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 c550 GPS is the first c-series StreetPilot to incorporate Bluetooth for hands-free cellphone use. An integrated traffic receiver also distinguishes it from other c-series units. A 3-month subscription is included in the U.S. -- after that it will cost you $60 for 15 months. European users get a free lifetime subscription.
The c550 comes pre-loaded with full City Navigator NT coverage of North America or Europe. Like all the c500 series models, the c550 has the SiRFstar III chipset, a greatly improved sunlight-readable screen, and an anti-theft feature. Moving down to the c510 / c530, you lose the MP3 player, Bluetooth, the ability to call out street names and the integrated traffic receiver.
Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c550
Before we hear from others, here is an excerpt from Amazon's Garmin c550 review:
"The StreetPilot c550 also includes Bluetooth technology integrated with a microphone and dual speakers that lets you make hands-free mobile phone calls on a compatible Bluetooth wireless phone. You can view incoming calls on your c550, and simply tap the screen to answer. Just speak into the built-in microphone while staying focused on your driving. In addition, you can retrieve and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or the phone's call history log. You can also make calls from the more than six million points of interest database -- which includes hotels, restaurants, stores, and much more..."
More Garmin StreetPilot c550 reviews
- PC Mag is the first to publish a full Garmin c550 review, giving it a four out of five star rating.
- One of my favorite reviewers, GPS Information.net, has posted their Garmin c550 review.
- GPS Magazine says in their Garmin c550 review that this is the GPS you want!
- Time Magazine's Garmin c550 review calls it "the must have accessory for summer road trips."
- CNet has posted their Garmin c550 review, giving it a 7.7 out of a possible 10.
- Check out this great comparison of the Garmin c550 and Tom Tom GO 910.
- GPS Magazine does their own Garmin c550 vs. TomTom GO 910 smackdown, then throws in another GPS - the Magellan Roadmate 6000T, for good measure.
- Consumer Electronics Net has posted their Garmin c550 review.
- Near perfect Garmin c550 reviews are being posted by satisfied customers on Amazon.
- Gizmodo names the StreetPilot c550 as one of their top five road trip gadgets.
- The NY Times compares the Garmin StreetPilot c550 to an in-dash unit and a cell phone based navigation system.
- Laptop magazine gives a 4.5 out of 5 rating in their Garmin StreetPIlot c550 review.
- Backpacker Magazine has posted a video review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550:
More Garmin StreetPilot c550 resources
- A PDF version of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 owners manual.
- Want to see how the c550 stacks up against other auto GPS receivers? Use this handy Garmin GPS comparison tool.
- There are several Garmin message boards, but this one at GpsPasSion focuses on the StreetPilot cXXX and iX lines.
- LapTop Magazine reviews the traffic performance of the Garmin c550.
- Here is a comparison of the StreetPilot c550 and the TomTom GO 920.
Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c550 at these merchants:
- Find the low price on a StreetPilot c550 at GPS Now.com.
- Check the current Garmin StreetPilot c550 price at Amazon.com.
- Get a great deal on the Garmin c550 at TheNerds.net.
- Buy the Garmin StreetPilot c550 Bluetooth Automotive Traffic GPS System at Tiger GPS.
- Find a great deal on the Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS at REI.
- Get the Garmin StreetPilot c550 for an amazing price on eBay.
Product description from the official Garmin StreetPilot c550 web page:
Talk about simple. The portable StreetPilot® c550 comes ready-to-go right out of the box with preloaded maps and plenty of options. This navigator delivers the same, easy-to-use, affordable navigation as our popular selling c300 series with many enhancements like Bluetooth® wireless technology with hands-free calling, an integrated traffic receiver, MP3 player, plus much more.
New c500 series Features
In addition to the simple touch-screen display found in previous versions, the StreetPilot c550 along with its counterparts, the StreetPilot c530 and the StreetPilot c510, come loaded with new c500 series features including:
- High-sensitivity GPS receiver – provides faster acquisition times and maintains signal under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers
- Automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, anti-glare display – makes it easier to see where you’re going
- Streamlined design – creates a slimmer, more refined shape
- Configurable vehicle icons – allows you to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon that displays when autorouting
- Garmin Lock™ – anti-theft feature that disables the unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific 4-digit PIN or take the unit to a predetermined location.
Bluetooth Wireless
Features exclusive to the StreetPilot c550 include Bluetooth technology integrated with a microphone and dual speakers that lets you to make hands-free mobile phone calls on a compatible Bluetooth wireless phone. View incoming calls on your c550, and simply tap the screen to answer. Just speak into the built-in microphone while staying focused on your driving. In addition, retrieve and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or the phone’s call history log. You can also make calls from the StreetPilot c550's huge points of interest database – which includes hotels, restaurants, stores, and much more.
Integrated Traffic Receiver
Another feature unique to the c550 is its integrated traffic capabilities. The c550 includes, an integrated traffic receiver which notifies you of traffic, construction and weather delays and automatically suggests alternative routes.
GPS Navigator
The c550 comes with preloaded maps of Europe or North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names — making navigation easy. It is also an MP3 player and accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras.
Optional Software
Optional software available on plug-in SD cards, lets you instantly add new features to your c550 — without connecting to your computer.
- Travel Guide™ — gives you helpful and thorough reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, shopping, nightlife, sporting events and tourist attractions. Travel Guide for Europe available for purchase. Travel Guide for United States coming soon.
- Savers Guide™ — a “geo-coded” coupon book that notifies you of nearby discounts on restaurants, hotels, shopping, and more at thousands of participating Entertainment® businesses throughout North America.
StreetPilot c550 Features:
- Receiver: New high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
- Display: Automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, anti-glare TFT LCD display, 2.8”W x 2.1”H (7.2 x 5.4 cm); 320 x 240 pixels, with touch screen
- Unit dimensions: 4.4”W x 3.2”H x 2.2”D (11.3 x 8.2 x 5.6 cm)
- Weight: .59 pounds (269 g)
- Battery life: up to 8 hours
- Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling
- Integrated traffic reciever
- MP3 player
- Voice announces streets by name
- Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
- Configurable car icons
- Preloaded maps for all of North America or Europe
- Fingertip touch-screen interface
- Look up addresses and points of interest
- Choose 2D or 3D map perspective
- Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cams
- Add optional software such as Travel and Savers Guides to personalize c550
- SD memory card expansion slot
Related posts:
- GPS receivers with MP3 players
- Bluetooth GPS for hands free cell phone use
- Garmin StreetPilot c530 review
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