Garmin StreetPilot c330 GPS

Discontinued Model

Strengths: The design is decent and is probably carried through on Garmin's devices that are not discontinued.

Weaknesses: If you buy from PCRush (and possibly this is true for other vendors), the maps will be outdated.

Summary: You can update your maps by buying the new ones for $70.00. However, the new maps do not fit on this device. You will have to copy one segment of the maps at a time, which would be pretty inconvenient.

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Good purchase

Strengths: Full maps of US. Switch between 3D and birdseye view maps. Auto switch between daytime and nightime graphics for easy viewing. Lots of data, easy to set up and use.

Weaknesses: Business directory (hotels, gas stations, attractions etc) is at times very up-to-date and other times VERY out-of-date. Some map errors.

Summary: 2005-09-22 18:59:44 Research: I've been looking for two years for a gps device for my car. An upcoming move to a new area added new focus to the search. I started looking at the Magellan Roadmate 700 because of the complete US mapping (I like the idea of just getting in the car and taking off without having to download maps). Magellan's reviews on PiceGrabber were positive but no one offered comparisons to other gps devices.

The reviews for Garmin, however, were much stronger. Some people specifically compared the StreetPilot 2620 to Magellan noting the business directory and other features that Garmin offers that Magellan had not yet addressed. While considering Garmin StreetPilot 2620 I noticed the many positive reviews for the TomTom Go and its 3D map view. With both of these, however, the complete US maps were not a standard option (and this was a big selling point for me).

I was about to purchase the Magellan when I saw the Garmin StreetPilot c330 (at the time it had not yet been released for sale by Garmin. Between Garmin's reputation, the compete maps, and the lower cost, I decided to take a chance on this unreviewed model.)

Features: The Garmin StreetPilot c330 has the complete maps, and can switch between 3D and birdseye map views!Plus it had the business directory, detour routing, auto re-routing (if you miss a turn), voice prompts, a secure but easy to remove windshield mount (compare with TomTom Go), Updating estimated time of arrival, average speed/maximum speed data and lots of other stuff! Plus the price was less than the Magellan!

Results: I have had it less than a day and I love it. I set it up in minutes. Although it took about 7-10 min to acquire a satellite signal, it only took that long the first use. Some mapping errors, but that is to be expected.

The business directory is somewhat odd, it lists a new hotel in our city that opened last year but also lists two movie theatres that have been closed for more than two years. It gives an incorrect address for my office and has an alternate address for the office we moved out of two years ago. This part of the database could stand to be cleaned up. But the directory is still a great asset. It listed, for example, all movie theatres within 80 miles of my current location in order of nearest to farthest and supplied their telephone numbers.

It's been a lot of fun so far, I would definitely get this again!

**4/14/05 Update**

It has been a few weeks and I still like it! One of the mapping errors I mentioned before turned out to be my error and the map was right! There are still some errors but I remain impressed! Yesterday I was driving to Worcester Mass and the traffic on I-495 came to a stop, I got off the interstate (something I would not have tried without the gps)... rerouted (using the "Highway exclusion" feature and bypassed the standstill, it worked pretty flawlessly!

Since writing the review I have found that the Magellan Roadmate 700 does seem to offer the birds-eye/3D view options but I still have not been able to beat the price of the c330!

Ultimately the only drawbacks I've found (of note)... it's great if you don't know where you're going but I can't seem to figure out a way of preplanning a route with stops (if I have a route in mind and I don't want to use the computer generated route)... I can just view the map without entering a destination, but that won't give me an eta or prompting, etc (of course, I can select the destination and then let the computer recalculate the route when I veer off its course, but it would be nice to have a little more control up front if you happen to have a preferred route).

Also, the errors in the business directory still bother me (I don't seem to find any mention of this part of the database receiving updates like the mapping updates you can download). It would have been nice to have a way to edit these addresses so you could at least update it yourself (even if you had to plug it into the USB and use the keyboard), but I still can't complain... I remain very happy with my choice!

**09/22/05 Update**

Hi, its been about 6 months and I'm still happy with my choice! I've driven through NYC on I-95 and it performed perfectly (I don't know how well it would do downtown amongst the skyscrappers, but I was still happy)... I'm planning on buying the same model for my mother for Christmas. I use it everyday and on the rare occaision that I decide not to bring it, I always regret leaving it home!

I had some issues trying to update some software on it but the folks at Garmin were quick to respond and were helpful! I noticed one of the other reviewers on this site complained about perpetual freezing, this has occured to my unit only once in 6 months (power-off button wouldn't work) gently peeling back the silver face plate will reveal a "reset" button which solved the problem!

