|
Garmin zūmo 660
- Part 6
Garmin
zūmo 660
vs.
zūmo
550
wBW
Owner Report
by H.B.C. for webBikeWorld.com
More: wBW
Reviews Home
Part 6: Garmin zūmo 660 vs. Garmin
zūmo 550
An ongoing comparison of features between the newer
Garmin zūmo zūmo 660 and the very
capable Garmin zūmo zūmo 550 and the provides a few
observations, listed in no particular order:
-
The zūmo 660 display really stands out when cranked up: the
zūmo 550 display lacks the same range.
-
The zūmo 660 has a comprehensive Help tool: the
zūmo 550 lacks a
Help tool.
-
The zūmo 660 can do both 2-D and 3-D (with elevation data):
the zūmo 550 is limited to 2-D only.
-
The zūmo 660 has Sunrise and Sunset information; the
zūmo 550
does not.
-
The zūmo 660 has a World Clock and a World Map: the
zūmo 550
does not.
-
The zūmo 660 Trip Computer information is tailorable: the
zūmo 550 ‘Dashboard’ fields were fixed except for the bottom
information fields.
-
The zūmo 660 has less of a tool hierarchy: more drill-down
is needed to find the same or comparative features on
the zūmo 550.
-
The zūmo 550 supports XM: the
zūmo 660 does not.
-
The zūmo 550 has three selections under System (GPS, Safe
and Garmin Lock): the zūmo 660 has four (GPS Simulator, Usage
Mode, Units and Keyboard Layout).
-
The zūmo 550 has a good Media Player for playing MP3s,
viewing pictures and listening to Audio Books: the zūmo
660
has the same features, but music playlists can now be
created or imported.
-
The zūmo 550 Bluetooth audio stream was mono: the
zūmo 660
features A2DP compatible Bluetooth, so audio from the
Media Player is streamed in Stereo.
-
The zūmo 550 can create and save up to 50 routes: the
zūmo 660
is limited to 20 Custom routes.
Device Compatibility Table
As usual, the following table is not exhaustive by any
means, but it does provide information on systems or
devices tested with the zūmo 660 to this point in time.
Garmin zūmo 660 Compatibility With Other
Communication Devices
Previously Reviewed on webBikeWorld.com
|
Device |
660 Bluetooth Audio |
Comments |
|
(Input/Output) |
Navigation |
MP3 Stream |
|
Mobile Phone Devices |
|
|
|
|
HTC Touch PDA |
NA |
Stereo |
Phone audio is mono, default PIN is '1234'. |
|
Kyocera BT - phone |
NA |
Stereo |
Phone audio is mono. |
|
Motorola i335 |
NA |
NA |
Phone audio is mono. |
|
LG LX165 |
NA |
NA |
Phone audio is mono. |
|
BT Comms Systems |
|
|
|
|
AKE BT Multi-Interphone |
Mono |
Stereo |
|
|
AKE Stealth Intercom Set 201 |
Mono |
Stereo |
|
|
Midland BT2 version 1 |
NA |
NA |
Device seen by zumo, but no connection made. |
|
Midland BT2 version 2 |
NA |
NA |
Device seen by zumo, but no connection made. |
|
Twiins |
Mono |
Mono |
Current version - mono audio only (EU restrictions). |
|
Chatterbox XBi |
Mono |
Stereo |
|
|
Chatterbox XBi2 |
Mono |
Stereo |
|
|
BikerCom Control Box |
Mono |
Stereo |
Control Box or Headsets connect if so configured. |
|
Scala Rider Q2 Multiset |
Mono |
Stereo |
|
|
Camos BTS-300 |
Mono |
Stereo |
Using headset or optional BHC-10 Headset Adapter |
|
Blue Virtu BSH-01 |
Mono |
Stereo |
|
|
Interphone |
Mono |
Mono |
Single speaker, mono only. |
|
Headsets |
|
|
|
|
wiREVO S-300 Headset |
Mono |
Stereo |
|
|
Note (1) - zumo 660 Menu - 'Volume - Audio Output - Bluetooth Headset'
must be selected (vice Speaker) |
According to the Garmin FAQ page, the only Garmin
devices that can be paired with a Bluetooth headset to
provide full audio services (phone, navigation and MP3
music) are: the nüvi 765, 775, 785, 2820 (also used for
the BMW Navigator III system), the zūmo 550 and the zūmo
660.
Other Garmin Bluetooth devices will pair with a
(compatible) Bluetooth mobile phone but for phone audio
only.
