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Garmin StreetPilot c550

Garmin is getting ready to release a new GPS receiver in the StreetPilot line, the Garmin StreetPilot C550. Little is known about all of the specs and features, however it will have an SD slot which will store MP3 files and JPEG pictures in addition to maps.

The StreetPilot c550 obviously includes an MP3 player and it will create playlists based on genre. Album art also appears to be supported. The StreetPilot c550 also includes Bluetooth support to connect to Bluetooth phones. You can receive and place calls through the StreetPilot c550 interface. You can import your phonebook to the StreetPilot c550 and it will dial POI’s for you from the screen.

Text-to-speech is supported allowing the c550 to speak street names. The Garmin StreetPilot c550 also includes an integrated FM TMC Traffic receiver to retrieve live traffic information (subscription is an additional cost) and provide routing detours around traffic troublespots.

The StreetPilot c550 also appears to be compatible with an optional Travel Guide like the one for the Garmin Nuvi.

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123 Comments

  1. Yes, the MP3 player can sort your titles in different orders, show cover art and plays very good through the stereo speakers.

    Jpeg is just for the splash screen, nothing else.

    Bluetooth works well as a handsfree for the phone. Very good microphone and speakers make this possible. External microphone and headphones can be connected, if necessary.

    The traffic receiver is not optional, it’s included in the deal. It’s integrated into the cigarette power plug.

    You don’t create a phonebook on the c550. It imports the phonebook from the phone.

    The c550 indeed does support text-to-speech, in many different languages.

    Route calculation is very fast, perhaps to some extent due to the fact that it presents a route, then continues to calculate in the background. Should it find something better, it will tell you and allow you to use the new suggestion.

    GPS reception sensitivity is nothing less than phenomenal. Good display in virtually all light conditions. Internal memory of 2 GB will hold a big map, with room to spare for MP3 or whatever you like.

    Yes, it does support the Travel guide on SD card. Availability is probably in May 2006, with a MSRP of about $850.

    Drawbacks are mainly that this is supposed to be a simple device. If you want all sorts of navigation features, check the StreetPilot 2720 instead, for example.

    Anders - March 29th, 2006
  2. Just got it from Circuitcity.com Before I had c340. So far I like it that it is very quick on start up, quick rerouting,handsfree,MP3 player.
    Easy setup,mount. So far I like it very much.
    B

    Borisovsky - June 11th, 2006
  3. [...] Garmin has announced a new partnership with Smart to offer GPS receivers in the Smart fortwo and Smart forfour cars. How smart. (For those outside of Europe, the smart is a flashy, hip little car in Europe). The GPS receiver used is a custom version of the Garmin StreetPilot c500 series. [...]

  4. How does the C550 become fastened to the windshiled mount? I see that there is a socket in the back of the housing to accept a ball, but does this just snap in and out? Is there a way to lock it in place? If not, I can see it becoming loose over time as the ball wears down.

    Thomas - June 30th, 2006
  5. Any current owners experiencing problems with the C550.

    Pat - July 11th, 2006
  6. [...] Garmin has released software update for the Garmin StreetPilot c550. Here is what has changed since the last version. [...]

  7. Has anyone experienced trouble with the Garmin StreetPilot c550 or c330/c340 models due to very cold or very hot weather? Can I leave the unit in the glove compartment or do I have to bring it with me whenever I get out of the car for a few hours?

    Lou - 31st July 2006

    Lou Veronneau - July 31st, 2006
  8. Lou, the manual says the temperature range is from 32°F to 140°F. With that said I’ve not heard of problems from others nor experienced any problems myself with the StreetPilot GPS systems. Technically Garmin wouldn’t cover any problems if the device was exposed to temperatures outside of that range.

    I typically keep GPS receivers in my glove compartment on hot summer days and have never had trouble.

