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See All Auto GPS

Garmin StreetPilot c580

*Est. $220

Pros

One free year of MSN Direct
Excellent routing and reception
Up-to-date features such as text-to-speech, Bluetooth, traffic and MP3 playback

Cons

Outdated traffic information and gas prices on MSN Direct
MSN Direct 'not available everywhere
Bulkier than newer Garmins

Our Analysis

The more expensive Garmin StreetPilot c580 is not reviewed as often as the StreetPilot c550, but nearly everything said in reviews of the c550 also applies to the c580, since they share the same design. The reviews of the c550 by GPSMagazine.com, GPSLodge.com and Consumer Electronics Net are more helpful than any reviews we found of the c580. CNet.com has a decent review of the c580. User reviews at Amazon.com are also helpful.

The Garmin StreetPilot c580 auto GPS is essentially the same device as the StreetPilot c550 (*est. $200), but the c580 is bundled with a one-year subscription to MSN Direct. This service provides real-time traffic alerts and rerouting, local gas prices and more, but it isn't available in all cities. Like the c550, reviews say the c580 is easy to use, has excellent routing and reception, and offers MP3 playback and Bluetooth. The newer Garmin nüvi 680 (*est. $395) also includes a year of MSN Direct, and it fits in a shirt pocket, unlike the bulkier StreetPilot unit.

Our Sources

1. CNET

This review of the Garmin StreetPilot c580 is largely cribbed from CNet.com's review of the nearly identical StreetPilot c550, with the addition of some needed testing and explanation. Coverage of the MSN Direct service - the distinguishing factor between the two units - is good. No other models are compared, but Bonnie Cha likes the c580 despite criticism of the traffic service.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c580 Car GPS (Navigation) Reviews, Bonnie Cha, Feb. 14, 2007

2. DVICE.com

This is a reasonably informative amateur review that is basically an account of the writer's day trip using the Garmin StreetPilot c580. Ken Sander's experience with the MSN Direct service is very similar to Bonnie Cha's experience (see CNet.com above), confirming her results.

Review: Review: Garmin's c580 Makes Fast Work of Other GPSes, Ken Sander, June 20, 2007

3. Menga.net

Rich Menga's blog entry is a list of pros and cons about the Garmin StreetPilot c580. Menga adds a paragraph or two explaining each item, and has comparisons with other Garmin models he has apparently owned. Rich lists seven "jeers," which is inconsistent with his conclusion that he is "100% satisfied with the unit," but he reveals a slew of the c580's strengths and weaknesses that aren't covered in other reviews.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c580 cheers and jeers, Rich Menga, July 26, 2007

4. GPS Information.info

Sam Penrod tests the Garmin StreetPilot c580 for 1,700 miles and reports on his findings. Calling this article a review is a stretch, but it has some very good information, and it offers a tad of evaluation in the conclusion.

Review: Garmin's StreetPilot c580, Sam Penrod, June 9, 2007

5. Gizmodo.com

This short review of the Garmin StreetPilot c580 is entirely subjective. It rises above user reviews because Brian Lam clearly speaks from experience with at least a few other GPS units. Illustrations are artistic. Lam concludes that the flawed MSN Direct service is not worth the price difference from the Garmin StreetPilot c550.

Review: Hands On Garmin's Streetpilot C580 GPS: Instant Traffic, Movies, Gas Prices...with a Catch, Brian Lam, Mar. 13, 2007

6. Amazon.com

More than 60 owner/reviewers posting to Amazon.com contribute to the StreetPilot c580's high overall score. Most of the more recent reviews are from owners who received it as a Christmas gift.

Review: Garmin StreetPilot c580 Reviews, Contributors to Amazon.com

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