[Duster929]

I'm itching to get one.... it's only 6 weeks to Christmas, right? Too early to buy myself a present?

This link has some screenshots at the bottom, as well as some pics of it mounted to a bike.

GPSzone.ca - Garmin zumo™ 550 (Pre-Order)

--- D

[SomeStrangeGuy]

where did you get the 660 from and how much?
The girlfriend is hinting she wants a GPS now so I am thinking Nuvi 360 or 660 for her.

No track log?!?! wtf?!

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

where did you get the 660 from and how much?
The girlfriend is hinting she wants a GPS now so I am thinking Nuvi 360 or 660 for her.

No track log?!?! wtf?!

I bought it from GPS Now. It was $749. The day after I ordered I found it for $711.99 from this place. They are also selling the Zumo for $711.99 right now. They said the price is only good through the 20th of this month though (well forget that, it's up to $999.99; the Zumo that is). It was $711.99 all day today and yesterday.

GARMIN nuvi 660 Portable GPS and Travel Assistant - 010-00540-00 - Garmin Mobile - Portable GPS - Garmin GPS

Yeah, no track log. Also only 1 Via per route, and you can't setup a route in advance, save it and load it later. You pick a destination, it calcs the route. You can then shift the map around to click and add a Via if you wanted.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Does the Nuvi send prompts to your headset? is it BT headset compatible?

Suprisingly, day 1 of using my 60csx with the auto kit actually worked out well. It's just odd going back to 2d maps. (just sold my 2720).

[RC51Mike]

Did anyone mention the Nuvi isn't the least bit water or splash proof? I'd get one for car use though. Zumo looks good but can't store multiple routes, a feature I like in my Quest.

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by RC51Mike

Did anyone mention the Nuvi isn't the least bit water or splash proof? I'd get one for car use though. Zumo looks good but can't store multiple routes, a feature I like in my Quest.

The Zumo can hold 50 routes, 200 waypoints per route. It also has a 10,000 point trip log (track log). You can share routes with other Zumo users by exporting it to the memory card and then importing from the card on the second Zumo.

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Does the Nuvi send prompts to your headset? is it BT headset compatible?

Suprisingly, day 1 of using my 60csx with the auto kit actually worked out well. It's just odd going back to 2d maps. (just sold my 2720).

This is the first GPS I've used with the 3D map layout. It's a nice feature. Not sure if I'd go back to a 2D map after using it.

I tried linking a Motorola HS820 earpiece to the Nuvi and no luck. It links to my phone no problem, but won't link to the earpiece. That would be a nice feature, but I guess they figure you are going to use the FM transmitter or the internal speaker.

The Zumo seems to be missing one key feature. It doesn't log or display elevation. Even if it's not in the log, it's nice to see what elevation you're at. I wonder if they can add that feature with a firmware update. I would imagine that would only be a software change since it is receiving the same sat. signals as a device that does display elevation.

[crazyn8]

I sell electronics for a living and cost through my Garmin distributor is right under $700. If u can get it for close to that its a sweet deal.

Thanks for this post, I didn't know about this model but now that I found it I gotta have one.

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by crazyn8

I sell electronics for a living and cost through my Garmin distributor is right under $700. If u can get it for close to that its a sweet deal.

Thanks for this post, I didn't know about this model but now that I found it I gotta have one.

Group buy?!?!

[crazyn8]

EatnAsphalt
Didn't You already get one?
Online my dist shows '0' in stock. I'm calling in monday to see when they'll have em. If they have them online for $712 and there is no tax with actual shipping costs, its an unbeatable deal (as long as it show up).

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by crazyn8

EatnAsphalt
Didn't You already get one?
Online my dist shows '0' in stock. I'm calling in monday to see when they'll have em. If they have them online for $712 and there is no tax with actual shipping costs, its an unbeatable deal (as long as it show up).

No. I bought a Nuvi 660 for a gift for my Dad.

But the Zumo is on MY Christmas list. The site that listed it for $711.99, changed to $999.99 yesterday. I had emailed them asking if they had any instock (which they didn't, but would within a week), said that special price was good through the 20th. I guess they were mistaken.

