Which GPS?

[Hammam]

Hi,

I think I have read somewhere (can't remember where) that some GPS users had had issues with the Garmin Zumo 660, and regretted not sticking with the 550. Any idea why and what would be the problem? Also, can someone give me advice to chose between the Zumo motorcycle range and the Tom Tom Rider?

Thank you.

[messner2@bigpond.com]

Hi Hammam
Not sure whether you are dead set on the Zumo brand. Check this link out regarding information http://www.twonav.com. Not sure wether this GPS is available in Canada, I will be using this GPS on a trip across the Simpson Desert in Australia this August.


Cheers

Messner

[Hammam]

Thanks, Messner. I have been away from the forum for a while, and in the meantime, I bought the Zumo 660. So far, in the car, it's proving to be quite goood, with some irritating quirks. But it sure gets the job done. Looking forward to install it on my GS. I like the fact that it comes with the RAM hardware.

[Schtum]

I have a BMW Navigator IV which is a Zumo 660 in a posh frock. I'm also currently using it in the car and have been making some comparisons with my nüvi 760.

I think I prefer the Zumo's display although streets and roads are rendered more thickly and the road detail displayed is, at times, less than the nüvi. The enhanced facilities available via the Traffic Master menu are interesting - I'm using the antenna which comes bundled with a free lifetime subscription with the nüvi here in the UK.

However, the big disappointment is the Bluetooth volume. I use my GPS unit as a hands-free for my phone. My Nokia N97 Mini isn't fully supported by either of the Garmin units but it's enough to make and take calls. In the car, I have a Garmin accessory mic. into the input in the GPS mount and I usually run a pair of these Philips speakers connected to the 3.5mm stereo jack on the side of the nüvi. This setup works well and enables me to hear calls and for me to be heard by someone on the other end of the phone. Unfortunately, the Zumo doesn't work so well in this respect. Both input and output volume are too low. It's clearly not a problem with the rating of the amplifier in the Zumo as it's loud enough to drive the stereo speakers when giving voice directions in routing mode and powerful enough to distort its own internal speaker when not connected to the external ones. I suspect it needs a software update to fix the Bluetooth volume. Perhaps it's time to bend their ears over on the Garmin Forums.

[Baiazid]

I have zumo550 + Cardo Q2 and I am very happy.

I design my route in google maps or MapSource and then upload-it into GPS.

I had to upgrade the firmware of the gps 2 times (when the updates were available).

Never had an issue with this model.

Garmin announced in SUA another model.

[martin1]

well i own my own zumo550 + Cardo Q2 and this is awesome in use,and i found design my route in google maps then i upload in gps and now its working good :-)

[IMP]

Hi, there

Anyone out there looking to sell their Zumo 550? I am going down to the WSBK at Nurnburg in September and then on to Austria - so no rush, but a good s/h unit would make the trip somewhat easier.

Cheers

Ian

[tewster2]

I use a Nuvi 550 with the Touratech locking mount. I don't use Bluetooth and have no need for voice guidance. Works like a charm at a fraction of the cost of other units.