Zumo 550 v Nuvi 550

bhud

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Looking at the write ups, the Nuvi seems on the whole to cover most options. e.g. using on a boat, but no bluetooth.

I welcome your comments.

bhud
 
Launched is Nuvi 550 but expect range models to fall within 5?0 numbers just like Zumo. Nuvi 510 is coming and shall be bluetooth, not much more is known, expect in Q1, 09.

As to mounting its quite easy and available, usual mount range with GA32 cradle and Q~Power Lite is charger for it via miniUSB and full charge can take 3 to 4 hours AFAIK, internal cell gives healthy 7 hours, so depends on use. Garmin own offering for scoots or bikers is still being worked out as one 'really' knows what it is .. ignore web image bits as its creative photoshop mix of waffle.
 
Forget Nüvi if you plan to use it for anything but finding the shortest/fastest way to the destination. One can't switch off the automatic recalculation of routes so it can't follow preplanned routes in a good way.

Therefore there is no need for Mapsource and consequently Mapsource is not included in the Nüvi box.

If you plan to use the GPS to ride on preplanned favourite roads you should go for the Zumo. Or if you also plan to go offroad you should go for the 278.
 
I've got a Quest 1 and 2610 and looking to replace both at some point.

I could do with a machine with similar battery life to Quest as I don't want power cables on all bikes.And I need larger memory than the Quest for longer trips,using battery power.

That rules out Zumo 550 with it's limited battery life.

I also don't like the Zumo interface which is dumbed down to cater for idiots.

Ok,the Nuvi 550 doesn't come with Mapsource,but as I already have it I'm not fussed.

I believe I could plan routes on Mapsource and transfer to Nuvi just like Quest/2610.

And I never bother turning off auto-recalc so that's not a factor.

So bearing that in mine,is the Nuvi 550 a good option ?


I've never used a Nuvi but have experienced Zumos.

Ta
 
I believe I could plan routes on Mapsource and transfer to Nuvi just like Quest/2610.

You must check with Garmin. I can't find any evidence to support this function just by looking at the website.

Let us know what they say.
 
I have a Zumo 550 which does allow for preplanning which is great but I also have a 765 which does not allow pre planning with map source. I know the 550 is a different spec but if it does not support pre planning and route creation then I would stick to the Zumo.
 
I have a Zumo 550 which does allow for preplanning which is great but I also have a 765 which does not allow pre planning with map source.
Your 765 does support pre-planning with Mapsource - according to the manual I've just downloaded. It's similar to the 770 Nuvi (which I have) - and zumos & the 550 nuvi, I believe. You can create routes which the 765 will upload as a list of waypoints. When you go to load a pre-planned route, i think you need to navigate to "My Data' folder; the unit will then upload the route into your (10 max) route list having spent a minute or so calculating.
hth
 
I have a Zumo 550 which does allow for preplanning which is great but I also have a 765 which does not allow pre planning with map source. I know the 550 is a different spec but if it does not support pre planning and route creation then I would stick to the Zumo.

You must check with Garmin. I can't find any evidence to support this function just by looking at the website.

Let us know what they say.

From the owner's manual for Nuvi 550:

<img src="http://img.skitch.com/20090125-1ug693j4js15eeak17et96qxk4.jpg" alt="Picture 2"/>


So you can upload maps and routes from Mapsource to the Nuvi !
 
Ah that will be that reading the manual trick !!! thingy - now where did I put the bloody thing !!.

Thanks guys - thats something else to play with now
 
Bought one. Played with it ..............

You can upload multi-waypoint routes from Mapsource
You can download tracks from the unit
The info on the front screen is better than my Nuvi 770 - speed is always displayed, max speed for road, mini-diagram of next turn
It's very solid, a little bigger than i expected
You can alter the level of detail shown. On the same page (I think) you can alter the default zoom level
You cannot switch off auto-recalc
It has selectable modes, which include pedestrian. This may give pseudo off-route capability but i haven't tried it yet
It has no bluetongue/mp3/audio out - so it's a proper GPS for real men;)
That said, a very nice lady lives inside and shouts at you when you need to turn

It is the new 2610:D
 
Bought one. Played with it ..............

You can upload multi-waypoint routes from Mapsource
You can download tracks from the unit
The info on the front screen is better than my Nuvi 770 - speed is always displayed, max speed for road, mini-diagram of next turn
It's very solid, a little bigger than i expected
You can alter the level of detail shown. On the same page (I think) you can alter the default zoom level
You cannot switch off auto-recalc
It has selectable modes, which include pedestrian. This may give pseudo off-route capability but i haven't tried it yet
It has no bluetongue/mp3/audio out - so it's a proper GPS for real men;)
That said, a very nice lady lives inside and shouts at you when you need to turn

It is the new 2610:D


Excellent.


I found these pics showing the comparison to 2610 :

<img src="http://img.skitch.com/20090126-n64ngib7wn2qiy97cwqrnfdcs8.jpg" alt="Photo 2"/>

<img src="http://img.skitch.com/20090126-nd5h6jn6w2t6hj6bdnjuggyg3p.jpg" alt="Picture 2"/>

Half the price of a Zumo 550 and without all the extra shite that most of us wouldn't want such as Bluetooth/MP3 etc.


Mine should be here later this week along with all the bits.
 
As it mentions that it accepts GPX files as routes then you could use the likes of ITN Converter to plan your routes. This uses Google maps and will run off a USB pen drive which would be handy for use in Internet cafés etc. whilst on tour.
 
I've just noticed that the latest version of ITN Converter (v1.64) has an option to export as "Garmin Nüvi (.Gpx)", not sure how this differs from the regular GPX format of the old version :nenau
 
Can you overcome the auto reroute thing. I have it turned ON in the car but OFF (Quest 1) on the bike.
Is it a case of just adding more vias or waypoints (and what is the difference) or will the unit recalculate the whole route
 


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