Garmin StreetPilot c580 Review

Garmin’s StreetPilot c580 is made with those who want it all in mind. It’s navigation is easy to use, it features Bluetooth technology, traffic alerts, and MSN Direct displayed right on the screen.

The Bluetooth technology is a great feature for use with a Bluetooth compatible cell phone. You can talk hands free while driving, which is a safer way to communicate. You can search for points of interest, such as a restaurant, and select to call that restaurant and makes reservations. You can program in multiple points of interest, and call each one with just the touch of an icon.

The MSN Direct feature is limited to only 4 functions, which are weather, gas prices, movies, and traffic alerts. You can find out gas prices in an area you will be traveling thru before you get there. Or check the weather before you arrive at your vacation destination. The traffic alerts feature can help you to avoid lengthy traffic delays, and if you need to re-route, the c580 will plot your new route quickly and get you back on your way. The satellite connection locks in quickly, so there’s no waiting for clear skies, you can stay locked on your destination even under heavy wooded areas.

The c580 does come ready to go straight from the box with preloaded maps, and you can program in points of interest, such as school zones and traffic stops. You will receive your navigational directions in 2D or 3D maps, and with voice prompts for turn by turn directions. The voice is very clear, and reads the names of streets, so there’s no need to take your eyes off the road to read the street names on the device. You simply have to drive and listen. And if you take a wrong turn, the c580 will have you back on track in under 15 seconds.

The size is another factor to be considered. Although it is not as small as some products in the nuvi line, it is small enough so it doesn’t obstruct your view out the windshield. And it’s easily taken from one car to the next, or on walks or camping trips. This is a very convenient device.

It is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and the battery holds up to 8 hours of life on a single charge. It also comes with a USB cable, so you can hook it up to your computer while you plan your trip, and not worry about using all your battery power. Overall, users are more than satisfied with the StreetPilot c580. If you are looking for a jam packed device with all the extras, and one that will still get you from Point A to Point B effectively and reliably, then the StreetPilot c580 may just be right up your alley.

Product Description

Receive door-to-door directions while staying on top of weather, traffic and localized information with the StreetPilot c580. Similar to the c550, StreetPilot c580 comes with hands-free calling, preloaded maps and an MP3 player, then takes it up a notch by adding dynamic content from MSN® Direct.

Get Localized Information

With dynamic content from MSN Direct, c580 is one resourceful navigator. Using the included receiver and free trial service* to MSN Direct, you can check the weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices and check movie times and locations when you travel with your unit. The MSN Direct receiver is plug-and-play portable, making it easy to connect to your unit when out and about.

Navigate With Ease

StreetPilot c580 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 hotels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply touch the super-bright sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and the c580 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 c580 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.

Make Hands-free Calls

Talk about worry-free driving. The c580 integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, so you can pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone. Then talk hands-free through the c580 while staying focused on the road. Now there’s no more fumbling with your phone’s handset to answer a call or dial a number — just tap the c580’s screen and you’re connected. With 1-touch dialing for POIs, you can conveniently call ahead for reservations or information.

Take It With You

The portable StreetPilot c580 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. c580 also comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for out-of-car route planning.

Enjoy the Extras

StreetPilot c580 is packed full of additional features that make it the perfect navigator. Its high sensitivity GPS receiver acquires satellites quickly and maintains signals even under heavy foliage or near skyscrapers. c580 also comes with an MP3 player, 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 c580 with optional software on plug-and-play SD cards.

StreetPilot c580: Yes, it really is that simple.

*Package includes 1 year free MSN Direct service. Some services available only in select cities where coverage exists.

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
Ability to add maps:yes
Built-in memory:internal solid state
Accepts data cards:SD card (not included)
Waypoints:500
Maps & Memory: 
Basemap:yes
Preloaded maps:yes
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.”) :yes
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:yes
FM traffic compatible:no
XM Navtraffic (includes basic weather) & Radio for U.S. compatible:no
MSN® Direct for U.S. compatible:yes
MP3 player:yes
Audio book player:no
Picture viewer:yes
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:yes
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 c580
  • Preloaded City Navigator® NT for North America (full coverage)
  • MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable
  • 1 year free MSN Direct service
  • Vehicle suction cup mount*
  • Dashboard disk
  • USB cable
  • Carry case
  • Quick reference guide

*Notice to Drivers in California and Minnesota

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