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Garmin Streetpilot c550 Details
Unit Size: 3.2"H x 4.4"W x 2.2"D
Display Size: 2.8" W x 2.1" H
Weight: 8.8 Oz.
Click here, to view the online Users Manual.
My first encounter with the Garmin Streetpilot c550 was on a 615-mile trip from Southeastern
North Carolina to Central New Jersey. I was impressed with the unit the moment I turned it on.
The display is crystal clear and the touch screen is very responsive. I entered the destination
with no problem as the operating system is about as simple as it could possibly be. While on my
way I found the voice directions from the c550 to be clear and easy to understand, and the text
to speech was a very helpful feature when I approached the multiple exits around Washington
DC and Baltimore. My experience with the GTM-20 traffic receiver was overall very good,
but I do not think it was meant for a road trip like this one. I found that when the c550 alerted me to traffic it was accurate and helpful but the alternate routes when traveling
major interstates will take you far off the calculated route. The traffic seems to be best
for those users that are driving in the cities on a day-to-day basis, where your alternatives
do not put you far off your route. At the time of the trip I did not have a BlueTooth compatible
phone so I was not able to use that feature, but I hope to use that feature in the near future.Streetpilot c550 Special Features
- Sunlight viewable 3.5" touch-screen and built-in speaker.
- Hands-free calling with compatible Bluetooth moblie phone.
- Long 8 hour battery life.
- Highly sensative 12 parallel channel WAAS SiRF Star III GPS receiver updates position once per second.
- Integrated GTM-20 Traffic Receiver with 3 month trial service.
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Garmin Navigation System with Integrated Traffic and Bluetooth Technology!
The Garmin Streetpilot c550 is based on Garmin’s popular c300 series with the addition of an integrated traffic receiver and BlueTooth technology. Just like other C series units, the Streetpilot c550 features a 3.5” diagonal touch screen display. The c550 display is a new display with improved anti-glare and better brightness. With the ultra-sensitive 12-channel WAAS SiRF gps receiver, the Streetpilot c550 will get better performance in cities with tall buildings and places with heavy foliage. Should you need it, the c550 has an MCX connection for an amplified external antenna. The Streetpilot c550 is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery that will power the unit for up to 8 hours of use.
The Streetpilot c550 is pre-loaded with the entire City Navigator North America NT database, which includes all of the detailed maps from Navteq for the entire United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. With all of the detailed maps of North America pre-loaded there is no need for a PC with the Streetpilot c550. Just use the c550’s touch screen to enter your destination. If it is an address or one of the nearly 6 million pre-loaded points of interest, the Garmin Streetpilot c550 will guide you there safely, with both on screen and verbal turn-by-turn directions. The c550 also features Text-to-Speech voice prompts, which verbally speaks the name of the street that you will make your next turn onto. If you go off course do not worry, as the Streetpilot 550 will recalculate your directions and get you right back on track.
With the built-in Garmin GTM 20 FM TMC traffic receiver the Garmin Streetpilot c550 can receive information on traffic and road construction, as well as weather related congestion. The GTM 20 will receive the traffic information and the c550 will calculate your route around any traffic or construction hang-ups. A 3-month trial subscription is included. The traffic information is currently limited to specific major metropolitan areas.
The integrated BlueTooth technology, the Garmin Streetpilot c550 can be used as a hands-free calling device. The c550 has the built-in speakers as well as an integrated microphone, this will allow you to hear and speak to your call without any other devices (an external mic can also be added if necessary). Check this link for a list of compatible BlueTooth phones. The Streetpilot 550 can also be used to play MP3 files. With an SD card slot on the c550 just transfer the MP3’s to an SD card for playback through the built-in speakers.
Also included in the Streetpilot c550 is the Garmin Lock anti-theft feature. This feature will allow you, the user to lock the system so it cannot be used. The Lock feature is disabled with a specific 4-digit code or when the c550 is within 50 meters of a predetermined location. Other features include configurable vehicle icons so you can pick a customized car shape that best represents your vehicle, the ability to use the Garmin Saver and Travel guides on SD, and the ability to save up to 500 addresses.
