Real world experience with Garmin Zumo 550?

[BMWGS]

Jon, I'm also in the process of researching the Zumo 550 and a friend told me about the Zumo Forum website; http://razorbiker.com/zumo/.

There is quite a bit of information here. I am certainly getting an education after reviewing the various topics being discussed. Good luck. Shelly

[EatnAsphalt]

Garmin just released 3.1 for the Zumo also, fixing a couple bugs that were introduced. They sure do a good job on customer service!

[STrider]

Originally Posted by chief

Here is a write-up on the Zumo that I found helpful.

Clicky

OK Kenny (or anyone else can jump in), I'm considering an upgrade from a 2610 to the zumo, but I have some questions. I've also spent the better part of this morning researching the zumo.

One advertised feature I found intriguing is the XM radio bit. So, with a subscription, does the zumo receive all 170 XM radio music channels, or is the XM feature only for traffic info?

The price for the XM antenna (~$200) seems really steep. For music only, does the unit accept the 5mm or so coax connection for the magnetic XM antenna I already have?

If the unit does receive XM music, does it have a built-in amp with volume control for headset use?

As you can probably tell, I am already an XM subscriber. Right now I play it through my J&M CB on my ST1300, but don't have a good solution when I ride the Wee Strom. If the answer to the zumo questions I've asked is affirmative, it will certainly influence me in a positive direction.

Thanks! --Gene

[JeffeVerde]

Originally Posted by STrider

OK Kenny (or anyone else can jump in), I'm considering an upgrade from a 2610 to the zumo, but I have some questions. I've also spent the better part of this morning researching the zumo.

The $200 bit isn't just an antenna, it's the actual XM receiver. The Zumo just acts as a control interface. Add it as an additional radio on your subscription (I think it's $6/mo for addt'l radios?) and you'll get all the channels you're subscribed to. With the XM traffic service, sigalerts and heavy traffic show up on the map, with an option to route you around them.

The display interface is slick, taking advantage of the Zumo's full touch-control display screen, and you control the volume via the touch-screen.

To get the sound into your helmet, you've got a couple options- Blue-tooth helmet-set, earbuds or helmet speakers plugged directly into the Zumo, or connect the Zumo to a comm system, and then to earbuds/speakers.

I'm partial to hi-fideltiy music in my helmet, so I use Etymotic earbuds. When I first got mine, Blue-tooth sets were mono only, so they weren't a consideration for me. They now make stereo Blue-tooth sets, which would be a slick setup, if you're not an earbud guy. Even in stereo, Blue-tooth is relatively low-fi -- but if you're an earplugs and speakers guy, once the sound's been filtered past your earplugs, I'm not sure you'd notice the difference between a set of hi-fi wired speakers and a low-fi Blue-tooth set.

You can plug any headset with a mini-plug into the Zumo - but you need a two-way interface to make use of the phone integration, which is really slick. The zumo can suck your contact list from Outlook, so it recognizes all your regular numbers. Then, when a call comes in, you get a big display on the screen saying "Call from Joe Bob, Accept/Ignore".

Finally, you can plug in up to a 2GB flash card, loaded with music and pics. I use this alot when I'm riding in the mountains and loose XM signal.

[matthewp]

Originally Posted by JeffeVerde

Finally, you can plug in up to a 2GB flash card, loaded with music and pics. I use this alot when I'm riding in the mountains and loose XM signal.

Is it only a 2gig max in the Zumo 550? I have a 4gig in my Zumo 450, and another forum member (can't remember who) said he was having no issues with an 8gig.

[FishWitch]

I love my ZUMO 550. I think it's worth every cent. I especialy like the fact that it gives you audio directions instead of having to constantly be looking at. I'm not much on listening to music on my ride, but the Bluetooth sound isn't real good for tunes.

ZUMO FORUMS will have about every answer to all your questions. The more you play with it the more you find you can utilize all its features. It does take a bit of practice on some of your maps and routing.

[JeffeVerde]

Originally Posted by matthewp

Is it only a 2gig max in the Zumo 550? I have a 4gig in my Zumo 450, and another forum member (can't remember who) said he was having no issues with an 8gig.

When they first came out, they'd only address up to 2GB. But I wouldn't be surprised if a firmware update has fixed that

[JeffeVerde]

My only complaint with my Zumo is some of it's routing choices. Getting around L.A.. a lot of times it has me getting off the freeway and travelling by surface streets to save a couple miles versus taking the "long way" around. But that "shortcut" might add 30 minutes versus staying on the freeway.

It will eventually get you to your destination, but not necessarily by the most expedient route.

[STrider]

Thanks everybody, and keep the comments coming!

At the moment, the frugal side of me wants me to just order the base unit and forget the XM part. I'll just continue listening to XM with my Roady II on the ST and enjoy the sounds of silence on the Wee Strom.

Hey Jeff, I understand the routing problems. When I get into certain parts of the Sierra foothills, My Garmin 2610 routes me on imaginary roads. It's interesting watching for roads that aren't there.

[JeffeVerde]

Originally Posted by STrider

Thanks everybody, and keep the comments coming!

At the moment, the frugal side of me wants me to just order the base unit and forget the XM part. I'll just continue listening to XM with my Roady II on the ST and enjoy the sounds of silence on the Wee Strom.

Hey Jeff, I understand the routing problems. When I get into certain parts of the Sierra foothills, My Garmin 2610 routes me on imaginary roads. It's interesting watching for roads that aren't there.

Yeah-- don't you love those "Turn Right, Now!" commands, when you're staring at a wall of trees?