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• Okay, I have had the device for a week and a half and... I still ...
• Excellent review, your input is greatly appreciated as I am resea...

Great product --

Strengths: Ease of use, display, size, easy (no) set-up, sensitivity of the GPS. The C330 is pre-loaded with US maps. The display is excellent, easy to read, and the touch screen interface is very simple.

Weaknesses: Very few. In very bright sun, the screen fades a bit. Garmin does NOT provide a CD for the map on this unit--so maps cannot be loaded onto a PC. The manual that comes with the unit is minimal.

Summary: I bought this without doing my usual research about 3 weeks ago, and am very happy with it. This is an excellent GPS for getting from point A to point B easily.

I have a sophisticated GPS on my boat, where I can enter multiple way-points either graphically or by latitude/longitude co-ordinates. It is complicated to use, but serves the needs of nautical navigation very well.

The C330 is NOT that kind of unit, nor should it be. The C330 very simply lets you enter (or store) an address, and then tells you how to get there! You can't enter multiple points in a single trip, but its user interface is totally intuitive--and the touch screen is easy to use--especially in a car.

I am also totally impressed with the sensitivity of the GPS. I can usually "play" with the unit inside my house--far from any windows, and it locks onto the satellite signal within a minute. In the car, where it has a view of the sky, it locks on in seconds--and always shows 4 or 5 bars of signal strength.

The layout of the maps make following a route extremely easy. I typically use the two-dimensional view--and find it easy to follow while driving. The supplemental information (estimated time to destination, next turn, etc) are conveniently available on the main screen, or one touch away.

Entering destinations is easy, but does take three steps. First, the unit asks for a city, then a house number, finally a street name. All entry is done on the touch screen, with a key-board or number pad displayed as appropriate. During the entry of the city or street, as soon as enough letters are entered for the unit to recognize choices, a screen of possible alternatives is displayed for selection. It is much easier to do than to explain!

The internal data base of gas stations, places to eat, services, etc. is pretty good--but as has been noted in other reviews, isn't perfect. Unless you tell it to look elsewhere, it searches for places near your current location. One side benefit of the data base--it's a great phone book. If you want to call ahead to a restaurant to see if there is a wait, the phone number pops up with the name and address.

I've found the display very easy to read in all but the brightest of sun. The unit automatically changes it's color scheme for day and night (or you can manually control it)-- and I've found it's format and colors to be very good. While maps can be manually zoomed in or out, the software uses some sort of algorithm based on your speed, and it is very good. The display nearly always seems to show the right amount of detail at the right zoom. So if you're driving 30 on a city street, the map is zoomed in pretty tightly and always displays the name of the next intersection you'll come to. If you're going 60 (or more) on a freeway, the map is zoomed out, and cross streets are less frequently displayed. Someone put a lot of time into engineering this interface, and they did a good job.

The voice directions on the C330 don't include the name of the street (as it does on the more expensive models). So the voice prompt is typically "Turn left in .7 miles", instead of "Turn left on Main Street". I suspect this is a matter of personal preference, and for me, it's fine. (if you look at the screen, it does show the name of the road for the next turn--of course this means taking your eyes off the road).

The routing is generally good, but the unit does not give you a way to designate your preferences--such as avoiding freeways. It has a "detour" mode, but as far as I can tell, that just blocks the current leg of the trip, causing the unit to recalculate a route. Near my home, the unit gets confused on one turn, but looking at Mapquest, I see that one of the streets is shown as divided, where in reality it is not. The C330 thinks it cannot use a left turn when it can. Interstingly, the data is correct on Yahoo mapping. I'm not sure where Garmin gets its map data, but it must be the same source as Mapquest. And the Garmin web site gives a form to report map errors!

Earlier packages of the C330 included an AC adapter. The unit no longer ships with that, so if you want to use it inside, you need to rely on it's internal battery (they say it will run 4 hours, I haven't tried it that long), or hook it up to a USB port on a computer, which keeps the battery charged. (Or buy an optional AC adapter).

The suction cup mount that comes with the unit works very well. I originally had some difficulties with it staying mounted, but I have a foil radio antenna on the inside of my windshield. Once I moved the cup off that, it has held like glue.

Bottom line: I am very pleased with the unit, and would highly recommend it.

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Fun, small, easy to use and accurate GPS unit. Pe ...

Strengths: Easy to learn and to use. Good sound and screen, convenient small size. Fun.

Weaknesses: Occasionally makes minor direction mistakes and database is a little out of date.

Summary: Fun, small, easy to use and accurate GPS unit. Perfect no, but certainly very good.

