Trying to decide between the Zumo 450 and 550. I know the differences are bluetooth, turn by turn directions by voice and the automotive mounts. I could careless about the bluetooth and it is not an issue. The automotive mounts are fairly inexpensive on ebay. Now the only differences are the turn by turn directions with voice.

Seems like something that could be annoying after a while and maybe more of a gimic. I am just not completely sold on that. If tunes are interupted by " turn left 1 mile" and soon there after another, then another voice prompt, I'd almost think I may turn that off.

So what say ye? Is it worth the other $100 for that? Yes the mounts I know... seen aftermarket mounts on fleabay for around $20 give or take so let's say there's a $75 difference for the voice prompts.

Thanks

 

Go to Garmin's web site and compare the 2 models. I got the Zumo 550 and like it.

 

It just cost a little more to go first class. Yes, I have the 550 and love it.

 

550 for me. My first one died after 6 months and the second one is holding up so far.

 

I prefer the voice directions. I play mp3s on the garmin when it gives directions it iterrupts the music with directions. A lot safer then trying to watch a little screen

 

FYI...the Zumo 450 HAS the voice directions too....the only thing the 550 has over the 450 isCell Phone Integrationand Xm Radio.

 

Have the 450 and like it. I had to pay $65 for a car mount that would charge the Zumo and allow you to hear voice commands in my truck. If I were to do it again I would go ahead and pay the little extra for the 550 and get the car mount, bluetooth, and XM radio. It would be a better bargain.
Zapps

 

All of the extra features the Zumo 550 possesses whichthe 450 do not are very substantial. They include:

1. Text-to-Speech (a/k/a TTS). Yes, both models have navigational prompts per se. All GPS models do. However,the 550 takes it a step further with TTS. TTS providesincomparable safety and convenience factors! You are able to aurally hear the actual street name and distance of the next turn ("Turn left on Maple St. in 200 feet") instead of merely hearing a left or right turn instruction ("Turn left in 200 feet") etc. This removes the guesswork whether or not the next street is the specific place you need to maneuver onto and allows you to keep your eyes on the road to the greatest extent possible. Totally indispensable -- particularly on a bike! Aural nav prompts of any type of the are the bread and butter of GPS units and are NOT a gimmick but something meant to keep you informed and as unobtrusively as possible. Yes, in either case you can turn off the nav prompts. But this is information you DO need. Would you turn off your (low) fuel indicator?

2. Bluetooth. For the most part, this would allow you to make and receive cell phone calls (You may also hear MP3 music files but BT/wireless technology and music with the Zumo or any GPS is still rife with quirks; conversely, wired music on the Zumois PERFECT). You MAY not feel you want or need it now, but remember, you CAN use it very successfully in your cage and especially now that you must be hands-free by July 1st, this becomes extremely important. This is if nothing else an amazinglycool feature. Once you purchase the 450 you will be forever without BT or the ability to obtain it on your Zumo (450)...

3. XM Radio. The 550 has an XM radio interface (you must obtain the GXM-30 receiver to collect the satellite signals). The 450 of course does not. This provides endless entertainment and also allows you to obtain the Nav/Weather package which alerts you to accidents, slowdowns, construction or other road hazards -- and provides you an opportunity to avoid them. This is all technology at it's best. Get a 450 and again, you will never be able to receive satellite radio or serviceswith your Zumo.

4. The 550 comes with both motorcycle AND car cradles and mounting hardware - the 450 does not. A bona fide Zumo car cradle is not expensive, but it is certainly not cheap. With the 550, it's already included.

When all is said and done, pound for pound, the 550 is an intrinsically better buy than the 450 and you would be doing yourself a great disservice if you didn't seriously consider the long-term effect the loss of these features may have on you,later. Otherwise, either model (or any Garmin for that matter) is a premier, first-rate GPS device and you'll enjoy no matter your selection. Ride safe.


BTW, remember that the Zumo Forums (now over 10,000 members strong since November, 2006) are the only GPS discussion forums specifically for the single GPS - the Zumo.

 

I have the zumo 550,at some point i may or may not like the XM,but the option is there,I find the blue tooth more of a convience ,than a must have. I dont carry my cell on my belt,i throw it in the tour pak,turn it on and set the bluetooth to on,should someone from home need to get ahold of me while im out riding all day,it pops right up on the screen letting me know i need to call home ,my wife is not one to just call me while im out,but will if there is a problem or emergency at home,I like the blue tooth feature for this reason,I dont need to check the phone .... it lets me know i have a incoming call and it's my choice to either except or ignore the call with a touch of the on screen button,doesn't get much simpler than that.
I like the voice directions when im somewhere not familar,it allows me to find a road im looking for without always looking at the screen . I listen to MP3's almost all the time now since loading up a SD card with music,and find the voice commands to not be a bother to me,quick voice command and right back to the music.
I could have saved some coin going cheaper with something else,but have not a single regret spending the money for the 550. I'm very pleased with the quaility and the features of the zumo 550, money well spent as far as im concerned!

 

I got the 450 and like it just fine. I do already have XM on my HD radio and that was the only feature I would have used on the bike. The voice over directions..... I don't care for that. I can glance down and see I have to turn in 2.3 miles and that works just fine for me. The way I looked at that was, if I had to have that 550 volume so high to hear it over the wind and radio the speaker would blow out shortly anyway.