Garmin StreetPilot C330

Price Paid:  $309.00 from Amazon.com

Year / Model Reviewed:
2006 Garmin c330

Strengths:
Ease of use. Bright easy to read screen. lower cost

Weaknesses:
Not very accurate map detail on small country roads. Can't plug 12V charger directly into unit must use cradle too.

Summary:
A great compact unit with a ton of information for the price. It's very easy to use. I even bought my parents one and they had know problem using it at all. You can go to Garmin's website for updates.

Similar Products Used:
Garmin III

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
2.60 of 5, 5.00 votes

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Wal-Mart.com

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 Garmin C330

Strengths:
3D mapping, Excellent location ability, wonderfully easy use, simple to set up (just turn it on), very easy to understand the spoken word directions, clear screen, customer service was quick (emailed a question), maps are pretty accurate, gives a phone number with businesses (nice if you want to call ahead), has an internal rechargable battery so you can bring it inside to plan your route.

Weaknesses:
according to Garmin Support, it will cost $50.00 to update the maps when they come out each year. Can be a little annoying if you're searching for something...then want to go back to your map...you have to keep hitting the back button over and over.

Summary:
I recieved the Garmin C330 for Christmas this year but I did my research before (uhem) asking for this item. It took some time to find what might be a potential "great buy" for me and I'm one for researching (as you must be seeing you're reading this) Well lets get started! Right out of the box this item finds itself at your location (in more ways than one lol). Within the first few minutes...and I mean FEW MINUTES I was basically a pro at the Garmin C330. Its sooo user friendly. All you do is look for what you would like and press on it on the screen! While I'm talking about the screen, though it may be a tiny bit smaller than others out there...I see no need for a larger screen. This one gets the job done just right, and unless you're a giant...pressing the correct letters/numbers etc is fairly simple. With all on screen options obvoius, its pretty much a no-brainer. If you can drive a car, you can operate one of these. If you cant...you might want to reconsider driving. hah. I love the fact that anywhere you are, you can simply press "food" or "shopping" or "lodging" and it will direct you to the nearest of whatever you're looking for. Easily searched categories such as "italian food, chinese, american etc" make it simple to find just what you're looking for. And it has both 3d and 2 different styles of overhead views to choose from...and its VERY accurate. I saw things on the map I hadn't noticed when driving such as a tiny lake off to the side (shown as a blue blob)...I looked to my left and holy moly...there IS a little lake there! This this is great for people like me who can get lost even with written directions in hand. And the price is unbeatable. There are several competitors out there who's prices are 300 more than this one and I assure you this model has most of the options that the higher models do. The only difference I could find is that the higher models say "lafayette street" or whatever street you should turn onto...this one displays it on the screen while only saying "turn left"...oooo big deal! I say go for it! Its a great touchscreen and clearly spoken words. Great buy...by far! I'm VERY happy with it!

Similar Products Used:
I've sampled the Magellan Roadmate but I found this one to be more compact.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Price Paid:  $519.00 from ebuyretail

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 Garmin c330 StreetPilot

Strengths:
I would say that the strengths are the preloaded maps and points of Interest. I think it is great when I'm in an area that I'm not familiar with to just hit a button and find multiple locations to eat or fuel up.

Weaknesses:
short battery life, and no carrying case

Summary:
I would have to say that the product is very helpful to the not so navi user. I purchased it for my wife who is not a big electronics person; she was impressed on how easy it was to use and the convenience of using it right out of the package. In the last month she has not been lost and has much more confidence when it comes to travel. I was impressed with this item that I decided to get a second one for myself. I travel long distances and like the detour feature that helps navigate around constructions sites. The c330 also keeps a log of travel speeds and distances which better helps me in my travels.

Similar Products Used:
I-Guidance, streets & atlas 2005(software for laptop).

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 6.00 votes

Price Paid:  $755.00 from best buy

Strengths:
It does everything mention above and more. Even suggests what lane to be in for you're next exit. and gives u the exit number example "exit 15b to I-635 south stay to far right"

Weaknesses:
Battery doesn’t stay charged too long. On average 6 hrs maybe 8. And No revocable Battery for easy replacement. Came with car charger but no home charger or case. Being that it is expensive, u should have gotten both.

Summary:
This thing is absolutely great. I’m a New Class A CDL holder, and only want to drive locally. I didn’t know way around too well so. This thing give u detailed maps, instructions, auditable instructions to you’re destination. Even does great in construction areas, residential areas, truck routes, etc. Tracks you’re every move in real time, and will reupdate u if u miss a turn etc.

Similar Products Used:
I don't know... don't have the money to buy mutiple nav. systems. But it's better than map quest... lol