Many other reviews are quite good for this product and detailed. I'll try to give you a few new facts.

The C330 is small (fist sized) and has a 4 hour battery that is recharged in the car or with a supplied AC cord. Will be easy to pack and take on a vacation with a rental car in the US. Note, a wire goes from the unit to your cigarette lighter which means you have a cord dangling from your windshield across your dashboard. Note in California you are NOT permitted to have this attached to your front windshield so you will need to find another location (there is a supplied disk for this purpose).

The sensitivity of this unit is excellent. Mine works well right thru the car roof. Satellite locating is quite fast. I doubt you will need the optional antenna. Sound and screen are quite good.

A GPS unit is only needed if you don't know where you are going. If you know where you are going you can get there slightly faster than the route chosen by this GPS unit. The last thing you need in such a situation is a your mother-in-law (type voice) giving you slower driving directions. If you don't know where you are going it's terrific and takes the stress out of following a map.

Alternatively, it does list gas stations, restaurants, lodging, etc near where your car is located. This is helpful even in areas you know well (phone number is included in this information).

My unit locked up once but was easily "rebooted" and worked fine. Also on occasion the directions are wrong. Usually this occurs when you are quite close to the destination. So you have to use your eyes and mind as the unit is not 100% accurate on some occasions.

Learning the basics of the unit is easy. Takes a few hours at most. Easy to program. No buttons but an on and off switch and volume dial. Everything is handled thru a touch sensitive screen. I downloaded an update which was quite easy and free.

Overall, I'm very happy with the unit and have not found any, but the most minor, negatives.

Finally, C330 is fun to use.

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Wouldn't be without it now.

Strengths: I find the names of dirt roads that have no signs show up on my GPS. It is so easy to use. I am 72 years old and get lost so easily. I find this is fantastic! Will never get lost again.

Weaknesses: My address does not show up when I type it in but my house shows up when it shows where I am now. I clicked it on favorites, so it leads me from that spot. Also, the local Walmart is not shown.

Summary: I find the chargers (car and home) that I have for my Motorola Razer cell phone also work with my GPS. Not as bulky as the car charger that comes with the GPS. Handy, I don't have to pack as much when I travel. I love this unit!

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• Even for me too, it does not show up Wal-mart. What could be t...
• I finally found Wal-mart under General Merchandise. It was not un...
• Hi, Thanks for the information. But, if you don't mind,...

Very accurate

Strengths: Very accurate, easy to use, large enough display, updates are easy

Weaknesses: must have mount because power adapter connects to it, one day it took an 1/8 of my trip home before it locked to the satellites

Summary: I've only had the c330 for a couple days but I'm impressed. It is very accurate, works in my living room(so I can program trips). I did have one problem the other day when i was coming home from work. It took about 2 or 3 miles before it locked to the satellites. The roads around work are all full of tall trees so I'm assuming that was the problem. When I leave out of the garage its connected in no time. I was looking at the I5 but decided on this because it would be easier to use for my wife with the touch screen. The are many POIs, I don't expect it to be up to date because my yellow pages are never up to date. The other weakness I mentioned was the mount must be used to have external power. I'd like to not have such a gaudy bracket on my dash and maybe be able to set it on something sticky the way the picture is. It does come with a disk to stick to your dash the put the window suction on that. Overall, great product. Can't beat $399.99 with free shipping through pricegrabber and it only took 2 days to receive it.

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Street Pilot C330

Strengths: Easy to operate, has touch screen, power up and finds satellite quickly, very portable,

Weaknesses: Locks up at times but reset works fine. In some cases it’s off about ¼ mile in location, so far not many. It need a function to correct the errors as found. It needs a function to find a city without giving an address.

Summary: I have owned several GPS's in the past and this one is a great buy for the price. With some updates this could help the unit the best on the market at this price.

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I already own a Garmin C340 (for 1 1/2 yrs)- this ...

Strengths: POI's, Language's, usb updates every year, refresh quickness, ease of use - my 10yr old can use it.

Weaknesses: Freeway dead spots tend to lock up the unit requiring a reboot. It doesn't happen very often.

Summary: I already own a Garmin C340 (for 1 1/2 yrs)- this was a second unit because I love the first one so much. I've recommended these units to several co-workers. I should be a sales rep for Garmin or at least get a referral fee. I refer to them as being like a cellphone or microwave - once you have one you don't know how you could do without it, or how you made it without one.

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Better than I ever could have emagined

Strengths: It will take you where ever you want to go. Easy to use and great for trips. Where ever you are find gas stations and restaurants from fast food to chineese food.

