Success Story: Garmin StreetPilot c330

The Garmin StreetPilot c330 is one of the longest running hits in the volatile personal navigation device (PND) market, and it's the best seller for the June 2006-May 2007 period, according to The NPD Group.

Introduced in January 2005, the product continues to enjoy broadening distribution despite its 2.5-year age and recently began selling through Linens N Things. It is available at Best Buy, Circuit City, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart and other outlets.

The c330 is considered a benchmark product by analysts and competitors. It was one of the first to include preloaded U.S. maps at less than $1,000, and it launched a simple touchscreen user interface that has since migrated to many of Garmin's other PNDs, including the models in the Nuvi line.

Originally introduced at $899, the c330 now sells at a suggested $349 and can be found on the Internet as low as $249. Features include a 3.5-inch touchscreen, preloaded maps of North America and Puerto Rico, and lithium-ion battery with a seven-hour charge to allow for out-of-the-car route planning.

Because of its touchscreen interface, the unit has no buttons save for an on/off switch and a rotary volume knob.

The system provides automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn driving instructions delivered visually and, through dual speakers, by voice. Users choose between a three-dimensional navigation view, a "bird's eye" overhead view or a 3D navigation perspective that lets drivers see what's down the road.

Its point-of-interest database features more than 5 million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and attractions.