    GPS Review - July 31st, 2006
  9. I have no problems with the Garmin C550. I once had the TomTom G0 910 and that was a head ache. Just go look at the TomTom 910 post and you will get an idea of what they are going through. I usually leave mine in the car and slide in under my seat. The mount the 550 has is amazing. It has never once gotten loose or fallen down. I like the entire device. It’s simple, clean, and gets the job done. I feel that I actually got my money worth. I also like the fact that I can use a SD cad to transfer music on.

    Darius - August 1st, 2006
  10. Are current owners of the C550 still satisfied? How is the unit used in the car? Does it come with a 12V adapter?

    Pat P. - August 11th, 2006
  11. [...] BusinessWeek has posted a review of the Garmin StreetPilot c550 nad gave it four out of five stars. The reviewer used the unit in Suffolk County, New York driving between Long Island and Manhattan. [...]

  12. FYI c550 owners, Garmin has released version 3.30 software for your device with the following fixes.

    • Added pre-recorded voice guidance support for Greek, Croatian, and Slovenian
    • Added verification prompt for entering PIN on Garmin lock feature
    • Fixed button row on main menu to operate on one touch
    • Fixed error of missing cities in address search
    • Resolved a low battery power down lock up situation
    GPS Review - August 25th, 2006
  13. Does the 550 have the capability to enter a series of addresses and route you to them?

    Has anyone compared it to the Magellen 6000?

    Jim - August 26th, 2006
  14. Hi Jim - No, the c550 does not have this capability. You can only add one stop in between the starting location and the final destination. The Roadmate 6000 page has specifications you can compare to those on this page as well as commentary from people who were trying to decide between the two.

    GPS Review - August 26th, 2006
  15. Hi all. I’ve been waiting for the Magellan 6000t to come out and now that it has, I see there are a number of bugs that have not been worked through yet. In light of that, I am back to the Garmin c550. Does anyone know what Verizon service bluetooth phones work with it? I went through the list from Verizon and tried to match it up to Garmin’s list and could only find one Nokia that made the list. However, the Nokia 6256i is heavy and bulky and I would prefer a different one. Can you use one that is not on the list or would that create problems? If you use Verizon and have the c550, please post an answer. Thanks.

    Gale - August 26th, 2006
  16. Hi, I too was going with the Magellan because that is what I have always used on my boats. In the end I decided to go with the c550. I have it about two weeks.

    I have the Verizon Motorola RAZR V3c and it works flawlessly with the c550. Just get in the vehicle with your RAZR on, turn on the c550 and it does the rest within 1 minute. You do not do anything as long as the RAZR option is set for Bluetooth which you only do once. You can answer calls and make calls via the c550. Your phone book gets dumped to the c550 each time so updates are there.

    I just took an extensive trip to Maine and the system works as advertised. Even the Say a Command functions of the RAZR work well.

    Very satisfied. I did need to download the latest software changes for the c550 but it was easy. I also spoke with the Garmin support people and they are very friendly, knowledgable and helpful.

    Pat - August 27th, 2006
  17. Just want to ask will the c550 reroute me if I get off track?
    Also, If I am having a 10 hrs drive, what should I do if the battery is dead? Does this come with a car charger?

    Edward - August 30th, 2006
  18. Edward - Yes, the c550 will automatically reroute you if you go off track. It does comes with a power adapter for your car.

    GPS Review - August 30th, 2006
  19. [...] CEN has reviewed the Garmin StreetPilot c550 and describes it as “nearly flawless” and gives it a 9.8 out of 10 rating. I think the Garmin StreetPilot c550 is a mature GPS device, and is so easy to use that it would be appropriate for anyone, even those who are completely technology-averse. Its smart navigation features, customizability and knowledge of a variety of points of interest go beyond just a pleasurable device; it could even save your life. [...]

  20. I am considering purchasing between the Garmin C550 or the Nuvi 360/660.

    What would you suggest.

    It seems that they have the same features.

    Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

    Jorge - September 9th, 2006
  21. Well, i just get my c550 and I think it is awesome.

    I don’t know what else to say, but It does it’s job =)

    Edward - September 9th, 2006
  22. Jorge - Yes, they are quite similar. The StreetPilot is larger (less portable), costs a little bit less. Those seem to be the differences most people are interested in.

