Garmin StreetPilot C510 Review

Garmin’s StreetPilot C510 comes ready to go right out of the box. It is preloaded with City Navigator® NT street maps for one European country or region. Of course, for a more expansive use, for instance in the US, you would need to purchase an upgraded map. As far as the navigation, it’s as easy to learn as most Garmin products. Just a simple touch of the screen to enter your destination, and you’ve got directions in 2D or 3D maps, and voice prompted turn by turns. And if you get off on the wrong road, it will re-navigate your route within seconds to set you straight again. Unlike some models, the C510 does not voice the street names, you’ll need to read them from the display. This may or may not be a problem, depending on what you want. It’s not so much a problem if you don’t mind glancing at the GPS to see the name, and the display is very clear and easy to read.

The high sensitivity GPS receiver will lock on to a satellite quickly, and can even pick up under the heaviest of trees or buildings. No waiting for a clearing with this one. You’ll get signal practically anywhere.

The 2.8 inch by 2.1 inch screen is glare resistant, so no worries about navigation when the sun is in its fullest. Although not as slim as other Garmin models, the StreetPilot C510 is still small enough to take with you from car to car. And with the battery back up, it’s even great for walking or hiking. And since it only weighs 9 ounces, it’s not uncomfortable to carry if you do take it for a walk.

It’s powered by a lithium ion rechargeable battery that boasts up to 8 hours of life. It also comes with a vehicle 12 volt power cable, and a USB cable to hook up and power up with your computer. The USB cable will come in handy if you are planning your trip at home, then there’s no need to waste your battery power. Just hook it up to your computer and plan away.

The C510 is considered a “scaled down” model of the C550, which includes Bluetooth technology, that is not included with the C510. Other features that aren’t included with the C510 are the MP3 player, JPEG picture viewer, and audio book player. However, if you are only looking for navigation, and not a lot of extras, then the C510 is a great device.

Product Description 

Sold in Europe, StreetPilot c510 comes with preloaded maps for one European region or country. For added flexibility, the deluxe version adds a DVD with detailed maps for all of Europe and an integrated traffic receiver. Whether you choose the European c510 or the StreetPilot c530 with optional traffic alerts or c550 with hands-free calling, MP3 player and traffic alerts, the c500 series is easy to use with plenty of options.

Navigate With Ease

StreetPilot c510 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator® NT street maps for one European country or region, including a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with motels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the super-bright sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and the c510 takes you there with 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. In addition, the c510 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. Some versions even include a preloaded safety camera database.

Add Traffic Alerts

Avoid traffic jams with the addition of an FM TMC traffic receiver and traffic services. By adding these to yourc510, 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 StreetPilot c510 conveniently moves from vehicle to vehicle with an easy, adjustable mount. Its compact size makes it convenient to take along on business trips and use in rental cars. c510 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

Enjoy the Extras

StreetPilot c510 is packed full of additional features that make it the perfect navigator. Its high sensitivity GPS receiver acquires satellites quickly and maintains signals even as you drive under heavy foliage or near skyscrapers. c510 also comes with Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature, and configurable vehicle icons that let you select car-shaped graphics to show your location on the map. Customize your c510 with optional software on plug-and-play SD cards.

StreetPilot c510: Yes, it really is that simple.

Physical & Performance: 
Unit dimensions, WxHxD:4.4″W x 3.2″H x 2.25″D (11.2 x 8.1 x 5.7 cm)
Display size, WxH:2.8″W x 2.1″H (7.1 x 5.3 cm); 3.5 diag (8.9 cm)
Display resolution, WxH:320 x 240 pixels
Display type:16-bit antiglare TFT LCD with white backlight
Weight:9 ounces (255 g)
Battery:rechargeable lithium-ion
Battery life:up to 8 hours
Waterproof:no
High-sensitivity receiver:yes
RoHS version available:yes
Maps & Memory: 
Basemap:yes
Preloaded maps:yes (regional)
Ability to add maps:yes
Built-in memory:internal solid state
Accepts data cards:SD card (not 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:yes
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):yes
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):yes
Motorcycle-friendly:no
Additional:This USB Mass Storage device is compatible with Windows® 2000 or later and Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

What’s in the Box: 

  • StreetPilot c510
  • Preloaded City Navigator® NT data for one European region or country (click versions tab to view all)
  • Vehicle suction cup mount
  • Vehicle power cable
  • USB cable
  • Dashboard disk
  • Carry case
  • Quick reference guide

Package contents may vary per version. See your local dealer for more information.

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