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| Date Reviewed: 12/27/2007 |
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Strengths: Ease of use; price-value; completeness of product and features
Weaknesses: None noticed.
Summary: The Garmin Street Pilot c530 is an excellent value - the model has been discontinued, as I understand it and is being heavily discounted by vendors. It offers a relatively inexpensive way to experience the handiness of a GPS in your car and is complete in the features offered to serve as your guide to find almost any location. It even has the locations of restaurants, stores, coffee shops and recreation locations programmed in and available at the click of a button. Traffic? Hit the detour button and find an alternative route - not like the alternative route, click again to find another one. Tells time of arrival and has several interesting statistics about the trip. Worth the price and is a super value!
 100% of People (6/6) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/10/2006 |
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Strengths: The display can now be easily read in bright sunlight. This GPS acquires satellites much faster than previously.
Weaknesses: None
Summary: The StreetPilot c530 is a major improvement over my last GPS, the Garmin StreetPilot c340.
The prime benefit is the new display screen which can now be easily read in bright sunlight. In addition, this GPS acquires satellites much more quickly. Previously it usually took 30-45 seconds before you could track, now it seems to take just a few seconds.
Another improvement is that the display sits lower on the dashboard which is actually a benefit since it blocks less of your windshield's field of vision.
All-in-all, a big improvement in a GPS that worked very well before. Garmin is listening to its customers and is making improvements where necessary.
97% of People (89/92) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 08/05/2006 |
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Strengths: Bright display, clear voice prompts, clear map imagery, good battery life, high-quality windshield mount, easy-to-use interface, internal receiver.
Weaknesses: Missing some businesses in the database (such as a local Walgreens that's been around for at least 3 years).
Summary: The StreetPilot c530 is our first GPS navigation unit. I did some research online and compared units from Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, and FineRide. I decided on the c530 after reading positive reviews about the c330 in comparison to similar units from the other manufacturers, and then finding out that the new c530 had improvements to the backlight and GPS receiver (among other things). The price difference wasn't too great (about $80). It's relatively quick at calculating routes, but start-up could be a little faster (it's definitely acceptable though). The Garmin Lock PIN security system works well, and the windshield mount is strong and easy to attach & remove. The unit stays in place once you've mounted it and adjusted the angle. I haven't plugged it into the 12V outlet since I got it, but it's still got half of the battery left after a few trips (it came mostly charged). The display is bright, and is still pretty viewable in sunlight. The interface is simple and responsive, and I like the clear voice prompts as well as the map & route imagery. Some minor downsides: some business locations are missing from the database. I tried to look for a Walgreens that I knew was nearby, but it only had further-away locations in its database. It's also subject to the same town-name oddities that show up periodically in MapQuest and Google Maps (for example, our town's mail is handled by a different town's post office, so we usually need to enter that other town's name when using online driving direction services). Another downside is that Garmin doesn't support the Mac platform with its updaters and other downloads. Fortunately, I was able to update my c530's software using VirtualPC to run the updater (I'm sure it would work through Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp on an Intel-based Mac). Extra car icons can be installed without Windows however, since the unit mounts like a flash storage device, and the icons are installed by simply copying them into a specific location on the unit. Overall, I'm pleased with the c530 and I believe I made the right decision to go with it. The few small weaknesses aren't too bad, though it would be nice if it had some more extensive/updated business location coverage.
96% of People (44/46) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 11/30/2006 |
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Strengths: Internal receiver, easy to navigate, mounting on a flat dashboard, clear voice, display.
Weaknesses: None
Summary: I live in New York City and this is my second GPS. I had problem with my first C340 which was lost a satellite signal almost on every trip to Manhattan. I bought additional antenna, but it did not made a progress. That was the big issues. Now I'm very happy with a new internal receiver in C5xx generation. C530 has no speech to text, but that is OK for me. You can always read the street name on the screen.
