The C550 is better than the C340. Differences are that the C550 has an MP3 player, Bluetooth, and a high-sensitivity receiver, which the C340 does not have.
Bluetooth is a feature that connects the GPS wirelessly to your cell phone, so you can operate the phone hands-free through the GPS while driving (you need a phone that has Bluetooth also. Many if not most new phones have that now). Even if you don’t like to use your phone while driving, it’s a nice thing to have so you can at least answer and tell people you’ll call them back later, without fumbling around for the phone.
The high sensitivity receiver is an important difference. The older receiver on the C340 depends more on line-of-sight communication with navigation satellites, so you can get a weak signal or none at all if you are in an obstructed area (blocked by tall buildings or trees, or inside a parking garage). The new receiver is much less susceptible to these problems and works practically anywhere.
You should also look at the Garmin nuvi models. That is the newer product line after the Streetpilot C series. The nuvi models have a nicer, slimmer design (easier to take with you when you leave the car) and don’t cost more, or much more.
The C550 is better than the C340. Differences are that the C550 has an MP3 player, Bluetooth, and a high-sensitivity receiver, which the C340 does not have.
Bluetooth is a feature that connects the GPS wirelessly to your cell phone, so you can operate the phone hands-free through the GPS while driving (you need a phone that has Bluetooth also. Many if not most new phones have that now). Even if you don’t like to use your phone while driving, it’s a nice thing to have so you can at least answer and tell people you’ll call them back later, without fumbling around for the phone.
The high sensitivity receiver is an important difference. The older receiver on the C340 depends more on line-of-sight communication with navigation satellites, so you can get a weak signal or none at all if you are in an obstructed area (blocked by tall buildings or trees, or inside a parking garage). The new receiver is much less susceptible to these problems and works practically anywhere.
You should also look at the Garmin nuvi models. That is the newer product line after the Streetpilot C series. The nuvi models have a nicer, slimmer design (easier to take with you when you leave the car) and don’t cost more, or much more.