Real world experience with Garmin Zumo 550?

[tyler73]

I guess that makes my point. I don't want to carry my laptop around to build routes. I like to be able to perform the same functions (although using a smaller screen) with or without the computer attached.

To me I can't find a better all round gps than the Garmin Streetpilot 2*** series. None of the newer designs have the features I want. If the dang thing had an internal battery I would say it's perfect...for what I want.

[FishWitch]

I just always have the lappy along. I do my pictures at night & have to check in here to see what's going on! LOL I admit it, I am a nerdnik rider.

[pkx]

I am able to reroute successfully without the laptop. Basically, I'll zoom out and find towns along the route I want to go, then just edit the route on the Zumo and add those towns as stops/via points. Voila. You could use intersections if there are no towns.

[feiter]

Hi Everyone. I am new to Pashnit and living in a new area--Napa CA. Can I download routes from Pashnit to my Zumo 550? BTW, I love the Zumo but I don't have a lot of experience creating, using routes. I have used the desktop software and created a route and downloaded but then never got time to ride the route. I want to do more. Any recommendations for the Napa area would be aprreciated..

Thanks Bill

[matthewp]

Originally Posted by feiter

Hi Everyone. I am new to Pashnit and living in a new area--Napa CA. Can I download routes from Pashnit to my Zumo 550? BTW, I love the Zumo but I don't have a lot of experience creating, using routes. I have used the desktop software and created a route and downloaded but then never got time to ride the route. I want to do more. Any recommendations for the Napa area would be aprreciated..

Thanks Bill

This thread may have the answer you seek.

[tubbytwo]

Is there any PC mapping software available so I can see what all this fuss is about without owning a GPS unit. I would like to view .gpx files.

[FishWitch]

Originally Posted by tubbytwo

Is there any PC mapping software available so I can see what all this fuss is about without owning a GPS unit. I would like to view .gpx files.

You can go to most of the sporting goods stores and buy just the softwear and use it. I have the City Navigator from Garmin. I have shared just the disc with friends and we can now exchange maps etc. It's $100 I'm sure if you shop aorund you can find something.

There is also Streets and Maps that several people use.
Google Maps is free online and isn't too bad for routing but don't know that you can load in a file.

[RCLafnjack]

Originally Posted by FishWitch

I have a Scala Fm. Sound is fine for navigation but sucks for music.

I purchased a Jabra A123 bluetooth transmitter which plugs into the 3.5mm headphone jack. I have a BlueAnt F4 bluetooth headset and the Music quality is very very good. The Jabra also allows you to plug any mp3 player into it and make it bluetooth compatible, so I can use some of my other collected mp3 players on rides.

[RCLafnjack]

I use a free software called TIRE (Trace your route anywhere)

http://www.janboersma.nl/gett/index.php

you can create routes, load existing poi and gpx files, and (if) you have a Garmin or Tom Tom you can upload them to your device.. It has a pretty clean interface and is easy to use..

Originally Posted by tubbytwo

Is there any PC mapping software available so I can see what all this fuss is about without owning a GPS unit. I would like to view .gpx files.