Garmin StreetPilot c530 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
June 30, 2008
The portable StreetPilot c530 comes ready-to-go right out of the box with plenty of options. Garmin Lock anti-theft feature that disablesthe unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific 4-digit PIN or take the unit to a predetermined location. Monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional traffic receiver. In select metro areas, with the addition of the GTM 20 FM TMC traffic receiver, the SteetPilot c530 notifies you of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays and then offers an alternate route. Simply touch the screen icon to calculate a new route. The c530 comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions for simpler navigation. Configurable vehicle icons allows you to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon that displays when autorouting Display - Automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, anti-glare TFT LCD display, Width 2.8 x Height 2.1 (7.2 x 5.4 cm), 320 x 240 pixels with touch screen Battery life - up to 8 hours Receiver - New high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF Configurable car icons Fingertip touch-screen interface Choose 2D or 3D map perspective Upload custom POI (Points of Interests) including alerts for speed zones and safety cams Add optional software with SD memory card expansion slot Unit Dimensions - Width 4.4 x Height 3.2 x Depth 2.2 (11.3 x 8.2 x 5.6 cm) Unit Weight - 0.59 pounds (269 grams)
Customer Review: Vast Improvement Over Magellan Roadmate 760
After going throught the nightmare which is Magellan Technical Support, I decided to replace my Roadmate 760 - which would no longer turn on. After exhaustive research and a month of driving myself crazy trying to pick a unit, I settled on the Garmin Street Pilot 530. I was torn between the Street Pilot series and the Nuvi, but since I had no need for an MP3 player, audio book reader or bluetooth capability (MP3 and bluetooth already integrated into my car stereo) I opted for the 530.
What a fantastic GPS unit! I have already taken it to Las Vegas, New Orleans and all over the Chicago metropolitan area. It powers up almost immediately. The touch screen is extremely fast. The satellites are acquired almost instantly and if you make a wrong turn, the recalculation happens within seconds. One great feature - when on the highway, the unit gives you the actual exit number, so you don’t get confused about whether to go east or west on a particular street if both directions have separate ramps (i.e. unit will say exit at 243b).
The satellites work great, even in downtown areas and had no problem navigating right away when exiting a parking garage. My Magellan took several minutes to acquire the satellites in a parking garage, let me go blocks out of my way before recalculating after an error and was completely lost in major “downtown” areas, taking up to 5 minutes to locate satellites. These satellites are very quick and very accurate and I haven’t had to wait out the unit in an open area once.
The major complaint I keep seeing about this unit is its inability to speak street names. I don’t miss this function at all. You get about a half mile notice before a turn and the name of the street to turn on appears in large bold letters at the top of the unit. If you can read, and mount the unit on your windshield, you don’t need the street names.
This is a very powerful, full functioned GPS unit, with everything you need for NAVIGATION, with a modest price tag. If you need the other bells and whistles, I’d stay within the C500 Street Pilot line.
Customer Review: Good Product But Bad Apple
I received the product for a trip during Christmas time but 30 minutes after we started our trip the screen said low battery and I had it plugged into my cigarette lighter along with my satellite radio and it was working so I know that the power source was working, needless to say we were disappointed but upon getting back home I sent the product back and got satisfaction. buy from here…