I wonder if Garmin told their distributors to up the price to $999.99. When I was pricing the Nuvi last week, I found 8-10 sites that had pre-orders on the Zumo close to $800. Now the same sites are $999.99 and some have it instock. GPS Crazy is the only one I've found still under that, with it going for $739.99 w/free over night shipping, although they don't have it in stock.

[crazyn8]

I don't like doing online sales because people are always trying to scam you one way or another. There is practically no markup cause some stupid ass somewhere doesn't mind making $10 on a $3000 item. As soon as u get burnt on one sale you have lost all the profit from a few hundred.
I don't know yet when they'll be in stock.
We can work something out if you can't find it anywhere else. No B.S.!!!
Do you know someone in phoenix?
So does it have a track log or not?

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by crazyn8

I don't like doing online sales because people are always trying to scam you one way or another. There is practically no markup cause some stupid ass somewhere doesn't mind making $10 on a $3000 item. As soon as u get burnt on one sale you have lost all the profit from a few hundred.
I don't know yet when they'll be in stock.
We can work something out if you can't find it anywhere else. No B.S.!!!
Do you know someone in phoenix?
So does it have a track log or not?

I don't know anyone in Phoenix. The Zumo has a track log, the Nuvi does not.

I agree with you, I don't like doing online sales with people I don't know. That's why I've never used ebay! For example, drives me nuts searching for stuff on Amazon only to find results that are not from Amazon directly.

[RC51Mike]

[quote=EatnAsphalt;549533]The Zumo can hold 50 routes, 200 waypoints per route. It also has a 10,000 point trip log (track log).
quote]

Right you are. I didn't see that on any of the advertising specs, only just now found it in the manual. Does it do more than one via point or can you add several, and let it do a "salesman" route?

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

The Zumo can hold 50 routes, 200 waypoints per route. It also has a 10,000 point trip log (track log).
quote]

Right you are. I didn't see that on any of the advertising specs, only just now found it in the manual. Does it do more than one via point or can you add several, and let it do a "salesman" route?

You can look at the product comparison on Garmin's site.

Attachment 23279

[EatnAsphalt]

If anyone is buying the Zumo and find it below $999.99, it's a deal. Seems that Garmin told their autherized resellers that once they got them in stock, no more discount, $999.99. As of this morning, 8-10 sites I had checked raised their price up to $999.99. Compuplus literally changed it as I view their site this morning.

GPS Crazy still lists it for $739, but not in stock and their website didn't have any security for your credit card. Boaters Land has em for $762.99 with free shipping.

[Duster929]

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

If anyone is buying the Zumo and find it below $999.99, it's a deal. Seems that Garmin told their autherized resellers that once they got them in stock, no more discount, $999.99. As of this morning, 8-10 sites I had checked raised their price up to $999.99. Compuplus literally changed it as I view their site this morning.

GPS Crazy still lists it for $739, but not in stock and their website didn't have any security for your credit card. Boaters Land has em for $762.99 with free shipping.

It could be that Garmin is enforcing their minimum advertised price policy, where they won't let dealers list product for less than a certain price. It helps to maintain a price point. However, dealers are allowed to sell for less than their advertised price. Before placing an order, make sure you actually speak with the seller directly and see if you can get a better price. Don't just take the advertised/listed price from their website.

My question at this point is... since they're already shipping in some places, has anyone tried one out and can post a review? Or has anyone seen a review somewhere of someone who's actually tried one in the real world?

--- D

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by Duster929

It could be that Garmin is enforcing their minimum advertised price policy, where they won't let dealers list product for less than a certain price. It helps to maintain a price point. However, dealers are allowed to sell for less than their advertised price. Before placing an order, make sure you actually speak with the seller directly and see if you can get a better price. Don't just take the advertised/listed price from their website.

My question at this point is... since they're already shipping in some places, has anyone tried one out and can post a review? Or has anyone seen a review somewhere of someone who's actually tried one in the real world?

--- D

It's odd I literally watched half a dozen sites take their price from discounted to $999.99.

They are shipping, been for about a week now. I'll have one next week to give a review.

