Garmin StreetPilot C550 Review

Garmin’s StreetPilot C550 is a good upgrade to its predecessors. Though it is a bit more expensive, the features of the C550 make it worth the few extra dollars.

The C550 sports a new Hi Bright screen, Bluetooth technology, and an FM TMC traffic receiver to warn you of upcoming traffic delays.

The StreetPilot C550 is a portable GPS device with a 3.5 inch QVGA screen. For navigational directions, you simply input your destination information using the touch screen, and you view your directions in 2D or 3D maps, with voice directions for turn by turn navigation. The new antiglare screen is nonreflective, and has a wife viewing angle, so it is easy to read even in direct sunlight.

The C550 is portable, and as such, has a simple mounting system that allows you to move it with you from vehicle to vehicle easily. You can even take it on walks or hikes, or even camping, because of it’s convenience, and small design.

The satellite connection locks in much faster than that of the older StreePilot series. You won’t find yourself waiting for an eternity for it to lock in your spot. It loads quickly and efficiently, and gets you on your way fast.

The Bluetooth technology makes a great additional feature to the C550. Garmin claims that the device is compatible with over 200 phone models, although all features are not fully supported for all phones. But the hands free option when driving is appealing, none the less. You can add your favorite point of interest to the database, and simply call with the touch of an icon on the screen. During an incoming call, the voice prompts are muted, and you have the option to answer or ignore the call.

The C550’s power comes from a rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts for up to 8 hours on a single charge. Plenty of time for walks or hikes, which again, the C550 is good for, considering its size and weight of only 9 ounces.

Other features include an MP3 player, configurable icons which lets you select car shaped icons for your navigation, and Garmin Lock, an anti theft feature. Overall, the StreetPilot C550 is a better navigational device than its predecessors, particularly if you crave the Bluetooth technology, and the extras the come along with it. It’s easy to learn, and high tech. A great combination from Garmin.

Product Description

The StreetPilot c550 adds plenty of options to the easy-to-use, preloaded c510 and c530, including hands-free calling, included traffic alerts and an MP3 player.

Navigate With Ease

StreetPilot c550 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the super-bright sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and the c550 takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, the c550 accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. The European version even includes a preloaded safety camera database containing the location of safety cameras for parts of Europe.

Make Hands-free Calls

Talk about worry-free driving. The c550 integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the c550 while staying focused on the road. Now there’s no more fumbling with your phone’s handset to answer a call or dial a number — just tap the c550’s screen and you’re connected. With 1-touch dialing for POIs, you can conveniently call ahead for reservations or information.

Avoid Traffic Tie-ups

Steer clear of traffic with the c550’s integrated traffic receiver. The FM TMC traffic receiver notifies you of upcoming traffic delays. Simply touch the screen to view traffic details or recalculate your route to avoid traffic

Take It With You

The portable StreetPilot c550 conveniently moves from vehicle to vehicle with an easy, adjustable mount. Its compact size makes it convenient to take along on business trips and use in rental cars. c550 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

Enjoy the Extras

StreetPilot c550 is packed full of additional features that make it the perfect navigator. Its high sensitivity GPS receiver acquires satellites quickly and maintains signals even as you drive under heavy foliage or near skyscrapers. c550 also comes with Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. Customize your c550 with optional software on plug-and-play SD cards.

What's in the Box:

• StreetPilot c550
• Preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America or Europe (full coverage)
• FM traffic receiver with vehicle power cable
• Real-time traffic services*
• Vehicle suction cup mount**
• Dashboard disk
• USB cable
• Carry case
• Quick reference guide

*3-month free trial subscription included in North American version; lifetime subscription for UK and 3-month trial subscription for France included in European version. Traffic information service available in most countries of Western Europe, however certain countries may require paid subscription.
**Notice to Drivers in California and Minnesota
Package contents may vary per version. See your local dealer for more information.