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Garmin StreetPilot 2820

*Est. $470

Pros

Waterproof for motorcycle use
Loaded with features

Cons

No high-sensitivity chipset
Bulky and heavy
Expensive

Our Analysis

Reviews of the Garmin StreetPilot 2820 all date to last year. GPSInformation.net has a very good review, but it won't lead all readers to a buying decision. Neither GPSMagazine.com nor GPS Review.net provides a full review of the StreetPilot 2820, but both offer excellent reasons to consider or reject the StreetPilot 2820. Pocket GPS World.com has a less helpful review that describes usage and evaluates popular features. Bikeland's review describes use of the StreetPilot 2820 by motorcycle riders -- a neglected group in reviews.

Motorcyclists are a target market for this waterproof GPS receiver. The Garmin StreetPilot 2820 is an expensive GPS unit with a kitchen sink full of features, including text-to-speech, Bluetooth, an MP3 player, FM-TMC traffic service and multi-destination routing. Critics note that it does not use the SiRFstar III chipset, which is considered to be the most accurate GPS microcontroller. The StreetPilot 2820 is much bigger and heavier than Garmin's nüvi line, and reviews indicate that it isn't easily portable. If you plan to use your GPS in the car and don't need the waterproofing, the SiRFstar III-equipped Garmin nüvi 760 (*est. $425) is newer, sleeker, less expensive and far more widely recommended.

Our Sources

1. GPSInformation.net

Although this article is primarily informational, it does include a valuable comparison with the recently reviewed Garmin nüvi 360. Testing of the Garmin StreetPilot 2820 is thorough. Sam Penrod precisely defines the market niche in the conclusion, and alternatives are briefly considered. Illustrations are excellent. GPSInformation.net does not rate or rank products.

Review: Garmins StreetPilot 2820, Sam Penrod, Oct. 24, 2006

2. GPSMagazine.com

GPSMagazine.com doesn't provide a full review of the Garmin StreetPilot 2820, but it does post this list covering GPS units that are discontinued or use outdated technology. Reviewer "Fletch" succinctly explains why the SiRFstar III chipset (not used in the StreetPilot 2820) is advantageous. He concludes with an alternative recommendation for people looking for a motorcycle GPS.

Review: GPS Magazine Buyer's Guide - Units to Avoid, "Fletch"

3. GPSReview.net

GPS Review.net provides an overview of the StreetPilot 2820, rather than a full review. The article is short and strongly implies no testing. Instead, it evaluates the specifications and features, but it does include useful comparisons with the Garmin nüvi line. Answers to a slew of reader questions are also helpful.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot 2820 Review, Tim Flight, May 1, 2006

4. PocketGPSWorld.com

This review appears competent, but falls short in most regards. The illustrations are good, but the review makes no comparisons and Pocket GPS World does not rate or rank products. Performance isn't adequately addressed.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot 2820 satnav review, Tim Buxton and Mike Barrett, Dec. 26, 2006

5. Bikeland

Although this article lacks the elements of a good review, it is useful for anyone considering the StreetPilot 2820 as a motorcycle GPS. This review considers the StreetPilot 2820 in a vacuum, however, and the anonymous reviewer admits he has never used another GPS receiver.

Review: Bikeland tests the Garmin 2820, Editors of Bikeland, Dec. 20, 2006

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