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See All Auto GPS

Garmin StreetPilot c550

*Est. $200

Pros

Excellent routing
SiRFstar III chipset means consistently good reception
Up-to-date features such as text-to-speech, Bluetooth, traffic and MP3 playback

Cons

Bulkier than newer units
Mount repeatedly detaches
Good battery life, but not as long as Garmin claims

Our Analysis

GPSMagazine.com has by far the best review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550: It is the only review to discuss reasons for considering other models, and it is amazingly thorough and superbly documented. GPSLodge.com also has a good review, but with limited comparisons. Consumer Electronics Net has a competent review that needs comparisons and a more credible conclusion. GPSInformation.net has a fine article about this GPS unit that is mostly informational. Likewise, the CNet.com and PC Magazine reviews are focused on features rather than performance. We found a large number of owner-written evaluations at Amazon.com for the Garmin StreetPilot c550.

The Garmin StreetPilot c550 is an old-style auto GPS unit: Its shape and 2.8-inch depth make it much less practical to carry around than the models in the Garmin nüvi series. That's a consideration if you want to use it as a portable MP3 player, reviews say. In reviews dating mostly from the summer of 2006, the Garmin c550 earns very high ratings from all reviewers, who praise its routing, reception and special features. They also say it is easy to use. The price has dropped by half since the c550 was released, but reviewers like some newer models such as the Garmin nüvi 350 (*est. $230) better. Among consumers, though, the inexpensive Garmin c550 remains a favorite. One plus is that the Garmin c550 pronounces street names - a feature not always included on less expensive GPS units (the nüvi 350 also has this feature).

Our Sources

1. GPSMagazine.com

The Garmin StreetPilot c550 receives the full treatment typical of GPSMagazine.com. After testing and evaluating every feature and capability, reviewer "Fletch" concludes that the c550 offers "first-rate basic navigation that's simple to use." There are comparisons with other GPS models and long lists of pros and cons, but the review predates the release of many newer units.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c550 Review, "Fletch", July 4, 2006

2. GPSLodge.com

Although GPSLodge.com provides an amply illustrated, comprehensive review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550, the comparisons are generic, not specific to other GPS units. Scott Martin calls the c550 "the must-have GPS for the foreseeable future," but changes have been rapid in this product category and this conclusion is dated.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot C550 Review, Scott Martin, July 24, 2006

3. Amazon.com

There are more than 250 reviews here for the Garmin c550, all written by owners. Most owners are happy with the StreetPilot, including those who bought this older (but still current) model very recently.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c550 Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com

4. Consumer Electronics Net.com

This review is well organized, balanced and easy to read. Charlie White tests the StreetPilot c550 on a 4,000-mile trip. The major flaws of this review are the absence of comparisons, and a conclusion and very high rating that are too dismissive of some important problems with the unit.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS Navigation System, Charlie White, Aug. 29, 2006

5. CNET

The last paragraph of this CNet.com review is devoted to performance, and it is very helpful. The only comparison made with other products is in terms of relative features.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c550 Car GPS (Navigation) reviews, Bonnie Cha, July 10, 2006

6. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

Craig Ellison regularly reviews new GPS units for PC Magazine, so this review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 is disappointing. It focuses entirely on features; road testing and navigation accuracy are not discussed.

Review: GPS on the Cheap - Garmin StreetPilot c550, Craig Ellison, May 11, 2006

7. GPS Information.info

This article by engineer and GPS enthusiast Jack Yeazel provides ample information about the Garmin StreetPilot c550, with many illustrations. Particularly helpful are the details of how to use this GPS receiver's functions, as well as a list of FAQs. The review includes minimal comparison to other units and no recommendations.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c550 Automotive GPS Unit, Review, Jack Yeazel, Last updated Dec.21, 2006

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