Flaws of the Zumo 660

[Hammam]

The Zumo is a nice GPS, but it has a few flaws, some very annoying and unacceptable on such an expensive device. These two are my pet peeves:

- It the unit can't find a street, it may be due to a simple typo. So, you go back to entering the name, but you have to start from scratch, because the 660 hasn't retained what you typed before. This is stupid. The cheapest smallest computer can do that.

- And the worst: The «Avoidances» and «Route preferences» options are general «Settings» from the «Tools» menu, but they should be offered as specific options to chose from every time you enter data to find a route. For example, sometimes, you want to avoid highways, sometimes you don't. One should not have to remember to first go and check the general settings when entering data. Today, going back home from errands in the suburbs, the 660 made me take numerous congested small streets and avenues, because I had forgotten to go and uncheck «Avoid highways» in the geneeral settings.

I have already voiced my discontent with Garmin, asking for a rectification in a future free downloadable software update. If you agree with me, please, make your voice heard as well with Garmin. Thanks.

[MCML]

Oddly, on the Street Pilot III that I have used since 2003, the main setup menu has a switch allowing you to have the GPS ask the route preference question each time a new route has been requested. I am surprised that the Zumo 660 (to which I am seriously considering changing) has done away with that setting/option.

[Chiba]

Originally Posted by MCML

Oddly, on the Street Pilot III that I have used since 2003, the main setup menu has a switch allowing you to have the GPS ask the route preference question each time a new route has been requested. I am surprised that the Zumo 660 (to which I am seriously considering changing) has done away with that setting/option.

This option went away after the 26xx/27xx/28xx generation as far as I know. Big mistake IMO. Drives me a little nuts having to delve into the menu system to switch from fastest to shortest.

--chiba

[gdayjr]

You need a GPS to back from the local shops????????

I don't think the GPS is the problem here !

[chrisjk]

Unfortunately, each iteration of the devices seems to be trying to be more user friendly but unfortunately they also become less useful. The 276c was one of the best units in terms of user options for a motorcyclist although the chipset is not as fast as newer units and as a discontinued product, repairs will be a problem.

[papa-alpha]

"The GPS made me . . ." !!!

[Glenfiddich]

I use a GPS as just another navigational tool, so don't depend on it. I have only two complaints with the 660. First, it's never managed to hold a cell connection. It links up just fine, and the phone icon displays. I can take or make a call, but 30 seconds into the call I lose the Bluetooth link. Secondly, the speed display turns to red on gray at 1mph over the speed limit, and in anything less than optimal conditions there's not enough contrast to see how fast I'm going.

The GPS itself works just fine, and I like pairing it with Basecamp for Mac