UPDATE: Most of the several generations old StreetPilot series, including this model, has been discontinued. For a more current recommendation, check out our Auto GPS buyers guide or go straight to our Garmin nuvi comparison chart.
While the monochrome screen of the Garmin StreetPilot i2 will turn some folks off, the reasonable price makes it pretty attractive for those on a budget or for anyone looking at buying their first auto GPS, especially when you consider that it comes with Garmin's City Select car navigation software ($139.99 MSRP). Step up to the StreetPilot i3 for a color screen.
Amazon has this to say in their Garmin StreetPilot i2 review:
"The Garmin StreetPilot i2 Vehicle Navigation GPS System is part of Garmin's line of small, inexpensive automotive GPS navigators. Designed to make driving fun, this affordable system is about the size of a baseball and is targeted to first-time GPS satellite navigation users what want to "get their feet wet" with GPS.
Despite its compact size, the StreetPilot i2 has many of the same powerful capabilities as Garmin's other premium automotive GPS navigators. This system features a a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a back button, which makes it easy to select a destination from the unit's menu-driven interface. The StreetPilot i2 also provides voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker, and the unit moves from vehicle to vehicle with an easily-installed, integrated suction cup mount. With the StreetPilot i2, you may never get lost again--if you miss a turn, the system will automatically put you back on track..."
Here's what others are saying about the StreetPilot i2:
- ZDNet gives a 7.7 (out of a possible 10) rating in their StreetPilot i2 review.
- Dozens of satisfied users have contributed Garmin StreetPilot i2 reviews at Amazon.
- Lord Percy has posted a Garmin StreetPilot i2 review as well.
Here are some additional resources that may prove useful:
- A PDF version of the StreetPilot i2 owners manual.
- The UseNet group alt.satellite.gps.garmin.
- Finally, see how the i2 stands up to other car units with this Garmin GPS comparison tool.
Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot i2 at these merchants:
- Check the current Garmin StreetPilot i2 price at Amazon.
- Find the low price on the StreetPilot i2 at GPSNow.com.
From the official Garmin StreetPilot i2 web page:
The StreetPilot i2 is the monochrome version in the i-series StreetPilots—a new line of small, inexpensive automotive GPS navigators that make driving fun.
No larger than a baseball and priced affordably, the StreetPilot i-series is destined to be a hit for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers who are looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of GPS satellite navigation for the first time.
Don’t let the size fool you: The StreetPilot i-series has many of the same powerful capabilities as our other premium automotive GPS navigators.
The i-series features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a “back” button which makes it easy to select a destination from the unit’s menu-driven interface. The i2 and i3 provide voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker, and the unit easily moves from vehicle to vehicle with an integrated suction cup mount. The i-series will also automatically put drivers back on course if they miss a turn.
The StreetPilot i2 and i3 come with a MapSource City Select North America NT DVD, which contains mapping detail of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico—featuring nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Users load the City Select data onto an included 128MB Transflash™ data card via a fast USB connection.
As an added benefit, you can now import customized points of interest with the help of Garmin's free POI Loader software. The possibilities are endless — upload safety cameras or school zones, and you will receive a warning if you are traveling too fast. In addition, an optional proximity-alert feature notifies you of upcoming custom POIs.
The i3 and i5 feature a 32k-color, sunlight readable TFT display with backlight, while the i2 features a high-contrast backlit FSTN monochrome display. Motorists can choose from either a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or overhead “bird’s eye” view. For added convenience, drivers can power the unit with either two AA batteries (six hours, typical use) or the included 12-volt adapter cable.
StreetPilot i2 features:
- WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS patch antenna with MCX-type connector for optional external antenna
- Unit dimensions: 3.00” W x 2.74” H x 2.15” D
- StreetPilot i2 display: 1.7” W x 1.3” H, 240 x 176 pixels, high-contrast monochrome FSTN with backlight
- Weighs only 5.3 oz. (without batteries; includes vehicle suction cup mount)
- Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings
- Includes 128MB TransFlash card for loading detailed maps from the included MapSource City Select North America NT v7 DVD
- Features scroll wheel with click-to-enter, making it quick & easy to navigate
- Offers a three dimensional mapping perspective, or 2-D overhead view
- Battery life: up to 6 hours typical use on two AA batteries (7 hours maximum)
- Includes removable 12-volt power adapter cable for external power while in your vehicle
- Includes a vehicle suction cup mount which allows for easy adjustment and quick release
- USB Interface
Technorati tags: GPS
I think this all started with Wal-Mart's Black Friday online sale dropping the price to $199. Amazon then followed suit. I jumped on the Wal-Mart deal and got two. One for me and a Christmas gift for my parents! I do hope it comes with the version 8 maps, however.
Posted by: Bill | November 28, 2005 at 02:17 PM
One more thing. According to the i3 (the i2's color-screen brother) review (http://www.gpsinformation.org/i3/i3.html), the i3 is very sensitive with the reviewer getting a lock in his house. Could the i-series be using the SiRF chipset?
Posted by: Bill | November 28, 2005 at 02:22 PM
Garmin StreetPilot i2 is a nice auto GPS system, but I suggest you take your time and explore all the possibilities on the market. You will be surprised of the diversity of auto GPS devices.
Posted by: James Kronefield | February 13, 2007 at 05:38 AM