The new Garmin StreetPilot I3 certainly supports the adage that good things come in small packages. This very portable automotive GPS is aimed at consumers who don't need the extensive configurability of more expensive GPS systems and don't want the complexity, but do want the benefits of in-car, voice-prompted, turn-by-turn navigation.

With an estimated retail price of $399, ($299 for the I2 monochrome model) the StreetPilot I3 breaks a new price barrier for voice-prompted navigation systems. Don't let the price fool you into thinking the I3 is a stripped-down toy, though. It has the features most consumers need, but shares many of the more advanced routing choices found in more expensive models, like the C330.

The I3, which has a 1.3- by 1.7-inch (176- by 220-pixel) color screen, can draw power from your car or will run for about six hours on two double-A batteries. The I3 weighs just over 5 ounces, and at 3 by 2.7 by 2.2 inches, is small enough to tuck into a briefcase or fit in a center console when not in use. Map data and points-of-interest information are stored on the included 128MB TransFlash card. You install data for your region from the included MapSource City Select North America DVD via a USB 2.0 cable.

The I3 is surprisingly easy to use—there's only a power button, a back button, and a click-to-enter scroll wheel, Besides two simple navigation choices—Where To? and View Map—the opening screen displays just Settings, the current time, and battery status.

Where To? gives you the option of selecting a preconfigured Home position or navigating to an address, Points of Interest, Recent Finds, Favorites, Intersections, or Cities. Points of Interest are broken down into 12 categories. Most categories have subcategories to help narrow your search. You have quite a few navigation options including five selectable Avoidances (Toll Roads, Highways, Carpool Lanes, U-Turns, and Unpaved Roads), Shortest or Fastest route, and five vehicle preferences.

Under Map View, you can choose two-dimensional (2D) North Up, or Track Up, as well as a 3D view. During navigation, information boxes show your ETA and distance to next turn. In non-navigation mode, those boxes display your current speed and compass direction. The device has auto zoom, but the scroll wheel allows you to easily change the level.

In road tests, the I3 provided accurate turn-by-turn directions on our standard test routes. The internal speaker, though small, provided more than adequate volume.

For consumers who want a basic GPS navigation system with a very intuitive interface, the Garmin StreetPilot I3 is an excellent value.

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