Design
Sporting a blue-rimmed monitor on top of
its black suction-cup mount, the StreetPilot's modest appearance
shouldn't look out of place against many dashboards. With an
8.9cm display, the monitor is about the size of a fist. It's
connected to a suction cup, which easily affixes to the
windscreen, with a lever to ensure the grip is air-tight. The
neck of the unit is sturdy but easy to swivel, allowing
flexibility for most viewing angles.
Controls and input slots are discretely located to the sides of the monitor. There's a small memory card slot - to load additional maps, USB port - to download map updates, internal speakers and volume dial. Also here is the power button, should you wish to turn the device off before your engine; or unplug the power cable from your vehicle and run the device on its internal battery. The power cable connects to your vehicle's power receptacle, conventionally the cigarette lighter.
The touch-screen interface is icon-based, and easy to operate. The main screen presents two simple options: 'Where to?' and 'View map', which allow you to jump straight into using the StreetPilot. The former option presents a range of icons that categorise destination types such as food, fuel, intersections, parking and transit. Alternatively, you can browse the map to look for your destination, or use the on-screen keyboard to enter the name/address yourself.
Features
As with any in-car global positioning
system (GPS) device, the most immediate feature of the
StreetPilot is its voice commands. "Drive 70 metres east, then
turn left'; "In 140 metres, enter roundabout, then take second
exit'; "In 400 metres, turn left, then arrive at destination on
left'. Whether announced in an American or British accent, all
commands are clear and audible. Even if you don't hear a command,
the direction will be indicated on the monitor. Languages other
than English are available, too.
Obviously you'll want to have plenty of faith in these directions, as well as the StreetPilot's judgement of the best route. How the device chooses the best route for you then is of upmost importance. Fortunately, there are ample settings to control this.
One is 'Route Preference'. This allows you to set 'Faster Time' or 'Shorter Distance' as the criteria for the StreetPilot's choice of route. The two options may seem an oxymoron at times, but consider the ever-rising price of petrol, and it's a function worth using.
'Avoidance' routes is another key navigation feature. The StreetPilot will avoid guiding you down toll roads, highways etc, should you make use of this option. Such directions to take these busy, sometimes costly routes can be a common occurrence in CBD areas.
Garmin have recently added to their website the ability to create and/or load points of interest to the device. The free download sees the StreetPilot sound the alarm whenever you approach a designated point of interest. In the case of approaching a school zone, for instance, the alarm will ring and the monitor will show the new speed limit. Other points of interest include red lights and speed cameras.
While you're driving, you can access a range of data about the progress of your trip. Speed, distance travelled and remaining, moving time, and estimated arrival time are just some of the figures available.
If you're a frequent overseas traveller, the SD memory card slot might also be an noteable feature. Maps for other countries can be loaded into the device this way.
Performance
There were a couple of occassions in
our tests where we were told to turn the wrong way, but this is
more likely the fault of map provider WhereiS than GPS
technology. Regardless, they were minor problems in an overall
enjoyable experience.
Our only other nit-pick was the StreetPilot's projected arrival times were often ambitious. Without the local knowledge of traffic levels and waiting times at intersections, artificial intelligence can only predict so much. We often found the estimated arrival time would adjust backwards by 10-15 minutes during the course of a journey.
On the positive side is the StreetPilot's tendency to repeat a direction once you near a turning point. We found this particularly helpful, as should you be on a busy stretch of road, you may not have concentrated on the initial instruction. It's also probably not safe to be frequently glancing at the monitor, so reminders of previous instructions are welcome.
The monitor display was clear and simple to understand however, and being able to see the names of nearby streets certainly aids your location awareness. The display can be toggled between day and night settings, a handy feature to combat reflecting light or glare.
