Brian G
Registered user
I`m getting a new Zumo 550 for my 1200gs. Is it sensible to just use it visually without the extra cost and rigmarole of wiring it up for sound aswell? Any thoughts welcome.
zumo - looking or listening?
- Thread starter Brian G
- Start date
Why buy a talking / visual GPS if you're only going to use 1/2 the help it can give?
Voice, usefull in heavy traffic as you don't have to look at the screen to have some idea of what to do.
Visual, usefull to confirm what the voice prompt said, and general looking at between turns.
Voice, usefull in heavy traffic as you don't have to look at the screen to have some idea of what to do.
Visual, usefull to confirm what the voice prompt said, and general looking at between turns.
No need to go to any real expense.
If you want to listen, just get a pair of normal walkman/ipod earphones as they'll plug direct in and probably give much better sound than any communications kit... Prices start from a fiver
If you decide you want to talk too (or just have convenient cabling to the helmet speakers) go direct in again with something like the starcom headset for about £40
If you want to listen, just get a pair of normal walkman/ipod earphones as they'll plug direct in and probably give much better sound than any communications kit... Prices start from a fiver
If you decide you want to talk too (or just have convenient cabling to the helmet speakers) go direct in again with something like the starcom headset for about £40
Stickleback
Registered user
Plus the MP3 functionality...Didn't realise how good it is to listen to toons while on the move until I got the Zumo.
Not wanting to disagree with any of the previous posts, each to their own and all that, but I personally can't abide voice prompts. I don't find a problem using just the screen, it is mounted just in my peripheral (sp) vision and it lights up to let you know of a prompt. I do try to use the GPS as an aide though, rather than just following the arrow. Otherwise you find yourself somewhere without a clue where you've just been riding. 
My twopennerth.
Mark
My twopennerth.
Mark
Brian G
Registered user
Thanks for the feedback! I suppose I just wanted the simplest option. I`d like to have sound aswell without all the wires! Earthmover, do you find the visual prompts are good enough in towns/cities when you have to keep your wits about you?
I try to have an idea of where I'm going first, so the Zumo is just confirming. There have been moments I'll admit when I have missed my turn and had to go back, but these have been rare, and I'm not sure whether the voice prompt would have made a difference.
Try without, then try Padge's idea with the cheap headphones (if you don't want to fit speakers inside your helmet) and see which suits you.
I think they are a wonderful tool, but I still take maps, and I have learned not to rely on the GPS too heavily.
Mark
Brian G
Registered user
Thanks Mark, I think I`ll try it without first and see how I get on!
purds
Registered user
I used a Tomtom Rider for years which I never bothered with the sound on - mainly cos I never found a bluetooth earpice I was comfortable with.
I recently bought a Zumo which I have hardwired via a pair of Etymotic wotsit ear bud type earlpug/speakers. They are absolutely marvellous - very comfortable and great sound quality. I have no doubt that the voice prompts make complex junctions much easier and the ability to listen to your music on long journeys is another major benefit.
I recently bought a Zumo which I have hardwired via a pair of Etymotic wotsit ear bud type earlpug/speakers. They are absolutely marvellous - very comfortable and great sound quality. I have no doubt that the voice prompts make complex junctions much easier and the ability to listen to your music on long journeys is another major benefit.
THE DOCTOR
Registered user
I tried voice prompts on a ride to France back in 2006. I disconected it after about half an hour, couldn't get on with it.
I've no problem glancing down at the unit once in a while & understanding the countdown feature to the next change in direction.
I've no problem glancing down at the unit once in a while & understanding the countdown feature to the next change in direction.
swissrob
Registered user
i tried without the sound but couldnt get on with it, as i kept looking glancing at the screen, as others have said use it as an aid just like a map and dont blindly follow the arrow - make sure u have U turn selected on otherwise u might find ur self going down a road for 5 km only to turn around again.
I tried using just normal earphones but found that the light weight cable would rise up with the air flow than start doing a skipping rope impression - earphones with heavier cable solved that. I then bought an autocom and never looked back since
I tried using just normal earphones but found that the light weight cable would rise up with the air flow than start doing a skipping rope impression - earphones with heavier cable solved that. I then bought an autocom and never looked back since
you need sound....you will miss turnings/warnings otherwise....and then, what's the point?!
I use both, its not a problem using either, had to do the occasional 360 on a roundabout, but only very occasionally, glancing at the screen takes no more time than glancing at road signs 
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