There's no denying that Garmin's StreetPilot c330 deserves a special place in GPS history. First introduced in January 2005, the c330 was one of the first portable navigation devices (PNDs) to include preloaded maps of North America., incorporate a simple touch-screen interface, use a 3.5-inch color display, sport a lithium-ion battery that provided 8 hours of run time between charges, and sold for just $899 (hey, that was down right cheap back in '05!). In short, it truly was a groundbreaking product.

Consumers loved the c330's small size, ease of use, excellent routing engine, and high quality display. 2.5 years later the c330 is still the #1 selling GPS in America, enjoys prominent shelf space at all the major retailers, including Best Buy, Circuit City, and Wal-Mart, and still sells for around $300.

Problem is, 2.5 years is a lifetime in GPS technology, and things have progressed considerably since the c330's initial release. For starters, the c330's GPS receiver uses much older technology that requires clear line-of-sight to the sky. Virtually all new GPS units, including Garmin's newer c5xx and nuvi units, use SiRF's high performance indoor receiver, capable of receiving strong GPS signals even indoors, behind tall buildings, etc.

Then there's the maps. The c330 is long in the tooth, and so are its maps. Picking up a newer, similarly priced, GPS will ship with much newer maps. Garmin, TomTom, and Magellan all recently updated their maps, so any newly purchased GPS from these companies will include much newer maps than the c330.

Finally, the c330 is a discontinued model. It's generally not a great idea to invest in a product that has already been discontinued.

For the same bargain-basement pricing as the StreetPilot c330, you could buy the much more competent Garmin nuvi 200, or the wide screen 200W for only slightly more money, Magellan's Maestro 3140, Magellan's Maestro 3100, or the TomTom ONE. If you can swing the extra $50 or so, Garmin's nuvi 350 is probably the best deal in town right now.

The StreetPilot c330 was a groundbreaking product that deserved its success. Garmin has built on the success of the c330, incorporating many of the popular features into its nuvi and newer StreetPilot c5xx products. Given the c330's price, older technology, and outdated maps, and pending demise, you're better off buying a newer unit.

Before buying a new GPS, be sure to check out GPSmagazine's Buyer's Guide for full, in-depth reviews of all the most popular units.