On the whole, cruising with our tiny co-driver was a breeze, and its ease of use means you won't see it as a novelty, but an obvious replacement for that dog-eared Gregorys.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
SORY I GOT ONE
03/09/2008, 07:14 AM
rating
1/10
SAME AS YOU HAVE READ, SLOW TO FIND SATELLITES, THE AUSTRALIA MAP SOFEWERE IS VERY HARD TO WORK OUT, TO MANY CODES, I HAVE HAD IT NOW FOR 2 YEARS AND WILL PUT IT IN THE BIN AS I WILL NEVER BUY GARMIN AGAIN. IF YOU LIKE SITING IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER FOR HOURS SENTING E-MAIL BACK AND FORWARD, JUST TRYING TO LOAD A AUSTRALIA MAP THEN YOU WILL LOVE IT, NO UPDATES THAT WORK, NO HOLDING INFO, BUT A NAVMAN OR A TOMTOM.
Pros: WHAT YOU CAN NOT EVEN PUT IT IN YOUR POCKET (TO BIG) THE VOICE IS NICE ON IT.
Cons: MAPS, SLOW TO FIND SATELLITES, THIS IS MENT TO BE A DEVICE JUST TO READ A SATELLITE, LIKE THEY DID NOT HELP N.A.S.A TO PUT THE SAT UP THERE , LUCKLEY AS IT WOULD NOT BE WORKING NOW.
Report offensive comment
Disappointed
06/04/2008, 01:35 PM
rating
3/10
My first GPs which I have now ditched because of poor tech backup. Techs display lack of knowledge and are not willing to spend time to find out whats wrong. Send the unit in seems to be the main fix suggested after very little investigation. When the battery goes flat the unit needs to be sent in to Garmin. Once out of warranty a sendin can be a very expensive excercise
Pros: A basic early GPS
Cons: Not robust
Need to send inunit to recharge internal battery. Poor technical support
Report offensive comment
Traveller
22/10/2007, 10:47 AM
rating
4/10
Not a bad unit - many problems
Pros: Easy to use very weak in finding sats takes a long time.
Cons: once the battery goes us you can not buy onoff the shelf, it should not have to be sent away to be replaced. Many wrong instructions. not flexilbe at all.very expensive for what it does.
Report offensive comment
Tassie
12/07/2007, 07:03 AM
rating
7/10
Having trouble accessing a free download for my garmin streetpilot c320. I bought it in the USA and only have those maps and need the australian ones please?
Report offensive comment
Jeremy
08/06/2007, 01:39 AM
rating
2/10
Old tech at too high a price
Pros: None really.
Cons: Plenty - why would you by such old tech?
Report offensive comment
Lost Mum
18/05/2007, 03:30 PM
rating
8/10
My husband bought me this so I'd stop ringing him at work when I get lost.
Pros: It gets me there, is easy to understand and voice is loud enough that I don't need to check screen.
Cons: Seems to have predetermined street no's and doesn't accept new one. eg no matter how many times I try to put in no 18 on a certain street, it'll always take me to 15 (1.5 km opposite direction)
Report offensive comment
jag085
01/04/2007, 08:24 PM
rating
9/10
Great GPS, extremely user friendly. Occasional 'Where is' mapping hiccup other than that no problems at all. I've used mine in Australia, the States and Canada and wouldn't leave home without it. Handy hint when overseas, make sure the unit is set to local time otherwise it will take ages to locate a Satellite.
Pros: Easy to use, good dealer backup, terrific for finding Accomodation and Restaurants in a new city.
Cons: The c320 was probably the most expensive basic GPS, but it's replacement does more and is cheaper.
Report offensive comment
Terry Graham
21/12/2006, 04:04 AM
rating
9/10
Extremely friendly. Used sucessfully in Canada and US. Great help on recent trip to Europe.
Pros: Simple operation. Plug-in mapsets. Inexpensive.
Cons: Only one via point at a time.
Report offensive comment
qxh3092
25/11/2006, 11:54 AM
rating
10/10
Simply the best.
Pros: Accurate positioning.
Bright touch screen.
Intelligent routing.
Cons: No traffic capability.
Report offensive comment
Bob
03/11/2006, 05:31 AM
rating
8/10
Nice unit. Locks quick, clear directions and easy to see quickly while driving.
For some of the people that expect this unit to drive your car... you still have to use your brain!
Pros: Does everything it is advertised to do
easy to use
Cons: A few wrong lefts & rights but it get s you there.
Report offensive comment