Unlike smaller units, the 2820 features a nice and large screen. Strangely, some people think it's too big. However, my experience with GPS units indicates that the more screen you have, the easier navigation is. The screen is built to display well in sunlight, which I really like. The other screen-related function that I think is cool is that it's touchscreen-enabled. You don't have to fiddle with any buttons!
Right out of the box, the StreetPilot 2820 is hassle-free. It's already set to go with a fantastic mapping system of the entire North America streets, as well as thousands upon thousands (millions, actually) of points of interest (also called POI's). These are things like gas stations, hotels, local attractions, restaurants, ATM's, banks, churches, and the like. You can just pull it out of the box, turn it on, and get going!
The 2820 offers some other handy features as well, like an integrated MP3 player, XM radio, and audiobook player. If you like listening to things while on the go, the 2820 will help you do it. Load up all your tunes into the MP3 player, get a few interesting books off of audible.com, and subscribe to an XM radio provider and you'll have listening options for the longest of trips. The variety of options works real well if you're mountain traveling and tend to lose signals-simply switch over to the MP3 or audiobook player and keep on listening.
It might seem like all the audio features would drown-out the audible navigation prompts so that you get lost. However, that's not necessary. There's a neat little mode you can set on the StreetPilot 2820 that will sound a tone when it's ready to tell you your next turn to make. You then hit the "speak" button and hear clearly your next set of directions. No need for annoying and unnecessary interruptions. Simply set it how you like it and enjoy!
Motorcyclists love the Garmin StreetPilot 2820 over others like Garmin Quest. It's a whole lot easier to use so if you're speeding down the highway, you can operate the GPS unit a whole lot safer. The safety that comes from easier handling makes the 2820 worth a whole lot more!
The Bluetooth feature of the StreetPilot 2820 sure makes things simple. The 2820 has a built-in microphone and speaker so that you can hook it and make hands-free calls with your cellphone. You can also connect both it and your phone to your headset or helmet so that you can hold conversations, listen to audio, and get your navigational guidance at the same time all without hassle.
The Garmin StreetPilot 2820 may be more expensive than some other models, but it's so feature packed that it'll last you a whole lot longer than other GPS units with lesser functionality. In fact, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it!