Garmin StreetPilot c550 Car GPS Receiver

Pros: First portable GPS for auto use 3 years ago
Cons: Slow, hard to read, stupid microprocessor, etc...

When I attended CES like 3 years ago, I rated this product Best of Show. At that time, this product was truly an innovative gadget. A dream comes true for me. But then the story is totally different for today - 3 years later. I have had the...

Pros: A wonderful basic mechanical beginners machine. Easy to use and care for.
Cons: Can't think of one!

What an easy machine to use! I got my Bernina 1008 in January 2001! It has a variety of stitches that go through all types of fabric without changing the tension! It sews through everything including cotton t-shirts, cotton/poly fabrics, elastic and much...

Pros: Bright, lively color. Useful voice prompts. Full USA unlock!
Cons: 128 Mb card still too small; CD software awkward

It took a while, but Garmin finally saw the light (figuratively and literally), including a 128mb data card, unlimited USA map downloads and the beanbag holder (along with the permanent dash mount) in the Deluxe package. Nice touches like automatically...

Pros: Small, clear, accurate, automatic re-routing, voice, fun
Cons: A bit slow re-calculating missed turns at times

I've had the StreetPilot III several weeks now. This is my first GPS unit and it is even better tha ...

Pros: Easy to setup and use. Great navigation to destination. Quickly locates satellites.
Cons: Sometimes choses routes that may not be the best.

I purchased the Garmin StreetPilot III (Deluxe Package) and have found it to be very useful. It does ...

Pros: Sound, looks and easy to setup
Cons: price, weight

We just installed a 46" Sony LCD in the bedroom. We installed the YSP-1100 and its matching subwoofer under it. The look is great and the sound more than filled what we wanted. In addition the system allows you to manage the sound unlike any other speaker system. You can direct the sound to the person holding the remote. This allows my wife to listen to the TV while I am sleeping.

Pros: Everything is great if it works
Cons: Screen gets corrupted in the heat of the sun

Well,
I bought it from Amazon and I am returning it back to them. It worked perfectly for exactly two days but lines started coming through the screen making it unreadable. I heard and should have listened that Garmin has this problem with their screens. Amazon is sending me a new one. Lets hope this one won't go bust after the 30 day return policy.

Pros: Outstanding navigational aide!
Cons: Memory cards are expensive

I have owned this device for about a year and a half and feel that is the best money I've ever spent. It is a rugged little device that is easily transfered from car to car or boat, motorcycle etc. I have found it to be extremely accurate 99.9% of the time. It sometimes has difficulty with sat reception when there is a lot of overhead obstructions i.e., trees and heavy rain. The 128mb storage cards are very pricey but they do hold a lot of data. As mentioned they can be loaded with nautical charts.
I thought LORAN used to be a great navigation system but this wins hands down. My cousin uses an aeronautical version in his plane and is equally happy with the unit. The learning curve is a little steep for some folks but once you understand the machine it's a snap to use. I highly recommend this GPS unit!

Pros: Very big help for navigationally-challenged people like me!
Cons: Difficult to install the software.

I like my new Streetpilot -- I had to spend a couple hours on the phone with tech support to get the software installed, etc. but it's a good system. The problem I had is with the online retailer I got it from. Actually, it was a gift, and when I first got it I decided I didn't want it, and I tried to return it, but the retailer doesn't accept returns for any reason if the box is open. I was very unhappy with this company and would strongly advise against purchasing anything from them. Customer service is terrible. The name of the company is 4x4books.com. Stay away from them - they're awful!

Pros: The machine is sturdy and the snap on presser feet are convenient.
Cons: Presser feet do not fit in attatched accessory box without flimsy styrofoam insert!

I purchased this machine, having had another Bernina previously. Its a sturdy machine, but tends to really shake when sewing fast. Also, as I was told by the dealer, Bernina started using snap-on feet with an adapter for the 1008 in order to save costs. I appreciate that, but the accessory box that comes with the machine only holds the old-style feet with a shank. The provide you with a flimsy styrofoam insert to hold your feet. I didn't realize this until after I got the machine home. This would definitely been a deciding factor when purchasing such an expensive machine!

Pros: Bluetooth, excellent mapping, options, easy to use
Cons: price

I have to say that I know many people that have mobile GPS units....and they ALL wish they had mine. You could ask anyone I know, who knows good gadgets..I'm telling you that this Garmin product rocks! Garmin makes great products all around, but they raised the bar on the C550.

Very good car GPS for people who want to use a GPS in more than one car or on the motorcycle. Spoken directions are very clear and correct. The screen is visible at all times (sun, dark...) The beanbag in the package works quite well, in my car it has not moved no matter what I do. It is to big to walk with so it's only use while walking would be to get a bearing and put it back in the backpack this is off course in part because of the huge screen but also the 6 batteries, that do not last very long with such a big screen (reducing the intensity and setting the machine to battery mode helps).

Very easy to use. display changes to evening black at twilight. the unit quickly acquires the satelites and displays the active strength of each signal. It also lets you know which satelites it has acquired. By going to the COast Guard Navigation Center web page, you can get the latest info on the health of each satelite as well.... This is a Must have! Great xmas gift for the gadget wanter in the family!

Excellent coverage to within a few feet. It takes some trial and error to program routes from your pc to the unit, but once figured out it's a snap. Large clear screen. Already programmed in routes for our trip to Hawaii this summer, from the airport to the B&B and other attractions. Tried to fool it by going off route one time - you can't, it keeps routing you back to your destination no matter how far off route you go. Excellent piece of equipment. You can use audio without the power adapter by plugging in an ear bud with a micro plug into the unit. VERY clear audio directions.

Must use external power source. Easy to read and follow displays. One unit became unable to boot. Service support was excellent and even returned fixed overnight before I was leaving on trip. The Metroguide s/w and a PC interface are HIGHLY desirable for planning and storing trips, waypoints, and mapsets. Get the largest data cartridge you can afford. On the down side. The an 8M data cartridge is grossly inadequate for longer trips if you want details along the way with reliable routing. City Navigator maps are a total waste of $. The MetroGuide maps cover the entire country including cities at a fraction of the price and do everything (display, routing, ...) the limited area, expensive City Navigator Maps do. (this seems to be unadvertised or I'm missing something). A 100 M data cartridge would be VERY highly desirable, but the prices are absurd for what they should cost. I have purchased three units and have recommended them to others.