Garmin StreetPilot i3 Arrives for Review

The tiny but powerful Garmin StreetPilot i3 arrived for review today at the GPS Lodge. In looking at the thing, one can't help but remark on its tiny size. Not much bigger than a tennis ball, the StreetPilot i3 packs a lot of navigation help in a small package. It is targeted at entry level car GPS system users. The i3 and the i2 were announced back in July (see our article), with a follow-up release of the i5 in the middle of September (see article). The main differences being that the i2 starts with transflash based memory and a monochrome screen, the i3 adds a color screen, and the i5 comes pre-loaded with detailed North America maps.

(Update: See our review article on the StreetPilot i3 GPS.)

Out of the box, the Garmin StreetPilot i3 comes with a 12V charger cable, a lever action suction cup mount for the windshield, the City Select North America NT v7 Map DVD, and a USB cable for downloading maps. The instructions and quickstart guide are also included.

We took a quick drive around town and overall, it was easy to use, and worked well. We are looking forward to using the StreetPilot over the coming weeks and posting a review.

Keep checking back - in the coming weeks, we are expecting a wave of GPS units for review, including units from Magellan, Garmin, TomTom and others.

Specs on the StreetPilot i3:
* WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS patch antenna with MCX-type connector for optional external antenna
* Unit dimensions: 3.00" W x 2.74" H x 2.15" D
* StreetPilot i3 display: 1.7" W x 1.3" H, 220 x 176 pixels, 32k-color sunlight-readable TFT with backlight
* Weighs only 5.3 oz. (without batteries; includes vehicle suction cup mount)
* Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings
* Includes 128MB TransFlash card for loading detailed maps from the included MapSource City Select North America NT v7 DVD
* Features scroll wheel with click-to-enter, making it quick & easy to navigate
* Offers a three dimensional mapping perspective, or 2-D overhead view
* Battery life: up to 6 hours typical use on two AA batteries (7 hours maximum)
* Includes removable 12-volt power adapter cable for external power while in your vehicle
* Includes a vehicle suction cup mount which allows for easy adjustment and quick release
* USB Interface

Read More in: Automotive GPS | GPS Reviews | Garmin GPS News | Garmin GPS Reviews

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