    GPS Review - September 12th, 2006
  23. The documentation mentions a charge time of up to 4 hours and a battery life of up to 8 hours. What kind of battery does it use? Can the battery charge while USB connected (to a USB port/hub which is also a power source), and is the battery replaceable in the event it loses it’s charge over time?

    MrThink - September 25th, 2006
  24. The battery is lithium-ion. According to Garmin it should last about 10,000 charge cycles.

    GPS Review - September 25th, 2006
  25. I see Garmin has just released software version 4.0 for The c550, here is what they report as new:

    Added SMS / Text Message Support for compatible phones
    Added support for reading messages with TTS voices
    Added support for importing M3U playlists. Place M3U playlist in the same directory as your music. From the MP3 player, touch Browse -> Import Playlist. Touch the playlist you want to import, and the songs are loaded in that order.
    Changed the safety camera alarm rate
    Enable filtering of the Daylight Saving list based on time zone
    Fixed Switch to button on active call page to be active
    Modified to power off the unit when disconnected by computer while exiting from mass storage mode and restart the unit if the USB cable is pulled
    Added support for Russian, Turkish, Slovak, and Estonian pre-recorded voices
    Added Arizona time zone

    Tim - October 26th, 2006
  26. [...] The Garmin VIB 10 is a new “Vehicle Integration Box” from Garmin designed to operate with the StreetPilot c550. The purpose of the device is to route all audio from the c550 such as MP3 music, voice prompts, and phone calls through your car’s existing stereo system. In short, it serves a similar purpose as an FM transmitter found in some of the other Garmin devices. This device does have one notable drawback though. [...]

    Garmin VIB 10 GPS Review - January 4th, 2007
  27. I have a c550 that I have had about a year it.

    I have been very pleased other than when it was new it would ask me I wanted it to shut down or keep running on the battery. Now it just dies when you turn the car off or unplug it. Whats the problem?

    Ben - November 28th, 2007
  28. Does it run at all off the battery?

    Tim - November 28th, 2007
  29. i drive transport and I am looking for a gps that gives you low bridges and 53′ trailer restrictions are there such a unit Thanks

    gord - December 23rd, 2007
  30. I see no entries for Sanyo phones being compatible with Garmin bluetooth devices. I have the Sanyo Katana and need that feature. Can anyone help?

    Dennis - December 27th, 2007
  31. The original power cable is broken, so I did try another one, the one sold at RadioShack for 49.00
    but doesn’t work too, So lets trying by USB than screen blow up, just let me know the unit is connect
    and I cant do nothing else. Should I buy the expense(112.00) power cable to make this unit work?

    Edegar - May 3rd, 2008
  32. I found out that I’m getting the C550 for Father’s Day. Have you all been pretty satisfied overall with this unit? I know there’s not one unit that will completely satisfy a person, but I don’t want to have this be more of a burden than it actually helps. I wouldn’t take it back anyway since my wife put a lot of thought and effort into getting this for me. Your honest opinion on this unit would be greatly appreciated.

    Ric - May 29th, 2008
  33. The c550 is a fine device, with the biggest limitation simply being the physical size when compared to the newer (Nuvi) models with the same size screen.

    Tim - May 29th, 2008
  34. Tim, are you the same Tim from the Navigon 7100 thread? Thanks for the reply. I’m looking forward to put it to good use.

    Ric - May 29th, 2008
  35. Ric, all of my comments will have the green trim around them, as opposed to the other comments that have a gray trim.

    Tim - May 29th, 2008
  36. I was looking at putting a c580 on my motorcycle has any one done this. my concern is the knob to mount the arm to the mount. mybe someone has a better way to mount to handlebars

    Chuck - June 2nd, 2008
  37. When updating the GPS with the new maps, if it says there isn’t enough room for the update. How do I get the new maps on the GPS?

    Actually, how may updates can you do before it says no more room????

    Bill - June 8th, 2008
  38. Bill - There should be a way for you to only install the 48 contiguous states on the device– (I seem to recall it should prompt you) as you noticed there isn’t enough room for the entire USA/Canada.

