Then they will probably eliminate the zumo 550 from production, which is really too bad, as it is still the best motorcycle specific GPS, IMO. The reason they need to eliminate the 550 is because it is too close, feature-wise to 6xx series and is cannibalizing sales of those newer models, which are most likely more profitable than the older 550. It also is more expensive to support multiple platforms. The 6xx series is the same platform as many of the nuvi products in a different package.
I've always liked my Zumo 550. I bought it with my Moto Guzzi Norge in 2007. It failed in early 2008 and Garmin replaced it at no cost. I've had the second unit ever since. I have not bothered to update maps or software, but have just used it in its 2008 form.
Recently I acquired a BMW Nav IV (for the K1600 GTL) and a Nuvi 2555 LMT (for the Prius). These both featured lifetime map updates, so I hooked them both up to the Garmin web site and went through the 6+ hours of monkeying around with each of them to get them recognized and current. This inspired me to also do the Zumo 550, so this morning I hooked it up.
On the bright side, Garmin's web site recognized it immediately and knew when it had been registered. Their web site recommended software and firmware updates, and noted that map updates were available for purchase (they weren't giving free lifetime maps in 2007).
I tried to update the software and the web site determined that there was inadequate free space. It recommended I contact Garmin customer support. I called them at 8 am cdt when they opened and had a very short wait before a tech support person took my call.
Again, on the bright side, the tech support guy spent half an hour on the phone with me as we worked our way through clearing space on the 550 and installed software and firmware updates. At the end of half an hour the Zumo 550 was current as far as software and firmware were concerned. Garmin had invested half an hour. I had not had to fork over a penny. I thought this was very nice support for a device that was originally purchased 5 years ago.
I was now ready to update maps, and I was willing to pay for this service. As we were parting company on the phone, the tech support person told me "The Zumo will not have enough memory to accept the full map updates. You will have to put the updates on your computer, and then pick some geographical subsection to reside on the 550."
I asked him if it was likely if the 550 would accept just the continental US, and he said "Probably not." The full update is for North America. It was 3,077 MB and it went on both the Nav IV and the Nuvi 2555 without either one choking.
I looked at the report on the 550, and it said that after all our removal of extraneous files, there was 125 MB of free space available. I would have been able to put something like the Southeast region of the US on the device, but it would not have come close for the full continental US.
Suffice it to say that I decided to live with my 2008 maps, which appear to be functional over the entire U.S. after today's software and firmware updates. The Zumo 550 won't know where the latest hotels or restaurants or road projects are. If I wanted, I could use the SD card approach, and that would work just fine.
I am thinking that maybe the 550 ought to go on e-bay for a good price. I have all the original accessories, paperwork, etc. Maybe I'll get around to that later in the week.
Meanwhile, I think this memory storage capacity issue is probably THE major difference between the 550 and the more recent high end Garmin models.
