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Garmin StreetPilot ColorMap 3.5-inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

I’ve had my SPIII for about two years now, during which the pricing has come down some and the package offerings have increased, so this review may not match the exact contents Amazon offers here. My unit came with a 32MB memory cartidge, the serial port connection cord, the USB programmer cord, the 12V power cord for the cigarette lighter, the “sticky” dash mount, and a MapSource CD with codes to unlock one region (the US and Canada consisted of 5-6 regions, IIRC). I have since bought the beanbag dash mount and a 128MB card and purchased the “unlock all regions” option for City Navigator–probably already included items for a new purchase in today’s package. Additionally, I downloaded the “British” voice package from Garmin’s website to replace the default “American” voice–the British lady’s voice seems less harsh and less like a drill sergeant when giving directions!

I love this unit because it makes navigation so easy–isn’t that the idea behind a GPSR? With the CityNav map information loaded into the memory card (and with 128MB it fits all of PA, DE, MD, and D.C. and good chunks of WV, OH, NY, and NJ) I am able to get turn-by-turn directions to nearly any street address. If you ask it to route you to a given destination, the unit actually tells you when a turn is coming up, e.g. “In point two miles exit right,” or “In 500 feet turn left.” If you are driving without a destination selected, the unit will display the cross streets by name as you approach. You can zoom the map in for street detail or zoom out to see more of the countryside. If you have a destination selected, the unit will zoom in automatically as you approach and zoom in even more for a detailed overview of approaching intersections as you near a turn.

If you are in an area for which you do not have the MapSource detail loaded, the unit still has an internal base map that contains cities, highways, interstates, and major bodies of water, so it can still route you from city to city using the major roads. This makes driving long distances cross-country feasible and you can load up the memory card with the areas you expect to spend most of your time in if you don’t have enough memory for the entire route.

However, in those areas for which you do have the map detail loaded you can get turn-by-turn directions to an address or even select various destinations (restaurants, attractions, banks, shopping centers, etc.) listed by name and/or distance. The unit also displays address and phone information for those destinations, which is useful to call ahead and make reservations or check for vacancy if you’re the spontaneous weekend tourist like I am.

The 16-color display is beautiful–major routes are in red, arterials in thick black, minor streets in thin black, rivers and lakes in blue, parks and golf courses in green, and the background will change at sunset or sunrise to yellow (daylight) or black (night) as appropriate (the black streets will also switch to white at night).

Please note that the map detail, which includes streets and popular destinations, is a feature of the map software, not the unit itself. Garmin seems to issue updated map software on an annual basis, but you must pay for those updates. I’m still using CityNav 4.1, although Garmin’s website states that 6.0 is coming out this summer. The new 6.0 software will probably contain more business listings and reflect more recent road construction, but I’m doing fine with 4.1 and don’t see a need yet to pay for the upgrade. One reviewer complained about the lack of Starbucks locations with his map, and I expect Garmin will be adding more and more types of businesses like that as time goes by.

Enough babbling–in summary, here are some pros of this unit:
o Cheaper than most in-dash GPS systems
o Portable, so you can share the unit with your “fleet” or take it along in a rental car (and you’d best hide it or take it with you when parking so it doesn’t get stolen)
o Voice navigation, so you can anticipate an upcoming turn without having to take your eyes off the road
o Color display–so much better than a gray scale map!
o Accurate and helpful when driving somewhere unfamiliar
o Automatic route recalculation if you miss a turn or have to detour
o Address and phone info for listed businesses/sites so you can call ahead

And the cons I’ve experienced:
o Voice navigation could be somewhat improved for confusing intersections–do I take a right or sharp right at this five-way?
o Eats batteries–but this unit is too bulky to walk around with, so there is no reason it should ever be used without being plugged into your cigarette lighter.
o Awkward interface–entering street names or address numbers is awkward with the rocker button
o Loses signal in built-up areas with tall buildings–usually when you are downtown and *really* need directions the most, unfortunately! However, this is a problem with all GPS receivers and due more to the nature of the GPS system than the unit itself.

All in all, I love my SPIII. It has all the features I really need. There are units out there that are newer, have more features, and may be easier to use, but they’re also more expensive. As long as Garmin keeps releasing updated map software compatible with the SPIII, this unit should serve my needs for many more years.

