A Good Little GPS
Pros:
Voice prompting, 128MB for maps, DVD Maps, easily downloadable waypoints, and data importing. Autodimming
Cons:
Smallish screen size, satellite acquistion time might be long. Can't download customizable routes.
The Bottom Line:
Few units in this price range will include voice prompting and 128mb map/data capacity. Some might not like the small screen, I prefer it.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
The Garmin StreetPilot i3 is a color version of the i2. This unit features Voice Prompting. I feel that this is a must have. While some units may have "alerts" having actual voice prompting gives you a better idea of what's ahead and not have to look at the screen.
The usefulness of the unit is generally based on the assumption you'll be using it while driving by yourself.
It can use the included lighter outlet plug or 2 AA batteries. If you have it plugged into the DC outlet, it will automatically shut off in 30 when power is disconnected. It's a nice not to have to think about turning it off to save battery power. My one complaint is probably related to suction cup window mounts in general; applied in the morning, it'll most likely fall off the window two times before conditions are optimal for a good mount. While it's nice to be able to switch vehicles easily, it's annoying when initially installing it in the next vehicle. Give a little, get a little, I guess.
Menus are easily navigated with a wheel button.
Things you CAN do:
You can search for nearby businesses, gas, food, lodging, shopping and so forth; however, your searches will only be as accurate as the map data you've downloaded. Find the business you're looking for and get there quick! Additionally, you can simply input an intersection, an address, or city. You also have the option of selecting shortest route or quickest route. You can set parameters such as avoid toll roads and the like. I think these are mostly set and forget, because it's not likely you want change them every trip. Similarly, it wouldn't be practical or safe to do so once you started driving (assuming you are driving by yourself).
Although some may wish for a larger screen, the graphics are clear and the maps are visible in nearly all lighting conditions. The i3 also features an autodimming feature. At about sundown, the screen subdues automatically.
User defined locations:
You can add POIs (points of interest) using easyGPS or MapSource, but I haven't found a way to make these new locations searchable within the search option. These user defined points are listed within the Favorites section, but aren't categorized as food, fuel, shopping, etc...
Interestingly Enough:
You can enter coordinates via MapSource or easyGPS and they will appear as favorites. If you are interested in geocaching and don't have auto-routing, this unit will do the job. You won't want to use it once you leave your car. It just wasn't made for that function, but I did find my first caches with it.
What it won't do:
Customized Routing! I wanted a unit to help me navigate my car club runs. It'll get you from point A to point B in the most expeditious route. Unfortunately, the driving car club will want to take a more circuitous, scenic route. Your i3 will be yelling "recalculating" at you all the way. Further, if you'd like to put in several "waypoints" between A and B, you'll have to input them as "favorites" and toggle through them on the route - NOT recommended! Safety reasons alone make going from favorite to favorite enroute impractical. More upscale units can probably download a preprogrammed route to include scenic driving, but NOT the i3.
