Zumo 550 vs Zumo 660

[RobertVP]

I am in the market for a new GPS. I've been looking at the applications for my iphone, interesting, but I'm not sure that is the way I want to go.

I took a look at the Garmin website and see they now have 2 motorcycle specific models. The Zumo 550 and the Zumo 660. Checking out the specs it the 660 is better is every way other than # of routes that can be stored (50 vs 20), yet the 550 costs $100 more.

Am I missing something? Why does the 660 cost less than the 550 yet have more features? I realize as technology ages the price decreases. At the same time older models usually decrease in cost...

[Darth Lefty]

Having used neither but also having used similar units (I have a 450 and my folks have a Nuvi), I can say get the 660. I think the only significant feature not on the newer model is the XM traffic and radio, and in every other way it's much nicer.

When I bought my 450 I spent some time kicking myself for not getting the 550, it has several accessories included (windshield mount and car charger) that alone would have nearly made up for the price difference. But it's clearly obsolete now.

comparison

[007ADVenture]

Originally Posted by RobertVP

Am I missing something? Why does the 660 cost less than the 550 yet have more features? I realize as technology ages the price decreases. At the same time older modlsl usually decrease in cost...

Pretty sure it's because the 550 has XM® Navtraffic & Radio and the 660 does not. This is a big deal breaker for alot of folks.

[akfxdl]

I have the 550. I would say go for the 660 because it has Stero Bluetooth capability, and is $100 cheaper.
I do like my 550, and will be keeping it around until it becomes too "Old School". I thought I read some where that Garmin does not plan to offer any more Software upgrades for the 550, but don't quote me on that. Any body else with a 550 hear that?

[needles]

I had a zumo 660 And was really disappointed moving from a streetpilot 2730. One of the big things with the new zumo is that it has no physical buttons so there is no jump to map button. There is a lot of content out there about the 660 vs 550 debate.

[TallRob]

Originally Posted by 007ADVenture

Pretty sure it's because the 550 has XM® Navtraffic & Radio and the 660 does not. This is a big deal breaker for alot of folks.

you you need Traffic. With the 660 you can purchase life time traffic with it. XM radio is only with the 550. ANyways, you can buy a Pioneer XM hand held that fits in your palm and you can hook up a blue tooth transmitter to it if you need to. Plus you can strap it to your arm and take it with you.

[RobertVP]

Thanks all for your replies.
Good point about the lack of physical buttons on the 660 - I hadn't noticed that.

Originally Posted by needles

I had a zumo 660 And was really disappointed moving from a streetpilot 2730. One of the big things with the new zumo is that it has no physical buttons so there is no jump to map button. There is a lot of content out there about the 660 vs 550 debate.

[BMWRockster]

Robert:

I have had the 550 since it came out. I have been very happy with everthing about it. I love routing my multiday trips at home on the PC then load them up and go ride. I do find that I use the physical buttons a lot while riding to toggle between certain menus. I also use the Zumo in the car too and love it.

I can't comment on the 660 but it seem like it has all the upgrades except the buttons.

Kevin

[RobertVP]

Thanks for the advice Kevin,

I used to have a 550 until someone decided that they needed it more than me - sigh. So, I need to replace it. Since the 550 is a few years old now I was wondering if the 660 was an improvement. Especially considering it is less expensive.

From what I have been able to find the reviews of the 660 are decidedly mixed. I'm not sure what to do at this point.

Originally Posted by BMWRockster

Robert:

I have had the 550 since it came out. I have been very happy with everthing about it. I love routing my multiday trips at home on the PC then load them up and go ride. I do find that I use the physical buttons a lot while riding to toggle between certain menus. I also use the Zumo in the car too and love it.

I can't comment on the 660 but it seem like it has all the upgrades except the buttons.

Kevin

[Owner of Harriet]

I have been looking at a new gps also -- either a 550 or 660 -- now they have a 665 which will have xm radio with a new xm45 antennae -- possibly the 660 will be firmware retro for the xm radio

after reading and looking at all the features -- none will ever compare to all the features I love about the 2610 (it beat the 2730 in my opinion) but I know th e2610 days will be numbered

I will either go with the 550 or the 665 (when it becomes available)