Garmin StreetPilot c550

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).