that one. Oh well. Bought at GPScity.com for $750 free shipping.
Pro : size, weight, ease of mounting, portability, ease of use
Con : See review.
January 29th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
For about $500 the C330 brings easy to use gps navigation to everyone. The unit does not require a computer to load maps as they come preloaded. And what good maps they are. Garmin uses Navtec maps which are incredibly detailed and adds to the routing capablity of these units. TomTom uses Teleatlas maps which have large sections that have not been updated in 10 years.
Garmin is the leader in gps navigation and no one is close. Do a little research and you will see many Garmin units in all shapes and sizes and at all price points. Great support and they continually upgrade the product software for free on their website, although you do have to pay $75 if you want to update you maps in a year or two.
I've used them all, and this one is the best for the average joe.
Pro : Easy to use, preloaded maps, touch screen, small
Con : None really, wish it had XM satellite radio like the new Garmin 2730
January 29th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Very nice product overall. It is ready to use as soon as you plug it in and it acquires enough satellites to navigate. The touch screen is small but easy to see and colorful. It also makes entering information a snap. The only problem is that it tends to be hard to see if it is in bright light, if you tilt the display down or can mount it in a shady place it is alright.
The detour button is a nice feature to get around traffic and the unit offers plenty points of interest.
The rechargeable battery and built in speakers make this a truly portable unit and the battery life is around 4 hours.
Overall I'm very satisfied with it and it's operation.
Pro : Pre-loaded maps, ease of use, fully portable
Con : Screen display tends to wash out a bit in bright light
January 29th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Used the Magellan 700 and found it too complicated, unattractive, bulky and not as easy to look at or use than the Garmin 330. The Garmin is pre-loaded like the Magellan but the graphics and ease of use place the Garmin three lengths ahead of the competition. Only complaints are the washout of screen in normal bright daylight, the lack of alternate voices, and the absence of spoken street names and intersections as found in the TeleNav on my Nextel-Motorola i860 cell phone. Other than the "turn right and then turn left" it would be helpful to hear "turn right on Melrose Street and then turn left on West 32nd Street." All things considered, the 330 by Garmin beats the rest hands down. Used it in DC for the Fourth of July and it was flawless.
Pro : easy to use
Con : cannot change gender of voice; names of streets not spoken
January 29th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Audio and visual - system recalculates when you make an error. Has night mode s you see the screem easily at night.
Pro : Screen is in color. Portable to use in any car.
Con : Attaches to the windshield
January 29th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I've had my c330 for about three months now. I did tons of research and decided that only Garmin, Tom-Tom, and Magellan offered what I wanted: portability, touch screen, ease of use, and quality. To make a long story short I decided on the Garmin, mainly due to my previous positive experience with a Garmin aviation GPS unit.
Things I've noticed about the unit:
1) It's nicely portable: I remove it from my windshield and put it in the glove box every time I park.
2) The data base is very extensive and easy to use: For example, the other day I wanted to go to a sporting goods store. I only knew part of the name of the store. So I put "Mel" into the unit, and it came back with "Mel Cotton's Sporting Goods". Right next to that was a green button that said "GO". I touched the button and the unit started directing me to the store!
3) The unit has many great things about it that I'm not going to list here. Suffice it to say that I'm very happy with mine.
Having said that, I think it's important to mention that it's not perfect. And here are some of the unit's shortcomings that you should know about:
1) I've read other reviews which complain about the screen. I've found the screen to be nearly perfect in all conditions…except one: the screen nearly disappears if you put on polarized sunglasses.
2) It would be nice to track routes (where you've been, how you got to where you are).
3) The time to destination and time to turn should change with your speed (The Tom-Tom has this feature).
4) It would be nice to zoom all the way out to see where you are in a city. The c330 only zooms out enough to see a few blocks.
5) The unit gives voice directions something like this: "In 300 feet, turn right". At first, I thought the unit should say something like, "In 300 feet, turn right onto Smith Avenue". The problem with this of course is pronunciation. Some streets are pronounced differently by different people. Imagine the cost involved in programming a unit to say street names like: "In 300 feet, turn right onto Auzerais Street" - an actual street in San Jose, CA.
In conclusion, I recommend the c330. It does what I want it to do, which is get me places without having to go inside, turn on my computer, enter relevent data, print it up, etc. Also, being male, I don't like to ask for directions
…
Pro : size, weight, ease of mounting, portability, ease of use
Con : It's pricey, but competitive to others in its class
January 29th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
I borrowed my brother-in-law's. he just got it for Christmas. What a cool tool!
No instructions needed. It was particularly helpful when we ran into bad weather and decided to stop on the highway for food. In the press of a button, there were a dozzen options with mileage, directions, etc.
Pro : easy to use, very helpful, fun!
Con : it got a little confused
January 29th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
This is a good entry level GPS unit. If you have never used one befiore, it's a good unit to start out with. However, if you are looking for a GPS unit to use on the road as a business professional, this isn't it.
It is targeted for the casual user as evidenced by the limited locations you are able to save–only 117. Business users will find this grossly inadequate. (I did at least).
The inability to pre-program multiple stops is also a drawback.
If you are looking for an easy to use GPS and just want to drive to your 9-5 job, around town on weekends or go on a family vacation, this is the unit for you.
Pro : Easy
Con : Not for business
January 29th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
I used my friend's c330 in New England and had a wonderful time not worrying about getting lost in unfamiliar territory. When I returned home to the midwest, I researched several GPS receivers and settled on the c330. All the preprogrammed addresses and the 330's ability to quickly recalculate after a misstep make it a must have driving accessory. My wife is always calling me gadget man but even she loves the GPS. I may have to buy one for her. For my needs and the price, I couldn't find any thing better.
Pro : Easy to use right out of the box
Con : I've encountered none