Garmin StreetPilot c320 Review

Garmin’s StreetPilot c320 is a good navigational device if all you want is navigation, and none of the MP3 player, Bluetooth technology that comes with pricier units. It does come with a base map and a DVD of City Navigator NT detailed maps and a 128 megabyte (MB) SD card for downloading map areas. If you want a more detailed map base, then a larger unit would be a better choice. However, if you don’t plan a lot of travel, and need navigational help for only one region, then the StreetPilot c320 is a very cost effective GPS to get you where you need to be. You can purchase an SD care and put more maps on, making it just as helpful as more expensive units, but still for a lot less money.

First use is easy and fast. The navigation is just as easy. The screen is a touch screen, and you simply enter your destination, and your results are displayed in either 2D or 3D maps with voice directions for turn by turn. You can add custom points of interest, such as school zones and safety cameras.

Some users have reported that searching by POI name can be a long wait. Also, some newer business or points of interest seem to be missing from the database. These are minor glitches, however, how much problem it will cause depends on the amount of information that you need. It is a relatively small unit, only weighing 9.45 ounces, so you can take it with you when you’re walking or camping. Satellite connection is great, so when camping, you could alleviate the worry of getting off track in a wooded area.

The screen size is a little larger than its predecessor, the C310. With a larger screen, you’ll have a much easier time reading your results.

The power comes from a lithium ion rechargeable battery that holds charge for up to 8 hours. It normally operates off your vehicle’s 12 volt power. So, when you turn off your car, the unit will shut down in 30 seconds, unless you enter the touch screen and command it to stay on. This comes in handy for preserving your battery power when you’re not using it.

A good feature is the “Go Home” selection. You can program your home, or if you are on vacation, or business, you can program your hotel as home. When you select “Go Home” it will automatically direct you home. If you get turned around, the StreetPilot C320 will automatically re-navigate your route and get you back on your way.

Overall, if you are in the market for a navigational device, and don’t really care about all the extras such as Bluetooth and preprogramming, then the Garmin StreetPilot C320 is a very economical unit that will dependably get you from point A to point B and back home without going out of your way to get there.

Product Description

Talk about simple. The StreetPilot c320 comes with an SD card, DVD with detailed street maps and automatic routing. Whether you choose the c320, the European c310 with preprogrammed SD card or preloaded c330 and c340, their intuitive touch screen operation and big displays make them easy to use.

Navigate With Ease

The StreetPilot c320 offers everything you want in a car navigation system including automatic routing, crystal clear voice guidance, address lookup, 2D or 3D maps and an extensive database of points of interest. Simply touch the color screen to enter a destination, and the c320 takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions. It also 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.

Customize Your Maps 

If you travel one region, the StreetPilot c320 is the cost-effective way to go. The StreetPilot c320 comes with a DVD of City Navigator NT detailed maps and a 128 megabyte (MB) SD card for downloading map areas. After downloading map data, just plug the SD card into the c320 card slot and navigate. Looking for a preprogrammed unit and no downloads? Try the StreetPilot c330 or c340 which come with preloaded detailed maps for added convenience.

Take It With You

The portable c320 easily moves from vehicle to vehicle. Its suction cup windshield mount is a snap to install. The c320 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

Physical & Performance: 
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:4.4″W x 3.2″H x 2.8″D (11.3 x 8.2 x 7.2 cm)
Display size, WxH:2.8″W x 2.1″H (7.2 x 5.4 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:320 x 240 pixels
Display type:16-bit TFT LCD with white backlight
Weight:9.45 ounces (269 g)
Battery:rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life:up to 8 hours
Waterproof:no
High-sensitivity receiver:no
RoHS version available:no
Maps & Memory: 
Basemap:yes
Preloaded maps:no
Ability to add maps:yes
Built-in memory:internal solid state
Accepts data cards:blank 128 MB microSD card (included)
Waypoints:500
Routes:0
Features: 
Voice prompts (e.g. “Turn right in 500 ft.”):yes (internal speaker)
Speaks street names (e.g. “Turn right ON ELM STREET in 500 ft.”) :no
3D map view:yes
Auto sort multiple destinations (provides most direct route):no
Auto re-route (fast off-route and detour recalculation):yes
Choice of route setup (faster time, shorter distance, off road):yes
Route avoidance (avoid highways, tolls etc.):yes
Custom POIs (ability to add additional points of interest):yes
Hands-free calling with Bluetooth® wireless technology:no
FM traffic compatible:no
XM Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible:no
MSN® Direct for U.S. compatible:no
MP3 player:no
Audio book player:no
Picture viewer:no
Configurable vehicle icons (select car-shaped icons for map navigation):no
World travel clock, currency & measurement converter, calculator:no
Touchscreen:yes
Remote control:no
FM transmitter:no
Headphone jack/audio line-out:no
Dead reckoning:no
Garmin Lock™ (anti-theft feature):no
Motorcycle-friendly:no

What’s in the Box: 

  • StreetPilot c320
  • City Navigator® NT DVD for North America or Europe (full coverage)
  • 128 MB SD card (North American version only) or preprogrammed SD card with one European region or country (European version only)
  • Vehicle suction cup mount with integrated power cable*
  • USB cable
  • Setup 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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