Garmin StreetPilot 2820 Review

What the reviewers like:

• Waterproof for motorcycle use
• Loaded with features

What the reviewers don't like:

• No high-sensitivity chipset
• Bulky and heavy
• Expensive

Garmin StreetPilot 2820 review highlights

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.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. GPSInformation.net
Garmin’s StreetPilot 2820
Sam Penrod
Oct. 24, 2006

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.

2. GPSMagazine.com
GPS Magazine Buyer's Guide - Units to Avoid
"Fletch"

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full review of the Garmin StreetPilot 2820, but it does post this list covering GPS units that are discontinued or use outdated technology.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.

3. GPSReview.net
Garmin StreetPilot 2820 Review
Tim Flight
May 1, 2006

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.

4. PocketGPSWorld.com
Garmin StreetPilot 2820 satnav review
Tim Buxton and Mike Barrett
Dec. 26, 2006

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.

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

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.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

Garmin StreetPilot 2820 Review