0ur opinion:

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Make every turn the right turn with this easy-to-use system – featuring built-in traffic info to help you avoid delays.

• Pre-loaded, detailed street maps for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
• Text-to-Speech feature speaks out actual street names before every turn
• Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling with compatible phones
• Real-time traffic module built directly into the 12V adapter (includes complimentary 3-month subscription)
• Bright, anti-glare, 3.5' LCD screen
• Rechargeable battery runs for 8 hours on a single charge
• Built-in MP3 player with drag-and-drop functionality
• USB interface for easy hook up to your computer
• 1-year limited warranty

With advanced features like Bluetooth technology, integrated traffic capabilities and a built-in MP3 player, this do-it-all GPS receiver will get you where you need to go – with more convenience than ever.

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The Garmin StreetPilot c550 GPS Vehicle Navigator represents the ultimate in GPS performance and simplicity. This portable navigator comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded maps and a wealth of options. Delivering the same easy to use and affordable navigation as Garmin's c300 series of vehicle navigators -- including a simple touchscreen interface, automatic route calculation, turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions, and over six million points of interest -- the StreetPilot c550 also offers Bluetooth wireless technology with hands-free calling, an integrated traffic receiver, an MP3 player, and much more.

The StreetPilot c550 delivers high-end GPS navigation, and is easy to use right out of the box.

Navigation is easy with a touchscreen interface, voice-prompted directions, and more. View larger.

Compatible with Bluetooth wireless phones for hands-free calls. View larger.

Advanced Wireless and GPS Technology
At the heart of the StreetPilot c550 is a high-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF that provides outstanding acquisition times and the ability to maintain a strong signal under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers. This means you'll always know precisely where you are. Meanwhile, an automotive-grade, sunlight-readable, 2.8 x 2.1-inches (WxH) anti-glare TFT LCD touch-screen display offers easy readability. With dimensions of 4.4 x 3.2 x 2.2-inches (WxHxD), and at about nine ounces in weight, the StreetPilot c550 features a streamlined design that will fit easily on any dashboard with the included vehicle suction mount. The unit also features Garmin Lock -- an advanced anti-theft feature that disables the unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific four-digit PlN or take the unit to a predetermined location.



The StreetPilot c550 also includes Bluetooth technology integrated with a microphone and dual speakers that lets you make hands-free mobile phone calls on a compatible Bluetooth wireless phone. You can view incoming calls on your c550, and simply tap the screen to answer. Just speak into the built-in microphone while staying focused on your driving. ln addition, you can retrieve and dial numbers from your personalized phone book or the phone's call history log. You can also make calls from the more than six million points of interest database -- which includes hotels, restaurants, stores, and much more.



Another feature unique to the c550 is its integrated traffic capabilities. The c550 includes the GTM 20, an integrated FM TMC traffic receiver with a free three-month trial subscription (for U.S. customers only). The GTM 20 notifies you of traffic conditions, construction and weather delays, and automatically suggests alternative routes. The navigator also comes with preloaded maps of North America and includes automatic routing, 2D or 3D map perspective, and turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names -- making navigation as easy as it gets. An included MP3 player lets you enjoy music from your digital collection while you drive, and an included SD memory card expansion slot means that you can load optional software, such as language and travel guides -- making travel even easier and more entertaining than ever.




What's in the Box
StreetPilot c550, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), FM traffic receiver with vehicle power cable, Real-time traffic services, Vehicle suction cup mount, Dashboard disk, USB cable, Carry case, Quick reference guide