Just from reading the specs and manual I've noticed 3 flaws.

No elevation/altitude indicator.
No saving track log (trip log) to the unit without converting it to a route (which would greatly reduce the number of points).
No adjusting the trip log's interval for setting points.

Other than that is seems like it does everything. I use a gpsmap 76s with it's track log to set points very frequently so the printed track log shows all the corners in detail. This might not be possible if the default interval on the Zumo is too far apart.

I would think all 3 of those flaws could be fixed with a software upgrade if Garmin felt the need.

[ConqSoft]

That sucks. I like having the elevation.

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by ConqSoft

That sucks. I like having the elevation.

I sent Garmin a request to add that in a software update and they didn't seem to interested. Maybe if they get enough requests.

There are always altimeters too.
Sun Altimeter from REI.com

Edit: Garmin says they'll add my request to the suggestion box.

[EatnAsphalt]

Just to update, the Zumo doesn't display elevation information, but it does log it to the track log.

[ConqSoft]

WTF? Oh well.. Better than nothing I guess. There's NO WAY, NO HOW, to get it to display?

[Duster929]

Originally Posted by ConqSoft

WTF? Oh well.. Better than nothing I guess. There's NO WAY, NO HOW, to get it to display?

Clearly they didn't think it was important enough to include in the current display. Sounds like something they can add in a future software/firmware upgrade. From what I understand, some of their other units didn't dispaly altitude until it was added in subsequent upgrades. As long as it tracks it, it can display it... If enough people comment on it, there's some chance they'll update it.

Given where I live, altitude isn't a big deal. I guess it would be nice to know if I was 600 feet above sea level, or 800.

--- D

[EatnAsphalt]

If you don't already own one, ask for that feature here:
Garmin: Sales Support/General Inquiry

If you own one, complain here:
Garmin: Support

I'm sure they could add this feature if they had enough requests. The data is already there in it. Just needs a UI.

This profile is typical for a ride around here.
Attachment 23449

[ConqSoft]

Done.

[ConqSoft]

Reply:

Keith,

Thank You for contacting Garmin International!

I am happy to help you with this. Unfortunately I am unable to advise if elevation will be added on a software update, as this is entirely up to the developers, and we are not in the loop on those decisions, we are notified of an update when it posts on the website, the same time the consumer does.

If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at the number listed below.

Regards,
Scott B.
Product Support Specialist
Garmin International
1200 E 151 St.
Olathe Ks, 66062
1-800-800-1020
Garmin. We'll Take You There.™
Fax 1-913-440-5488

[EatnAsphalt]

How odd.

Edit: I found the reply I got.

Dear Sir,

Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I will be more than happy to
help you with this. I will add this to the suggestion box, thanks for your
input.

Should you have further questions please contact Garmin Product Support by
replying to this email or contact our Consumer Support Line at 800-800-1020
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm CST.

Bobby Love II
Automotive Support Specialist
Garmin International
1200 E. 151st Street
Olathe, Ks 66062
Phone: 1-800-800-1020
Fax: 913-440-5488

[HondaGal]

Has anyone gotten this unit yet? I'm seeing lower prices posted but am interested in hands-on experience from anyone here and where you purchased it.

[EatnAsphalt]

Originally Posted by HondaGal

Has anyone gotten this unit yet? I'm seeing lower prices posted but am interested in hands-on experience from anyone here and where you purchased it.

Check out this Zumo 550 forum, Zumo 550 Forum :: Index

Cheapest price I've seen right now is $729.99.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

something interesting I noticed over at that RazorBiker forum is their discussion about the SirfStar stuff taking forever to get a lock.

I loaded a Zumo software image onto that Nuvi I had (for Bluetooth purposes) and the only 'benefit' I noticed is that I had to press the 'reset' button every now and then to get the unit to lock signals.

After I put the Nuvi image back onto it, all was well. I know Sirf is fast and accurate, and waaay too sensitive...that 4 blocks in 30 minutes is a buncha crap or a bad startup. Mine will lock in my laptop bag in my office in 1/2 that time.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Oh and Europe is on hold right now, so uhh...anyone needing Garmin Europe maps please let me know