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UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 370. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
UPDATE 2: The latest trans-Atlantic navigators to be introduced are the Garmin nuvi 2475LT and nuvi 2370LT.
The Garmin nuvi 370
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
UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 670. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
UPDATE 3: The latest trans-Atlantic navigators to be introduced are the Garmin nuvi 2475LT and nuvi 2370LT.
The Garmin nuvi 670
UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 680. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
UPDATE: MSN Direct is ceasing operations on January 1, 2012.
I’ve tried out the Garmin nuvi 680
UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For a look at current models, check out our GPS for motorcycles page. The Garmin zumo 550 GPS is designed especially for motorcycles. The zumo comes pre-loaded with maps of Europe or North America, and Bluetooth allows for hands free cell phone calling through the cyclist’s helmet. This high-end unit includes the SiRFstar III chipset for excellent reception, an MP3 player, and optional XM radio, traffic and weather. TMC traffic alerts are another available alternative. read more
UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 660. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
I finally broke down and purchased a Garmin nuvi 660
and it has quickly become the favorite workhorse in my stable of GPS receivers.
The nuvi 660 is a joy to use.
Before we get into the details of my review, lets look at other models in the nuvi 600 series. The nuvi 670 is identical to the 660, except that it adds European maps as well. The nuvi 680 uses MSN Direct services, giving you access to weather, fuel prices and movie times, in addition to the 660’s live traffic.
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 c530 offers pre-loaded maps of North America, Garmin Lock™ anti-theft protection and the SiRFstar III chipset. You can also add an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. Step up to the c550 for an integrated traffic receiver, MP3 capabilities, Bluetooth wireless and a unit that calls out upcoming street names.
Additional options include live traffic information, the Garmin Language Guide™ and Garmin Travel Guide™.
UPDATE: Though still available and supported, Garmin has discontinued the nuvi 360. For newer models, check out my Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
The Garmin nuvi 360 updates the popular nuvi 350, and both have consistently been among Garmin’s top sellers. The 360 adds Bluetooth, allowing for hands-free cell phone use, and the Garmin Lock™ theft prevention system.
This is on top of the features that made the nuvi 350 such a hit, including a 3.5″ touch-screen, an MP3 player, audio book reader, SiRFstar III chipset, and the ability to speak upcoming street names. The 360 comes pre-loaded with maps of the U.S. and Canada.
Additional options include live traffic information, the Garmin Language Guide™ and Garmin Travel Guide™. Stepping up to the nuvi 370 adds maps of Europe and a traffic receiver (optional on the nuvi 360).
T.D. Smyers submitted the following comparison of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 and TomTom GO 910 as a comment, but it’s just too good for that, and deserves its own post. So, with gratitude and with T.D.’s permission, here is a head-to-head face off between these two models…
"This review is provided as a public service. It represents my own opinion and experience, so take it for what it’s worth to you.
Like many of you, I looked all over for some detailed comparisons of available GPS units before I bought one. What I found on the web didn’t answer many of my questions, so I decided to share my own GPS adventure with those of you still in the market. What follows is a comparison between the TomTom GO 910 and the Garmin c550. There are other units out there, as well, but this review may help make you a more educated GPS consumer – whatever you buy. Please, take advantage of my time without losing a lot of your own!
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF):
After several days of side-by-side testing, I’m taking my TomTom GO
910 back to Best Buy this morning, and keeping my Garmin c550. The 910 has enormous potential, but can’t yet deliver in the US; maybe in a few months or so it will. The Garmin is less flashy, but gets the job done.
Intro:
I was very excited about the TomTom GO 910 after doing some preliminary research and finding that it had enormous capability, customization and functional advantages over the competing Brand’s equivalent models. My initial excitement was reinforced when I opened the box. The 910 had the feel of quality equipment – it was solid and sleek; it had several “extras”, including an audio cable and a home computer dock; and the connecting hardware fit together firmly and securely with a sharp “click”. I continued to be impressed with the many Text To Speech (TTS) options available (I chose a very nice British female to guide me around Northern Virginia); the wide, attractive display and the MANY ways available to customize my display and navigation.
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 c550
