Garmin StreetPilot C340 Review
The Garmin StreetPilot C340 is a GPS device that features reliability above frills. It comes ready to go straight out of the box, with preprogrammed street level maps for the US and Canada. It’s easy to learn, and you can have it up and running within minutes of opening the box. The ease of use, and the reliability of the device itself, makes it worth the absence of the Bluetooth technology and small, compact design of other Garmin products.
Although the screen display, at 2.8 inches wide by 2.1 inches high, is smaller than some other devices, the 320 by 240 pixels give it a crystal clear view. The 3D map view is also a good point, as it shows you your location as if you were viewing the actual road in front of you. Very easy to navigate and understand. And the satellite connection is fast and accurate. No waiting for 15 minutes to lock in a signal, this one will have you out the door in under 5 minutes in most instances.
You still get voice directions for your turn by turn, and there is even the option to choose a male or female voice, and an accent. The voice is loud and clear, and it announces the names of exits and streets, something that the StreetPilot C330 and C320 did not do. It comes in handy to keep you from looking at the unit, you can keep your eyes on the road itself. And if you happen to take a wrong turn, it will re-navigate your course quickly to get you right back on track.
It has a large database of points of interest, including hotels, fuel, ATM’s, and Emergency Rooms. You just choose which one you want from a list, and it gives you step by step directions to get you there. Some do feel that the search capabilities for points of interest could be a bit more dynamic. This would depend on the individual needs, so it may not be a potential problem, depending on what you need.
Another good feature of the C340 is the power option. It has a rechargeable lithium ion battery, that holds charge for up to 8 hours. Also included is a 12V adapter for vehicle use. There is a USB cable that will allow you to power the unit up and charge it from a computer with a USB port. This is very convenient when you are planning your vacation or trip out at home, as it can save you battery life.
If you are looking for a convenient, reliable, less expensive GPS device, then the StreetPilot C340 is a good choice. If you need all the frills, like Bluetooth, MP3 player, and JPEG picture viewer, then perhaps you may want to check out a more expensive model. The C340 is an excellent device for the basics. If you just want to go, and get there easily, then this one may be the one.
Product Description
The StreetPilot c340 leads the portable, affordable c300 series with text to speech capability and optional traffic alerts. Whether you choose the c340 or c330 with preloaded maps or the c320 or c310 with SD card, their intuitive touch screen operation and big displays make them easy to use.
Navigate With Ease
StreetPilot c340 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with motels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and the c340 takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. It even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road. In addition, the c340 accepts custom points of interest (POIs) such as school zones and safety cameras and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs. Traveling abroad? The c340 comes with an SD card slot, making it convenient to add optional maps.
Add Traffic Alerts
Avoid traffic jams with the addition of an FM TMC traffic receiver and traffic services. By adding these to your c340, you are notified of accidents or road construction ahead on your route. Simply touch the screen to view traffic details or recalculate your route to avoid traffic.
Take It With You
The portable c340 easily moves from vehicle to vehicle. Its suction cup windshield mount is a snap to install. The c340 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.
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Physical & Performance: |
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Unit dimensions, WxHxD: |
4.4"W x 3.2"H x 2.8"D (11.3 x 8.2 x 7.2 cm) |
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Display size, WxH: |
2.8"W x 2.1"H (7.2 x 5.4 cm) |
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Display resolution, WxH: |
320 x 240 pixels |
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Display type: |
16-bit TFT LCD with white backlight |
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Weight: |
9.45 ounces (269 g) |
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Battery: |
rechargeable lithium-ion |
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Battery life: |
up to 8 hours |
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Waterproof: |
no |
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High-sensitivity receiver: |
no |
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RoHS version available: |
no |
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Maps & Memory: |
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Basemap: |
yes |
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Preloaded maps: |
yes |
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Ability to add maps: |
yes |
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Built-in memory: |
internal solid state |
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Accepts data cards: |
SD card (not included) |
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Waypoints: |
500 |
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Routes: |
0 |
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Features: |
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Voice prompts (e.g. "Turn right in 500 ft."): |
yes (internal speaker) |
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Speaks street names (e.g. "Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.") : |
yes |
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3D map view: |
yes |
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Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route): |
no |
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Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation): |
yes |
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Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road): |
yes (no off road) |
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Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.): |
yes |
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Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest): |
yes |
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Hands-free calling with Bluetooth® wireless technology: |
no |
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FM traffic compatible: |
yes |
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XM Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible: |
no |
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MSN® Direct for U.S. compatible: |
no |
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MP3 player: |
no |
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Audio book player: |
no |
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Picture viewer: |
no |
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Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation): |
no |
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World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator: |
no |
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Touchscreen: |
yes |
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Remote control: |
no |
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FM transmitter: |
no |
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Headphone jack/audio line-out: |
no |
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Dead reckoning: |
no |
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Garmin Lock™ (anti-theft feature): |
no |
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Motorcycle-friendly: |
no |
What's in the Box:
- StreetPilot c340
- Preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America or Europe (full coverage)
- Vehicle suction cup mount with integrated power cable*
- USB cable
- USB drivers disk
- Dashboard disk
- Quick reference guide
*Notice to Drivers in California and Minnesota
Package contents may vary per version. See your local dealer for more information.
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