Garmin StreetPilot ColorMap 3.5-inch Portable GPS Navigator Feature

• Portable comprehensive mapping system
• High-resolution, 16-color display
• High-performance 12-parallel-channel GPS receiver
• Displays interstate exit information with food, lodging, and service stations
• Compatible with optional Garmin MapSource software for downloading maps and waypoint data

Garmin StreetPilot ColorMap 3.5-inch Portable GPS Navigator Overview

Garmin’s StreetPilot GPS was the first in the automotive marketplace to offer a comprehensive mapping system that was both portable and affordable. The StreetPilot GPS ColorMap takes up where its sister product left off by boasting a razor-sharp, high-resolution, 16-color display for easy map reading. ColorMap works in an auto, truck, or van.Designed primarily for the automobile, the ColorMap improves on the StreetPilot’s basemap information by adding exit information for the federal interstate highway system that lists available services such as food, lodging, and service stations. It also contains a reference basemap showing Interstate, U.S., and State highways, plus rivers and lakes in the US, Canada, and Mexico, with main arterial streets shown in metropolitan areas. The ColorMap is compatible with Garmin’s complete line of downloadable MapSource CD-ROMs. When paired with the MapSource MetroGuide USA CD-ROM, the ColorMap will store 8 to 128 megabytes of downloaded CD-ROM information at a time depending on the size of the cartridge you use in the unit.The ColorMap features a high-performance twelve parallel channel GPS receiver for quick satellite acquisition and reliable signal reception, whether you’re under dense tree cover or surrounded by high-rise skyscrapers. Text and graphics are shown in large type for easy viewing, with a screen brightness adjustment and a night mode that alters the display colors for viewing in dim ambient conditions. The unit also comes with a cigarette lighter adapter for those times when you don’t have to rely on battery power.
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Garmin Streetpilot C550 2.1-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Had this less than a year and it is very helpful when you go place’s you’ve never been to before. You can search for places to eat and see in an area your not familiar with. It seems to always get me to where I want to go. I like the built in speaker and antenna.
Only thing I don’t like is that mine already needs updating after less than a year. When on a newer road My little truck icon is out in no mans land, and the unit keeps trying to get me back on a known road. The maps are updatable (not free) and not sure what “Extras” are but they can also be downloaded.
Mine is set on “fastest route” and I know from testing on my home roads that it does not always know the fastet route. This makes me question it when I’m out of town.
I’ll use my Android smart phone from now on. Smartphones have nearly made car GPS unit’s obsolete. Only thing is the GPS units work when the cell phones don’t have a signal.

Garmin Streetpilot C550 2.1-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Feature

• 2.1-InchH X 2.8-InchW Automotive-Grade, Sunlight-Readable, Anti-Glare Tft Lcd Display
• Select Destinations From The User-Friendly Touch-Screen Interface
• Automatically Calculate Routes To Any Destination
• Provides Turn-By-Turn Voice-Prompted Directions
• Preprogrammed With Highly Detailed City Navigator North America Street Data

Garmin Streetpilot C550 2.1-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Overview

StreetPilot c550 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the super-bright sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and the c550 takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, the c550 accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. The European version even includes a preloaded safety camera database containing the location of safety cameras for parts of Europe. Talk about worry-free driving. The c550 integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the c550 while staying focused on the road. Now there’s no more fumbling with your phone’s handset to answer a call or dial a number — just tap the c550′s screen and you’re connected. With 1-touch dialing for POIs, you can conveniently call ahead for reservations or information.
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Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

I read the reviews and painfully tried to decide which unit was for me. As a first time buyer of a GPS unit it wasn’t easy. One of my first concerns was getting a large screen. But, was a seven inch screen too big for a Honda CRV. No, absolutely not! How is the sound and speaker quality? Very good! Speed of satellite acquisition? Excellent! Reliability – Does it give accurate directions? Yes! Does it need it’s own batteries? No!
As I looked through all the reviews I was trying to find a unit that people had no complaints about. That didn’t happen. If you’re a seasoned Amazon buyer/researcher you know there’s always unhappy people. So far my Garmin 7200 StreetPilot has performed almost flawlessly. In fact, I do expect it to occasionally make errors. I can live with that. But overall, it’s a great product with a lot to offer. While reading the reviews I learned that this was a discontinued model. That really didn’t bother me. But my suggestion to you when you’re considering buying a discontinued model, is to act fast. I paid a little more than I wanted to pay. I paid 0.00 for my StreetPilot about three months ago. It is now on sale for 0.00. In other words. The price has doubled in about three months. Think how I would feel if I fell in love with it and waited a little too long? Now, I feel like the unit is very good and am glad I bought it when I did. Of course, now the question is if this unit is worth 0.00 and still climbing? Maybe. But I would no longer be able to afford it.
UPDATE: August 16, 2010- Unit is still working great. I just wanted to add that the Gillson 3 ft. remote antenna for is a good addition. On those rare occasions when driving through a dense forest area or between very tall buildings I would briefly loose satellite contact. With this inexpensive addition that problem is eliminated. It now gets a very fast lock on multiple satellites and keeps it.

Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Feature

• High-end automotive GPS navigator with 480-by-234-pixel 7-inch color TFT touch-screen display
• Text-to-speech technology announces the names of streets and delivers turn-by-turn directions
• Compatible for XM services (must purchase optional accessory GXM 30 for this feature to work)
• Includes MapSource City Navigator NT North America software with maps of U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
• Built-in A/V input for connecting portable DVD player; 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.2 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Overview

The StreetPilot 7200′s huge 7-inch touch-screen display means you’ll always see where you’re going, from anywhere in the vehicle. Designed for larger vehicles such as RVs, semi-trucks, and buses, it is a premium automotive unit that comes preloaded with City Navigator NT detailed maps of North America. With the purchase of an optional sensor (not included), the unit notifies the driver of accidents, road construction and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered (requires subscription, traffic service only for select cities where coverage exists). Either of two optional purchase sensors can provide these features, the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic sensor or the GXM 30 Smart Antenna (separate purchase required). In addition to traffic data, the GXM 30 provides real-time satellite weather information. The 7200 model features all of Garmin’s well-known GPS functions, including intuitive navigation and automatic route calculation; voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions; 2D or 3D map view; and automatic rerouting if a motorist strays off course. With its POI Loader software, users can load custom points-of-interest such as school zones or safety cameras. The StreetPilot 7200 also includes entertainment options, including an internal MP3 player, XM radio, and playback of audio books. The built-in MP3 player lets users browse music by artist, album, song, or genre. The XM Radio (with the optional GXM 30 Smart Antenna and XM Satellite Radio subscription – not included) features 150-plus channels of commercial-free entertainment. The StreetPilot 7200 is also compatible, a subscription-based audio book service. The face of the StreetPilot 7200 only has one button, an on/off switch. Using simplicity to manage complexity is a hallmark of the quality from Garmin, the premier maker of GPS products.
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Garmin StreetPilot i3 1.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

I bought this GPS a few years ago prior to taking a week-long road trip. Since that time, this has become a “must have” item that is always in my car and goes with me into rental cars. I cannot count how many times I have relied on it to get me where I need to go. Using this GPS is extremely simple and the menus are very intuitive. I will be upgrading to a larger model soon and giving this one to a friend. The only gripe I have had with this GPS is the fact that it can take a fairly significant amount of time to re-compute your route if you miss a turn. I’ve been in a situation a number of times where I’ve had to pull over and let the unit “catch up” with me before I could continue, otherwise, by the time it calculated where I needed to go, I would already have gone past those turns too. All in all, a terrific product and definitely worth the money.

Garmin StreetPilot i3 1.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Feature

• WAAS-enabled 12-parallel-channel vehicle GPS navigator with suction-cup mount
• Built-in speaker offers voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions via intuitive menu-driven interface
• Includes City Select North America DVD, with nearly 6 million points of interest in U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
• 128 MB Transflash data card receives mapping data; 32,000-color sunlight-readable TFT display
• Runs on 2 AA batteries or included 12-volt adapter cable; 3 x 2.74 x 2.15 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Garmin StreetPilot i3 1.7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Overview

The StreetPilot i3 is an extremely compact, affordable automotive GPS. This affordable navigator offers automatic routing capabilities with turn-by-turn directions and voice guidance. The StreetPilot i3 features a bright TFT color display, built-in speaker, convenient scroll wheel with click-to-enter function and removable TransFlash? data storage. The StreetPilot i3 includes a compact vehicle windshield mount that allows for easy transfer between vehicles. The StreetPilot i3 is powered externally with the included 12-volt power adapter cable or using 2 AA batteries. The StreetPilot i3 comes with a MapSource City Select North America NT v7 DVD providing mapping detail throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico (including rural areas). Map data can be loaded onto the included 128MB TransFlash card, which allows the unit to display residential streets, addresses, business listings and more. The database features nearly six million points of interest ¿ including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping.
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Garmin StreetPilot 2610 In-Car GPS Receiver Review

I have had this gps for several years now, and it work flawlessly in the car…I have updated the maps twice and it has only gotten better…

It now has permanent placement on my motorcylce and it isn’t the perfect gps for motorcycling…not because it is inaccurate, but because the touch screen is quite sensitive to swirling wind at highway speeds…that is to say that the screen changes by itself as you are riding along…you look at it and it may be on almost any of its many screen views. It is easy to get it to return to the screen that YOU want by using the BUTTONS, but it is an irritation.

The touch screen also doesn’t work well with riding gloves on, but that has really not been a problem…if I need to change something major on the screen, I simply pull off the roadway, remove my gloves, change whatever I want, put on the gloves and ride on…no big deal.