    Tim - June 8th, 2008
  39. Thanks Tim. When i installed the 2008 maps on my c340 I didn’t get the chance to choose what to install. And it was from a disk that I bought. I get the impression that sooner or later we won’t be able to install any maps due to no room.
    Think Navtaq will somehow figure a way, or even Garmin????
    I also just purchased a c550, giving the c340 to my wife. It came with a free map update to the 2009 maps, which I did install. I was wondering if you thought I would be able to install them on my c340 also. It did come with the key to install.

    Bill - June 8th, 2008
  40. The newer maps take up more space, but they also overwrite the old maps. So “no room” shouldn’t be a show stopping issue. I know other people in the forums were discussing installing the maps on a c340, c550 and it prompted them to install the 48 contiguous as I suggested. It is possible, but I don’t know the exact steps.

    You can only install the maps on a device the key was generated for. You can use the same disc to install, but will need a key for each device.

    Tim - June 8th, 2008
  41. Tim: thanks for the info. Is there a way that I can install the 2009 maps on my c340, where I have the 2008 maps. I got the free update when I purchased the c550? I downloaded the updates, which put an icon on my desktop which reads “mapinstall”. If I were to purchase the disk for them, I am sure that I could put the maps on any garmin that I have that accepts the NT map install.

    Bill - June 8th, 2008
  42. c550 is a perfect GPS for me. However, when bluetooth is being used people say they can’t hear me well. They say that there are a lot of noises when I talk to, but I hear what they say clearly. Is there any way to improve it? thanks

    Kate - June 9th, 2008
  43. Bill - you need a unique license for each device you install the maps on– it will not let you proceed otherwise.

    Kate - You can try the Garmin External Hands-free Microphone.

    Tim - June 9th, 2008
  44. Tim: When I downloaded the 2009 maps, they gave me a key to put in so that it would install. Is that what you are talking about?? Or is that key for only one install???

    Bill - June 9th, 2008
  45. Yes, that key will only work with the device the key was generated for. You can use the same download to install onto another device, but it will need its own key, the same key won’t work on another device.

    Tim - June 9th, 2008
  46. Tim: Thanks for the information. I can assume that they will charge me for another key. I am not sure what the cost is. I assume that it will be the cost of a new map. Can you verify that??

    You have been a great help.

    Bill - June 9th, 2008
  47. Correct.

    Tim - June 9th, 2008
  48. Tim: YOU DA MAN

    Thanks for all your help.

    Bill - June 9th, 2008
  49. Tim: One more thing. Yeah right!!! Is there anyway to see what version of my Jill voice I have now on my C550?? I looked at the software version, but it didn’t list Jill like my C340 does. It did have an audio version, but I wasn’t sure if that was Jill. Also what is the MSN connection thing for????

    Bill - June 9th, 2008
  50. Good question, I’m not certain but someone in the forums might know. The MSN connection is for the optional MSN Direct Traffic receiver.

    Tim - June 9th, 2008
  51. Does the c550 tell you “turn left” or does it say the street name, like “turn left on Floyd Street”? I want one that announces street names. Also, does anyone have the traffic subscription and can they tell me if i is good? I hit tons of traffic in the morning. Thanks.

    Leila - June 10th, 2008
  52. The c550 does have that feature, called text-to-speech. The quality of the traffic alerts largely depends on where you are– in some areas coverage is great– in other areas not so great.

    Tim - June 10th, 2008
  53. I am purchasing the c550 and want to know does it have all the maps of the Canadian provinces loaded into it as well as the US states? Do you have to download any of the maps manualy from a web-site after purchase.

    Tim - June 10th, 2008
  54. Tim - It has all of those maps pre-installed.

    Tim - June 10th, 2008
  55. Is the traffic subsription worth getting in Atlanta? Does anybody know whether this traffic subscription or the Dash Express is better in Atlanta traffic? Thanks!

