Garmin StreetPilot c340 Vehicle GPS: REVIEW

Garmin’s StreetPilot c340 is the successor to the very popular and 4.5 star rated StreetPilot c330. The c340 keeps everything users raved about the c330 (including Garmin’s welcomed new user interface for its c-Series which we consider the simplest to use of all in-vehicle GPS navigation systems) and adds “text-to-speech” capability which tells you not only when to turn but also pronounces the street name (i.e., “Turn right on Main St” instead of “Turn right in 500 feet.”)

Ratings Summary (Includes ratings for the StreetPilot c330) Owner Reviews Best in Class Finalist Recommended Gadget of the Week Our Rating: 4.5 Stars Do you own it? Rate it! [ratings]

In addition, the c340 automatically notifies you of traffic delays, allows you to see congested areas on a color-coded map, and allows you to avoid traffic by pushing a button to find a new route.

The c340 receives real-time traffic information from the optional Garmin GTM 10 FM TMC receiver through FM broadcast stations (subscription required) in select major metropolitan areas throughout the United States and Europe. User reviews have been consistent in indicating how well the traffic feature has performed and integrated with the other functions of the unit. Like the c330, the c340 comes pre-loaded with maps for North America, so it’s ready to use out of the box.

With a computer, you can add additional maps from Garmin’s City Select map series, which includes Europe, Australia, etc. While not as powerful as Garmin’s high-end StreetPilot 2720, we’ve logged thousands of miles with Garmin’s c-Series and find that these units handle the needs of all but the most demanding road warriors by providing the most-needed GPS navigation functions in an easy-to-use, reliable package. [Updated: 13 November 2005; Early Review: 1 August 2005; © 2005 Rated4Stars.com]

Key Features at a Glance Ready to Use Out of the Box? Includes maps of US, Canada Spoken, Turn-by-Turn Directions? Text-to-Speech? (Announces Street Names) Voice Recognition? Multi-Destination Routing? Bluetooth? MP3/Audio Player? Live Traffic/Weather? Suitable for Offroad Use? Limited map coverage Portable? (internal battery)	More about this Product Is this the best price?

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