Garmin StreetPilot c530 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This Garmin GPS c530 is an incredible value for the money. It really is ready to go "right out of the box".
My wife surprised me with it as an early Christmas present. We went to pick up our Garmin at the UPS center, went back to the car, took it out of the box and plugged it in - in a few seconds, the screen showed our exact location and we were ready to go!!!
We both liked it right away and couldn't believe how fast and accurate it was!!! Instead of going home, we actually decided to go shopping just so we could play with the GPS some more, so we entered the address of the Safeway we usually go to and it directed us right to the parking lot.
It's so accurate; I almost took it into the supermarket to see if it could lead me to the dairy section. =8-D
We then set the "Home" option by typing in our address. I only typed in the street number and the first three letters of our street name and it found it and asked if this was the correct street address. We answered "Yes" and the GPS saved it into memory. Then we set it for "home" and it began giving us directions even when we were still in the parking lot.
I wanted to "test" this GPS to see how well it could handle "wrong turns". So on the way home we purposely made a wrong turn and the c530 knew almost immediately that we went off course. The voice prompt said "Rerouting" and immediately gave us an alternate way home using the street we were on.
It was actually a pleasure driving to work this morning and having the gps
In checking the "businesses" on this GPS, we clicked on "restaurants", and then chose "Asian" as the type of food we were looking for, and the Garmin found this very small noodle place right across the street from where we live. We were very impressed that it found this small, local restaurant in our neighborhood.
I've seen quite a few GPS units both in stores and in other cars, and I can say that the c530 is by far the most accurate and easy to use. The voice directions are clear and given in plenty of time to make the turns. The estimated arrival times are accurate within one minute.
Another reviewer here wrote that he didn't like the fact that the c530 voice prompt didn't say the actual street names when giving directions. Actually, my wife pointed out that it's better that it doesn't give street names with the voice alerts; only the turn directions. The reason is that sometimes there will be two turns right after one another and by the time the voice command tells you about the first turn, it comes right back on and tells you about the second turn. If the voice command said street names you could be on a certain street for no more than a second or two and it would be confusing if the voice told you what street you were on and then in the next two seconds told you to turn onto a ramp or another street. The command says "turn right, then turn left" and it's a lot clearer this way.
Amazon has just lowered the price on this item and I can tell you it's worth every penny. Just think of how much you will save on ink and paper printing maps out from your computer all the time, not to mention no more frustration from getting lost and being late for an important meeting.
You have GOT to get this thing ... it's really incredible!!! Excellent product!!!


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The Garmin StreetPilot c530 GPS Vehicle Navigator comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions that makes navigation easy. It also accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras.
In addition to the simple touch-screen display found in previous versions Garmin Navigators, the c530 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that provides faster acquisition times and maintains signal under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers. The automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, anti-glare display makes it easier to see where you're traveling, and configurable vehicle icons allow you to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon that shows your position on the map. The c530 also includes the Garmin Lock anti-theft feature that disables the unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific 4-digit PIN or take the unit to a predetermined location.
You can also monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. By adding traffic services and a receiver to your c530, you are notified of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered, and are offered an alternate route. Simply touch the screen icon to calculate a new route. (These traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists.)
Other optional software available on plug-in SD cards lets you instantly add new features to your c530 without connecting to your computer. These optional packages include the Garmin Travel Guide that gives you helpful and thorough reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife, sporting events and tourist attractions. The optional travel Guide for Europe is also available for purchase. The SaversGuide is a geo-coded coupon book that notifies you of nearby discounts on restaurants, hotels, shopping, and more at thousands of participating entertainment businesses throughout North America.
The c530 includes a new high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF, and a rechargeable battery that last up to 8 hours between charges. The SD memory card expansion slot allows you to load additional software and POIs. What's in the Box StreetPilot c530 unit, preloaded City Navigator NT North America, vehicle suction cup mount, dashboard disk, carrying case, 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, USB interface cable, carry case, and owner's manual.

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