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The purpose of this review is to provide you with a bird's eye view of this GPS unit to provide you with all that you need to know before buying this unit without going into too much detail... Pros: 1. Very easy to use. User friendly interface. 2. The Garmin C550 offers accurate directions, 3. Real time traffic info with integrated receiver. 4. Has an integrated Bluetooth (allows handsfree calling) 5. MP3 playback 6. Text-to-Speech functionality. Cons: 1. Pricy. 2. Acquiring satellite signals is slow. 3. Does not have capability for itinerary planning. 4. Does not have a lot of customization options. Special Note from Dealster Electronics: Please do take a minute to click the buttons below for a helpfulness vote, we'd really appreciate your input. For exceptional service, great brand name navigation systems and excellent prices, please visit our ebay store. Good Luck with your purchase!Read full review
I bought the Garmin C550 Street Pilot because this model was our introduction to using a GPS when we were in AZ last May. We liked the size of the screen and the simplicity of the unit's operation. This was truly stress-free travel in that we were directed to our destinations without struggling with a road map, stopping to ask for directions and arguing with each other about which way we SHOULD have turned! As far as we're concerned, the GPS ranks up there with our camera when we pack for a road trip - not to mention through-town (Washington, D.C.) navigation. It is as much a security device as having a cell phone, particularly for females traveling alone, so I also bought one for our daughter for her birthday. Some of the pronunciation is a little off but the visual directions help to clarify any auditory confusion. What I do not like, however, is that the directions give street names instead of Route numbers. We were in VT last week and there are very few street signs in the area where we were traveling. Route numbers are far more visable in most places, particularly in rural areas. Street name signage, typical in more densely populated areas, tend to be nonexistant sign-wise outside a city or suburb. On one occasion the GPS insisted on taking us to our destination via the "local" route rather than using the higher speed roads on which the traffic moved faster, thereby cutting the traveling time. Perhaps I'm just not familiar with all the programming features yet but we had to employ the "recalculating" option a few times - which I LOVE!!! When planning a trip, I would also prefer that when you're searching for places in other cities, you do not need a street address to find attractions, hotels, etc. Other than that, this seems to be a very reliable little unit which has made travel a whole lot more pleasant for us! We recommend the Garmin c550 highly.Read full review
I really love the features of this GPS unit. The Bluetooth phone connection, audio line out, and mp3 capabilities are all outstanding. Also, the FM traffic receiver function is very helpful, especially in LA where sometimes the freeways get really backed up, making the surface streets the preferable option. I was reluctant to listen to the unit the first time, but it didn't steer me wrong. My only minor concern is that from time to time, the screen flashes white inexplicably, like it's refreshing itself or something. Also, after using the unit for a couple weeks with no problem, it stopped working. I called Garmin, and they instructed me to plug it in to my computer with the USB wire and let it charge for a few hours. After letting it recharge, it was back to normal. It seems odd that it would lose power like that even though it's always plugged in when I use it in my car. But since recharging it with USB that one time (within the last few weeks), it hasn't happened again. Overall, it's an excellent device that I would highly recommend. Mine came as a gift, and I think it may have been a refurbished model, which could explain any fluky behavior. The features are great.Read full review
This GPS has a very intuitive menu. It is easy to find poi's, and addresses. It reroutes you immediately if you make a wrong turn. Unfortunately if sometimes attempts to send you in the wrong direction on one way streets. It is sometimes slightly off on it's addresses. A good example - when I asked it to take me home, it took me 2 doors down an kept insisting that I make a u-turn as I pulled into my driveway. But that is minor. It has taken me from PA to Florida without any serious mistakes - door to door. WHEN i NEED GAS IT FINDS THE CLOSEST GAS STATION WITHOUT PROBLEMS. It's data base for resturants is not very complete, but adequate. My favorite small resturant is not listed. Overall a very good product. I DECIDED TO BUY IT FOR MY WIFE TO CUT DOWN ON THE PHONE CALLS FOR DIRECTIONS. It is great for MP3's I added a larger card. The bluetooth capability is great for hansd free calls. The audio is clear and easy to understand.Read full review
The Garmin C550 answers the needs of the general traveler with good driving instructions calling out the streets name at each turn. It is simple to use and easy to save a location for future visits. The Traffic Receiver alerts the traveler of an upcoming traffic event that would slow or stop the traveler to his/her destination. There are a few downsides to the GPS and one is that the maps are not always accurate as to the designated turns that the GPS leads you to believe exists. The unit will "recalculate" another route should this happen but it always seems to get you where you wish to go. Another is that the battery life of this GPS is about one to two hours before needing a charge so the driving must be short or avoid that simply by connecting the cigarette lighter charger while in transit to your destination. The Traffic Receiver information is largely limited to the large cities and not the small town by town destinations that so many of us drive. In all, the unit is very user friendly and reliable and worth the little inconveniences that can be found in almost anything anyone may purchase. While each month there appears to be new units and new features and more miniaturization, the basics never change and this unit handles all the features the average driver would need and remain very affordable at the same time.Read full review
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