Garmin StreetPilot c580 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct

By truck gps guide | October 5, 2008

Garmin StreetPilot c580 3 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator with MSN Direct

The StreetPilot c580 GPS navigator with dynamic content from MSN Direct is simple to use. Connect your MSN Direct receiver to your StreetPilot c580 and receive real-time traffic, gas prices, movie listings and weather conditions and forecasts. Other features include a bright color display, easy touch screen interface, turn-by-turn voice guidance with text-to-speech, MP3 player and more. Included is Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling when paired with compatible phones. The StreetPilot c580 comes preloaded with highly detailed City Navigator NT road maps for the entire United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This map database features nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions. The map data is provided by NAVTEQ, a world leader in premium-quality mapping. Built-in patch antenna, MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection Configurable vehicle icons - Allows users to select a fun, customized car-shaped icon Garmin Lock anti-theft feature - When enabled, users must input a PIN number to use the device Backup feature allows users to associate a security location, which will unlock the unit when within 50 meters of that location Features MP3 player - Loading MP3s is Drag & Drop easy with no special software required Import custom points of interest (POIs) such as restaurants and safety cameras from industry-standard CSV files Proximity alert feature warns of upcoming custom POIs such as safety cameras and school zones Built-in lithium ion battery, up to 8 hours of battery life Suction cup mounting system provides easy adjustment and quick release Unit dimensions - Width 4.4 x Height 3.2 x Depth 2.2 inch Unit Weight - 9 ounces

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Hands down - great product Easy to use!!
I originally had a Garmin C330 and loved it. I gave it to my son, and started lookng for a replacement. I knew I wanted a Garmin, but was confused with so many choices from Garmin. I chose the C580 over the Nuvi line. I had to have the text to speech directions, so much better than just Left in 200 ft etc…The extra features like MP3 and pictures are nice but not needed to me. I liked the MSN ability, and hope it becomes more widespread over time. I updated to the latest map from Garmin, free upgrade via the website in the directions. Huge file, took a little bit of time, but worth it. It does have roads that were built in the last year, such as the 355 extension here in IL. The bluetooth synced up with my Motorola with no problems, and works fine when I opt to use it. The biggest advantage I see to that is the ability to search for a place, then call it right from the Garmin!

If you are deciding between a Garmin and any other brand, Garmin is the best choice in my opinion. My wife, daughter and son were able to use this right out of the box without picking up the manual.

Satellite pick up is a lot faster than my original C330. The size is a little bigger than the Nuvi’s, but it feels better constructed than my friends 660. I only use it in my car, so the size is not a big deal at all.

Enjoy your Garmin!

5 Stars Best Device Ever
I never used GPS before but this unit is such a big help. I primarily use it for the MSN direct traffic updates and it has saved me multiple times from sitting in traffic for an extra hour. My commute is 45 mins w/o traffic. When there is traffic it could be up to 2 hours. With this GPS I never take longer than 1hr 15 mins with heavy traffic. This thing pays for itself b/c of time and gas saved. Buy one NOW.

4 Stars Garmin Street Pilot C580- Happy Fathers Day!
I ordered this as a Father’s Day gift to myself (from my family, of course). Got a great deal (right around $220), which is comparable to the low end of Garmin’s Nuvi lineup. I have a number of friends that have the Nuvi, and so far, the only thing I can tell is different is the size. The C580 is not pocket sized, as it is about the 3 1/2 inches thick. But luckily, I don’t ever need to use it in my pocket. Thickness doesn’t matter when it is stuck to the windshield.

Here are the positives:

Bluetooth- I use Big G as a speaker phone in the car, and it works great. It immediately paired up with my Samsung blackjack, downloaded the phone book, and was ready to go. Using it as a phone couldn’t be easier.

Directions- isn’t this really why you buy one of these? I have no complaints on any directions, and I have done the obligitory “input a location that I know well so I can see how it does” drill, and it did fine. Sure, maybe I would pick a slightly different route a couple of times, but when I am somewhere unfamiliar, knowing that I can trust this to get me to my destination is great.

Estimated time of arrival- I travel a lot by car for business, and I can input my location and know, within a minute or two, what time I will arrive. That is a huge stress reliever.

MSN Direct- When I am in larger cities where their is service, the traffic updates are very helpful, and usually pretty accurate (not sure I would pay for this service, however, as so far I have only used it to know how long I would be delayed).

MP3 player- not a huge issue for me, as I have a Sirius and an Ipod, but nice to know it is there if I need it.

Picture viewer- I have downloaded a couple pictures of the family, and it is nice to be able to see those when I am bored in the car.

Garmin Extras- the only thing I have used so far is the Garmin Garage, which is the various icons you can use to replace the standard car. My kids all argue over who gets to pick the icon on each trip (the Black Pearl, Pizza Slice and Santa’s Sleigh seem to be the most popular).

Text to Voice- having the street names is key. Not only for directions, but for entertainment. I use Karen, the australian female voice, and some of the Native American names around here really give her a hard time. She is a valiant soldier and tries anyway, much to our amusement.

Negatives- I really don’t have any. Sure, the maps are missing some roads and points of interest, but they all are. I wish that Garmin offered free map upgrades, but they see that as a revenue stream. I wish that the MSN Direct service worked here in Green Bay, but it only gets a little north of Milwaukee. None of these are really a big deals in relation to this unit over others. If you need to put this in your pocket however, spend more and get the Nuvi. But to get the same features as this one, be prepared to spend a LOT more.

I have had no issues with acquiring satellites, I have gotten 6 hours of battery time on the rare times I needed it, the screen is a good size, etc. I really don’t have any major quibbles with this unit.

Again, if navigation is the name of the game, and you are using this in a car (and not moving it around a lot), go with this one. For the price, you won’t be unhappy. If size is critical, shell out a couple hundred more dollars and get a high end Nuvi.

5 Stars Excellent for a reduced price
I just purchased this product last week, so far my experience has been great with this litle monster. I got this on a deal for $199 great value for the price.

5 Stars Great GPS and live update
Great GPS. Other than being a bit bulky it leaves the newer models in the dust. Extra feature of MSN Direct makes it even better, with gas prices goin g up, its great being able to see which one is the cheapest in your location. Traffic update is OK. Weather update is awesome. And movie theater times update is also great. Used to go North and South Carolina, and got me everywhere and anywhere I wanted to go. Don’t leave home without it.

Buy/More Info

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