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Garmin StreetPilot c580
Manufacturer: Garmin Part number: 010-00522-06
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- In addition to accurate driving directions, the high-end Garmin StreetPilot c580 provides a number of useful tools to the driver, such as real-time traffic data and local gas prices, thanks to the integration of MSN Direct services.
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CNET editors' review
Garmin StreetPilot c580 price range: $299.99
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 02/14/2007
The good: The Garmin StreetPilot c580 now offers MSN Direct services so you can get real-time traffic and weather information as well as local gas prices and movie times. The unit also has text-to-speech functionality, integrated Bluetooth, and multimedia capabilities, and it provides accurate directions.
The bad: The MSN Direct service isn't available in all areas, and names of gas stations weren't always provided. The c580's media player also only supports the MP3 format.
The bottom line: In addition to accurate driving directions, the high-end Garmin StreetPilot c580 provides a number of useful tools to the driver, such as real-time traffic data and local gas prices, thanks to the integration of MSN Direct services.
Editor's Note: Portions of the Design and Features sections were taken from our review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 as the two devices are nearly identical. Exceptions are noted.
There are a lot of new players in the world of the portable navigation systems, such as Averatec and Alpine, but one company that's been a constant in the industry is Garmin. With 18 years in the biz, Garmin has got the navigation basics down, but it's also looking for ways to build on top of those core functions. Enter the Garmin StreetPilot c580. The c580 is a high-end GPS device and is very much like its sibling, the Garmin StreetPilot c550, offering accurate directions, Bluetooth integration, text-to-speech functionality, and multimedia capabilities. However, the StreetPilot c580 also now can provide dynamic traffic and weather information as well as local gas prices and movie showtimes, thanks to its partnership with MSN Direct--the same service behind smart watches.
The service is easy to access, as the MSN Direct receiver is integrated right into the car charger, and you get a complimentary year-long subscription to the service. We found this added functionality to be very useful and helpful, though not without its faults. Also, the service isn't available in all areas, so make sure your city is covered before taking the plunge. The Garmin StreetPilot c580 will be available this month for $799.99. We should note that the StreetPilot c550 is only $50 cheaper, so if you can swing it, you might as well spring for the c580 and enjoy a free year of the MSN services.
Design
Like the rest of the StreetPilot series, the Garmin StreetPilot c580 won't take up much room in your car. Measuring 4.4 inches wide by 3.2 inches high by 2.2 inches deep and weighing 9.0 ounces, it's easily transportable for multiple vehicle use and comes with an easy-to-install windshield mount. Garmin also keeps things simple, with minimal controls. There's a volume dial, a USB port, and a power button on the right. We especially like the external volume control since you don't have to fiddle with the menus to change this setting; we did notice, however, that it's a bit sensitive and jumps several volume levels if you're not careful. On the left side, you'll find an SD expansion slot and an external antenna port, while the power connector and the mic-in and audio-out ports are located on the back.
The rest of the functions are handled through the StreetPilot c580's 3.5-inch-diagonal responsive touch screen. The antiglare display is excellent, with a sharp 320x240-pixel resolution and bright colors, and it's even readable in bright sunlight. In addition, the c580's menus are easy to navigate, thanks to large icons and an intuitive interface. A new icon for the MSN Direct services, marked by the familiar MSN butterfly, has been added to the bottom of the home screen for easy access.
Aside from the aforementioned windshield mount, Garmin packages the c580 with a carrying pouch, a car charger with an integrated MSN Direct receiver, a USB cable, and an adhesive disk to attach the mount to your dash instead of your windshield. Optional accessories include a five-pack of changeable faceplates ($25) and SD cards preloaded with maps of Europe ($182.13 to $407.13).
Features
The Garmin StreetPilot c580 offers many of the same great navigation tools found on the Garmin StreetPilot c550. It's powered by a WAAS-enabled 12-channel receiver, and all maps of North America with 2D and 3D map perspectives are preloaded onto the device. You get text- and voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, as well as text-to-speech functionality, automatic recalculation, and a comprehensive points-of-interest (POI) database.
The unit's interface will be familiar to previous StreetPilot owners, though new users will have no problem working the c580, since the menus are intuitive and easy to use. From the main screen, you have two choices: Where To and View Map. The Where To icon takes you to another screen, where you can select locations in your immediate vicinity, in another city, or closest to your final destination. You can search by address or use the POI icons to locate hospitals, auto services, transit hubs, and other points. Once the c580 lists the available locations, simply press Go, and a route is calculated from your current position to your chosen destination, complete with text and voice-guided turn-by-turn directions. You can read more about these features in our StreetPilot c550 review.