Product Description
The portable StreetPilot c550 comes ready-to-go right out of the box with plenty of options. This navigator delivers the same, easy-to-use, affordable navigation as our popular selling c300 series with many enhancements. Garmin Lock anti-theft feature that disables the unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific 4-digit PlN or take the unit to a predetermined location. Features exclusive to the StreetPilot c550 include Bluetooth technology integrated with a microphone and dual speakers for hands-free mobile phone calls on a compatible phone. View incoming calls on your c550, and simply tap the screen to answer. Just speak into the built-in microphone while staying focused on your driving. Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling Voice announces streets by name Configurable car icons Preloaded maps for all of North America Fingertip touch-screen interface Look up addresses and points of interest Choose 2D or 3D map perspective Upload custom P0ls, including alerts for speed zones and safety cams Add optional software with SD memory card expansion slot Voice - Navigation instructions and warnings with TTS (text-to-speech) Waypoints - 500 with name and graphic symbol Trip computer - Resettable odometer, timers, average and maximum speeds Phone book - Stores contact numbers from paired phones that support book transfer GPS Performance Receiver - SiRFstarlll high-sensitivity GPS receiver lnterfaces - USB 2.0 full-speed Power lnput - 12/24v Dc Usage - 15w maximum at 13.8v Dc Battery life - up to 8 hours Unit Dimensions - Width 4.4 x Height 3.2 x Depth 2.2 inch (11.3 x 8.2 x 5.6 cm) Unit Weight - 0.59 pounds (269 grams)

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Buyer's feedback: - * IMPRESSIVE! (Don't forget to register/get a free map update!) ...
This is my first GPS, but I consider myself pretty tech-savvy, so I knew basically what to look for when I opened the box and started using it. What a great product! I saw June, 2008 issue of Consumer Reports after ordering and it rated this one (it gave a combined rating for the c580/c550) 8th out of 39 models, and gave a list price as $450... what a great price this is!

This model is very quick to acquire a signal and very quick to calculate directions. I live just 2 miles off a major interstate, but some of the places I go from home don't take me to the interstate and sometimes mapquest.com, google maps, etc. don't always take me the best way, adding 20 minutes to some 60 minute drives. I have "tested" this model by asking it to take me from home to some of those places, and it always gets it right! Obviously I didn't buy the model to get me to places I already know how to get to, but it's good to know we're on the right track!

I love the fact that when I registered at Garmin.com, I was prompted to update the map for free! It was a very large file, took about an hour to download via Cable modem, but great to know I'm up to date. My wife's office building is in a very new development, and they were listed already on the update.

Also, the item is more compact than I thought it would be. The pictures make it seem that the item is very deep and will be bulky to pack or when on your windshield. Not so!

No complaints yet!

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Buyer's feedback: - You get your money's wroth
Ive had this item for a couple of weeks now, and I MUST say its a really good device. It works like a charm and the bluetooth compatibility makes it much more easier to talk in cell while driving. I for one dislike to use the handsfree head sets because they are usually uncomfortable to the ear. But the c550 resolves that problem. I strongly recommed this model, while its not as stylish as the Navi models, it still works for a Car GPS and the price makes it affordable

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Buyer's feedback: - * Great improvement over the C330 ...
I just got the C550 yesterday at a great price from Amazon. The signal initialization seems much faster and stronger than the C330 I had. The screen is clearer with more detail. The Bluetooth hands-free feature is great and the speaker is much better than my old Blue-Ant Bluetooth device. Also allows you to use the phone list via the screen, and the voice dialing if you phone offers that feature (mine doesn't). Although the speaking of street names feature wasn't top on my list I do find it more convenient than not having it. Also, came preloaded with North American maps (c330 only had US).

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Buyer's feedback: - Does the job
Works fine. Bright screen and using it is intuitive. Found the text to speech female voice annoying, and figured out how to change it to the male voice. Much better. The one feature it doesn't have that I would have liked is a "dry run", where the gps takes you through the trip route on screen before you start. The internal maps aren't perfect - there are two places where it tried to send me the wrong way up a 1-way street.

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Buyer's feedback: - * As Good As It Gets ! ...
Garmin Streetpilot c550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
This product works as good as you need any GPS to work. It is easy to set up and has an excellent mapping system installed and the on screen prompts let you do anything you would need to do with it.
This Garmin's bluetooth linked right up with my Motorola Razr and installed my entire phonebook for automatic dialing.
It is very intuitive if you make a change to the route and instantly recalculates the rest of the way to your destination from the detour.
I know this product is discontinued, but I would look for the replacement model from Garmin, if a 550c is no longer available.
It is so easy to use without installing the window mount with the optional beanbag mount which is very stable in all driving conditions.