Questions Garmin Zumo 550

[Tom-Traveller]

Hi

I am looking into buying this GPS and will mount it on a KTM 690.

It comes with a power cable which is connected to the battery and the

City Navigator Europe 2010 (41 countries).

1. How reliable is the device (Africa, offroad, vibrations, etc.) ?

2. is it easy to upload new maps like OSM or tracks4africa, etc. ?

3. is the display big enough ?

I am getting older and the display of an Garmin 60, 62, etc. is just too small for me.

4. Does it makes sense to buy the Garmin lifetime map update ?

Any advise from longterm travellers, which are using the 550

Thanks and greets
Thomas

[palica]

You will probably get many different answers but let's start:

Yes, the Zumo 550 is great, reliable, and fully adapted to motorbike.

However, it is a bit obsolete (compared to the Zumo 660): let's say that the motorbike turns faster than the Zumo display .

Also, it is expensive compared to "standard" GPS.

When I'm traveling, I'm looking for reliability first and the Zumo delivers. It is not for other reasons that it is in the Garmin catalogue since years.

I have mounted it on a Touratech support for extra-vibration absorption and locking mechanism.

I purchased the lifetime map update but the Zumo 550 memory is limited and does not always make latest map installation possible . But considering the price difference between a 1 shot update (60$) and lifetime (90$), it was an easy decision.

Now, GPS have a tendancy to be more and more consumables: buying a new one is not a lot more expensive than buying new maps. With the Zumo, I know it is reliable, adapted, my TT support is great, so I'll keep it for years. And if it fails (not common with the Zumo 550), Garmin will fix it for a 150$ flat rate: another advantage for taking lifetime map update.

Hope it helps.

Fred

[Keith1954]

Hi Thomas

I use a Zumo 500, which is almost identical to the later 550 version (although it doesn't have quite so many whistles 'n' bells as the 550).

As far as I'm concerned, I can answer ''yes' to most of your questions. The only annoying complaint I have with the 500 is that the touchscreen function is sometimes a little disobedient.

I have to say that if I had the money, then I would prefer the larger (wider) display of the newer 660 model. This might be a consideration for you in particular, especially in in view of your question #3 above.

An excellent source of info regarding all Zumo aspects is THE ZumoForums. Here's the link:

THE ZumoForums - Index

I suggest you might like to consider joining this forum and perhaps re-asking your questions over there; the members do seem to be very knowledgeable and helpful.

Cheers

KEITH

.

[GasUp]

Here's another ,


1. How reliable is the device (Africa, offroad, vibrations, etc.) ?

Very, almost idestructable.

2. is it easy to upload new maps like OSM or tracks4africa, etc. ?

I've loaded TOPO maps without issue

3. is the display big enough ?

Yes, but it depends how far you zoom in, or out and if you are in road or off-road mode.


4. Does it makes sense to buy the Garmin lifetime map update ?

I haven't, but how often do roads change ? the 2010 software will be good for a few years yet. Yes you might come across a new bit of road, bypass, roundabout etc but it's fairly easy to use the wobbly thing in your head to work out where you need to be, once give a general direction by the Zumo.


I managed to destroy mine (don't try to delete the USB drive while the unit is plugged into the PC, it doesn't like it) and Garmin had a new unit on my doorstep in three days, on day one I posted the faulty unit off, on the morning ater the new one landed. Serioulsy, the support doesn't get much better than Garmin.

These are a powerfull and have lots of functions, most people wouldn't use the functions, but I swap mine between the car, bike and trail bike.

The user interface is not as intuative as the TomTom Rider, but the functions make up for it, and you soon get used to the menu systems. If it's your 'bag' then you can use it as a communication deevice, it will play MP3's and link to your phone. Lots of people knock this, but once you've used it it kinda makes some sence.

I think for adventure off-the-beatem-track, the 550 is probably better than the 660, it certainly looks and feels more rugged. (IMHO)

[Tom-Traveller]

Hey thanks to all ...

I think, so it will be the 550 ...

btw, is it worth to buy the maps from tracks4africa or whatelse ?

Happy trails and safe travelchug.gif" border="0" alt="" title="chug" smilieid="249" class="inlineimg" />

Thomas