    Lisa - June 11th, 2008
  56. I did alot of research for my daughter on getting her a gps. I found the garmin C550 was the best syle to fit a teenager.It is easy to use and simple. I bought it and have not regreted it since.

    Paul - June 14th, 2008
  57. My wife and I chipped in and bought a c550. Very easy to use and set up. Anybody have experience with actual battery life hours when on it own? Hoping it can also be used as a “trail” GPS, using LON/LAT co-ordinates. Any help with this idea? Thanks for any comments.

    Ken - June 16th, 2008
  58. I’d be careful using the c550 (or other auto GPS) outside as a little bit of dust or moisture in the device could spell trouble.

    Tim - June 16th, 2008
  59. I just received the C550 for Father’s Day. Set up was very simple and I took it for a test drive. It recalculated the route pretty fast. It was telling me to take a different route than I usually take so I proceeded on my route as normal and it recalculated to a T.
    Does this thing have maps for Puerto Rico?

    Ric - June 16th, 2008
  60. Yes, it includes Puerto Rico.

    Tim - June 16th, 2008
  61. I have a Garmin c340- when I unplug it it immediatly cuts off. It used to have a certain amount of battery power- what happened and what do I need to do? It is 1 year old and not used very much. Thanks

    Joni - June 17th, 2008
  62. I recently purchased a new garmin C550 GPS. I am facing a unique problem. My GPS mistakes left for right and vice versa ( not always. It says keep right onto E.Durham road, when its shows left).has anybody encountered this problem? Anyone knows what has to be done?

    Sanya - June 17th, 2008
  63. Joni - Might need to call Garmin support on that one.

    Sanya - I haven’t heard of that one before.

    Tim - June 17th, 2008
  64. Thanks Tim, will check with them.

    Sanya - June 17th, 2008
  65. Does anyone know if the traffic subscription to the C550 is better than the new traffic detection technology on the Dash Express? The Dash tracks other Dash units or commercial sensors (like in 18-wheelers). I don’t know how the C550 receives traffic info. or whether it is accurate. Please let me know what you think. THANKS!

    404-421-4136 - June 17th, 2008
  66. The Dash system uses the same underlying data for live traffic, plus Dash adds historical data as well as data from other Dash drivers. So the Dash system will be equal to or better than the c550’s traffic system.

    Tim - June 17th, 2008
  67. Tim, I read in a forum where you said Garmin was EOL the C550. However, I just got a C550 for Father’s day and I qualified for a free upgrade to the 2009 maps. It’s my first GPS and I don’t have anything to compare it to, but I love it. The bluetooth is great. The only issue I had with the BT was when I was using my BT earpiece. The c550 kept displaying a message that the phone was not connected. I kept pressing OK, but it kept coming back up. I had to disable BT on the c550 so that the message would go away.

    Ric - June 18th, 2008
  68. Yes, at this point you should still be able to get map updates and such for the c550 and c580. Most of the rest of the “c” series has been discontinued– although that doesn’t mean you can’t get map updates for those either, you can. However it will be sooner that you won’t be able to over other models, that is all.

    Tim - June 19th, 2008
  69. Tim: I just read the last two posts. Ric mentioned that you said that Garmin was EOL the C550. What did you mean EOL??? Also, in your reply, you said Garmin has discontinued most of the “c” series. I too, just purchased the C550 and thought it would be something I would be using for many years. Like Ric, I also got the free update to the 2009 maps. From what you are saying, I might not be able to update the maps pretty soon. Is that correct??? How long would you say??? Are the Nuvi’s taking over??? I did look at them and read reviews, which gave mixed reviews. Some pretty bad and some with only a few problems.

    Bill - June 19th, 2008
  70. EOL stands for End of Life– basically when a manufacturer “discontinues” a product. That can mean different things to different manufacturers such as no more updates, no more repairs, no more support, etc… It depends on the manufacturer.

    Of the “c” series StreetPilot devices, the only ones still considered “current” are the c550 and c580. The c320, c330, c340, c510, c530 and c310 are all considered “discontinued”.

