Today I received a new GPS, the Garmin StreetPilot c580. I have owned it for less than a day but have to say that thus far I am 100% satisfied with the unit.
I will have a further in-depth review of this product later – but for now here are some of the highlights:
Yes, the optional MSN Direct really does work
With the purchase of any c580 you get one free year of MSN Direct services (ordinarily about $50 a year or one-time price of about $130 a year). This service provides you with:
- The lowest gas prices in the area – with directions on how to get to the station – updated daily
- Weather reports with extended forecasts
- Current movies playing at local theaters with showtimes – again with directions on how to get to any of them – also updated daily
- Local traffic reports – updated live and the unit will route you around traffic jams, accidents and the like (with your permission first, of course)
Two words: Kick ass.
It all works shockingly well.
To note, this service is not available in all areas. I happen to live in the Tampa Bay area and it was super-easy to set up.
You can get more info at http://garmin.msndirect.com to see if your area is covered.
Yes, it grabs a signal much much faster
The c580 has SiRF technology built into it – and boy oh boy does it grab a signal FAST.
A common complaint among many GPS navigation users is that it takes too long to get a signal before you start driving. Garmin has cured this in short order with the addition of SiRF in the c580 (and other newer units).
If you happen to live in an area that has many skyscrapers and/or has adverse weather conditions often, the SiRF will help out immensely.
With the c340 model, the unit would take about one to two minutes to get a signal.
With the c580, less than 30 seconds.
Yes, the screen has improved
Another common complaint is that the screen wasn’t bright enough. I’m happy to report the new anti-glare screen handles bright Florida sun with no problems at all (whereas the c340 didn’t and needed the addition of a GlareStomper).
If you live where the sun is extra bright – or in a snow belt region where the snow causes massive glare during sunlight hours, this screen will help out quite a bit.
Yes, the speakers have improved
Some thought the older "c" series (as well as other units) didn’t have a loud enough speaker setup. The c580′s speaker system is definitely improved. If it’s still not loud enough for you, there is now a port to output the speaker to another system – such as your car stereo.
. . .
There’s lots more to cover – coming soon once I figure it all out. 
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What cellular phone with bluetooth do you use that is compatible with the Garmin c580? I notice that the compatible phones are several years old. I need one from Verizon that is compatible. Do you have a recommendation?
Unfortunately my phone is not Bluetooth capable, however from what I read in the manual, just about any wireless phone that has that functionality will work with this unit. The setup is extremely easy and you can be 10 meters *away* from the unit and it will still work. There is nothing stated about carrier limitations, etc etc. Should work with any wireless phone that’s got Bluetooth functionality.
I was really impressed with the 8 hour battery life which comes from the low power consumption of the transreflective LCD screen. 4 – 5 hours seems to be a common figure for other similar GPS devices.
http://gpstekreviews.com/2007/04/09/garmin-streetpilot-c580-car-navigation-gps-review/
The technology impresses me very much. The only thing is sometimes it’ll take you in a sort of roundabout way to get somewhere, but at least I will get there!