Image Gallery: Garmin StreetPilot c580
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Garmin StreetPilot c580 hardware
Portable GPS and navigation units are becoming more mainstream and common, but Garmin is taking it a step further with MSN Direct integration. With the StreetPilot c580 you can now get weather, traffic, movie time, and gas price information when you travel.
Window mounting bracket
The suction cup mounting bracket is very stable and rock solid.
MSN Direct receiver
The receiver for the MSN Direct service is integrated into the cable that plugs into your cigarette lighter/DC adapter.
Garmin c580 mounted in my truck
The unit even had a blue truck icon preloaded that matches my rig.
Right side of c580
The right side has the power button, USB connector, volume scroll and speaker.
Left side of the c580
The left side contains the Secure Digital slot, the external antenna connector, and speaker.
Input/output connections
You can connect an external microphone or a cable to output the audio to your car stereo speakers.
Connecting the MSN Direct/charging cable
The cable plugs into your DC power outlet and provides battery power and MSN Direct FM radio service.
Back of Garmin c580
The back connector snaps easily and securely onto the windshield mounting bracket.
Main GPS display
The “home” screen lets you quickly start navigation or switch to phone, MSN Direct, or MP3 player modes. Buttons also let you access the settings and brightness controls.
Where to? screen
After tapping Where to? on the main “home” page these options are presented to you.
Selecting your state
Where do you want to travel?
Four MSN Direct services
Do you want to check the weather, find movie times, find the local gas prices, or check traffic?
Traffic is a go
Green is good news for the commuter
Typical Seattle Spring weather
The forecast is clear and readable on the Garmin c580.
Extended 3-day forecast
…calls for rain in the next couple of days.
Where is the best gas deal?
Checking local gas prices is easy. The display even lets you know the last time the price was updated.
Quick directions to cheap gas
You can quickly select a gas station and be routed there in seconds.
How do you want to find a movie?
You can search by movie title or by theater location with MSN Direct on the c580.
Select you movie
Tap on the movie you want to see for more details.
Movie details
The location, movie times, and quick button to get directions appears on this display. How much easier could it get?
MSN Direct service status
You may see this display when you change your location or power off the unit for an extended period of time.
It's a MP3 player too
While not that useful for some of us with lots of mobile devices, others may want to take their music on the road with a SD card.
What setting do you want to customize?
You can change many of the default settings for your personal preferences. Notice how bright the display can be?
Lock settings
The Garmin lock will prevent others from stealing and using your device. You need to enter a PIN or place the receiver in the designated location to unlock it.
Customizing location settings
You can change the language, time format, and units on the Garmin c580.
More custom settings
The color mode and splash screen can be changed.
Custom navigation settings
Do you want short or faster routes? What is your vehicle type? Do you want to avoid construction and accidents? And do you want the c580 to get your attention?
Bluetooth settings
Here is where you enable Bluetooth and manage your connections to other devices.
Typical navigation screen
Driving my truck around the local area. Notice the estimated arrival time and time to turn? You can also easily and quickly zoom in and out by tapping the display.
Detailed stats are available
All sorts of data can be viewed on the Garmin c580. The stats can be reset for designated trips too. My wife must have been driving at that top speed 😉
Phone options
These options exist when you pair with your Bluetooth phone. Some phones also support reading of text messages over the c580. None of my phones support this feature.
Options for destinations when paired
When you are paired with your phone options appear for making phone calls too. As you can see MSN Direct brings in the local weather too.
Entering text
The keyboard is big and easy to use.
Incoming call while navigating
A phone icon appears on the display when a call comes in. You can tap the icon to answer or use your phone answer button too.
Phone options
You have a few options you can make during phone calls.
Connected phone status
You carrier, RF reception, phone name, and even your phone battery life appears on the status display.
Easy to end a call
The large red button makes hanging up a breeze.
Voice commands are supported too
You can dial by voice command if your phone supports it.