    What exactly does “discontinued” mean to Garmin? — I really don’t know for sure.

    Currently, most of the discontinued products can still get map updates, but not all. There was a map format change (non “NT” to the new “NT” map format) and there are some devices that cannot work with the new map format.

    The Nuvi series is basically designed as a replacement to the StreetPilot “c” series, with most of the same functions, but in a smaller form factor.

    Tim - June 19th, 2008
  71. Tim: Thanks for your reply. I kind of wish that I knew that Garmin was phasing the “c” series out. I might have given the Nuvi series a harder look. But I did have a c340 and loved it, gave it to my daughter and got the c550. I guess my concern now is that in a couple of years, I might not be able to update the maps. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything I can do about it, but wait.
    Thanks for you help.

    Bill - June 19th, 2008
  72. Tim, You seem pretty knowledgeable. My teen and I will be sharing our GPS. We have a c550 in the box, and a nuvi760 in the box, neither used yet, so I can take 1 or other back. From above threads you think 760 is the way to go ?

    KJ - June 19th, 2008
  73. KJ - I’d go for the 760 in a heartbeat.

    Tim - June 19th, 2008
  74. Thanks much! The 760 is the way I was leaning after reading up on it all. My husband originally ordered it & I thought it was too spendy & there were way too many bells/whistles, so I ordered the c550. The only downside is now I have to tell him he was right!

    KJ - June 19th, 2008
  75. Tim: I had a Garmin c340, which I gave to my daughter, and I purchased a c550. One thing that I noticed is that the c550 recalculates a little differently. For example. I visit my dad in a Masonic home. When I leave there the GPS directs me to route 295 to get home, but I go the opposite way and use the NJ Turnpike. Once I start and the c340 would calculate, it would take me right to the turnpike. With the c550 it tries to turn me around to get back to 295 with each different road that I pass. Once I have passed all the roads, it will finally direct me to the turnpike. Would the fact that the c550 has a higher sensitivity than the c340 be the reason??? The c550 does get sattalites and recalculates somewhat faster than the c340.

    Bill - June 28th, 2008
  76. No, that wouldn’t be the reason. Either it has a different map version and is interpreting the data differently, or there are different routing preferences and different avoidance settings set, or a different firmware version on each device is leading to a different routing algorithm.

    Tim - June 28th, 2008
  77. Tim: OK, the c340 has 2008 maps and the c550 has the 2009 maps. Both have the latest firmware for those particular models. And as far as I know they both have the same avoidances. So I guess they are working on different algorithms. Thanks for your help.

    Bill - June 28th, 2008
  78. I’d say the different map version is more likely the cause than a different routing algorithm.

    Tim - June 28th, 2008
  79. Tim: Thanks a lot for your help and info.

    Bill - June 28th, 2008
  80. I have the c550 and love it. One Problem: the suction cup mount comes loose from the windshield when the glass is cold - that was bad news when it fell off four times at 70 mph in the Allegheny mountains (although the c550 didn’t seem to mind the falls at all). I got the no-skid bean bag mount and now I’m more pleased than ever with the c550.

    Matt - July 2nd, 2008
  81. Tim: With my c340 there was a way of having a little beep sound before Jill will give instructions as to turns and such. It alerts you that she is going to say something. Like an attention thing. Can this be done with the c550??? If so how????

    Bill - July 2nd, 2008
  82. I don’t think so but I don’t have a c500 series right now to test with to say for certain.

    Tim - July 2nd, 2008
  83. Tim: Thanks, I am not sure I can do it with the c550. I gave my c340 to my daughter and don’t have it to look at, but I think it was on the navigation settings.

    Thanks for replying.

    Bill - July 2nd, 2008
  84. The C550 does do the alert tone before it speaks. I got mine for father’s day this year and it was like that out of the box.

    Ric - July 3rd, 2008
  85. It is under Navigation as Tim mentioned. It’s the attention tone option.

    Ric - July 3rd, 2008
  86. Ric: Thanks for the info. I did find it.

