Adding to the c550's value as a vehicle aid are the new traffic capabilities. Garmin smartly integrated the traffic receiver into the included car charger, so you no longer have to buy an optional unit. It receives traffic information from Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network, and you get three months of free service with the purchase of the c550; afterward, it costs $60 a year to continue. (Also, be sure to check the coverage map to make sure the service is available in your city.) Once connected to the unit, a Traffic icon appears onscreen and alerts you to the road conditions--traffic, accidents, closures--then plans a new route around the affected areas.
Also new to the StreetPilot c550 is integrated Bluetooth. This allows you to pair your Bluetooth-enabled phone with the c550, then make hands-free calls through the unit's microphone and speakers. You can transfer your phone book to the c550, and the device alerts you to incoming calls; just tap the screen to answer. You can also dial any number listed in the POI database (check for your phone's compatibility on Garmin's Web site). After a couple of failed attempts, we were able to pair the Nokia N91 with the c550, and we successfully transferred our contacts and conducted phone calls. Audio quality also wasn't bad, thanks to the unit's dual-speaker system.
There are two other additions to the StreetPilot c550: MP3 playback and an antitheft lock. The c550 supports only MP3 files, and you can either store them on the device's internal memory (about 700MB) or keep them on an SD card. The c550 will even display album art, and it automatically mutes music during voice prompts and phone calls. It does not, however, offer iPod compatibility like the TomTom GO 910. Finally, Garmin Lock prevents the unit from performing any functions until you enter a user-defined four-digit PIN or take it to a predetermined location.
We tested the Garmin StreetPilot c550 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and overall, it was a solid performer. When we first fired up the device, it took about 2 minutes to get the required four satellites for a 3D fix. Subsequent starts were much faster, but there were a couple of occasions where we lost a signal, and it took 5 to 10 minutes for the c550 to locate our position. Once locked in, the unit did a good job of tracking our location and provided accurate driving directions. It was a lifesaver on one road trip when we got off course, getting us back on track to our destination. Also, the text-to-speech directions were great; we could just listen for specific street names rather than having to look at the screen and take our eyes off the road. The StreetPilot c550 is rated for eight hours of battery life if you want to use it on foot.
Where to buy
Garmin StreetPilot c550:
$349.99
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$349.99 | See Site |
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