Weaknesses: I cannot find any

Summary: I wanted a gps that worked right out of the box. So the first place I look for anything is Pricegrabber. I found it at Amazon for $553 and went to my local Best Buys for a price match. The manager said the best he could do is take $100 off the $699 price. With tax and a service contract $742 so I said maybe later. I ordered it at Amazon $553 and a service contract $69. Total $622 and a $120 saving. I am cheap so I took the super saver shipping and got it in 3 days. I bring it in the house at night and program in places I will be going to on vacation. You can turn off the gps and program in restaurants, attractions, hotels, and anything you want. You will not be sorry you bought this.

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excellent product at a reasonable price

Strengths: Small, lightweight, big enough screen to read without obstructing view significantly. Directions are usually perfect, sometimes a bit odd, but consistently functional.

Weaknesses: Map not up to date, sometimes computes weird routes. Doesn't say street names out loud, sometimes identifies exits by name other than the one on the exit.

Summary: If you drive in only one region of the country, you may want to consider a cheaper model that holds less map space but otherwise behaves identically. If you live in an area where traffic is a frequent problem, you may want to consider a more expensive model that allows subscription to traffic reports. If you travel around the country and rarely experience traffic congestion, this is the model for you.

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Keep your receipt - You'll need it!

Strengths: Voice and screen are excellent

Weaknesses: freezes frequently

Summary: Froze numerous times, then finally dumped the operating software. Unfortunately, I misplaced my sales receipt, and it will take a $250 charge by Garmin to have it "rebuilt".

Very poor technical service with looonnng wait. Online FAQ's are so general as to be useless. If you can read these, you can certainly read the online manual. Save your money - The cheap price on this device is no bargain.

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Map data seems out of date. could not find stores ...

Strengths: small size makes it easy to carry around

Weaknesses: screen size somwhat difficult to input data at keyboard

Summary: Map data seems out of date. could not find stores in my neighborhood that exist for more than 2 years. Did not show gas stations at Safeway or Costco nearby. Some stores are wrongly identified such as a Wal*mart superstore that isn't. these are knowns flaws, I wonder how many there are in areas that I'm not familiar with and how many extra miles one has to go because of that. Other than that I had good luck with addresses. somewhat difficult to find a place without a exact housenumber.

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Had been looking for a relatively inexpensive and ...

Strengths: Size, screen (nice color), ease of use, WAAS enabled, price

Weaknesses: Difficult to hear voice commands with air conditioning at moderate to full force (In Dodge Ram pickup)

Summary: Had been looking for a relatively inexpensive and current (new model) GPS. Could not see paying 700.00 for the Roadmate 700, as it is a 2 year old model. Didn't like other Garmin units, and came across this model which is new. Got for a online price of 699.00 from an authorized dealer. Bought an extra antenna (although I have not needed to use it yet) and a carrying bag. Mounts easily to my trucks windshield. I use it mainly for navigation, not for looking up restaurants etc. However, will be moving my son from MI to NJ at the end of the upcoming week, so that will be a great test. Compact unit, great color, and many functions. My only complaint is that at the highest volume setting I have a difficult time hearing commands with the air conditioner running (plus wind noise), but I can hear it (of course all I need to do is to turn down the AC, but its been quite hot and humid in MI this week. Seems quite accurate. I am pleased so far, and I do think it will help me navigate in NJ (like the Neverlost system did in the Hertz car I rented when in NJ last month). I think that 699.00 plus 7.00 shipping from an authorized dealer was a good price, seeing it recently came to market.

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Exellent for the price!!!

Strengths: Everything rocks but for ... read on ;)

Weaknesses: Business directory is about 2 years old and outdated. I frequently use junk food places' bathrooms and, unfortunately, 30% of the times it's a dead call. ;( The car charging cable was bad from the vary beginning and the unit loses external power at le

Summary: Business directory is about 2 years old and outdated. I frequently use junk food places' bathrooms and, unfortunately, 30% of the times it's a dead call. ;(

The car charging cable was bad from the vary beginning and the unit loses external power at least 5 times a day. However, if you play with the cord, it comes back on.

Sometimes it is not possible to brouse the map to see the whole picture.

No real multi-destination routing.

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The Garmin C330 GPS

Strengths: Unit was simple to install, self contained, SIMPLE to program and provides ability to save your current location location as a favorite. The voice is excellent, directions precise and signal never los

Weaknesses: I can say there a no weaknesses that I can list.

Summary: I have tried other units and the Garmin C330 is the best. It took me only minutes to update the software with the included cable. This is the best electronic purchase I have made in years!

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