The Garmin StreetPilot c330 GPS Unit is on SALE @ WalMart for $579.94.

I think that's a pretty good price but I'm not very familiar with GPS systems...

What do you guys think? Is this a good NavSys?

I just got one at CompUSA for $599, and they're on Amazon for about the Wally World price.

It's a great unit, but wish it had a few features:
1) You can't mark waypoints along the way. You can save a destination address, though.

2) It does not come with the software. It's a "feature" that all the points of interest and detail maps are pre-loaded. I'd like the ability the download the waypoints, mark and edit them, and load them back to the unit.

3) It does not show latitude/longitude or altitude. What's up with that - it's a GPS! What if I do venture a little off the marked roads?

Good features that make it worth the price:
1) Nice loud and not too annoying voice for directions. I like the UK English one myself.

2) Accurate maps.

3) Great display - shows enough detail, and when not getting directions, it shows upcoming streets in "just the map" mode.

4) 3D maps are cool - but for me only when getting directions. I like the 2D for general cruising around an area I know.

5) LOTS of destinations. I live outside of Portland Oregon - it knows where all the Powell's Bookstores and McMenimins properties are!

6) Automatic day/night modes. The night mode turns all the colors darker do you don't have a beacon shining from your dash distracting you as you drive. All the info is there, just in a different color scheme. You can override this if you prefer.

BTW, don't try to turn the mount over on the supplied suction cup mount. I used the dash disc and thought I could get the unit a little closer to me by turning it over. I promptly snapped the piece with the thumb-screw to adjust the angle. Garmin was fantastic about sending me a new mount, for free, though :D. They've also taken my suggestions about the lacking features and submitted them to the engineering team. If enough folks ask for them, they might show up in a firmware update.

I had the unit mounted on the windshield, and it worked fine, but was more than an arm's length away. By using the supplied dash disc (required for California, I guess), it sits nicely above the center vents.

Some folks have mentioned the screen gets a little washed out in the daytime. My experience is unless you have the rising or setting sun shining right on it, it's fine - maybe a little washed out, but still perfectly readable.

I'd recommend it if you don't plan on venturing off road too much.

Pics?

how much?

thanks!

B

I have owned one for a few months now and I love it. Here are the features i like about it:

1. The preloaded points of interests are really good. if you are driving down the open road and decide you need to stop for a bite to eat you just hit the button food and it brings up all the restraunts in the vicinity. this is also true for hotels, gas stations, parks, golf courses, etc...

2. If you come to a road block while it is giving you directions. you can push on detour and it will find you an alternate route in about 1 second.

3. It tells you when you will arrive at your destination and is very very accurate. It adjusts the time depending on your avrerage speed and it amazes me how it is always perfect. The only problem is that I find myslef speeding a lot trying to lower the time. :roll:

Since i have owned it 3 other people I know have bought one after seeing how mine works.

Also, the customer service with Garmin is incredible....one of the best large companies I have ever dealt with.

I could go on and on, but in my opinion it is definately worth it. This guy I know who works at Best Buy said since these have come out they don't sell much of anything else as far as GPS systems go.

Last month I took the StreetPilot on a roadtrip from Los Angeles to Toronto and back and I was amazed at how it knew EVERY STREET that I passed. I agree the UK English lady's voice is my favorite - you get voiceprompts about your next turn or even lane changes well in advance. My buddy who lent it to me for the trip said it was a $1000 add-on to the truck his dad bought in March but the dealer threw it in for free. Yours sounds like a pretty good price. I think if I was to get one I'd like it installed somewhere in the panel.

The Element, XM Radio, and the StreetPilot - awesome combo for long-distance drives.

Hi folks - don't get me wrong. So far, I love this unit, but being an engineer, and owning another GPS (Magellan Meridian Color), I was hoping for a couple more general location features. BTW, if you are considering the Meridian, that color screen does get easily washed out in sunlight. You'd be better off with the Platinum model - monochrome screen, but it ads an electronic compass.

I did forget one small note: Polarized sunglasses will probably block you from seeing the c330 screen at all. It depends on the orientation of the LCD and sunglass polarizations. My combo blocks viewing the screen.

Personally, I'm getting rid my sunglasses next time around in favor of the Transitions lenses (the ones that change tint in the sun if you're not familar with the brand...). I don't care for how dark they are. Just a little tint is enough for me.

I was asked for a pic... Here you go. It says "Acquiring Satellites" since I was still in the garage. Speaking of acquiring satellites - it only takes 10-15 seconds if you're patient enough to sit still when you start the car. If you start moving right away, it'll take a minute or two.

I haven't had a chance to dress up the cable routing yet. Does anyone have suggestions for some nice surface-mount cable clips?

That little Snoopy has been hanging from every rear-view mirror of every car I owned since I started driving in 1980 :)

Nice..

I really want one but I think it's more WANT than NEED.. but I do have some money to splurge. HMMMMM..

There are lots of these on Ebay brand new for about $600.

B

I was told that a lot of them on ebay are refurbs and might not carry the factory warranty. Just a warning, becareful

I have the Navman 3450 for my PocketPC. Works like a charm.

I do like the new GarminC340 though. I like the fact it uses WAAS as well.

How are the maps and who makes your maps for the garmin? Do it interface with a computer at all? (upgrades for the maps. firmware etc....)
Can yo plug in an external antenna?

I did notice with my NAvman that it completely washes out if I have my sunglasses on.

I have a friend who has the unit in his SUV. Were were in a city that was not familiar to either one of us. He preloaded a program,however, we ran into a detour. The unit automatically found an alternate route quickly. He has had it for 6 months, and found it to be the easiest to use.