Customer Reviews:
 Gets You Where You Want to Go October 27, 2008
My wife and I recently drove 3,500 miles from Southern California through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and back home. We had never used a GPS device but wanted to try one, so I researched them online and decided this was a best buy -- $158 for a unit that sold up to $400 just three years ago. It served us well, got us where we wanted to go and for the most part imparted accurate information. When I had trouble downloading the latest maps file, the company was nice enough to send me the maps on a CD, gratis. The only annoyance: getting used to the automated voice announcing "Recalculating" every time we deviated from the prescribed route.
 Died after two months. October 22, 2008
This worked great for two months then died completely. Now dealing with the fun of warranty service. Based on other peoples reviews and experiences with Garmin warranty service, I don't have much hope for this device, even if it gets repaired or replaced.
Over a year....still going strong October 19, 2008
I bought this Garmin for my wife. We had recently moved to a new area and she got a job that required her to travel daily to new and unfamiliar areas. After her first day with it she told me that it was the best gift she had ever received, and to this day...1 year later she still feels that it is perfect.
The user interface is simple, easy to use and logical. Many, many POI's. The search function can be hit or miss, and at times can take a while. Searching for POI's in another location (not where you are currently, but for example your destination) is very difficult as it never seams to find anything. I know that each system has its quirks and specific ways to input info to get what you want, but I have no idea how to make it work if you are in Utah...Ex. trying to find the address 155 N 365 W , Provo, Utah (just an example) is impossible. It is not set up to recognize the address format, if you know how please let me know.
Overall this is a wonderful product and for the price it is now- it is even better. I would buy this again if something were to happen to the one that we have.
Awesome GPS with Bluetooth and MP3 player!! October 19, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I love it! This GPS is AWESOME! I don't know which feature I like the most. It is either the text to speech (TTS) feature that reads the directions (and text messages) for you (with the female Austrailian accent - there are plenty of others), the Bluetooth feature for hands-free phone usage, the fact that you can load MP3 files directly on the 2GB internal Flash storage (about 650MB free from the factory) and also use SD Cards (I bought an 8GB Micro SD HC card, which works great!), or that fact that I can use all of the features at the same time. Yep, it's definitely the fact that I can use them all at the same time. I can set my destination, by entering an address, search by name (if it is a commercial location), or select a location that was saved as a favorite. While driving I can play mp3 files, and the voice prompts will interrupt the music when necessary. If the I get a phone call, the Bluetooth feature takes over and I have the option to ignore the call or answer it and talk hands-free while driving. It even shows who's calling, if you number is stored in your phonebook on the phone (I have a Razr v3). While talking the display shows your current location the the next set of change in direction you should make. Once the call is done, the music and voice prompts resume. When I arrive at my destination it says, depending upon the destination) "Arriving at Home on the right" or "Arriving at Work on the left" or "Arriving at Mom's House on the left" or "Arriving at Detroit Metro Airport Berry Terminal". You can name a location whatever you want and it will read the name speak it back to you when you get there. Finding places the Airports, Hotels, places to eat works great, even in Canada.
The detour feature works great, as well. When there was some traffice congestion on the freeway, I took the closest exit the used the detour feature to get me around it. The GPS took me along road the were along side of the freeway to the next point of entry. So, I kept hitting detour button until I got to a point where the traffic was moving, six miles away. I got to see some nice scenery, while bypassing the sitting traffic. It was great!
Speaking of Bluetooth pairing, which was easy, the GPS unit automatically connects when the phone is in range and not connect to another Bluetooth device. In my case, I was using a Bluetooth earpiece with walking to my car. Upone starting the car, the GPS powered up when it realized it was getting power to the plug. I turned off the Bluetooth earpiece and the GPS Bluetooth connected to the phone. All the while, I never stopped talking. Did I mention that your incoming text messages are read using the select text to speech voice? Cool!
I got this as a birthday present from my wife and parents. After two days, my wife decided that she wanted one of her own.
 Garmin StreetPilot c550 October 18, 2008
I like the Garmin StreetPilot, I had a c330 befor this one and was very happy with it's performance. I find the c550 more advanced w//bluetooth feature and alot more road names including County(rural dirt roads).
The one thing I don't like is Charging the Battery. I'm a full time RV'er and I use the Cigarette Lighter outlet to charge it. On the c330 no problem when it was Fully charged it would "Beep" Charge Completed but not on the c550. I've left in charging over night and Yes the Battery shows all green(4 boxes) but doesn't beep or read Charge completed. I've used my computer w/USB cable to charge it as well, again no "beep" or read out on the screen.
I will call Garmin about this and see what they say. I also still have some problems with "Final Destination" It doesn't Always give me the "Best Way". I wish it would allow me to use coordinates.Some Parks are out of the way and use the nearest big city for address and doesn't bring me to the destination point.
Over All, I'm happy with the Garmin. They do have a Navigator that uses coordinates but was out of my cost range. Your price was Very Reasonable" and Less that Any Other Store or Web site. Thank You for the"Grat Deal".
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