Garmin StreetPilot c310 Review

Garmin’s StreetPilot c310 is a great GPS device, if you’re not looking for all the extras, such as Bluetooth technology, MP3 player, etc. It’s simply a navigational system without all the frills. Still, it’s reliable navigation for a lower price than those with all the extras. The 2.8 inch by 2.1 inch display screen may sound too small for some people, but the display is clear and easy to read for the small size. It’s also a compact unit, small enough to move with you from car to car.

A few minor problems noted are that it doesn’t always give you the best route, just the shortest one. This sometimes leads to traveling downtown, instead of bypassing around town, which may be a problem if you really want to avoid downtown traffic.


The navigation is easy, just touch the screen to enter your destination, and you get directions in a 2D or 3D map, with turn by turn voice instructions. It does not, however, give you the street names, only the distance to turn. This may be a glitch for those who are used to the announcing of street names. Also, if you happen to be at an intersection with several turns, you may need to rely more on your intuition than the voice prompts. It is easy to use, almost no learning curve.

It does come with a base map, but no downloaded maps. So you would need to upgrade for this option. The City Navigator NT street maps are via a 259 MB SD card, and are for one European region. If you’re looking for a preprogrammed unit that requires no downloads, you would want to consider the next in the StreetPilot series.

You do get an extensive database of points of interest, or you can add your own custom points of interest, such as school zones or safety cameras, and set alerts to warn you of upcoming points of interest, such as speed traps, etc.

The power comes from a rechargeable lithium ion battery that holds it charge for up to 8 hours. The unit isn’t as compact as the Nuvi series. Still it weighs only 9.45 ounces, and can be taken from vehicle to vehicle easily. However, the charger plug does hook into the mount, and not the unit itself. So moving the mount would be required for multi-vehicle use, unless you opt for a more portable mount.

Overall, if you just want a navigational device, and not a Bluetooth, MP3 player, etc., then the StreetPilot c310 is very reliable for the cost. If all you really need to do is travel, without all the frills, then this one may just be the one.

Product Description

Sold exlusively in Europe, the portable StreetPilot c310 includes a preprogrammed SD card with detailed maps for one European region or country. Like all members of the c300 series, c310 featues intuitive touch screen operation and a big display, making it easy to use.

Navigate With Ease

StreetPilot c310 offers everything you want in a car navigation system including automatic routing, crystal clear voice guidance, address lookup, 2D or 3D maps and an extensive database of points of interest. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and the c310 takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions. It also 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.

Customize Your Maps 

StreetPilot c310 comes with a 256 megabyte (MB) SD card preloaded with City Navigator® NT street maps for one European region. Just plug the card into the c310 card slot and go. Looking for a preprogrammed unit with no downloads and full European coverage? Try the StreetPilot c330 or c340 which come with preloaded maps for added convenience. The StreetPilot c310 also includes a standard basemap covering all of Europe, so you can still travel outside the programmed card’s coverage area using major roads.

Take It With You

The portable c310 easily moves from vehicle to vehicle. Its suction cup windshield mount is a snap to install. The c310 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

StreetPilot c310: Where to?

Physical & Performance: 
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:4.4″W x 3.2″H x 2.8″D (11.3 x 8.2 x 7.2 cm)
Display size, WxH:2.8″W x 2.1″H (7.2 x 5.4 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:320 x 240 pixels
Display type:16-bit TFT LCD with white backlight
Weight:9.45 ounces (269 g)
Battery:rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life:up to 8 hours
Waterproof:no
High-sensitivity receiver:no
RoHS version available:no
Maps & Memory: 
Basemap:yes
Preloaded maps:no
Ability to add maps:yes
Built-in memory:internal solid state
Accepts data cards:preprogrammed 128 MB microSD card (included)
Waypoints:500
Routes:0
Features: 
Voice prompts (e.g. “Turn right in 500 ft.”):yes (internal speaker)
Speaks street names (e.g. “Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.”) :no
3D map view:yes
Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route):no
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation):yes
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road):yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.):yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest):yes
Hands-free calling with Bluetooth® wireless technology:no
FM traffic compatible:no
XM Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible:no
MSN® Direct for U.S. compatible:no
MP3 player:no
Audio book player:no
Picture viewer:no
Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation):no
World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator:no
Touchscreen:yes
Remote control:no
FM transmitter:no
Headphone jack/audio line-out:no
Dead reckoning:no
Garmin Lock™ (anti-theft feature):no
Motorcycle-friendly:no

What’s in the Box: 

  • StreetPilot c310
  • SD card with City Navigator NT for one European region or country (click versions tab to view all)
  • Vehicle suction cup mount with integrated power cable
  • USB cable
  • USB drivers disk
  • Dashboard disk
  • Quick reference guide

Package contents may vary per version. See your local dealer for more information.

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