The main difference between the Garmin StreetPilot c550 and this unit is the addition of the MSN Direct services. With it, you can receive real-time traffic conditions, and you can even avoid the congested areas before hitting the road, as the unit provides directions around the traffic. Alternatively, if you happen to hit traffic as you're driving, the c580 will automatically look for alternate routes. With all that driving, at some point you'll need to refuel, and the cool thing about MSN Direct is it can pull current gas prices from stations close to your current location, so you can find the best deal. The same applies for finding movie showtimes. MSN Direct will send local showtimes for movies directly to the c580, and you can even search by title or theater; once you've decided on a location, you can simply press Go to get directions to the theater. The final service provided by MSN Direct is weather; you can get current weather conditions as well as a three-day forecast for your area with information about high/low/current temperatures, chances of precipitation, humidity, pressure, wind, and alerts. As we noted earlier, you get a year-long free subscription to MSN Direct; afterward, you'll have to pay $49.95 per year to continue the service or a one-time charge of $129.95.
The StreetPilot c580 also has integrated Bluetooth, so you can pair the unit with your Bluetooth-enabled phone and make hands-free calls through the system's microphone and speakers. You can transfer your phone book to the c580, and the device alerts you to incoming calls; just tap the screen to answer. You also can dial any number listed in the POI database (check for your phone's compatibility on Garmin's Web site). We had no problems pairing the unit with the Palm Treo 750 and we successfully transferred contacts and made calls using the c580.
Finally, the c580 also retains the MP3 playback and an antitheft lock found on the StreetPilot c550. The c580 supports only MP3 files, and you can either store them on the device's internal memory or keep them on an SD card. The c580 will even display album art, and it automatically mutes music during voice prompts and phone calls. It does not, however, offer iPod compatibility like the TomTom GO 910. Finally, Garmin Lock prevents the unit from performing any functions until you enter a user-defined four-digit PIN or take it to a predetermined location.
Performance
We tested the Garmin StreetPilot c580 in the San Francisco Bay Area, and overall, it was a solid performer. From a cold start, it took about 3 minutes to get a GPS fix under cloudy conditions, which can sometimes hinder satellite reception. Subsequent starts were much faster. Once locked in, the unit did a good job of tracking our location as we drove around the city. On a planned trip, the StreetPilot c580 provided accurate directions. The text-to-speech directions were great (though it mangled the pronunciation of some names); we could just listen for specific street names rather than having to look at the screen and take our eyes off the road. Route recalculations were also lightning-quick.
When you first access the MSN Direct services, the c580 warns you that it'll take several minutes and up to several hours (for movie times) to get all the information. True enough, it took our unit about 10 minutes to come back with traffic, weather, and gas data, while it took a good 30 minutes for movie showtimes to appear on the device. Once we had the information, we found it to be very useful. We did notice, however, that sometimes the names of gas stations weren't provided on several listings. That said, you still can get directions to the unknown service station just by pressing the Go button. The StreetPilot c580 is rated for eight hours of battery life.
User reviews
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Good GPS Upgrade but not without some Major Flaws
by SuperJus on April 10, 2007
Pros: Excellent Interface, Superb Screen, Fast GPS Lock, Fast Rerouting, Text-to Speech, MSN Movietimes, Bluetooth
Cons: Inaccurate Maps, Occasionally strange routing, No custom routes, Inaccurate Gas & Traffic Info, Low Volume for Bluetooth
Summary: I recently took the plunge and decided to upgrade from my 1-year-old Navman because I wanted something with Text-to-Speech, Bluetooth, and most importantly more accurate up-to-date maps of the S....
Summary: I recently took the plunge and decided to upgrade from my 1-year-old Navman because I wanted something with Text-to-Speech, Bluetooth, and most importantly more accurate up-to-date maps of the S.F. Bay Area.
With that in mind, I was willing to also jump from the $300 GPS market to the $500+ range for my desired additional features. After a lot of research both in-store and online, I finally narrowed it down between the Garmin Nuvi and the new Garmin c580. In the end, having access to the MSN Movietimes was what pushed me to go with the c580.
I've now used it for about 100 miles of driving around the S.F. Bay Area. Here's my laundry list review:
PROS:
-Excellent User Interface. Much better than other models that I have used and owned previously.
-Screen is very detailed, crisp and completely readable even in bright sunlight.