94% of People (16/17) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/25/2006 |
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Strengths: easy to use, clearly visible in daytime, clear voice
Weaknesses: Small screen size, Lacks text to speech
Summary: I just got this a few days ago. It is the same as C550(higher price) except some functions.
It is very easy to use, just plug it in, turn in on and go. The voice prompts are relatively clear and correct, it recalculates quickly if you make a wrong turn. Screen is more clearly visible in direct sunlight than previous Garmin 3xx series. Quick satellite acquisition. Touch screen sensitivity is very good.
It's map lacks some important landmarks of street and text to voice. It would be better if it has Telephone number or Name based quick destination finding.
I'd highly recommend the C530 if you plan to buy a GPS.
94% of People (16/17) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/22/2006 |
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Strengths: Grabs the satellite signal FAST and is very sensitive---even indoors! The voice of "Garmina" is very clear when "she" tells you which way and when to turn.
Weaknesses: The screen could still be alittle brighter in bright daylight but it is adequate. It is easy to make fingerprints on the screen but these, of course, can be wiped off.
Summary: The first thing I did when I turned it on was go back inside my house. Other GPS won't work inside a house. This one does! I think that is due to the new Sirf Receiver. This thing even works in my upstairs bedroom! I didn't test it, but I suspect due to the sensitivity of the receiver it should work better in "urban canyons" like Manhattan, for example.
The screen is brighter than the C340, C330, and C320 and the i3 and i5. But, it still gets alittle "washed out" in direct bright sunlight---which I suppose is normal and to be expected. And, if you change the angle of the screen to your eye so that the reflections don't overpower, the directions are visible even in bright light.
I don't miss the "talking street name" feature of the C340. You just look at the C530 and in BIG LETTERS you can read the upcoming street names.
So far, I like the C530 alot. It is almost a "miracle" that this product can "track" where I am and tell me how to get to another destination. (Some people call the female voice that tells you which way to turn, "Garmina"!) I would recommend this product to others. At the Price Grabber prices, this is a bargain because of the new brighter screen and the very sensitive Sirf receiver which units like the C340 do not have. Good luck!
93% of People (14/15) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/30/2006 |
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Strengths: Easy to use, and very accurate
Weaknesses: None
Summary: I thought I would like/need text to speech, but it's really no big deal. I don't think you need it. The screen says what street to turn on, and the voice says "turn right" just as you get to the street.Over all I'm very impressed with this unit and would recommend it to all.
91% of People (10/11) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/27/2007 |
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Strengths: Quick to recalculate, loud speaker, turn notification well in advance
Weaknesses: volume seems to be on or off with very touchy adjustments, map sometimes shows the turn coming up after you have already made it
Summary: I was able to compare this unit to the Hertz Never Lost system and I am now convinced that I will NEVER pay for the Never Lost again! The garmin was great. The maps were closer to being up to date then the never lost (around the Philadelphia air port) and it was a wiz to set up and use. I even lent it to one of our regional managers since his car did not have the GPS option. I was missing the unit the second I watched him drive off. He is looking to buy one when we get back from this trip! Sometimes the maps show that the turn is still coming up after I have made the turn. I don't know if an external antenna would help this or not. I can say that the garmin got better and quicker signal then the never lost and I was even able to get a link in my basement. This is a fantastic entry level GPS. While it doesn't have some of the advanced features I think that the average user that doesn't need all of that other junk would be very happy with this unit.
86% of People (6/7) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/06/2007 |
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Strengths: Ease of use, useful features.
Weaknesses: Security code lock.
Summary: Fantastic unit. The unit is extremely easy to use and takes no time at all to learn how to operate. Touch screen, menu driven and feature rich unit make it hard to beat. Voice commands are solid; "Turn right... bare left..." for complex ramp situations. I can't imagine finding a more useful tool for on the road. The system is programmed to allow users to enter a security code to unlock the system. If you fat finger your code the system locks up and you have to take it to your setup security location to unlock it. So... you get one chance to enter your security code. If you make a mistake the system is locked up until you bring it to your security location (back home most likely). There should be 3 chances to enter the security code before the system locks up. I disabled the feature, I figure if it is stolen I'll never get it back regardless if it is locked up or not.
