Garmin Zumo supplies many different models of their GPS systems. Although alike in quality and design, there are some differences to know about as well. While I will not be able to decently do a complete product review on all the products here, I will be able to hit the top ones and you make a good buying decision when it is time to purchase. The essential factor to consider is not weather to buy a Garmin Zumo, it is which model best fits your specific needs.
The Garmin Zumo product line consists of a Garmin 220, 550, 660, and 665. The Zumo 665 being the premier model and the 220 being a high quality entry level GPS. After doing some preliminary research and have determined that the 550 is the prefered GPS for Motorcyclists. I have studied the product reviews on-line, have talked with many cycle riders and have personally used a few different models.
All the Zumo device are waterproof, all come with mounting hardware and can be used right out of the package. They are all pre-programmed with thousands of points-of-interest and map hardware. All the Zumo's offer voice command assistance and are compatable with Bluetooth. All units come with color display screens and they were all designed to be used while riding down the road wearing gloves. All units have been especially designed to withstand the rigors of motorcycling from the rugged off roader to the cross country excursion.
Here are some differences starting with the size of the screens, the amount of customizing to the models and the mapping software. While the 220 is small enough to comfortably slip into your jacket pocket at the end of the ride, the 665 has a screen size a full inch larger and it weighs a couple ounces heavier. This may not sound like much, but trust me, it definately makes a difference. The 220 has the ability to add a few custom routes while the Garmin 665 has the ability to add 20 custom routes. Not only that, for a few extra bucks you can upgrade and get real-time weather alerts, XM radio, and traffic alerts just to name a few.
The Zumo 550 is a impressive middle of the road nav system that accepts a SD card so you can upload your own customized maps you create while sitting at home on your laptop. It gives the ability change the face on the GPS device to match your preferances or scooter. You can listen to your MP3 player and still hear turn-by-turn directions through your headset or bluetooth enabled helmet. The 550 also has a JPEg Picture viewer which allows you to share your favorite road trips with riding buddies.
The differences and similarities are very subtle and yet very subtle depending on the level of sophistication you are as a rider. If you ride a few miles back and forth to work then the Zumo 220 would be perfect and if you are an avid cross country rider, I would heartily suggest a high-end unit like the Garmin 665. The customization is limitless. This is truly a sophisticated GPS. I am somewhere in the middle of these two types of riders, as well as most other enthusiasts I know. While we love taking a few days and head off to the hills for some wind in our face, we usually find ourselves scooting on rides around town and back and forth to dinner. The 550 is my favorite GPS device and will never dissapoint us, nor allow us to get lost.
The Garmin Zumo product line consists of a Garmin 220, 550, 660, and 665. The Zumo 665 being the premier model and the 220 being a high quality entry level GPS. After doing some preliminary research and have determined that the 550 is the prefered GPS for Motorcyclists. I have studied the product reviews on-line, have talked with many cycle riders and have personally used a few different models.
All the Zumo device are waterproof, all come with mounting hardware and can be used right out of the package. They are all pre-programmed with thousands of points-of-interest and map hardware. All the Zumo's offer voice command assistance and are compatable with Bluetooth. All units come with color display screens and they were all designed to be used while riding down the road wearing gloves. All units have been especially designed to withstand the rigors of motorcycling from the rugged off roader to the cross country excursion.
Here are some differences starting with the size of the screens, the amount of customizing to the models and the mapping software. While the 220 is small enough to comfortably slip into your jacket pocket at the end of the ride, the 665 has a screen size a full inch larger and it weighs a couple ounces heavier. This may not sound like much, but trust me, it definately makes a difference. The 220 has the ability to add a few custom routes while the Garmin 665 has the ability to add 20 custom routes. Not only that, for a few extra bucks you can upgrade and get real-time weather alerts, XM radio, and traffic alerts just to name a few.
The Zumo 550 is a impressive middle of the road nav system that accepts a SD card so you can upload your own customized maps you create while sitting at home on your laptop. It gives the ability change the face on the GPS device to match your preferances or scooter. You can listen to your MP3 player and still hear turn-by-turn directions through your headset or bluetooth enabled helmet. The 550 also has a JPEg Picture viewer which allows you to share your favorite road trips with riding buddies.
The differences and similarities are very subtle and yet very subtle depending on the level of sophistication you are as a rider. If you ride a few miles back and forth to work then the Zumo 220 would be perfect and if you are an avid cross country rider, I would heartily suggest a high-end unit like the Garmin 665. The customization is limitless. This is truly a sophisticated GPS. I am somewhere in the middle of these two types of riders, as well as most other enthusiasts I know. While we love taking a few days and head off to the hills for some wind in our face, we usually find ourselves scooting on rides around town and back and forth to dinner. The 550 is my favorite GPS device and will never dissapoint us, nor allow us to get lost.
About the Author:
Learn more at www.Zumo660.org and Garmin Zumo or investigate the new Garmin zumo 665
