Sunday, March 18, 2012

Garmin StreetPilot c580 review

Garminc580weather

UPDATE: Most of the several generations old StreetPilot series, including this model, has been discontinued. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.

The Garmin StreetPilot c580 is the new flagship model in the StreetPilot line. It is nearly identical to the c550, except that it adds MSN Direct services (see coverage area), which it receives via FM radio signal. MSN Direct offers weather, movie times, gas prices and live traffic. This also means that the source of traffic data is different than that of the c550, which receives TMC data. The first year is free; after that, MSN Direct service is $49.95 per year or $129.95 for the lifetime of the device.

Key features of the Garmin StreetPilot c580

  • Preloaded maps of North America
  • MSN Direct content
  • Bluetooth wireless
  • Speaks street names
  • MP3 player

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c580


ZDNet is the first to post a hands-on Garmin StreetPilot c580 review. They rated it an 8 out of a possible 10. Here’s a snippet:

“The main difference between the Garmin StreetPilot c550 and this unit is the addition of the MSN Direct services. With it, you can receive real-time traffic conditions, and you can even avoid the congested areas before hitting the road, as the unit provides directions around the traffic. Alternatively, if you happen to hit traffic as you’re driving, the c580 will automatically look for alternate routes. With all that driving, at some point you’ll need to refuel, and the cool thing about MSN Direct is it can pull current gas prices from stations close to your current location, so you can find the best deal. The same applies for finding movie showtimes. MSN Direct will send local showtimes for movies directly to the c580, and you can even search by title or theater; once you’ve decided on a location, you can simply press Go to get directions to the theater. The final service provided by MSN Direct is weather; you can get current weather conditions as well as a three-day forecast for your area with information about high/low/current temperatures, chances of precipitation, humidity, pressure, wind, and alerts.”

More Garmin StreetPilot c580 reviews

I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…

Other Garmin StreetPilot c580 resources


Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c580 at these merchants:

 

 

About Rich Owings

Rich is the owner, editor and chief bottle-washer for GPS Tracklog. Connect with him on Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus.

Comments

  1. Just bought the top of the line c580 and was surprised to find out that the map has a major error in Northwest Las Vegas. Asked tech support and they told me that they have a new version which corrects the issue but it is going to cost me $75 for a map update!
    Needless to say this is the last Garmin that I will ever buy or recommend!

  2. Holy cow! I’d find out who the VP of Sales and Marketing is and write him a letter. Sometimes you’re better off going to the top!

  3. I have only had my unit for 1 week and it is a godsend! I am trying to find out if I can change the voice but other than that I love it!

  4. BB,
    Glad you’re enjoying it!
    On the Menu page, touch the “wrench” and then choose “Locale.” You’ll see a voice setting saying something like “American English – Jill (TTS).” You must choose a setting that includes TTS if you want the unit to call out street names. On my nuvi 660, “Jill” is the only American English TTS choice, though I see British and Aussie choices.

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