A GPS that fits your budget and your pocket!

The Garmin StreetPilot i3 is one of three in this mini-series by the respected GPS manufacturer.

It is very similar to both the i2 and the i5. The i2 is a, less expensive, monochromatic version. The i5 is a, more expensive, version with full U.S. and Canadian maps preloaded.

My previous experiences with mobile GPS devices were with larger units (such as the Garmin Street Pilot c3x0 series) that were also aimed at the less sophisticated user on a budget.

I found that these units were too large to put in the windshield and mounting them elsewhere made it difficult, if not dangerous, to glance at their maps. (Of course, all of the units offered superb voice directions, so that the audio more than made up for the difficult viewing of the video.)

Still, these larger units carried price tags that placed them outside of my recreational travel budget. While I used to be in field sales, I am currently teaching at a local middle school. My travel is sporadic and non-intense. While others had waited for GPS devices to cross the $1000.00 threshold, I dreamed of the day when they were well under $500.00!

That day has arrived! My i3 (MSRP $ 428.56) cost me $289.99 (including shipping). With taxes, rechargeable batteries & charger plus a 512MB Transflash SD card (see below) my total outlay was just over $400.00. Of course, you could get by without the additional items and get a great system for under $300.00 + tax.

As I am, virtually, totally analytic - - I downloaded the instruction manual from the Garmin website while I awaited delivery of my unit via UPS. I read and re-read the manual, so that I would at least be familiar with features, etc. upon receipt.

The unit arrived and I proceeded with the install. Using a Dell desktop PC with Windows XP – I found set up to be extremely simple. The included installation CD had all the requisite drivers and the full (City Select NA {North America} vs7.01) maps for the United States and Canada.

I also updated the unit’s software to the newest version using the web updater tool found on Garmin’s website.

The unit ships with a 128MB Transflash SD card which cannot hold the entire U.S. at one time. In fact, as near as I can determine NY or California each require about 64MB of storage or one half the card’s capacity.

During setup you work with a map to select the states, regions, or provinces to load to your i3. California is broken into two regions and the New England states are grouped into Upper and Lower regions. You cannot select parts of a region. Even so, I was able to load (on the 128MB card) NY NJ Pa Lower NE De Md and Washington, DC.
I realized that for specific trips I would have to reload. Further, the map installation process does not remember what you loaded before and for each reinstall you must specify the total geography you want.

Rather than worry about this, I purchased (locally) a larger (512MB) card. I reinstalled a new selection of maps onto this card and currently have the following on my GPS: AL AZ CA CT DC DE FL GA KY MA ME NC NE NH NJ NV NY PA RI SC TN VA VT WA WV plus ON QU and NS in Canada. I live in New York and most often stay on either of the coasts - - so, this should suffice!

If you are traveling coast to coast (for example) you could not navigate to points that were not on the maps you selected. However, there is what is called a base map and that would allow you to navigate THROUGH such an area on the major interstates. Limited detail would be shown and access to services would not be on your system.

Having loaded the 512MB card with so much information, I have the 128MB card available to load for special trips without compromising my main data.

You are able to add customized points of interest, speed zones, red-light cameras, points with proximity alerts, etc. utilizing Garmin’s POI loader which is available, free, on their website. Using this program requires knowledge of the Latitude and Longitude of the point you are adding. Further, it takes a bit of effort to familiarize yourself with the format(s) required for the .csv files used in the process. However, it is nice to have your unit warn you, in time, when you are approaching known speed traps, red light cameras, toll booths and the like.

I think the major benefits of this unit can be summarized as:

1) Small size – does not obscure vision or overly distract the driver. Very lightweight. Can be carried in a large pocket or a small bag.
2) Excellent POI (Point of Interest) Data Base. Includes restaurants, hotels, shopping, recreation, municipal services, etc.
3) Quick calculation of route (20 seconds or less for local to just under a minute for coast to coast). It appears that calculation time is more a factor of turns than of distance.
4) More than adequate customization settings. (Fastest or shortest routes, can pick vehicle and road types, multiple brightness and volume levels, day or night view (or automatically switches between the two.
5) Excellent audio
6) Uses regular or rechargeable AA batteries (2) plus comes with 12VDC automobile power cord.
7) 12 Channel reception. WAAS capable for more precise location than regular GPS
8) SIMPLE to use and almost as easy to set up (if more simplicity required, get the i5 it comes preloaded with full maps!)


Having said all of that, there are a couple of minor drawbacks:

1) Small screen – not suitable for persons with vision problems (but, then again, if vision problems probably should keep eyes on road with more diligence)

2) Batteries must be removed to recharge or replaced if non-rechargeable

3) No touch screen and no panning of maps (both a limitation of screen size)However, scroll button is simple to use for data entry.

OH YES! How could I forget? The unit comes complete with an easy mount, lever actuated, suction cup mount. Easily attaches and detaches from the mount - adjusts like a rear view mirror. Also comes with a permanent mounting disk which can be used on your dashboard - suction cup attaches to it where windshield mount is not legal or desirable.

In conclusion: Get this unit if you want to have piece of mind and not break the bank!


********UPDATE 3/5/2006***********

My, adult, son just bought the Garmin Nuvi (350) and it is absolutely fantastic! Larger screen, quicker response, plays MP3 files, rechargeable battery, etc. However, dollar for dollar, I still think that the i3 is the better value!


********UPDATE 10/3/2006*********

Garmin has just released new maps for both my son's unit and mine. Great news! Since they both use the same mapping, I can use the same disk for both and Garmin will give me two unlock keys for the same price. Better still, since I did not have the units for a full year before the new release, they are giving me a discount on the purchase.

Seems like a great company to deal with!



**********Update 8/6/2008**********

This unit, which I loved, has been discontinued.

This said, the unit has started to have problems - - all in the plastic housing. Battery door latch broke. Both button covers broke. Considering what I paid - well worth the basic investment.

Moving to a Nuvi unit (maybe the Nuvi 270) sometime this week.