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.
The Garmin StreetPilot i3 GPS is a great entry level auto navigation system, that will get you where you're going without breaking the bank. The mid-level model in the i-series, this unit is a step up from the i2 monochrome edition. Packaged with Garmin's City Select software, this little dynamo gives voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, to guide you wherever you want to go. One caveat though -- this unit has no touch screen. If you want that feature at a reasonable price, check out the StreetPilot c320.
The StreetPilot i3 garnered 4-1/2 out of 5 stars from 39 readers at Amazon, which had this to say in their editorial review...
"No larger than a baseball and priced with affordability in mind, the StreetPilot i3 GPS navigation system is a great fit for commuters, college students, and corporate travelers looking to experience the ease and enjoyment of satellite navigation for the first time. Don't let the small size fool you; the i3 boasts many of the same powerful functions as Garmin's premium vehicle GPS navigators. The StreetPilot i3 features a unique and convenient click-to-enter scroll wheel and a Back button that makes it easy to select a destination from the unit's menu-driven interface. It also offers voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions through a built-in speaker, and should you miss a turn, the i3 will automatically recalculate the route to put you back on course. And perhaps most conveniently, the unit moves easily from vehicle to vehicle thanks to the integrated suction cup mount, so you don't need to go through a cumbersome process each time you change cars.
To get you from point A to point B, the StreetPilot i3 includes a MapSource City Select North America NT DVD, which contains mapping detail of the entire U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The DVD's nearly six million points of interest range from hotels and restaurants to gas stations and ATMs, along with local attractions such as amusement parks and museums. Simply load the City Select data onto the included 128 MB Transflash data card via a fast USB connection and you're set..."
Here's what others are saying about the i3:
- GPS Information.net offers an extensive review of the Street Pilot i3, complete with screen shots.
- ZDNet's editors agreed with 9 users in their ratings of the Garmin i3. Both gave it a 7.7 out of 10.
- PCMag.com rates the i3 at 4 out of a possible 5.
- This site offers a couple of Garmin StreetPilot i3 reviews by consumers, including one that is fairly extensive.
- Over a dozen consumers have posted Garmin StreetPilot i3 reviews at Epinions.
Other resources that may prove helpful:
- A PDF version of the StreetPilot i3 owner's manual.
- The UseNet group alt.satellite.gps.garmin.
- Finally, see how the i3 stands up to other car units with this Garmin GPS comparison tool.
Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot i3 at these merchants:
- Check the current price of the Garmin StreetPilot i3 at Amazon.
- Find the low price on the StreetPilot i3 at GPSNow.com.
From the official Garmin Street Pilot i3 web page:
The StreetPilot i3 is the color 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.
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