GPS

[Paul Heim]

Rob is correct.  The Zumo 450 has no Bluetooth.  550 does, for mucho mas 
bucks...

Paul in Ohio
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rob Schwartz" <coldinvt at gmavt.net>
To: <gpzlist at micapeak.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 5:43 PM
Subject: RE: GPS


>I got the 550 for the car kit, basically.  It's real handy to have along on
> any trip.  It's not much more money, if you find a good deal ($730 or so),
> and it also adds bluetooth and an XM receiver (pretty sure there's no
> bluetooth on the 450).
>
> I picked the Zumo over other stuff because of its focus toward
> motorcyclists...  Touch screen works pretty well with gloves on.  I use 
> the
> buttons on the housing frequently.  It's gotten rained on a few times.  I
> dig having tunes in my lid and the MP3 is easy to use.  It shows a little
> motorcycle as the navigation icon instead of a car or an arrow!  Has a
> built-in "fuel guage" that'll display a little icon when you're running
> low... tap it for a quick list of nearby gas stations.
>
> I'd imagine that all the Garmins will come with MapSource, probably even 
> the
> same version.  It's not as intuitive as using Google maps, but it's
> workable.
>
> Hey, another thought just came to mind... Garmina and I will often sit 
> down
> for coffee to work out a route or the next stop or whatever.  It's nice 
> that
> the she has her own battery so you can take her anywhere.  Not sure if the
> others do too, but I like that feature a lot.
>
> Yes, her name is Garmina.  She's quite polite, though she will interrupt 
> my
> tunes with route guidance...
>
> -Rob
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Beard [mailto:davidebeard at comcast.net]
> Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 9:34 AM
> To: gpzlist at micapeak.com
> Subject: Re: GPS
>
>
> Well, I think I have a short list of GPS's that I'm looking at now,
> thanks to those who have commented. They are:
>
> Garmin SP C550
>
> Garmin Zumo 450
>
> Garmin Nuvi 750 or 760
>
> Garmin 200W
>
> I like the facts that the Zumo 450 is water proof and you can load your
> custom trips into it. Price isn't too bad, but still not cheap. Has
> Bluetooth and accepts SD card.
>
> The Street Pilot C550 can be had pretty cheap. Discontinued model. Not
> water proof. Has Bluetooth. Accepts SD card. Can not store routes(?).
>
> The Nuvi 760 has Bluetooth, but is not water proof. Also accepts SD
> card. Bigger display than C550. Currently more expensive than C550.
>
> The 200W does not have Bluetooth. Can not store routes(?). Big display.
> Price is fairly cheap. Takes SD card.
>
>
> My question is which of these four units can not accept custom maps
> loaded from your PC? I'm still a bit confused about that feature. Any
> other pros or cons regarding these units? I'd love to have a Zumo 550,
> but can't justify paying that money right now. Hoping to get the best
> bang for the buck.
>
> Dave B
>
>
>
> Rob Schwartz wrote:
>> Garmina (my Zumo 550) has been a faithful travelling companion for a
> little
>> over a year now.    In short, I love it.  Some reasons why (some may 
>> apply
>> to all GPS units):
>>
>> 1. MP3 player - piped into my helmet with an Autocom system, I carry a
>> couple 2GB SD cards full 'o tunes and I'm good to go.
>>
>> 2. Navigation - The thing makes you look like a local in even the most
>> confusing situations (i.e. Metro Los Angeles).  Plenty of warning before 
>> a
>> turn and a nice picture of the turn so you REALLY know which way to go.
>>
>> 3. MapSource - Not the greatest program but, once you learn it, it's not
> too
>> tough to make custom routes and upload them to the GPS.
>>
>> 4. Downloading tracks - If I've "accidentally" found a great route, I can
>> save it to MapSource and edit it.  Also helpful if you're following
> someone
>> on a great ride and want to recreate it!
>>
>> I haven't really come across too many limitations other than it's not 
>> 100%
>> when it comes to avoiding dirt roads and it has led me down some stuff
> that
>> just plain didn't work... had to turn around twice in August.  Arrrgh.
> Time
>> wasted!
>>
>> I had wanted a Navi setup for my car but the option was >$1600.  I paid
>> ~$700 for my Zumo (through the FJRforums @ http://www.autonav2000.com).
> The
>> 550 comes with a car kit & carrying case, both absent for the 450, I
>> believe.
>>
>> Anyway, LOVE IT!! GET ONE!!!!
>>
>> -Rob
>>
>>
>>
>
>