-GPS Satellite lock took a few minutes on first use but has been almost immediate since then.
-If you take a wrong turn, rerouting takes only about 1-2 seconds.
-Aside from some bizarre pronunciation, Text-to-Speech feature is excellent.
-MSN Movietimes required me to activate online first. You do get 1-year free to start with. Once activated, the built-in receiver in the charger started downloading MSN content and within 10 minutes I had every showtime listing for every theater in the S.F. Bay Area...Very cool feature! Since I see a lot of movies, this is probably my favorite feature.
-MSN content also includes accurate weather info for multi-cities in your area.
-Bluetooth pairing to my Cingular 8125 Pocket PC took a couple tries but finally got it to work. Since then, bluetooth phone calls have worked well aside from some volume issues which I will mention below.
CONS:
-Since this first & foremost is a GPS and the primary purpose is to give accurate directions...I was very disappointed that the maps on this 2007 Garmin is still out-of-date! Just like my old Navman, the c580 did not even have the newer freeway entrances on the system. In S.F. for example, it still did not have the Octavius freeway entrance to the Bay Bridge/US 101 in its map database. The entrance has been there for over a year!...Get with the program Garmin. I really hope Garmin will provide some sort of free map update very soon.
-The GPS routing software also tends to choose some strange roundabout ways to get to your destination. On top of that, you cannot create custom, more direct routes for the c580 to learn.
-The MSN Movietimes are very cool...but the MSN Gas & Traffic both need work. In S.F. and the Peninsula Bay Area, the c580 provided me with inaccurate gas prices and inaccurate traffic info. The unit has warned me several times of upcoming traffic delays that never seemed to materialize when I was supposed to encounter them.
-Bluetooth conversations have also been plagued by the speaker volume being too low even at the MAX setting. My callers have also complained of a lot of background noise on their end of the conversation. I have a sports car & a SUV and this has been a problem in both cars. So unless you drive a super quiet car, this likely will be an issue.
Well, hope this review is helpful. Overall, I would still say this is a very big upgrade over my last GPS. I personally find the MSN Movietimes & Theater directions to be my personal favorite feature. Considering all the mentioned flaws, I am not sure this balances the $500+ price tag...Guess you have to be the final judge on that.36 out of 37 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not worth it!
by jed.m.silversmith on July 24, 2007
Pros: Good Navigation
Cons: MSN Connection is spotty; Machine is bulky
Summary: We bought the Garmin 580c after borrowing a friend's Garmin Nuvi. While we love the navigation, the 580c is not worth the extra money.
First, the device has the ...Summary: We bought the Garmin 580c after borrowing a friend's Garmin Nuvi. While we love the navigation, the 580c is not worth the extra money.
First, the device has the same navigation as the other Garmin. The step-by-step navigation information is very helpful.
The 580c is not worth the extra $150. First, the device is bulky--nearly twice as big as the Nuvi. This alone makes the 580c not worth it.
We also activated the MSN service and found it to be not very practical. We used the device on multiple occasions in Seattle and Washington DC. We never got useful information -- once, it told us there was heavy traffic -- after we were sitting in traffic for 20 minutes. The traffic receiver failed to tell us about major construction in several instances.
The other features -- gasoline prices -- only provides information about SOME gas stations in the area. The movie ticket information is frankly not that big of a deal.
Most importantly to get the MSN service to work, you must plug the Garmin into the cigarette lighter of your car.
All in all, not worth the extra money. Buy the Garmin 350 or 360. (The 360 is a 350 with Bluetooth.)13 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A GPS with all the bells and whistles.
by dvdirv on April 12, 2007
Pros: Loads of features, easy to use
Cons: Pricey, limited MSN Direct functions
Summary: The Garmin Streetpilot c580 is for the GPS navigation fan who wants it all. You get easy-to-use navigation, built-in Bluetooth, traffic alerts and MSN Direct displayed on your screen.
I ...Summary: The Garmin Streetpilot c580 is for the GPS navigation fan who wants it all. You get easy-to-use navigation, built-in Bluetooth, traffic alerts and MSN Direct displayed on your screen.
I previously owned a c530 with just the basic GPS features so I was really impressed that I could add these features for about the same price I paid for the c530 just 9 months ago! The StreetPilot 500 series have a brighter screen and faster connectivity to the satellite than previous models.
The Bluetooth is a safety feature if you own a Bluetooth cell phone. This enables you to talk hands-free while you're driving.
