Garmin StreetPilot C310

The Garmin StreetPilot c310 satellite navigation system is an entry-level satnav system and comes with mapping data for one European region. It is possible to purchase additional maps and these come stored on SD memory cards.

This unit comes with all the usual features and also includes the option to enter destinations using the full UK Postcode. This is particularly useful in rural locations where house numbers are rarely used and finding a particular house/property on rural roads can be difficult.

The StreetPilot C310 has a built-in GPS satellite receiver. The unit can easily be switched between vehicles, allowing say a family to share a unit between them.

The "c-series" range provides state-of-the-art navigation with such features as automatic route re-calculation, 2D and 3D moving maps as well as voice instructions.

In common with the other Garmin units the C310 comes pre-loaded with a “Points of Interest” database, which includes such locations as airports, post offices, petrol stations etc. This is a neat feature in common with most other satnav systems which allow the user to tell the system to find an amenity local to the user's current location and then to navigate to it. So, if say the user was short on fuel, they would simply call up the petrol stations database, the unit would show a range of local service stations and the user would then instruct the satnav unit to navigate to it.

The user can also upload customized POI lists such as speed camera and school safety speed area databases that are available on the internet. Garmin provide, free of charge, the POILoader software to do this.

Controlling the unit is straightforward – the menus are easy to navigate using the touch-screen. If you go off the route calculated by the unit by accident or on purpose (maybe there is a traffic jam or roadworks causing tailbacks ahead), the unit will quickly calculate a new route to get you back on track to your destination.

At this price range, the Garmin StreetPilot c310 is a comprehensive navigation tool for the family and leisure user alike.