Garmin StreetPilot 2610 In-Car GPS Receiver Feature

• Comes with alphanumeric remote control and external speaker; includes USB interface with cable
• Bright, automotive-grade 8-bit color LCD: 3.3 x 1.7 inches; 305 x 160 pixels
• Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings
• Indefinite data storage; no memory battery required; CompactFlash map storage: type I and II compatible
• Integrated dash-mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release;1 year parts and labor

Garmin StreetPilot 2610 In-Car GPS Receiver Overview

Product Description: Never get lost again! The Garmin Automotive Navigation GPS will point you in the right direction every time by following the turn-by-turn commands and voice prompts. Select maps and transfer data directly to the unit through a USB connection and on to a standard CompactFlash memory card. Features a powerful microprocessor for fast redraw and route calculation; built-in patch antenna with an MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna; CompactFlash data card (type I or II) slot for map storage; audio and visual navigation instructions and warnings; 3-5/16Wx1-11/16H” (305×160 pixels) bright, automotive-grade 8-bit, 256-color LCD display with automatic dimming backlight and touch screen; and alphanumeric remote control. Includes 12/24V adapter cable and A/C power adapter. 3-3/16Hx5-19/32Wx2D”. What’s in the box: The StreetPilot 2610, the MapSource City Navigator DVD-ROM (full U.S. plus select Canadian coverage; unlock included), a 128 MB CompactFlash memory card, an integrated dash mount, a portable beanbag mount (friction mount), an external speaker with a 12/24-volt adapter cable, an AC power adapter, a PC/USB interface cable, an alphanumeric remote control, an owner’s manual, a quick-reference guide, and a setup guide.
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Garmin StreetPilot c340 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Got as a gift a few years ago, we use this every time we travel and it has been a solid, reliable performer. It seems to be unaffected by the hot sun & cold winter (when left in the vehicle) and powered on every time. The battery life is not what it used to be, no problem – just plug it in. The roads were starting to get out-of-date but as luck would have it, and since Garmin is very popular, we happened to come across someone who had a set of unlocked 2010 city nav maps who was willing to barter with some pizza and beer All we needed was a 2gb SD card to load up the maps. There were a lot of firmware updates which allegedly improved it further (but worked great for us so far), and some additional voice accents (we chose a couple of new British voices just for variety).

We were considering purchasing a new unit but now used those funds to get a handheld I can use on my motorcycle and hiking. This unit, as a refurb at ~0 or so it is an excellent basic no-frills GPS unit. If you are considering a refurb or hand-me-down this unit will not be a bad choice at all.

Garmin StreetPilot c340 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Feature

• Product Type – GPS
• Built-in patch antenna, MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection.
• Preloaded with detailed U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico maps – no downloading required.
• SD memory card expansion slot for use with other MapSource street-mapping products.
• Traffic alerts with optional GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver.

Garmin StreetPilot c340 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Overview

The StreetPilot c340 provides in-car navigation that is simple for anyone to use directly out of the box. After selecting a destination from the user-friendly touch screen interface, Garmins text-to-speech feature tells users the name of the street, when to turn, and in what direction. If you miss your turn, the c340 automatically calculates a new route to the destination. Notification of traffic delays is a c340 option that lets drivers see congested areas via a color-coded map. This feature lets users avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that will calculate a new route. This traffic awareness is made possible via the new Garmin GTM 10 FM TMC receiver that connects to selected Garmin street navigation products. The GTM 10 receives digital data from specific FM broadcast stations in select major metro areas throughout the United States and Europe.
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Garmin Talking StreetPilot III GPS Deluxe Package Review

This product was a last resort in a deparate situation. Me and my friends were looking to go camping and had been lost in the mountains for some time. Our mapquest directions failed miserably. After asking for directions, which were terrible, we found this device under the passenger seat. The StreetPilot III was very simple to use and delivered us to our destination with ease and much excitement. My friends and I are so grateful for this little GPS. It still works today. Thank god. Buy this thing!

Garmin Talking StreetPilot III GPS Deluxe Package Feature

• GPS receiver with turn-by-turn navigation
• Includes MapSource City Navigator CD-ROM with street-level maps and points of interest; full unlock capability for US and Canada
• Automated voice prompts tell you when to turn
• 16-color display with backlight for dim lighting
• Compatible with optional Garmin MapSource software for downloading maps and waypoint data

Garmin Talking StreetPilot III GPS Deluxe Package Overview

In-car satellite navigation for an entire market of car owners Select destination & Street Pilot III calculates route & displays directions Driver can be guided with voice prompts & can see visual mapped directions Totally portable; 16-color high-resolution display Built-in Routable America basemap includes US highways with exit information Indefinite memory no battery back-up required Includes Street Pilot III City Navigator CD-ROM USB programmer 128 MB chip automotive mount bean bag mount PC cable cigarette lighter adapter with speaker & full detailed coverage of the United States & Canada urban & rural
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