Garmin Zumo 550 Sat Nav for Bikers Reviewed

Posted by Saf

January 10, 2007

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Kelkoo.co.uk

Garmin Zumo 550

Overview

When all you bikers thought that you had been forgotten in the Sat Nav world, Garmin have introduced a Sat Nav system that has considered all the special needs that you could ever want in a Sat Nav system. It is aimed not only at the motorbike couriers but also excellent for all sorts of bikers, such as the European globetrotters or the Superbike racers.

Review

Don�t worry, before you start complaining that regular Sat Navs on bikes are not waterproof, they are fiddly to set with gloves on etc, I found when using the Zumo, it certainly crossed off a number of them ailments off my list so read on to find out how?

The waterproof Zumo sat on the bars and wirelessly hooked up to my Bluetooth-enabled helmet. I was able to navigate around the map using the touch screen, without having to take off my gloves and the chunky left-hand friendly control helped me pick my desired destination. All I could think of was �Bliss!��at last someone has thought that the biker population may need directions as well.

The Zumo offered a SD memory card so routing could be shared before taking off into the horizon. The batteries lasted for only four hours between recharges however it had all of Garmin�s points of interest in it, so if you need a quick stop at the service station to rejuvenate yourself then you can instantly divert. With Garmin�s new voice technology which spoke the names of the roads as well as turning instructions it made instructions very clear.

However the only drawback is the volume buttons which could be easier to use especially when your racing down the motorway and the other cars are a distraction you really need the volume to be very loud. When adding on the Bluetooth function then you�re looking at the possibility that this could break the bank balance priced at a staggering �330.

The Gaj-it Verdict

Design: 8/10
Usability: 8/10
Features: 9/10

Love: Waterproof, robust design, glove friendly and street name prompts
Loathe: Awkward volume control position and price unfriendly

We say: The Zumo certainly gets the thumbs up in relieving complaints that I�ve had with other Sat Nav systems but I can�t helping wishing that the price could be better.

Specification

Display: 2.8� W x 2.1� H (3.5� diag.), 320 x 240 pixels; high bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant, touch screen display
Unit dimensions: 4.8″ W x 3.9″ H x 1.6″ D
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Removable lithium-ion battery; three hour typical use
Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and navigation audio prompts
Supports optional FM TMC traffic alerts
Supports optional XM NavTraffic with XM weather, and XM Satellite Radio
Preloaded maps for all of Europe
Voice announces streets by name
Look up addresses and points of interest
Choose 2D or 3D map perspective
Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones and safety cameras
Built-in MP3 player and JPEG Picture Viewer
SD card expansion makes it easy for storage and route sharing
Export and review your travels in Google� Earth with a free account from MotionBased.com
Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls
Sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display
Motorcycle console for trip information
Motorcycle mount with standard 4-hole AMPS pattern
Garmin Lock�, an anti-theft feature
Custom caps, available in a variety of colors, to reflect your style
Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 min.)

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