    Bill - July 3rd, 2008
  87. I know that the c550 does not come with emergency help listings like the Tom Tom’s but I wondered if the c550 listed local hospitals, police, rescue, etc in its POI’s?

    Thanks.

    Chris - July 7th, 2008
  88. It has a section specific for Hospitals. Under Community, you will find a subsection for Police and another for Fire Department. Under Auto Services, you will find a subsection for Wrecker Services (Tow Truck).

    Ric - July 8th, 2008
  89. Thanks Ric.

    I assume these are available “on the fly”. In other words, if I am driving down the road heading toward my destination and need a police station, all I have to do is bring up POI’s and it will tell me the nearest one?

    Chris - July 8th, 2008
  90. Is there a way to get rest stops listed on the GPS? I wasn’t sure if there were any on POIS.

    Bill - July 8th, 2008
  91. CHRIS, yes, they are available on the fly even though there’s that stern warning when you power on your 550 that says not to use this device while driving. They want you to input everything before you head out. Not very realistic. It’s more CYA for Garmin than anything else.

    Ric - July 8th, 2008
  92. BILL — Under Auto Services, there’s a Rest Area/Tourist Info subsection.

    Ric - July 8th, 2008
  93. OK Ric, thanks for the info. I will look there. Just wondered if it could appear on the trip map on the GPS so that I could see it as I am traveling. Like the AAA maps do.

    Thanks again.

    Bill - July 8th, 2008
  94. Thanks for the reply.

    Ok, this may sound like a stupid question but I am struggling with it for some reason. Buy a current Nuvi 200 (or TomTom one)or buy a c550 for $40 more even though they are at the end of their life.

    Chris - July 9th, 2008
  95. I find the Nuvi much more attractive due to their slimmer design– easier to hide away in the car or stick in your pocket.

    Tim - July 9th, 2008
  96. It’s hard to pass what seems like so many added features for a little price increase. However, I don’t live in an area covered by the traffic so that would get used once or twice on trips. I have BT headset for the phone. So all I am missing on the nuvi 200 is speech (street names) and maps of canada correct?

    Chris - July 9th, 2008
  97. Yes, those are the bigger differences.

    Tim - July 9th, 2008
  98. Does anyone understand why Garmin Nuvi 750 has a worse review than 660 or 760 from CNet? It is even worse than C550. I do not think there is any significant change in this particular model.

    Sorin - July 9th, 2008
  99. Sorin: I am not sure what is so bad with the C550. Apparently you know something I don’t. I have one and so far no problems. What is wrong with it??????

    Bill - July 9th, 2008
  100. C550 is good. I am saying that Nuvi 750 got a bad review from Cnet. Google “Cnet and garmin nuvi 750″ and you will see. They say it is sluggish.

    Sorin - July 10th, 2008
  101. Sorin: Whewwwwwww thanks for the reply. I thought I was in trouble. So far my C550 is working very nicely. It operates a little differently than the c340 that I had, but works fine for me so far.
    Thanks again.

    Bill - July 10th, 2008
  102. I have copied mp3 onto a SD memory card. Some mp3 conversions of mp4 did not play, so they were deleted from the SD card. When the SD card is viewed on my mac computer those songs are no longer listed; however, they are still listed when viewed on the Garmin, and are being played without sound.
    Can you explain this?

    Dave - July 10th, 2008
  103. I purchases a Garmin 550 for my husband for father’s day. The charge does not seem to last and I would like to know how this item compares to the Garmin NUVI 250W GPS. Thank you.

    Lianne - July 11th, 2008
  104. Your charge should last about 6-8 hours after a full charge with a new device. Battery life on the 200w is a bit less… 3-5 hours.

    Tim - July 11th, 2008
  105. Do you have problems with the suction cup on C550? If yes, what do you use instead?

    Sorin - July 11th, 2008
  106. Most people who don’t use the suction cup mount use the friction mount aka “bean bag mount”.

    Tim - July 11th, 2008
  107. Sorin: I have a round plastic dash mount that I got with my c340. I use that and so far the c550 is sticking to that. Sometimes just a little real thin coating of vasaline will help it stick.

