nuvi 350 vs. streetpilot c550

I think you'll probably be happy with your Nuvi - both have their strengths and weaknesses - it's a pity that you can't have the best of both! (I have a Nüvi 310 and a C510).

The only thing 'wrong' with the Streetpilot is its bulk. The world being what it is, you have to remove it from the car, but what do you do with it?

The main failing of the Nüvi is the lack of audio volume. I did some measurements - the Streetpilot manages 1.2W - the Nüvi, a measly 250mW. IMHO, that's inadequate for an automotive unit. I've had to rig up a powered speaker unit for mine.

The Nüvi has some other (avoidable) shortcomings as well. I don't see why it necessary to have to flip out the aerial/antenna/receiver section to use it as a personal navigator. Maybe you do get a better signal, but it doesn't exactly fit neatly in your hand. Everytime you fold it up, it switches the gpsr off and you go through the acquiring satellites stuff, next time you open it. I've got a little piece of plastic that clicks into the contact block and stops it closing far enough to flick the switch!

I'm going on a trip this weekend and I'll take both ... the Streetpilot to do the navigating and the Nüvi to carry around with me and record where I've been!

Maybe too much choice is a bad thing

Thank you for your insight. I do like the Nuvi b/c its so tiny and it can be used as a mp3 player using the cover that it comes with. Anyone else interested to give me an input? Are they both accurate, as far as maps go? Is it true that c550 requires more time to lock on to satellites?

Thank you,

Mask667

I had the same situation you did. I started out buying the C550, and loved it, until I had to take it out of the car. The thing is huge! I sent it back and bought the Nuvi360 from PCNation.com for $404 with free shipping and no tax. I did pay $9.99 for their special next day delivery through DHL, just because I didn't' want to wait to get it.
I love the Nuvi. It is just like the Nuvi350, but it has Bluetooth. I am glad I made the change. It fits in my pocket when I leave the car.

Well I went to Best Buy today and they matched the price with Dick's Sporting Goods, which reduced the price from $500 to $450. I know I paid $100 extra, but they would not match it with Frys.com since we don't have that store here. But I think I will stick with the Nuvi. Just love the sleekness.

Mask667

I chose the C550 because the volume is much too soft and distorted coming from the Nuvi's I tested. And I did not want to run a wire to an external speaker. The C550 is not that big. I also have a 2720 which is much larger and has a larger screen. It's nice to have choices.

I just purchased the 350 over the 360, et. al., as my phone was not one of the ones supported w/ the Bluetooth.

Maybe this is a dumb newbie question but how do you record where you've been with the Nuvi? I have an eTrex Legend that draws your tracks by default but the Nuvi doesn't seem do that, at least not anyway that I can see.

Nuvis do not ave tracks that you can export later...but you can save locations to your favorites quite easily...how you do this varies from which version of Nuvi you have...the 3xx ( think these are all the same) you hit Where to--> My locations--> My current location--> then you can save it there...on the 6xx Nuvis, on the map, touch the vehicle icon, and save from there, or you can hit Where to -->coordinates and save from there.

I thought, I was done deciding which one I wanted, but Circuit City just dropped the price of c550 (which means Best Buy has to match it). Tell me this, is Bluetooth really worthed?

Nuvi 350 c550
*++small, sleek -bulky
-mp3 player -mp3 player
-I am guessing they both have the same software
-no bluetooth *++bluetooth
-4.5/5 rating -4/5 rating
-8.3 cnet rating -7.7 cnet rating
-$449 (Best Buy price) -$449(BB/CC price)
?Did I miss anything?

*The important feature

Mask667

Bluetooth is nice...I first had a Nuvi 350...then upgraded to a 660 and got a Bluetooth capable cell phone, on once I had them, I wondered why I didn't go that route in the first place.

Price out a Nuvi 360 it has Bluetooth capability...pricegrabber.com has listings for Nuvi 360s going for $407-$500.

Oh man, such a tough decision.

Nuvi is the way to go.

Aside...Man, what a loaded subject line...there are going to be more than a few spit-takes on that one....

Only if you have a supported BT phone.

My Motorola Razr V3m works dandy even though it's not on the compatibility list on Garmin's web site.

Check phone compatibility here: http://www8.garmin.com/bluetooth/phones.jsp

Thats the phone that I have (V3m). But guess what? Walmart has the 350 for about $400, I am going to go back to Best Buy and see if they can match the price. Hopefully they will, then I will not have to make a tough decision.

-Mask667