Garmin StreetPilot c530 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
by Garmin
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Our Price: $43.10
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Category: GPS or Navigation System
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: GarminBrand: Garmin
Edition: Electronics
Release Date: 2006-07-10
Model: 010-00521-00
Publisher: Garmin
Studio: Garmin
Music Label: Garmin
Product features:
- A high-sensitivity GPS receiver maintains signals under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers
- Features easy-to-read automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, anti-glare display
- Includes the Garmin Lock anti-theft feature
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches (WxHxD); battery life: up to 8 hours; supports FM TMC traffic alerting
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin StreetPilot c530 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Customer Review: Not Easily Surprised... the Garmin c530 DELIVERS!
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a tough guy to buy for, my family gave me a cash credit to buy a GPS for a Christmas gift. Much THANKS to them! Waited for the January sales and luckily read a local flyer offering the c530 steeply discounted to $364 US. Quickly grabbed the only one they had in stock. This current best and low price were my happy and rookie introduction into automotive GPS. (My only other brief GPS experience was with a handheld eTrex a few years ago and while interesting didn't hit me with any "Wow" factor.) Previosly had already decided the c530, Garmin's middle-range StreetPilot model, was the GPS for me as I didn't want or need MP3, text messaging and other options offered in the c550. (Have also learned the best value is almost always the one with the same, core high-end features but not all the optional nuances that I rarely - if ever use.) Have an iPod and didn't want or need the Bluetooth capability as I have a Treo 700P and its own excellent Bluetooth. Just wanted the recently upgraded, SirfstarIII GPS Receiver with the latest and brightest screen technology. The c530 has the same processor and screen of the much higher priced Nuvi 660.
Speaking of "Wow" well... this has it and more. It worked literally out of the box. Didn't read the manual. It quickly found satellites and updated almost instantly. The screen is extremely readable in ALL light. So bright I have to dim it to 30% at night. Came with the current v8 N.American database installed. Had to upgrade the installed software from version 4.0 to 4.1 (More on that in a moment). There is nothing about this unit I don't like. Smart, intuitive menu's. Quickly identifies local businesses, fuel etc. Obviously these specific items have to be in the database which appeared quite complete for my area. It is smokin' quick and updates almost instantly. Different map views with scrollable access if desired. Tried to fool it with different and tricky locations that I already knew and it handled them all with aplomb. When I detoured to avoid a train crossing delay the voice became slightly strident as I passed a couple change-of-route options (still blocked by the same moving train) until finding the proper underpass. The voice lost its slightly demanding tone and became more calm with me back on track. I am surprised how excited I am with this. Cool is an understatement! All in all a very impressive package. Granted, I am still in the honeymoon period and while the receiver is well thought out and impressive in use, (here come the only cons...) Garmin's support for my Apple OSX platform is less than impressive.
Garmin has promised full support for Apple OSX across their complete GPS line in 2007 and they have begun to deliver on that with a recent sport/software release. However, to update the c530 using my PPC Mac on OSX was a bit of a dance which I was able to shuffle through, but many less sophisticated Apple users would find onerous if not impossible. The latest Intel Mac's would have little or no problem as they could run the .exe updater in Windows. Fortunately, I have the last Virtual PC (v.7) which allows the ability to run Windows in emulation and was able to update the receiver using that. As this unit supports POI (Point of Interest) database downloads it provides for custom GPS information. Garmin continues to ignore Mac users by not making a POI downloader that works on the Mac. Fortunately a fellow in the UK wrote a couple of Applescript converters that allow hard-nosed Mac users to run around Garmin's historical and extremely short sighted view of the Mac. While disappointed that Garmin has been this slow in recognizing the Apple/Mac platform - they are attempting to remedy. Its lack of Mac support is only a nuisance when trying to update software and not something you do often. Once the optional information is loaded into the receiver it really shines with well thought out performance. You would have thought Apple had built it. Highly Recommend!
Description of Garmin StreetPilot c530 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
The portable StreetPilot c530 comes ready-to-go right out of the box with preloaded maps and plenty of options.Amazon.com Product Description The Garmin StreetPilot c530 GPS Vehicle Navigator comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions that makes navigation easy. It also accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras.
In addition to the simple touch-screen display found in previous versions Garmin Navigators, the c530 features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that provides faster acquisition times and maintains signal under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers. The automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, anti-glare display makes it easier to see where you're traveling, and configurable vehicle icons allow you to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon that shows your position on the map.
 The c530 GPS comes ready to go right out of the box, loaded with features such as configurable vehicle icons, an anti-glare display, and a high sensitivity GPS reciever. View larger. |
 The device comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions. |
 Upload custom points-of-interest for repeat trips to the same location. |
You can also monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. By adding traffic services and a receiver to your c530, you are notified of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered, and are offered an alternate route. Simply touch the screen icon to calculate a new route. (These traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists.)
Other optional software available on plug-in SD cards lets you instantly add new features to your c530 without connecting to your computer. These optional packages include the Garmin Travel Guide that gives you helpful and thorough reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife, sporting events and tourist attractions. The optional travel Guide for Europe is also available for purchase. The SaversGuide is a geo-coded coupon book that notifies you of nearby discounts on restaurants, hotels, shopping, and more at thousands of participating entertainment businesses throughout North America.
The c530 includes a new high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF, and a rechargeable battery that last up to 8 hours between charges. The SD memory card expansion slot allows you to load additional software and POIs.
What's in the Box
StreetPilot c530 unit, preloaded City Navigator NT North America, vehicle suction cup mount, dashboard disk, carrying case, 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, USB interface cable, carry case, and owner's manual.
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