How does it look?
Attractive and inviting blue-rimmed monitor on top of its black suction-cup mount, 8.9cm display, and fist size monitor, together they all constitute Garmin StreetPilot c320. It's connected to a suction cup, which easily affixes to the windscreen, with a lever to ensure the grip is air-tight. The neck of the unit is sturdy but easy to swivel, allowing flexibility for most viewing angles.
On the sides of the monitor, controls and input slots are discretely located. There's a small memory card slot - to load additional maps, USB port - to download map updates, internal speakers and volume dial. Also here is the power button, should you wish to turn the device off before your engine; or unplug the power cable from your vehicle and run the device on its internal battery. The power cable connects to your vehicle's power receptacle, conventionally the cigarette lighter.
The touch-screen interface of Garmin StreetPilot c320 is icon-based, and easy to operate. There are two simple options on the main screen, 'Where to?' and 'View map', which allow you to jump straight into using the StreetPilot. The first option presents a range of icons that categories destination types such as food, fuel, intersections, parking and transit. Alternatively, you can browse the map to look for your destination, or use the on-screen keyboard to enter the name/address yourself.
Features
Similar to other car GPS the most immediate feature of the StreetPilot is its voice commands. The commands are clear and audible. Even if you don't hear a command, the direction will be indicated on the monitor.
Using the feature of ‘Route Preference', you can set 'Faster Time' or 'Shorter Distance' as the criteria for the StreetPilot's choice of route. The two options may seem an oxymoron at times, but consider the ever-rising price of petrol, and it's a function worth using.
Using its Avoidance’ routes feature, the StreetPilot will avoid guiding you down toll roads, highways etc, should you make use of this option. Such directions to take these busy, sometimes costly routes can be a common occurrence in CBD areas.
Garmin have recently added to their website the ability to create and/or load points of interest to the device. The free download sees the StreetPilot sound the alarm whenever you approach a designated point of interest. In the case of approaching a school zone, for instance, the alarm will ring and the monitor will show the new speed limit. Other points of interest include red lights and speed cameras.
While you're driving, you can access a range of data about the progress of your trip. Speed, distance traveled and remaining, moving time, and estimated arrival time are just some of the figures available.
If you're a frequent overseas traveler, the SD memory card slot might also be an notable feature. Maps for other countries can be loaded into the device this way.
Advantages
A well designed device in both form and function
- Eight hour internal battery
- Clear Monitor Display
Disadvantages
- No Bluetooth call feature
- Not as many languages as competing products
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