Garmin StreetPilot c530 Car GPS Receiver

Let's ace it: we all get lost every now and then. Whether it's while driving to a friend's house for the first time, or trying to get home at night after work, there are moments that even the best of us just can't remember where how to get where we are going. Usually, we are stuck on the shoulder of the road, calling a friend or parent to get directions. We might even ask a stranger in hopes that they can set us on the correct route.

The Garmin StreetPilot c530 is the answer to all of your navigational problems. This tiny machine is actually a computer that is preloaded with street maps for the entire United States of America and Canada, 500 waypoints and an ability to accept and read data cards with different maps for other countries, including Mexico.

The basic premise of the StreetPilot is to get you where you are going on the most efficient route possible. Use is simple. All you have to do is turn on your StreetPilot, wait for the satellites to be acquired, then type in the address of where you want to go and press the green "go" button. While the monitor is small, the touch screen is big enough to not make any mistakes. Even if you do make a mistake, just use the "backspace" key like on any computer keyboard.

Even if you didn't have the Garmin StreetPilot c530 on when you left your home and got lost along the way, all you have to do is pull over and type in the address of where you are going. The GPS (Global Positioning System) will track the StreetPilot to exactly where you are, then give you proper directions to your final destination.

A really great feature about the Garmin StreetPilot c530 is the fact that it "talks" to you while you are driving. Instead of having to read a map or directions that someone wrote down for you, all you have to do is wait for the chime followed by the voice to tell you what your next direction is. The voice comes in different languages and accents, including Italian, French, Spanish and even British English. You will find the volume control on the side of the unit. If that isn't loud enough for you, you can even program the StreetPilot to broadcast through your radio speakers in the car.

Aside from standard directions and navigational guide, there are many different features on the Garmin StreetPilot c530. The most convenient feature is the "My Locations" portion of the menu. This allows users to store and name frequently used addresses and locations. Even if you don't know an address (after all, you might not know the address of where you work right off the top of your head, just how to get there), you can choose to pinpoint your location through the GPS and name it. That way, you can just touch the selection for your most-used locations and get there from any starting point. Plus, it saves time because you don't have to go through the process of typing in the address after you have already saved it in your locations.

Another option is your locater device, for lack of a better term. If you choose the "Where To" selection from the Main Menu, you can choose from a variety of places you might want to go. The categories include food, lodging, entertainment, transit and many more. If you select the category and the subcategory (for example, "Food" as your main selection then "American" as your sub-category selection), you will receive a list of all of your nearby options. Select the option that you would like, and you will be directed there. This is an incredibly useful feature when you are on a roadtrip with friends or are just in a place that you don't know very well.

Even if you don't want to use any sort of directions, another option is just using the "View Map" feature. This map is an interactive street map that follows your Garmin StreetPilot c530. You are identified as a black arrow, and the direction and the road you are driving is written across the top of the screen. The only other items identifiable on the map are other streets and any landmarks, such as a lake. On the bottom of the map, you will see the time of day and your current speed.

The trip data feature is something that comes in really handy when going on a road trip. After you reset the trip counters before embarking on your road trip, it records the total length of time for the trip, how long you have been driving, how long you have been sitting idle, your average speed throughout the trip, and the maximum speed you attained. It even gives you a countdown in minutes until you reach the destination you programmed into the StreetPilot.

The Garmin StreetPilot c530 is one of the best inventions ever created. While it is relatively pricey, it is a must-have for anyone that can be directionally challenged - especially for new teen drivers. Put this one on your wish list, or go out and get it yourself.