Quote:
Originally Posted by Cranky CJ
Any models to stay away from?? or types that you think aren't worth it??
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I don't have any experience with units other than Garmin. I've had or have a GPS-V+ (now use it on the dirtbike with topographic maps loaded, it's extremely limited in memory for major metropolitan areas), a StreetPilot III (extremely limited compared to the GPS-V, but more memory and a color screen, I sold it to one of my techs), StreetPilot 2610 (buttload of memory using en expansion card, I loaded the entire US west of the Mississippi, but it has no internal battery for portable use... my wife still uses it), a Nuvi660 that I still use in the cage, and a Zumo 450 on the Vulcan.
Look up the specs on the Zumo 550 or 660... those are the units that you "want".... compare those to the specs on the Zumo 450... that is the unit that you "need"
Primary differences... text-to-speech, Bluetooth capability for interface with a cellphone and with a Scala-Rider intercom system (MP3 output is not stereo on Bluetooth). The 550 included both motorcycle and cage cradles, the 450 included only the MC cradle and RAM mount... not sure about the new 660 as I haven't seen it yet.
The Zumo screen controls and buttons on the case designed for use left-handed, and works well with a gloved hand... the automotive units are touch-screen only and don't always work well with gloves.
Supposedly, the TomTom Rider is a similar unit, and has the advantage of free online map and POI updates, but the guys on Zumoforums.com talk a lot of trash about TomTom and like to compare it to Windows with the BSOD, so it apparently has (or has had) some serious software issues.
With the new Zumo units coming out, you should be able to get a good deal on a new 450. A year or so ago, Costco was blowing them out for $400. I bought mine on eBay
from this guy for around $500 or $550. He doesn't currently have any auctions up, but you can shoot him an email.
Be careful with the New York camera shops... they will offer CHEAP deals, but when you order, they'll contact you to "confirm" the order and try to upsell you memory cards and other accessories at double retail. When you refuse the add-on parts, they'll inform you that your unit is on backorder (and you'll NEVER get it). There's a list of some of the known "bad guys" and known "good guys" in the knowledge base on
THE ZumoForums and there's probably info on them on
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