Garmin StreetPilot c530 review

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 c530 offers pre-loaded maps of North America, Garmin Lock™ anti-theft protection and the SiRFstar III chipset. You can also add an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. Step up to the c550 for an integrated traffic receiver, MP3 capabilities, Bluetooth wireless and a unit that calls out upcoming street names.

Additional options include live traffic information, the Garmin Language Guide™ and Garmin Travel Guide™.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c530

Here's what Amazon has to say in their Garmin StreetPilot c530 review:

"The Garmin StreetPilot c530 GPS Vehicle Navigator comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions that makes navigation easy. It also accepts customized points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras..."

More Garmin StreetPliot c530 reviews

• Satisfied owners are starting to post Garmin c530 reviews at Amazon.
• Garmin StreetPilot c530 reviews are also showing up at CNet.
• The Prius Owners Group has posted a Garmin StreetPilot c530 review.
• Bob Atkins has also posted a Garmin StreetPilot c530 review.
• Here's a negative review of the Garmin c530.
• Here's a brief StreetPilot c530 review from a kayaker!
• I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews of the c530 as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some

Other Garmin StreetPilot c530 resources

• A PDF version of the Garmin c530 owners manual.
• There is a UseNet alt.satellite.gps.garmin message forum.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c530 at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin StreetPilot c530 price at Amazon.com.
• Find the low price on the Garmin c530 at GPSNow.com.
• Check out the deal on the Garmin StreetPilot c530 GPS at REI.
• Get the Garmin StreetPilot c530 for an amazing price on eBay!

From the official Garmin c530 web page:

Talk about simple. The portable StreetPilot® c530 comes ready-to-go right out of the box with preloaded maps and plenty of options.

New c500 series Features

In addition to the simple touch-screen display found in previous versions, the StreetPilot c530 along with its counterparts, the StreetPilot c550 and 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 – allow you to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon that shows your position on the map
• 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.

Optional Traffic Receiver

Monitor traffic tie-ups with the addition of an optional FM TMC traffic receiver. By adding traffic services and a receiver to your c530, it notifies you of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered, and then offers an alternate route. Simply touch the screen icon to calculate a new route.*

GPS Navigator

The c530 comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions — making navigation easy. It also 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 c530 — without connecting to your computer.

• Garmin 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.
• SaversGuide®; — 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.

* Traffic services available only in select cities where coverage exists.

Garmin part number: 010-00521-00

Suggested Retail Price: $642.84 U.S.D. (for domestic US market only)

Comments

[jenny B]

I bought the street pilot 530 instead of 550 because I don't like blutooth devices. Now I really wish mine annouces the street name.

The 530C is small enough to put in my bag if don't need the external charge.
Add additonal stop (one only) is not user friendly or I don't know how to use it?
Does any GPS allow you to cutomize your route? These are the alternative routes tested by friends and relatives knowing the area, i.e., my hubby knows how to get to his sister's house using deffirent routes, or alternative when traffic stops.
I also wish larger screens as the vision is not so good now.

[Rich Owings]

Jenny, the Garmin nuvi 700 series allows for multi-destination routing and saved routes. There are other brands that do too, but the Garmin will probably be the most intuitive.