Garmin StreetPilot c580 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 c580 is the new flagship model in the StreetPilot line. It is nearly identical to the c550, except that it adds MSN Direct services (see coverage area), which it receives via FM radio signal. MSN Direct offers weather, movie times, gas prices and live traffic. This also means that the source of traffic data is different than that of the c550, which receives TMC data. The first year is free; after that, MSN Direct service is $49.95 per year or $129.95 for the lifetime of the device.

Key features of the Garmin StreetPilot c580

• Preloaded maps of North America
• MSN Direct content
• Bluetooth wireless
• Speaks street names
• MP3 player

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c580

ZDNet is the first to post a hands-on Garmin StreetPilot c580 review. They rated it an 8 out of a possible 10. Here's a snippet:

"The main difference between the Garmin StreetPilot c550 and this unit is the addition of the MSN Direct services. With it, you can receive real-time traffic conditions, and you can even avoid the congested areas before hitting the road, as the unit provides directions around the traffic. Alternatively, if you happen to hit traffic as you're driving, the c580 will automatically look for alternate routes. With all that driving, at some point you'll need to refuel, and the cool thing about MSN Direct is it can pull current gas prices from stations close to your current location, so you can find the best deal. The same applies for finding movie showtimes. MSN Direct will send local showtimes for movies directly to the c580, and you can even search by title or theater; once you've decided on a location, you can simply press Go to get directions to the theater. The final service provided by MSN Direct is weather; you can get current weather conditions as well as a three-day forecast for your area with information about high/low/current temperatures, chances of precipitation, humidity, pressure, wind, and alerts."

More Garmin StreetPilot c580 reviews

• The first consumer written Garmin StreetPilot c580 review has been posted at GPSNow.
• And now the first Garmin StreetPilot c580 review written by an Amazon customer has been posted as well.
• Gizmodo has posted a video demo of the Garmin StreetPilot c580.
• They've also posted a brief Garmin StreetPilot c580 review.
• Matthew Miller of ZDNet definitely likes the Garmin c580.
• GPSInformation.net does their usual thorough job in this Garmin StreetPilot c580 review.
• Scif.com has also posted a Garmin StreetPIlot c580 review.
• Tangled Wires reviews the StreetPilot c580, declaring it "top rated."
• Rich Menga has posted a StreetPilot c580 review on his blog.
• Here's a video review of the Garmin c580.

I'll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some...

Other Garmin StreetPilot c580 resources

• A PDF version of the Garmin StreetPilot c580 owners manual.
• Curious as to how the c580 compares to other units? Use this handy Garmin mobile GPS comparison tool.
• There are several GPS message forums that you might want to check out:
  • GpsPasSion Garmin StreetPilot message forum.
  • GPSInformation.net Garmin message forum.
  • Garmin UseNet message forum.

Compare prices on the Garmin StreetPilot c580 at these merchants:

• Check the current Garmin StreetPilot c580 price at Amazon.
• Get a great deal on the Garmin StreetPilot c580 at GPSNow, where shipping is free on orders over $399. Order by 5 p.m. Central Time for same day shipment.
• Find the Garmin StreetPilot c580 Bluetooth GPS System with MSN Direct at TigerGPS.
• Get the Garmin StreetPilot c580 for an amazing price on eBay.

From the official Garmin StreetPilot c580 web page:

Receive door-to-door directions while staying on top of weather, traffic and localized information with the StreetPilot® c580. Similar to the c550, StreetPilot c580 comes with hands-free calling, preloaded maps and an MP3 player, then takes it up a notch by adding dynamic content from MSN® Direct. 

Get  Localized Information

With dynamic content from MSN Direct, c580 is one resourceful navigator. Using the included receiver and free trial service* to MSN Direct, you can check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices and check movie times and locations when you travel with your unit. The MSN Direct receiver is plug-and-play portable, making it easy to connect to your unit when out and about.

Navigate with Ease   

StreetPilot c580 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the super-bright sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and the c580 takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, the c580 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.

Make Hands-free Calls

Talk about worry-free driving. The c580 integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth® phone. Then talk hands-free through the c580 while staying focused on the road. Now there’s no more fumbling with your phone’s handset to answer a call or dial a number — just tap the c580’s screen and you’re connected. With 1-touch dialing for POIs, you can conveniently call ahead for reservations or information.

Take It With You

The portable StreetPilot c580 conveniently moves from vehicle to vehicle with an easy, adjustable mount. Its compact size makes it convenient to take along on business trips and use in rental cars. c580 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

Enjoy the Extras

StreetPilot c580 is packed full of additional features that make it the perfect navigator. Its high sensitivity GPS receiver acquires satellites quickly and maintains signals even under heavy foliage or near skyscrapers. c580 also comes with an MP3 player, Garmin Lock™ (an anti-theft feature) and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. Customize your c580 with optional software on plug-and-play SD cards.

StreetPilot c580: Yes, it really is that simple.

* Package includes 1 year free MSN Direct service. Some services available only in select cities where coverage exists.   

Garmin part number: 010-00522-06

    Suggested Retail Price:
    $857.13 U.S.D. (for domestic US market only)    

Related posts:

• Bluetooth and GPS for hands free cell phone use
• GPS with MP3 players

Comments

[Lyle]

Just bought the top of the line c580 and was surprised to find out that the map has a major error in Northwest Las Vegas. Asked tech support and they told me that they have a new version which corrects the issue but it is going to cost me $75 for a map update!

Needless to say this is the last Garmin that I will ever buy or recommend!

[Rich Owings]

Holy cow! I'd find out who the VP of Sales and Marketing is and write him a letter. Sometimes you're better off going to the top!

[BB]

I have only had my unit for 1 week and it is a godsend! I am trying to find out if I can change the voice but other than that I love it!

[Rich Owings]

BB,

Glad you're enjoying it!

On the Menu page, touch the "wrench" and then choose "Locale." You'll see a voice setting saying something like "American English - Jill (TTS)." You must choose a setting that includes TTS if you want the unit to call out street names. On my nuvi 660, "Jill" is the only American English TTS choice, though I see British and Aussie choices.