Portable Navigation: Garmin C330

Most higher end vehicles now come with onboard navigation. GPS or Global positioning services is not longer a luxury and it now available to the general public on portable devices such as navigation GPS and even mobile phones.

Some vehicles with general onboard GPS come with video option and tone confirmation and warnings while most come with with full video and turn-by-turn voice instructions. These are excellent to have in any vehicle (but usually add upwards of $3000 to the cost of options). Unfortunately, my project vehicles never had GPS navigation as an option available during time of purchase.

Onboard systems are a lot more ergonomic and aesthetically integrated. The problem usually comes during upgrades or updates where a dealership may be the only one capable of servicing the units.

For my use, I do not use a single vehicle throughout the entire year. In some cases, I drive a vehicle for a single season (3-4 months) up to a max of 6 months within a calendar year. This makes using a built-in system impractical.

The best solution is a portable system that can be transferred between vehicles. In a lot of these models, upgrade involves plugging the unit to a computer usb port, going to the manufacturer's website and then downloading available software.

The biggest disadvantage is a smaller screen (usually 3.5-4.5") and a more cluttered appearance in the form of additional wiring, cords, external antennas, external cradles or docks and a dashboard or windshield mounted suction mounting cup.


I purchased a Garmin C330 around Dec 2006 from Future shop for about $300 (including some accessories and an extended 2 year warranty). When this GPS was first introduced about 2 years prior, I saw an advertisement on a well-known car audio magazine for about $900. Even though the C330 may seem dated, it has the perfect combination of features that I wanted from a GPS (route planning, POI, additional storage, WAAS and the trusted Garmin name).There is a reason why this company is number 1 - other that churning out reliable products, their customer support is excellent. A few days after I purchased my unit, the cradle broke. Garmin immediately sent me a brand new cradle with suction mount and charging cable for free.


(Garmin Streetpilot C330 mounted on the Eclipse's dash)


(Garmin Streetpilot C330 mounted on the Explorer's dash)

Power to the GPS can either be via supplied cigarette lighter cable, internal battery (about 6-8 hours) or usb charger (not supplied). A charger from a Motorola or blackberry phone also works. The power plug goes directly to the cradle, while the usb option goes on the side of the unit. Seeing how the unit can be left plugged in, I made a short run of cable with an equivalent tip, fused it and connected it to powered accessory on the vehicle. This way, the GPS receives power when I turn on the key and automatically turns off when you switch off the engine. (Upon switching off, it counts down and asks if you want to continue on battery power).

The "engine" for the Streetpilot C330 is very fast and capable. In fact, it is still in use by the next generation Nuvi series. The biggest disadvantage of the Streetpilot series (specifically the 300 and the 500 series) is their odd shape and size. Most newer portable GPS models are now thin and can fit in a shirt pocket. The streetpilot are relatively bigger (about the same as a good-sized apple). However, the C330 looks more at home on a vehicle's dash. It wasn't meant to be carried around. It doesn't look flimsy. The size also affords better reception with the internal antenna.

One thing to take into consideration when purchasing a GPS are mounting options. Almost all portable units come with a form of suction-based windshield mount. It should be noted that some States (i.e. California and Minnesota) prohibit windshield mounted devices such as GPS units, radar detectors and cup holders. The C330 comes with a disc that mounts to the dashboard via double-side 3M tape. This serves as an alternative mounting point for the GPS (instead of using the window glass).

The GPS is currently in use in both the Ford Explorer and the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Summary:

In the two years that I have had the Garmin C330, it has been very reliable and has never frozed or hanged. Garmin has consistently provided online software updates. Most recently, the Garmin updater reminded me of a full map update. Map updates are essential in highly urbanized centers in order to keep directions accurate.

Overall, it has served me pretty well and based on experience, if I needed a new portable GPS another Garmin unit would certainly fit the bill.