The MSN Direct is cool, but limited to only 4 functions: weather, gas prices, movie times and traffic alerts. A minor complaint is that the gas prices have a one or 2-day delay and are not necessarily current. This is OK if you are driving through an unfamiliar area and want to know approximate gas prices. Don't expect current prices for most stations!
The MSN Direct service is free for the first year and $50 for each additional or $130 lifetime. You may receive a prorated refund of the lifetime fee if you cancel before the first 3 years. MSN Direct offers a special $9.95 deal for 6 months after your free period, so owning the c580 will give you your first 18-months for only $9.95. If you go for the lifetime deal, the price is not transferable to another GPS should it become defective or if you upgrade to a newer model.
The StreetPilot c530 is $200 less than the c580. Whether you need all the bells and whistles for $200 is a decision only you can make.9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Automotive GPS Receiver
by lifanus on August 20, 2007
Pros: almost everything you want for an automotive gps receiver
Cons: Bulky, small screen, msn direct signal requires power cable
Summary: Just ordered one after numerous research and compare of garmin and tomtom?s gps line. this is one of only a few that supports MSN Direct service, which gives very ...
Summary: Just ordered one after numerous research and compare of garmin and tomtom?s gps line. this is one of only a few that supports MSN Direct service, which gives very usual information on weather, gas price, movie times and traffic updates for great price (first year free, then $40 per year). The nuvi 360 offers similar option in a smaller package but without MSN Direct service. The nuvi 350 offers same function as 360 but without bluetooth. They are all similar but Nuvi series can be carried with you easily. If you are thinking about a product that you could carry around with you when u get off the car, nuvi might be good for you. If you need a dedicated in-car navagation system that offers almost anything you can think of for a gps, c580 should be your top choice. You can get it for less than $430 at a lot of places, just hunt around! Of course if price is not a concern, nuvi 660 (fm traffic about $550) and nuvi 680(MSN Direct about $600) will be your best fit.
I upgraded from garmin streetpilot c320 and the c320 is already a decent gps system, without all the fancy bells and whistles, and it does great job and takes me cross country without any problem. I?m certain that the c580 will exceed my old c320 in every way.
The Tomtom 720 go seems a great choice at first glance but look closely you?ll find the US version of 720 go does not even have voice recognition the European models had, which is a great disappointment. POI of tomtom for US is not quite up-to-date as garmin as well.Updated
I love this GPS, it's got all the necessary functions for me to travel town to town without any trouble.
The plus side: bluetooth integrated, mp3 player, SD card support, nice anti-reflective LCD screen. Grabs satellite quite quick and even in downtown areas.
little annoyances includes the navagation program seems to like to stick to the road, when you go off road, it takes a while for it to figure out that you are actually driving off road. Route calculation is actually a bit slower than the old C320 that I also owned. Accuracy is lower than C320 and map rendering is slower as well.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A great GPS with awesome features! Invaluable live traffic, weather and gas prices from MSN Direct.
by robinson7220 on July 1, 2007
Pros: Live traffic, weather, gas prices. User-friendly GUI. Quick and accurate route calculation.
Cons: MSN Direct information can take a while to update; need stylus for "fat fingers"; no AC adapter included
Summary: This is an excellent GPS! Fast route calculation, clear and loud voice navigation, Bluetooth speakerphone. The small speaker makes the MP3 feature worthless unless using an audio cable to connect ...
Summary: This is an excellent GPS! Fast route calculation, clear and loud voice navigation, Bluetooth speakerphone. The small speaker makes the MP3 feature worthless unless using an audio cable to connect to your car's stereo. It's extremely easy to upload custom POIs. Battery life could be a bit longer, but I can't complain (its never died on me.) I would highly recommend this GPS... it is not lacking a single feature that I can think of!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Solid overall but could always be better
by TheBsK on June 26, 2007
Pros: Real time traffic, accurate navigating, portability
Cons: MSN updating not easy if infrequently used
Summary: The biggest issue with this was the MSN direct service not updating quickly if you dont use the unit frequently. I use this here and there, not every day where ...
Summary: The biggest issue with this was the MSN direct service not updating quickly if you dont use the unit frequently. I use this here and there, not every day where I know when I am going. (Even though I probably should use it more.) I will say it has directed me around traffic before and the traffic updates are very useful once you have the unit powered up for about 20 minutes or so. The gas prices come in handy, but if travelling out of area, the updating is less frequnet (like I-5 for example). I like the unit and am glad I own it. There are a number of features that make it a good thing to have.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good GPS - Poor FM signal from MSN Direct
by ssmelcer on November 7, 2007
Pros: Turn by turn, bluetooth
Cons: Lack of coverage for MSN Direct.
