GPS Questions Prior to Purchase
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 927
Likes: 17
From: Spotsylvania, VA
GPS Questions Prior to Purchase
Hey all, I know there are a lot of GPS discussions out there, but I had a few specific questions I didn't see answers to and though I would seek your expert opinions.
I am down to two GPS: Zumo 550 & Nuvi 500 (would like the Zumo 660 - but too expensive).
Zumo 550
I can get it for $200.
Does it play M4A (IPod format)?
I read both that you can and can not talk on the phone with the standard HD headset if using Aux, can you?
I don't really care for the size shape - is it OK on the bike?
I like that it is water resistant.
Nuvi 500
About $235.
I like the size shape.
I like that it is water resistant.
I like the up to 8 hour battery (don't have to run wires)
How loud is the speaker, can you hear the turn by turn directions on the bike with the radio playing?
Given the above info (especially price and size) which would you purchase?
Thanks for your help.
I am down to two GPS: Zumo 550 & Nuvi 500 (would like the Zumo 660 - but too expensive).
Zumo 550
I can get it for $200.
Does it play M4A (IPod format)?
I read both that you can and can not talk on the phone with the standard HD headset if using Aux, can you?
I don't really care for the size shape - is it OK on the bike?
I like that it is water resistant.
Nuvi 500
About $235.
I like the size shape.
I like that it is water resistant.
I like the up to 8 hour battery (don't have to run wires)
How loud is the speaker, can you hear the turn by turn directions on the bike with the radio playing?
Given the above info (especially price and size) which would you purchase?
Thanks for your help.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Finland
A few mistakes I made when I bought Tomtom 930T navigator for motorcycle use. I know, wrong model in first place and you are not buying Tomtom, but still...
First; I can't see anything from it on daylight, the brightness should be much more for motorcycle use. Second; I have Scala Rider Q2 bluetooth headset and I can't pair them, because Tomtom is not compatible, or something. Third; this Tomtom is 5V gadget, so you have to use tomtom cigarette lighter adapter. Means no hardwire.
So now I'm strugling between Zumo 550 and 660. The 550 I can have right now, but with 660 it takes another two weeks and I don't know do I have the strength needed to wait... ;-)
First; I can't see anything from it on daylight, the brightness should be much more for motorcycle use. Second; I have Scala Rider Q2 bluetooth headset and I can't pair them, because Tomtom is not compatible, or something. Third; this Tomtom is 5V gadget, so you have to use tomtom cigarette lighter adapter. Means no hardwire.
So now I'm strugling between Zumo 550 and 660. The 550 I can have right now, but with 660 it takes another two weeks and I don't know do I have the strength needed to wait... ;-)
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 2
From: Melissa, TX
Having both Zumo and a Nuvi series GPS units personally I can say if it's for use on your bike...the Zumo, hands down, no doubt about it.
I have the Zumo 550 on my bike and a Nuvi 760 in my car. The Zumo line was designed and intended for use on motorcycles, and it shows.
I don't believe it will play iPod format music files, but there are LOTS of audio conversion utils you can use to port your songs over to MP3.
I have the Zumo 550 on my bike and a Nuvi 760 in my car. The Zumo line was designed and intended for use on motorcycles, and it shows.
I don't believe it will play iPod format music files, but there are LOTS of audio conversion utils you can use to port your songs over to MP3.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 392
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
I just decided to bite the bullet and ordered the Nuvi 550 (which is motorcycle freindly according to their web site). I searched off and on, and the best price I could find from anyone that was even remotely familair with was NewEgg (~$250). I bought the matching mount from garmin's web site. I really wanted to do the Zumo 550, but it's ~twice as much as the 550. Suposed to be here Wednesday, so I'll see how it works.
Last edited by dklanecky; Jun 6, 2009 at 07:52 AM. Reason: typo
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Concord NC
If I could get the zumo for $200 I would already have one...Where you finding it that cheap?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: Lake Hartwell/Anderson, SC
I have the Garmin Street Pilot C580 that I move from car to Fat Boy to Ultra. With no hard wiring on the Fat Boy, I only turn it on when necessary, but the included lighter adaptor works great on the Ultra! The Garmin site brags about 8 hr battery life, but 4 is closer to the truth. It ALSO comes with a free one year subscriprion to MSN Traffic/Weather alerts.
It IS difficult to see in bright sunshine, but there are shades you can put over it to lessen the glare. According to the Garmin site, it has MP3 capability, but I havent tried that yet.
Cant pair it to my Scala Q2, but it easily pairs with most cell phones if you want/need that option. The mounts came from RAM and are pretty pricey I thought.
I picked mine up (NIB) on ebay for $140 about 5 months ago and was immediately able to download the 2009 map updates for FREE from the Garmin site.
It IS difficult to see in bright sunshine, but there are shades you can put over it to lessen the glare. According to the Garmin site, it has MP3 capability, but I havent tried that yet.
Cant pair it to my Scala Q2, but it easily pairs with most cell phones if you want/need that option. The mounts came from RAM and are pretty pricey I thought.
I picked mine up (NIB) on ebay for $140 about 5 months ago and was immediately able to download the 2009 map updates for FREE from the Garmin site.
Last edited by Dooderhead; Jun 6, 2009 at 08:51 AM. Reason: Typo
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 2
From: Melissa, TX
Oh, btw...be careful on those deep discounters on the web. Some will advertise JUST the unit itself for a low ball price, but then charge you an arm and a leg for all the accessories normally included in the box from Garmin. The Zumo's are pretty useless without their cradles, for which the discounter will charge upwards of $200.
Oh, you want a power cable with that? Ok...$$$
Oh, and a RAM mount? Ok...$$$$
etc, etc, etc.
From my research, the most reputable place online to get a complete Zumo 550 (with ALL accessories normally included in the box from Garmin) is PCNation.com.
Oh, you want a power cable with that? Ok...$$$
Oh, and a RAM mount? Ok...$$$$
etc, etc, etc.
From my research, the most reputable place online to get a complete Zumo 550 (with ALL accessories normally included in the box from Garmin) is PCNation.com.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA
One correction: Both the zumo 550 and nuvi 500 are waterproof (the 550 to a depth of 1 meter). This is much superior to any unit that is rated "water resistant."
I can't comment on the nuvi, but I've owned my zumo 550 for over two trouble-free years now and would buy it again in an instant.
I can't comment on the nuvi, but I've owned my zumo 550 for over two trouble-free years now and would buy it again in an instant.
Last edited by XTrooper3936; Jun 6, 2009 at 08:33 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
I'm still waiting to see where you can get a $900.00 Zumo ( https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=414550 ) for $200.00! My guess is it was previously owned by someone who didn't sell it.
Last edited by utrvp; Jun 6, 2009 at 09:11 AM.