    Bill - July 11th, 2008
  108. Alas, my c330 screen got badly cracked, when I was trying to take it down one-handed and it hit the gear shift. Ouch! Garmin wants $150 to repair/replace, which seems a lot for a screen. Is there a way to replace the screen myself? Does anyone sell the screen after-market? While I’m at it, is it possible to replace the battery, which no longer holds more than 30 minutes.

    JoeD - July 12th, 2008
  109. Rather than attempting to replace the battery and screen, why not just go grab a Garmin Nuvi 200 for about $120+?

    Tim - July 12th, 2008
  110. Bill-

    Even with the Garmin External Hands-free Microphone plugged into my c550, people say they can not hear me, or if they do hear me, it is not well. My Garmin is on the dash and the external microphone is on my sun visor facing me. Any suggestions?

    Andy - July 21st, 2008
  111. Andy: I am guessing you tried the internal mic and that is why the external. I have not tried mine cause I have the little thingy on my ear. Try resetting you connection to your phone.

    Bill - July 22nd, 2008
  112. The battery of my new Garmin 550 lasted about 2h when fully charged. I used the GPS at full luminosity and on highway, so it did not talk much.

    Sorin - July 29th, 2008
  113. Sorin. Let your battery go all the way down so that the GPS doesn’t operate. Then give it a full charge. Sometimes those lithium batteries need that. Do you have your voice feature on??? Was the volume all the way up??? There are updates for all voices for your C550. Use their web updater and download and install the voice that matches yours. Having the screen brightness on all the way should not interfere with the voice, but may use your batter a little faster. I have mine as bright as it will go and my battery lasts longer than 2 hours and I still have voice. My voice is english Jill.

    Bill - July 29th, 2008
  114. [snip] currently has the Garmin Nuvi 270 & the Street Pilot C550 at the same price. What would be the better model? I’m needing a simple device that would be used on trips but probably not on an every day basis.

    Ken - August 7th, 2008
  115. Ken, the 270 is likely the better pick.

    Tim - August 7th, 2008
  116. OK - got my daughter a C550 and love it… One question - what is the logic that causes a ‘recalculate’ vs. a u-turn (with u-turn enabled)? Playing with it arround home and it almost always recalculates vs. asking me to turn arround. For example, if I miss a turn, it will calculate a new route (mile or more longer) vs. turn me back to a shorter route.

    Dave - August 8th, 2008
  117. Dave, they are separate things. The device will recalculate if you miss a turn, regardless of anything else.

    Regardless if it is an original route or a recalculated route the device will offer a u-turn if a legal one is known and it is the most practical route. That however, is rare.

    Tim - August 8th, 2008
  118. MY Garmin c550 blinks when MP3 is on. ( In the night it appears as a flash of light and blinks constantly when MP3 is on.) IS this normal? If not what needs to be done?
    Thanks.

    Sanya - August 10th, 2008
  119. Sanya, I haven’t heard of that before, but I don’t often use the MP3 player. Does it happen with all of your MP3 files? You might need to give Garmin support a call on that one.

    Tim - August 11th, 2008
  120. I just purchased a refurbished Streetpilot c550 and mine is doing the flash of light like Sanya was describing.I only notice it if I play mp3s.

    Kevin - August 14th, 2008
  121. Will the C550 continue to work normally running on car battery power if the unit’s lithium battery is either at a very low charge level or has failed completely?

    Bob - August 19th, 2008
  122. It should continue to work fine on a low charge– I don’t know if it would work with a defective/failed battery. Probably depends what broke.

    Tim - August 19th, 2008
  123. Sanya - Same screen blinking thing keeps happening to me. It doesn’t seem to matter what MP3 file is playing or if its day or night (although you definitely notice it more at night) Let me know if you find a solution :)

    Does anyone have a phone that their phone book actually downloads to a Garmin? I have a Samsung A707 and it doesn’t but I’m buying a new phone in a couple of months and want to get one that does

    Marcie - August 26th, 2008

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