Garmin Talking StreetPilot III GPS Deluxe Package

The Garmin StreetPilot III sports a brilliant LCD display

The physical installation went just as smoothly. We affixed the plastic base to the top of our dashboard with the included adhesive mounting disks, snapped the StreetPilot III into place, connected it to the cigarette lighter for power, and extended the small fold-down antenna. The dashboard mount's quick release makes it easy to store the StreetPilot III when not in use or, if you purchase a second mount, lets you use it in multiple vehicles.

We turned the unit on and in less than a minute it locked onto the GPS satellites and displayed a map of our current location on the clear, bright, easy-to-read color display. As we drove along, it displayed our position and direction on the map, the name and address number of the street we were on, and even the name of the upcoming cross street. The two zoom buttons let us get a very detailed street-level view or a broad overview of our current position, and the menu button allowed us to customize the display.

By using the `find' key, points of interest such as attractions, restaurants, banks, intersections and many more are easily located and routed to. Simply choose the destination from the list and press `route to it'. The Streetpilot III will calculate the best route and talk you through to the destination. The crisp, colorful LCD makes checking out your destination easy--even before you leave! This screen displays your possible destination of the St. Louis Zoo as well as local restaurants and emergency medical locations. It's easy to become familiar with services provided even when you're 244.1 miles away. Try that with a paper map!

The trip computer screen calculates all the travel data for your trip with incredible accuracy, while verbal instructions inform you of the next turn. Valuable information like distance to destination and time to destination are constantly updated--perhaps even putting an end to the question `are we there yet?' Routes can be displayed several ways such as this turn by turn instruction screen, which highlights your next turn to make. The distance to go and time to go information gives driver's the forewarning and confidence to watch for the approaching turn. The smooth verbal instructions will let you know when the next turn is approaching.

Even if you don't know exactly where you're going, the City Navigator maps include points of interest, such as restaurants, shops, and parks. For instance, the StreetPilot can find the closest fast-food restaurant and present you with a list of nearby options.

Testing in San Francisco, we did lose satellite lock a few times in extremely hilly areas or in areas with very tall buildings. We think this was due mainly to the fact that the unit's antenna is inside the car; an external antenna option is available for less than $100 that should solve the problem.

Once you use the StreetPilot III for a while, it's hard to imagine driving solo again. Whether you're planning a road trip or just need help getting around town, it's an extremely helpful companion that's cheaper and easier to install than anything else currently available. --Ken Feinstein

Pros:

• Compact, portable design
• Easy-to-read color screen
• Auto routing and voice prompts

Cons:

• Optional external antenna will get better satellite reception in some cities than the built-in antenna

Note about review: This review was written using the original version of the Garmin StreetPilot III. The deluxe version includes a 128 MB data card and full unlock access to all maps on the City Navigator CD-ROM.

What's in the Box
StreetPilot III with portable antenna, PC interface cable, dashboard mount, portable Mount (bean bag mount), external speaker with 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, owner's manual, quick reference guide, USB data card programmer, Americas Autoroute Basemap, MapSource City Navigator North America CD.

Amazon.com Product Description
The Talking Color StreetPilot III Deluxe from Garmin is like having your own personal navigator in the passenger seat. This StreetPilot III Deluxe combines the power of a 12-channel GPS receiver with a detailed base map and routing functions to get you where you need to go by the shortest, fastest route. As an added bonus, automated voice prompts from an external speaker tell you when to turn, the distance to upcoming turns, course deviation, and the distance to your final destination.

The StreetPilot III Deluxe comes with a PC cable, 128 MB data card, and USB Data Card Programmer so you can download map data from CD-ROMs. This model comes with City Navigator, which contains detailed street maps for major North American cities. Mapping software allows for automatic routing and contains information like turn restrictions. Simply enter an address or intersection, and the StreetPilot will calculate a route and provide turn-by-turn directions. Points of interest, addresses, and phone numbers are also included in the database.

This version of the Garmin StreetPilot III Deluxe offers full unlock capability of all maps for the United States and Canada. (The regular Garmin StreetPilot III comes with unlock capability for just one region.) Simply install the City Navigator CD-ROM on your PC, then enter a custom code that is included with the product box.

Other GPS features include a trip computer with odometer, timers, and average and maximum speeds. The built-in base map of North America and South America contains state and country boundaries, lakes, rivers, streams, airports, cities, towns, coastlines, state and interstate highways, local thoroughfares, and secondary roads within metro areas--plus federal interstate-highway exit information with services like food, lodging, and service stations.

Garmin makes accessories to help you integrate your GPS with your life and your priorities. Keep your GPS at the ready while protecting it from knocks and bumps is with a carrying case, that has space for your hookup cable and remote control. In the car, you'll appreciate the mounting options and clear reception afforded by the Garmin GA26 Remote Vehicle Antenna for StreetPilot, III Plus and II Plus that will give you better satellite reception than if you only place your GPS on the dashboard. Using your GPS in more than one vehicle? The Garmin Dashmount is just the ticket, providing one temporary and one permanent adhesive mounting disc so you can move the unit back and forth between your cars.

Map information is viewed on the StreetPilot III Deluxe's backlit display with its 16 colors and a resolution of 305 x 160 pixels. The unit is powered by six AA batteries with a battery life of 20 hours at the lowest backlight setting, and 2 hours at the highest setting. It comes with mounting hardware, a PC interface cable, 12-volt adapter cable with an external speaker, a 128 MB data card, USB data programmer and MapSource City Navigator software on CD-ROM. The StreetPilot III Deluxe is covered by a one-year warranty.

Product Description
Imagine never being lost while driving. Garmin makes it possible. Meet the Street Pilot III - the ultimate traveling companion and guide. Create a route and then put your mind on cruise as you follow clear, accurate, voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions to safely reach your destination.The simple, intuitive menus of the Street Pilot III offer access to the shortest and fastest routes, directions, and estimated arrival time of your intended destination. Automated voice prompts alert you to upcoming turns, course deviation, and distance to final destination. At the touch of a button, view the locations of all the nearest highway exits, gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, hospitals, and rest areas on a full-color LCD.The StreetPilot III comes with MapSource City Navigator Cd-rom and everything you need to download street-level mapsets from your PC. Then, just place the portable system on the dash of any vehicle, and enjoy stress-free driving and peace of mind - without any costly service charges or hook-up fees.The Deluxe package includes: StreetPilot III with portable antenna; PC interface cable; Dashboard mount; Portable Mount (bean bag mount); External speaker with 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter; Owner's manual; Quick reference guide; USB data card programmer; Americas Autoroute Basemap; MapSource City Navigator North America CD with full coverage and full unlock 128 MB datacard.