Version: 2008

Comments on: Garmin Zumo 660 built to guide bikers

Because motorcyclists also need help with directions, Garmin unveils a new GPS for bikers at CES 2009 called the Garmin Zumo 660.

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by LinuxRules January 7, 2009 2:25 PM PST
I like to get a garmin because it has rivers and creeks on the maps but hate them because no support for macs and linux, I do not use M$ crap.
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by GPS-Erik January 8, 2009 4:51 AM PST
I am not sure what Bonnie Cha means by : "and brings a much-needed update to the Garmin Zumo 550". It makes me wonder if Mrs. Cha has ever used the Zumo 550 on a motorcycle.
The Zumo 660 has a few new features, but lacks many features of the Zumo 550. Cha writes (or it looks likes quotes Garmin) " and has oversize icons so you can still use the device even with gloves on".
The hard buttons are gone which will make it less easy to operate (on a motorcycle with gloves on, not in a car!)
It can only store up till 10 routes. The Zumo 550 can store up till 50 routes. 10 routes is absolutely not enough!
It has no XM Radio and no XM Weather.

These are important to motorcyclists.

What troubles me the most is that the Zumo 550 users have made a list over the last two years with improvements they would like to see and Garmin did not put any of them in.
So what's the "Much needed update" Cha talks about. Maybe she can explain in some detail what she means.
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by GPS-Erik January 10, 2009 9:27 AM PST
Re-reading my comment I have to specify it a bit: Bonnie Cha is right when she writes 'the much needed update to the Zumo 550' but then she continues and lists the features from the Garmin Zumo 660 press re-lease.
The real needed updates we do not see back (at least not at the Garmin spec sheet for the Zumo 660)
by Dakarider January 10, 2009 8:33 PM PST
I totally agree with GPS Erik. This Zumo is a non plus for me. The new features are not that exciting and the xm weather and radio features are missing. I am not sure why Garmin makes devices that do not give the consumer what it asks for The 550 was a good start but this 660 is totally going in the wrong direction.
I am sure the guys over at the Zumoforums.com and Advrider.com will agree that 50 routes is very anemic ... Give us weather.... real aviation or nautical weather.. not the watered down stuff. We are exposed to the elements and want the real dope!
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by tech-rider January 14, 2009 7:55 PM PST
I agree with GPS Erik's and Dakarider's points. With support for only 10 routes on a GPS for bikes is ridiculous. There should be an opening at Garmin for a new product manager after this failure. LinuxRules should be happy to note that there appears to be support for the Mac with the Zumo 660.

I like many of the new features but limit of 10 routes is a deal killer. While it does not support the XM Radio optons including weather and traffic it does support the MSN service which I have heard good things about. The information on the site says it has left side control buttons so they must be towards the back of the unit where you can't see them well on the pictures they have provided.

I like many others was hoping for a unit with full color weather radar overlay on the maps. This is a real need for bikes.
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by StickyC January 15, 2009 3:53 PM PST
I see that the 660 is priced cheaper than the 550 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135), so despite it's higher model number, I think it's positioned as a step down from the 550.

I'm also curious whether the new A2DP Bluetooth means the Zumo will finally have wireless stereo output without the need for add-ons.

Most of the changes sound like software tweaks, so there's hope (though slim) that maybe there'd be a substantial firmware upgrade for the existing Zumo line to add some of the newer goodies. Particularly since the lack of XM (which I think probably has a very high adoption rate among Zumo 550 owners) means very few people will be keen on dumping their 550's for 650's.
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by K7UD February 1, 2009 12:02 PM PST
In fairness to Garmin and refuting a few of GPS-Erik's comments: (1) We've been asking for a larger screen, if possible. They provided it. (2) We've wanted a true compass heading and elevation (this IS a GPS, after all) which has been absent on the 550. Again, they came through. Did I not read that it is now compatible with Mac OSX? For me, that's a relief. Otherwise, I'm in concert with most of the other comments. I am stunned they didn't make this model XM compatible and I'm completely disappointed in the limitation of 10 routes. Given that you can add SD memory, it seems improving route capacity through a firmware upgrade should be doable.
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by twirlin February 4, 2009 9:03 AM PST
why does everyone say it only has 10 routes? Have you looked at Garmin's website? It clearly states that it has 20 routes with (additional storage on Micro SD card). To me, that sounds like 20+ means it's only limited by the size of the MicroSD card. Does that make this more appealing? I think so. I currently own the 550 and love it. I, however, don't use the XM features. If I did, I wouldn't consider the trade-up.
by warmbig February 15, 2009 9:52 AM PST
I ride a '05 Honda Goldwing, I have matching helmets with intercom and sound system. I have been checking out both the Garmin zumo 550 and zumo 660. I know that both have blue tooth technology.Can either of these be used with by existing sound system so I may hear commands through my helmets?
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by uuuj April 27, 2009 8:22 AM PDT
google Edsets
by elzanto March 1, 2009 1:40 PM PST
I am currently seeking to buy the Garmin sumo 550 but recently I visited the store at Garmin and they told me about the new Garmin zumo 660. I know about the differences via the website of Garmin.com so Now I ask of you to tell me your thoughts, should I just purchase the 550 or wait for the 660? Thank you all.
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by March 1, 2009 2:50 PM PST
I got one of the original 550's and it still does a great job. I like the lane change and instant location feature but not enough that I would consider buying the 660. I also like the current lockable mount and real buttons. I rode in torrential rain for three straight days on the interstate and never had a problem with my Zumo. Oh, I do like the wide screen and new look as my daughter has one of the Nuvii?s but I will stay with my 550.
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by SAP dude April 16, 2009 12:24 AM PDT
I know Garmin is in business selling boxes, but it is very disappointing that the Zumo 660 does not support BlueChart® g2 maps considering the Zumo is waterproof.

The Zumo 660 costs $ 799.99 . The Nüvi® 500 cost and $ 299.99 and support BlueChart® g2 maps!

How hard can it be to put this functionality into the Zumo?

I know the Zumo is for bikers, but if it had this functionality I could use the unit in my small boat with BlueChart® g2 maps.

Does Garmin expect me to buy a Nuvi 500 in addition to the Zumo?

Issues like this alienate me from the Garmin brand.
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by V6valkrider June 19, 2009 10:18 AM PDT
Caution!!!! Garmin Zumo 660 is crap. Well maybe crap is a too strong of a term; Garmin?s customer service is crap! Before you buy one call the customer service hotline, after you have been on hold for an hour think about what you doing. I bought the Zumo 660, and every now and then, it will shut down wile in use (bike or car) the only way to get the power back on is to pull the battery. So, I called customer service?this is where things deteriorated. It took two weeks to get a RMA number, then I had to foot the bill to send the defective unit in, two weeks later, they cannot seem to find what is wrong so they are sending the defective unit back. Am I wrong to think Garmin should have sent me a new one? (I only had it a week before the problems started). Am I wrong to think they should have sent me a UPS slip for returning it? Am I wrong to think customer support should not mean wait on hold for an hour only to be told, ?I can?t help you, hold please?.
Now at the same time I was dealing with this, my sisters kids Wee game station broke down, she went online, typed in the SN, and what do you think happened?she got a RA # and a UPS slip with directions on how to ship it back.
Try the Garmin website help line; it took a day just to get a generic answer that sent me into a loop on the site.
Use caution and think twice before buying the Zumo 660!
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