Comparing GPS's

[SPORT]

What are your thoughts?

I'd like to thank many of you again for your GPS reviews and responses. Currently I'm using a Garmin c330 (the only automotive GPS I've owned) and find it extremely limited; thus, I too am on the hunt for the 'perfect' GPS. My wants/needs have been narrowed to the following.

1. Bluetooth
2. MP3 player
3. Multiple POI/Waypoints for a single trip
4. software that can transfer a modified (added waypoints) trip
5. The ability to 'track' where I've been and create new routes (via the PC) from the 'track'
6. The ability to plug into my Autocom system & have Suzi tell me where to go

I believe the Zumo550 will accomplish all of these. However, will the 276c or the 2820 do the same? Are there others that can accomplish the above list?

SPORT

 

[OhioFJR1300]

I know the Zumo 550 will do what all that you are looking to do. I'm not sure of your other choices.

 

[bramfrank]

The 276 will not do two of the functions on your list - no Bluetooth or MP3. It has other attributes that make it extremely desirable - the ultra-high resolution display for one. But you are looking for several consumer features that this more technical device simply doesn't support.

Even though I have a Zumo on my bike now my music is still in my iPod. And my interface to the Autocom is on their 1276 Bluetooth adapter.

2820 and Zumo are very similar, feature-wise. But Zumo has the benefit of the internal batteries and it is lighter. The 2820 supports more waypoints. But a limit of 500 isn't exactly a hardship.

Zumo does have the neat 'multiple-mount' feature that allows you to quickly switch from your car to your bike and comes with almost everything you might need (except a mounting for the stem nut - they provide a bracket to mount it to the control cluster).

The 2820 doesn't have the SIRF-III receiver, but again, it isn't a significant issue unless you spend your days in a cave.

If I was trying to decide between the 2820 and Zumo and money isn't the issue I'd probably choose Zumo right now. But if I was choosing a navigator without the limited list, I'd buy a 478 (big brother to the 276) - I'd be willing to give up the Bluetooth to get the functionality. But that's just me.

You'll be happy with Zumo.

 

[DailyCommuter]

Competition accessories.com has the zumo 450 for $599, and the 550 for $759 new in the box. I just got a new catalouge yesterday

 

[jmdaniel]

Competition accessories.com has the zumo 450 for $599, and the 550 for $759 new in the box. I just got a new catalouge yesterday

That's at least $100 too high for the 550, so do your shopping.

 

[ngarider]

pcnation.com - $643.80

 

[RiderCoach Lar]

Zumo 550....you will not be disappointed. Got mine at Buydig.com. They usually have the best prices and fast free shipping.

 

[jekirby]

The ability to 'track' where I've been and create new routes (via the PC) from the 'track'

Is this really a common feature in GPS's and/or the Zumo?

 

[SPORT]

The ability to 'track' where I've been and create new routes (via the PC) from the 'track'

Is this really a common feature in GPS's and/or the Zumo?

A friend had a GPS (not sure what it was) that would leave a snail trail of where he'd been. Then he could download that 'snail trail' onto his maps, cater it as desired, then sync it with his GPS and transfer the route; or publish it as a round-robin route to share with other riders.

I kinda like that feature as I like to form group rides.

 

[SkooterG]

2820 will do all that you ask.

Have seen prices for a new unit in the $430-$460 range recently.

 

[bramfrank]

The ability to 'track' where I've been and create new routes (via the PC) from the 'track'

Is this really a common feature in GPS's and/or the Zumo?

The tacklog is a common feature in the higher end Garmin (and other) navigators. They work by dropping records of where the unit is at a particular time and by 'connecting the dots', you make up a trail and can calculate speed and such in a reconstructive manner.

My review pretty much explains the feature.

Zumo, the 276 series and the 2820 (in fact all of the 2000 series) as well as Quest have formal tracklogs. Zumo's is interesting in that it is the same size as those in the other models (10,000 points), but it can archive up to 20 logs (for an effective 200,000 points) which can be transferred back to Mapsource, where those on the other units simply wrap and overwrite the start when they get too long.

The i, C and Nuvi series do NOT, though the Nuvi 250 does presently have an undocumented tracklog and I believe you might have access to a tracklog also as an undocumented feature in the Nuvi 700 series - haven't tried, as I'm just moving from the 680 to the 760 in the cage.

It helps to have a friend who is a Garmin distributor.

 

[vandy]

I haven't got a unit yet but an add that I saw listed the Garmin streetpilot c550 at 300 bucks.. I presume this is not the same unit as the one everyone wants.

 

[dean]

pcnation.com - $643.80

BINGO.

that's where i bought mine monday, got it fedex 2 days for $655.

dean

cincinnati