550 V 660

[nbjc]

Hi all, i am currently considering a new GPS (have old Street Pilot) . My problem is that having done some research i am still not sure of the benefits of the later 660 over the 550. As there is little difference price wise on Amazon the obvious choice would be the 660. Why are Garmin still producing both units ?, is it because of reliability issues with the 660 ? or is it simply that users still prefer the 550.


Best wishes
Niall

 

[bigkid2071]

Zumo 550 vs 660

Hi,

I have recently upgraded from the 550 to a 660 here are my comments on the 660 compared to the 550

1. Bigger screen, easier to read format
2. Flexibility of the screen icons, you can select your own format

The general useability is better but I do have 1 warning..

the 550 mount is 'Secure' you can leave the unit on the bike while going pay for fuel etc, the locking screw makes it hard to whip the unit from the mount, while the 660 has just a push button release..

I know you can get the touratech secure mount but it looks hidious.

In general I am happy with the 660, the bigger screen, the ease of use compared to the 550.

That said, and this is not going to help you, I would be happy with either of them..

But if I had a choice and I wanted the security then the 550 is the winner, if functionality is the requirement then the 660..

Cheers Bigkid2071

 

[ebbo]

BigKid, how does screen brightness compare and ease of use of the touch screen instead of buttons while on the move (which we wouldn’t do would we...)

 

[azone]

The 660 has had a recent update and problems are all but gone. It is very reliable at this point as is the 665.
The 550 is still being sold but all the OEM bike dealers are now only selling the 660. BMW , Harley, etc) The 550 is being phased out sooner than later and it is a well known fact.
Although I have had a 550 since day one and then a 660 I would never go back to the 550. The 660 is so much more advanced, has stereo blutooth and will be updated many years after the 550 is long gone.
If you really wanted a 550 and wanted to save money, used units are going really cheap now. Most users are selling them and going to the 660.
Another issue is the updated new maps are not fitting on the 550 as the internal memory is to small. It can be done but you need to remove some files to install the newer maps.
It's your decision but I suggest staying with the newer technology and keep it updated.
If interested in XM go with the 665 complete with antenna. The 550 does not include antenna hence the price difference

 

[Wapping]

BigKid, how does screen brightness compare and ease of use of the touch screen instead of buttons while on the move (which we wouldn’t do would we...)

Ex 550 owner, now 660.

Very pleased with the upgrade.

Brightness is fine and touch screen works well.

I have a screen protector on mine. Not quite sure why, but I do.

 

[Udders]

Hi,

I have recently upgraded from the 550 to a 660 here are my comments on the 660 compared to the 550

1. Bigger screen, easier to read format
2. Flexibility of the screen icons, you can select your own format

The general useability is better but I do have 1 warning..

the 550 mount is 'Secure' you can leave the unit on the bike while going pay for fuel etc, the locking screw makes it hard to whip the unit from the mount, while the 660 has just a push button release..

I know you can get the touratech secure mount but it looks hidious.

In general I am happy with the 660, the bigger screen, the ease of use compared to the 550.

That said, and this is not going to help you, I would be happy with either of them..

But if I had a choice and I wanted the security then the 550 is the winner, if functionality is the requirement then the 660..

Cheers Bigkid2071

My 660 has a little screw in the back of the mount to stop the button from being pressed. Your's must be the same.

 

[mr_magicfingers]

just bought a 550 for £335 shipped. Very pleased with it. Not sure how much additional useability there is with the 660, but I've found one or two things that irritate me with the 550, though I imagine they're user error issues.

It's a great piece of kit and I'm happy with mine and the money saving over the 660.

 

[bigkid2071]

Zumo 550 vs 660

My 660 has a little screw in the back of the mount to stop the button from being pressed. Your's must be the same.

Nope pic please.. maybe I have an original version, when did you get yours..

 

[Rugged Path]

azone;
The Garmin 665 with XML satellite radio reception is only applicable to the US market. We're still listening to analogue radio.

Would be nice in the long run if it could be used but, as XML is a subscription service, we would end up getting screwed on tax just for the benefit.

 

[andyclift]

But if I had a choice and I wanted the security then the 550 is the winner,

I have had both but its such a fiddle to use the stupidly tiny security screw that the satnav gets left on the bike. The 660 can be removed in about one second so its a no brainer to take it with you when paying for fuel etc.

 

[nbjc]

Many thanks to all for your input. Looks like it will be the 660.


Regards
Niall

 

[azone]

Let me assure you the 660 is fine now with the latest update 3.90
Most all issues have been corrected.

The 550 is still being sold but will be dropped real soon like the 450 was. All OEM motorycle manufactures are now only selling the 660 which includes Harley, BMW and others.

The 660 is a fine unit and you will like it once you try it. The 550 is also a good unit and having had it since day one I liked it but would not look back.

The 550 will not be supported with updates in the future and the 660 being new with new technology will only get better.

If you really want a 550 they are going really cheap used now. Check out ebay but my suggestion is "Get the 660 from Amazon" Amazon has the best customer servvice anyone could ask for.

 

[Coolcarbon]

The 550 will not be supported with updates in the future and the 660 being new with new technology will only get better.

But only until Garmin decide to replace that model too, .... it's all relative I guess... ( I have both BTW and had both replaced at different times due to complete failures )

I'm surprised that no one seems to have mentioned the zumo 220.

I didn't know it existed until last week when I saw it advertised in German motorcycle mags...