Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $595.00 You Save: $304.99 (34%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $450.00 (click here) Category: GPS or Navigation System See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Digital camera Review: Couldn't Be Much Happier
Summary: 5 Stars
To begin with, the turnaround on my order was much quicker than I expected; it turned out that I lived close to the distributor.
It was easy to mount the unit on my bike (Harley Sportster 1200), but I chose to have my dealer install the power cable for just over $50. It was super-easy to connect with my Palm smartphone and Blue Ant headset. I loaded about 7 hours worth of music onto an SD card and found that pretty easy, too.
The telephone and music features work well, and the navigation is excellent. I haven't figured out just what it is, but it's superior to the Magellan unit I was using.
Minor issues: When transferring trips from the Harley Ride Planner, stops are full stops, and that means that Point A to Point C by way of Point B becomes separate trips: Point A to Point B and Point B to Point C. On the other hand, storing waypoints on the Ride Planner (for a ride to collect ABCs of Touring points, for example) so they will be waypoints on the Zumo is difficult.
Three different power connections--different connectors for motorcycle, automobile, and AC adapter--seems a bit much.
The "security screw" only provides security against the unit bouncing out of its mount. While sturdy and easy to install, the RAM mount is easily removed.
None of these issues would keep me from recommending the Zumo 550.
Digital camera Review: Does everything I want it to do
Summary: 5 Stars
After using a Garmin GPS60 in my travels, using the ZUMO 550 was a great improvement. I read some previous reviews and was a little disappointed in some of the shortcomings of the unit. I don't know if Garmin actually addressed the shortcomings of if the reviewer just didn't know how to access the feature. Two examples; one reviewer said that you couldn't "MARK" a location. This is easily done by simply touching the vehicle icon. You can then rename the location and save it to your favorites. Another reviewer talked about the lack of a compass option unless you are in the "off road" mode. If you are not navigating, there is a letter indicator on screen constantly and by one touch, you have access to a graphic compass. You always have access to the graphic compass page while navigating with one touch.
I am very satisfied with the ZUMO 550 and would recommend it. One thing I would have liked is the option of getting AM-FM radio instead of XM. I have cable TV, but I still have a problem with paying for radio.
I love gadgets, and I don't consider myself a "techy", but I rate the ZUMO 550 with a "10".
Digital camera Review: EZ to use
Summary: 5 Stars
The Garmin Zumo 550 GPS is a terrific machine, Easy to use , very viewable in daylight. I use it on my Harley Davidson and plot my route on my computer. All back roads!. I have used Garmin GPS's on my boats for years and would not buy another brand as Garmin have performed very well under all conditions.
I would recommend this unit to any Motorcycle riders looking for a GPS.
The Price through Amazon was by far the mosr reasonable. Vince Macaluso
Digital camera Review: Exactly What Was Needed and Wanted
Summary: 5 Stars
The Zumo 550 GPS has worked like a charm for me, right out of the box. Its controls and manipulations are intuitive and a cinch to master. Instalation is easy,and straight forward. The mounts on both my car and motorcycle and all hardware and instructions, came with the unit in the well-designed box.
I have little interest or talent for technical puzzle- solving or complicated wrenching, so this product was a friendly, knowledgeable passenger from the first use. On the second use, it got me to a destination when I had absolutely no idea where I was. This is the first and only ground-based GPS I have used, but I can't imagine a better one. I am thankful and pleased that I got this particular iteration of the GPS.
Digital camera Review: Exceeding expectations
Summary: 5 Stars
The device has not made it to my bike yet. It has been taken over by my non-technical wife which speaks highly of it's ease of use.
It is definitely suitable for a gloved hand but also adjustable. It is versatile and intuitive. Accuracy is good and since we are on the road more she appreciates the warning as to how far away the next turn is.
I would recommend this device to anyone on a bike or for a car. I also bought a couple of Nuvi 360s for Christmas gifts.
This is a great product.