86% of People (6/7) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/25/2006 |
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Strengths: ease of use,security passcode,long battery life,good sat reception
Weaknesses: power connection laborsome.
Summary: I do field work and its been very valuable to me. its my second gps I'm glad to see the technology come of age. It truly is a road gps sometimes it even wants to stay on the road when I detour off it, but I still like it. I use north up instead of 3d I guess I'm just used to it. Its the way I read maps.
86% of People (6/7) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/21/2006 |
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Strengths: Easy to read, visible in bright daylight display. Clear voice instructions. Very accurate. Aquires satellite quickly.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Summary: This is my first GPS navigation unit. I've used it and tested it everyday for trips up to 80 miles. Quickly calculates routes and quickly recalculates routes when I intentionally didn't follow instructions to test the unit. It has a good windshield mount and long battery life. It has all the points of interest (POI) I've asked for, so far. I'm going on a 2000 mile trip soon and I don't expect any problems locating attractions, lodging, restaurants,etc. as I've found many of these in the database. I would recommend this product.
80% of People (4/5) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/06/2006 |
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Strengths: fast, clear, & precise
Weaknesses: Doesn't necessarily give shortcut directions that could save the most time
Summary: I am really happy with this product. Since I got it, finding directions has been really easy for me. Since I drive for a living, that is essential for me. Before I used to use the map and that was very time consuming as well as hard for me to do since I am getting older and have trouble reading. The Vehicle Navigator helped me locate destinations in a fast and timely manner and so far I have had no problems using it or with the information that it gives me! I would definitely recommend this product to others!
75% of People (3/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 08/24/2006 |
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Strengths: Easy to use, very clear voice to guide you turn by turn
Weaknesses: None
Summary: this is the first time I purchased this GPS, it is definitely helpful . It shows you where to turn and what hotels and restaurants nearby(including address and phone number). You can consider this gps like a phone book. I recommend this is the one you need to purchase.
70% of People (7/10) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/20/2006 |
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Strengths: Strong Satellite receiver, super easy to use, Garmin lock
Weaknesses: dashboard disk doesn't stick to dash.
Summary: I needed a GPS for pure navigational purpose. So, MP3, bluetooth and some other extra features were not important to me. After a lot of research I decided to go with C530 and so far it hasn't dissapointed me.
SIRF receiver really works great and I get satellite connection even inside home. Text to speech function would have been nice addition to this unit. Other than this the unit is really easy to use and I was able to do most of the stuff without reading the manual. Route calculation is very fast and even when you miss a turn C530 recalculates a new route in just a few seconds. POI database is huge and covers a lot of POI addresses with phone numbers. I really liked the feature of being able to scroll the map in all directions. It helps to understand the surrouding area where you are heading.
The dashboard disk didn't stick to my car's dash. I needed to put some automotive grade glue to fix it. Suction mount works great and is really small.
I am still playing with it but I could not find a routing method that avoids freeways. I prefer not to take freeways on short trips like 5-6 miles.
Overall I am very happy with C530 and will recommend it to others. While researching I found Nuvi C350 which is around $60 more than C530 is also a good option which has text to speech. But can't tell anything about that as I never used Nuvi.
57% of People (4/7) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/21/2007 |
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 C530 Strengths: Great Turn by turn instructions. I was really happy with it while it worked!
Weaknesses: Battery didn't last. Also, I couldn't find some places of business on the listings.
Summary: I loved this GPS, but it stopped working on me!!! I tried resetting it,but that didn't work! It just won't turn on anymore! Purchased this online at Costco and will try to return it!
50% of People (1/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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