New Garmin Zumo 660?

[Mickh]

Noticed today on the Garmin website the "products - on the road " page mentions and shows a picture of a new Zumo 660??.
When clicking on the information tab it really looks like a nuvi gps,and they don`t call it a Zumo. Anyone think this could be an error, or is Garmin about to release a new version of the Zumo.

[Mickh]

Within 10 minutes of sending this post the Garmin website has removed any mention of a Zumo 660 and is now showing a Nuvi 765 in it`s place.Strange!!!

[FishWitch]

GOOD! I can't afford the next new & improved version of anything right now.

As for the 550, I love mine and use it almost daily. Worth every cent and then some to me.

[Bandit12]

Just happened to look at Garmins site and lo and behold they have a new page up for the Zumo 660. Looks like a Nuvi with Zumo 550 features. And the MSRP is still lower then the 550 by about $200. One blurb I read that makes me think I might wanna wait to get this one, is the lane assist directions. I hate not knowing if I'm in the right lane on a busy highway when I know a turn is coming up. Not XM compatible (doesn't really make a difference to me) but it is MSN Direct compatible for those that want that kind of info. Still has the MP3 player built in too. One thing worth noting, it does not include a motorcycle power cable, which I think is a mistake.

Lots to think about on this one. I just started saving my pennies for a 550. Guess I'll have to wait to see in the price comes down any or if I should just save a few more pennies and spring for the 660.


Ray

[Darth Lefty]

This is me beating myself about the head and shoulders for getting a "cheaper" 450 and then paying another $100 for car mount and cord that come with the 550.

[EyeOnTheSky]

Originally Posted by Darth Lefty

This is me beating myself about the head and shoulders for getting a "cheaper" 450 and then paying another $100 for car mount and cord that come with the 550.

Sorry, but THAT is funny!

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by Bandit12

Just happened to look at Garmins site and lo and behold they have a new page up for the Zumo 660. Looks like a Nuvi with Zumo 550 features. And the MSRP is still lower then the 550 by about $200. One blurb I read that makes me think I might wanna wait to get this one, is the lane assist directions. I hate not knowing if I'm in the right lane on a busy highway when I know a turn is coming up. Not XM compatible (doesn't really make a difference to me) but it is MSN Direct compatible for those that want that kind of info. Still has the MP3 player built in too. One thing worth noting, it does not include a motorcycle power cable, which I think is a mistake.

Lots to think about on this one. I just started saving my pennies for a 550. Guess I'll have to wait to see in the price comes down any or if I should just save a few more pennies and spring for the 660.


Ray

Hey Ray, have you tried or "borrowed" a 550 yet? They do tell you (generally/sorta/somewhat) what lane to be in, or rather something like "turn right, then stay left"...hope that helps.

[Bandit12]

Thanks for the info Dave! That does help to know that tidbit. I'm still saving my pennies for one of these units, just wanna see if the price on the older model 550 is going to drop much with the release of the newer 660. The lowest price I've seen the 550 going for (from a more reputable dealer) is about $625 and thats lower the the MSRP for the 660. By the time I get enough for one or the other, the price may have dropped. I'm thinking I'll want the 550 anyway.


Ray

[matthewp]

Ray, I also use the trick, when I'm going along, to tap on the corner of the screen where it says how far until my next turn. When you tap on it a screen comes up showing a close up map of the next turn so you can see what you are coming up on (it will also revert back to the main screen after a few seconds automatically).

[JeffeVerde]

Interesting marketing choice on Garmin's part. They hyped the Zumo's physical format as being specifically designed for motorcycles -- now they release a "higher" model Zumo that's just a Nuvi with a modified display interface.

The 660 has a much wider screen than the 550 - but since the map orientates to North-up, extra screen width doesn't do anything for you in terms of seeing more of your route.

The 660 stores 1000 waypoints/favorites vs. the 550's 500 -- but the 550 stores 50 routes vs. 10 on the 660. This could be a big deal if you do multi-day trips and store each day as a seperate route, or if you like to save your favorite routes on the GPS, rather than having to upload them each time you ride that route.

The 660 supports MSNDirect (not familiar with that) - the 550 supports XM music, traffic and weather (at $8-16/mo, depending on which services and multiple radio discount). If you do long trips, the XM radio is a nice change of pace after the fourth time through your MP3 playlist. XM weather is a definite benefit when travelling, and XM traffic can be a benefit when travelling through major metropolitan areas.

The 550 is kind of bulky, where as the 660 will easily slip in a pocket.

I was looking at the Nuvi's for my dad for christmas, and they're nice units. But for the bike, I don't think I'd trade my 550 for one.