Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator by Garmin
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Digital camera reviews of Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Digital camera Review: Garmin Zumo 550
Summary: 4 Stars
The apparent quality of the Zumo is high. I was surprised that it ignores time zones in navigation. It gives navigation eta in the home time zone instead of in the time zone of the destination. This takes some getting used to.
The MapSource software seems to allow sending only one route at a time to the GPS. Either that, or sending routes overwrites the previously sent routes. I ended up disconnecting the GPS after each route sent to import the route before the next send could delete it. Operator error? Once a route is imported, it remains in the list of routes to be imported. Odd that it doesn't clear them once they've been imported? It would be more convenient and intuitive if the list of routes to be imported showed only those that had been sent from the computer but not yet imported.
The touch screen control is very convenient and it is large enough that I can use the Zumo without having to ride with my bifocals on. It comes with mounts for a car and a motorcycle. The car mount is completely portable, needing only a windshield for the suction cup and a cigarette lighter for power. The motorcycle mount is wired to the bike, so moving the unit to another bike requires another installation. I am happy that the included maps cover Canada and Alaska. Mexico maps are available.
With MP3 music on an 8G SDHC card, I was playing music on a 400-mile trip (auto, not bike). After several hours, when I tried to change the music selection, it reported "no book selected." Pretty unfriendly. That was the end of my music for that trip. Navigation continued to work. It's possible that I touched the screen in the wrong place? After I did a reset, the unit was again able to see the music files. Now, I can scroll between music, XM menu, and "no book selected" by hitting the "Source" button. It's possible that all I needed to do on my trip was hit the "Source" button a few more times, but I seem to recall trying that without success.
I am looking forward to being able to navigate to the next gas station, restaurant, etc., especially in Alaska and the Yukon using the POI database that's included.
While many of my issues may speak more to lack of familiarity than to actual faults in the device or software, the fact that I had these issues does reveal the system's level of "user friendliness" for the newbie.
As with any electronic device, I expect to continue learning how to use it better. Bottom line, I am glad I got it.
Digital camera Review: Garmin Zumo 550
Summary: 5 Stars
Product is great and was delivered on time. All necessary parts were included for motorcycle and car use.Digital camera Review: Garmin Zumo 550
Summary: 5 Stars
Fantastic product. The motorcycle mount is flexable and can be used in several locations. There is zero vibration with the device in the mount. Have enjoyed the map only feature when on the back roads. This device is a must if you enjoy touring.Digital camera Review: Garmin Zumo 550
Summary: 5 Stars
As Advertized, works out of the box. Simple to navigate by touch screen all it's features. I wish they told me that I needed an MP3 style cord to go between the motorcycle mount and the motorcycle radio to receive voice (Not sold by Garmin). I love this thing!I spoke to many others before my purchase and they say Garmin is the best I agree. I thought the idea of riding my motorcycle was to get lost.... now I'm never lost.Digital camera Review: Garmin Zumo 550
Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent GPS goes from car to bike to handheld easily. Easy to use I wish I had this on my last crosscountry trip.