Garmin Zumo 550 GPS

[trip]

Received my Zumo 550 yesterday. I'll be installing it tonight. Once I'm done, I'll post some pics in case anyone is interested.

Trip

Heck yes. I want a Zumo 550 BAD! Please tell me what you think of it Trip. I hope the wife scores it for me for X-mas this year....Cant wait to hear your thoughts. Let me know if the install was easy as well on the bike.

[trip]

After reading up on it and playing with it last night, I must say...I'm impressed so far. The only thing I've found is if you're going to really use the MP3 player feature, you've got to get an SD card that's large enough to hold a decent number of songs. The space that comes with the Zumo will only hold about 10 songs.

I got online last night and read that the best SD card size to get is the 2GB. Anything over that size and the Zumo has read problems.

[dui546]

I am wanting a GPS (probably Christmas) and I am really interesting in hearing the things you like and dislike about that Garmin.

[beezer]

I'd appreciate your findings as well Trip.

[michiganmike]

I bought the 450 last spring and have used it on several small trips and every day riding around. I really like it.

[trip]

I installed my Zumo 550 tonight......and I am really impressed so far. The 550 has some features that I'll have to get used to when I'm on trips, but I love the screen, the feel of the unit, and the options that come with the 550, such as MP3 player, blue tooth and XM radio.

If you plan on really using the MP3 player (like I am), you really need to get a 2gb SD card (about 25.00) to have enough space for your songs. The space provided on the unit itself for MP3's is only about 10 songs. After installing the Zumo, I plugged in the miniature jack provided by my J&M CB radio and played the MP3's off the Zumo through the J&M CB into my helmet. The quality is excellent.

The blue tooth option is one I won't be using for now, but might in the future. There's nothing really more to buy for the blue tooth option, you just have to have a compatible blue tooth unit for the Zumo.

For XM radio, you must purchase a receiver and locate it on your bike to use in conjunction with the Zumo. This is something I might do later, but not now.

As far as the GPS part, the Zumo excels in that area. 2D or 3D mapping and the Zumo comes already loaded with all of North America. Other areas can be loaded with the purchase of SD cards. POI's go in very easily. The screen itself is adjustable and there is a function to allow the font to be larger on the keyboard. Using the Zumo is super easy even with gloves on.

So far, I give the unit three thumbs up.

Trip

[Heater_Guy]

I've had the Zumo 550 for almost a year now. So far it's been great. Plays MP3's, XM satellite radio capable, Bluetooth link to cell phone if you want to be that connected while riding. I switch mine from the bike to the car to the work truck all the time and no problems. If I have a ride that I really enjoyed I can save that as a route and run it again later or share it with anybody that has a GPS. This unit is well worth the money.

[trip]

[quote:7utuv9pq]

Now that I see where you live I'll be stopping by and expecting lunch on the weekends.[/quote:7utuv9pq]

That's why it's not zoomed in all the way....LOL.

[hangon702]

intresting -- how much one on those things set you back

[trip]

intresting -- how much one on those things set you back

I got mine from GPSDiscount.com for $693.44. That included the unit, shipping insurance (shipping was free) and a free t-shirt...LOL.

Wow guys thanks for the info from you 550 owners. I knew from the first day these zumo's it the retail stores i wanted one. They are bit pricey but you pay for what you get and since this unit kicks butt and its made for bikes it really is what i want. thanks for pics trip

[Heater_Guy]

Yeah, they are a bit pricey but they are made vibration resistant and waterproof for use on bikes. Some people do mount a regular car GPS on their bike but I'd hate to see a $400 unit ruined by one pothole or rain shower.
The best part is you can go wander around all day and not worry about getting lost or studying paper maps at rest stops. Just hit "home" and let the nice ladys voice get you there.

[pabloh3]

New guy chiming in: I've had the Zumo 550 for about 8 or 9 months and love it. There are definitely some quirks that one has to figure out and the MapSource software that comes with it is not nearly as intuitive as one would expect. However once you get the hang of it, it's really great to pre load a route that you work out on the computer and not have to stop and check a map every mile or to. One suggestion is to consider carefully whether you really need the bluetooth and satellite capabilities. If you're like me, and you don't use those features, you can buy the Zumo 450 which does everything else and costs significantly less.

I would also recommend the following forum which has some great tutorials and suggestions:
http://www.zumoforums.com/index.php

[michiganmike]

I agree that the Zumo 450 costs less, but if you want to use it in your car you need to buy a power cord for it and a suction cup mount for it. That is another $100. According to Amazon.com both of those items come with the Zumo 550. Amazon.com has the Zumo 550 listed for $658 plus free shipping. They have the Zumo 450 listed for $490 + $10 for shipping.