Summary: This unit works well as a GPS however if you plan to purchase and use the Traffic feature from MSN direct expect disappointment. I live north of Los Angeles (91354) ...
Summary: This unit works well as a GPS however if you plan to purchase and use the Traffic feature from MSN direct expect disappointment. I live north of Los Angeles (91354) in a region covered by MSN direct and supported by Garmin however the unit will not receive a signal Until I reach the San Fernando Valley. MSN Direct unable to provide solution or assistance.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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DO NOT TRUST IT!
by dimat on December 13, 2007
Pros: Dirctions ok if it has the street in database
Cons: Ships without latest updates-Missing streets
Summary: Bought 12/07. Maps are out of date. Roads that have been open for 2 years are missing.
Mis-directed me. I had to call my destination for directions. Garmin wants ...Summary: Bought 12/07. Maps are out of date. Roads that have been open for 2 years are missing.
Mis-directed me. I had to call my destination for directions. Garmin wants an additonal $70 for the update. What good is that?1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great portable GPS
by akileez on November 25, 2007
Pros: Size, MSN direct, MP3, Bluetooth
Cons: size of maps, alternate directions
Summary: Only problem I have encountered is limitation on the ability to reroute directions. Meaning that it will reroute you around a perceived obstacle if you press reroute. But, it will ...
Summary: Only problem I have encountered is limitation on the ability to reroute directions. Meaning that it will reroute you around a perceived obstacle if you press reroute. But, it will not give a list of alternate routes to choose from which can be substantial in the Tri-State area.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent GPS at a reasonable price if you shop around.
by wbelkin on October 30, 2007
Pros: Excellent receiver, fast routing, very easy to use, bluetooth works flawlessly, lots of functionality
Cons: MSN service reception not always great
Summary: I just bought this unit after renting a car with a Magellan unit. The Magellan was not really easy to use, routing was slow, and no spoken street names. The ...
Summary: I just bought this unit after renting a car with a Magellan unit. The Magellan was not really easy to use, routing was slow, and no spoken street names. The Garmin unit does everything well. I am so impressed with the functionality in these small little packages.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Garmin
- Part number: 010-00522-06
- Description: Receive door-to-door directions while staying on top of weather, traffic and localized information with the StreetPilot c580. The 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. This package includes 1-year free MSN Direct service.
General
- Width 4.4 in
- Depth 2.2 in
- Height 3.2 in
- Weight 9 oz
Acquisition Times
- Cold acquisition times 38 sec
- Warm acquisition times 1 sec
GPS System
- Recommended Use Automotive
- SBAS WAAS
- Accuracy Position - 10 m, Velocity - 0.05 m/sec, Position - 5 m ( With WAAS ), Velocity - 0.05 m/sec ( With WAAS )
- Update Rate 1/second
- Connectivity USB
- GPS Functions / Services Speed
- Voice Warnings, Navigation instructions, Street name announcement
- Antenna Built-in
- Features Custom POIs, Garmin Lock, Built-in speaker, Downloadable POIs, Preinstalled POIs, Built-in microphone, 2D / 3D map perspective, Hands-free calling via Bluetooth, TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ready
- Supported Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- Maps Included North America
- Software Included Garmin City Navigator North America NT
- Compatible GPS Software MapSource MetroGuide
Navigation
- Waypoints 500
- Trip computer Trip timer, Average speed, Back-On-Track, Maximum speed, Avoid highways, Quickest route, Avoid toll roads, Fast/short route
Digital Player
- Digital Player Yes
- Supported Formats MP3
Built-in Display
- Type TFT
- Resolution 320 x 240
- Diagonal Size 3.5 in
- Display Illumination Yes
- Color Support Color
- Features Touch screen
Connections
- Connector Type USB, Antenna - MCX, Microphone, Headphones / line-out
Battery
- Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
- Battery technology Lithium ion
- Mfr estimated battery life 8 hour(s)
Miscellaneous
- Included GPS accessories USB cable, Carrying case, Car power adapter, Automotive windshield mount, MSN Direct receiver (with 1 year free service)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & support type 1 year warranty
Environmental Parameters
- Min operating temperature 32 °F
- Max operating temperature 140 °F
Manufacturer info
- Garmin
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Garmin products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.garmin.com
- Address:
1200 E. 151st St, Olathe, KS - Phone: 913-397-8200
- Fax: 913-397-8282