The Bottom Line Ratings
|
Garmin
zūmo 660 -
wBW Bottom Line
Ratings |
| Feature |
Rating |
Comments |
| Packaging |
Very Good |
Even though my
kit was in total disarray upon receipt, I
have seen another new kit and its contents
were well packaged in the simple box that
hides all the good things. |
| Design |
Excellent |
Obviously based
on the nuvi line,
the device is larger and thicker than its siblings, but
in large necessitated by a need to provide a fully
ruggedized and certified device for motorcycle use.
Subdued and sleek styling is appealing
The smooth styling is appreciated, but some handling
ridges along the edges or corners would be a worthwhile
addition as the hard plastic evenly shaped case can be
slippery.
|
| Execution |
Very Good |
The mounting
cradle is simple but overly simplistic,
lacking any security features, something
sorely missed. The multi-lead integrated
harness is very well done and should take a
lot of abuse. Having multiple audio output
connections is good and really supports the
zūmo 660’s multi-usage abilities.
Moldings and removable pieces are well done, but
hiding the often-accessed ports was not a good idea,
even though this is (probably) a design decision related
to its IPx7 certification.
|
| Features |
Good to Very Good |
As a more
modern nuvi-style
device, the zūmo 660 has some great features and attributes
that I really appreciate. But directly compared to the
zūmo 550 and one or two competitor products, it falls a bit
short, especially in the external connectivity or
interface departments.
Having to remove the battery door to access the USB
port or the SD media is a pain. The inability to lock or
secure the zūmo 660 to the OEM bracket is disappointing.
|
| Fit |
Excellent |
The standard
four-hole mounting bracket provides lots of
flexibility in mounting the zūmo 660
on a wide variety of motorcycles using a wide variety of
solutions. The basic RAM mounting components provide an
out-of-the-box fitment in many instances.
Garmin accessories and compatible items offered up by
other suppliers are readily available when a custom fit
solution is needed.
|
|
Setup and Configuration |
Very Good |
Once past some
initial firmware teething issues, setting up
and configuring the zūmo 660 was a piece of cake.
Its many tools and enhancements allow a
pretty wide variety of scenarios or profiles
to be accommodated. Bluetooth configuration works well overall, but I
suspect the continual "reset" issue is tied to the
wireless capability and the glitch in this feature
really detracts from what was an otherwise seamless
configuration.
|
| Performance |
Very Good |
For what it is
touted to do, the zūmo 660 deserves an Excellent or Outstanding assessment,
but a couple of niggling issues really drag it down, and
to be honest, they have been experienced with other
Garmin products.
The Bluetooth can be quirky at times and when using
the device with multiple Bluetooth communications
systems or headsets, sometimes the stream will be in
stereo, sometimes not, even though the systems all work
perfectly with other A2DP devices.
The ‘reset’ issue, possibly related to the Bluetooth
wireless capability or power mode, is really bugging me.
So far no solution has been found or offered up. Having
to do a master reset, typically whenever the system is
dismounted is not acceptable.
|
| Ease of Use |
Excellent to Outstanding |
The newest zūmo
shines here. Without reading the basic setup
instructions, the detailed PDF manual or
browsing through the device’s Help tool,
configuring and using the zūmo 660 is utter simplicity and intuitive.
If one is familiar with other nuvi or zūmo products,
the learning curve is an easy ascent and discovering
some really neat additions and enhancements pure fun
along the way.
The display is not Texas-sized, but closer, and as
such easier to use and read. Tactile input is very good
and using the QWERTY keyboard a reality on-screen, but
remember, no touch typing while moving!
|
| Power |
Good |
The battery indicator in the upper right corner works well and
provides an accurate status. However, my battery, properly
initialized and exercised, only gives me one to two and a half hours
of use time when dismounted, even when just displaying a route and
not accessing tools, etc.
|
| Reliability |
Very Good |
The
disappointing battery life and continuing
reset issue really pull this category down.
Nothing else has broken or failed and the
zūmo 660 just keeps on ticking during constant exposure to
the elements and use on the motorcycles, in the SUV and
on foot. I’m hoping it lasts a long time. |
| Maintenance and Support |
Good |
Other than
having to perform the major ‘Clearing User
Data’ reset, maintenance after five months
has been minimal. Charging the battery when
the unit is dismounted and cleaning the
screen now and then is it.
Garmin has not yet responded to my queries about the
Bluetooth and reset issue, so most information
requirements are being addressed through the Garmin FAQ
pages and other on-line forums.
|
| Cost |
Good |
If compared
dollar for dollar to the zūmo 550,
then the zūmo 660 would appear to be a real bargain. But
apple to apple, the $100.00 savings is not what it seems
in the greater scheme of things, especially in meeting
(well-defined) user requirements. |
| Value |
Good |
Getting a modern wide-screen robust navigation device for the
typically listed price is good, particularly when it is $100.00 less
than the older style zūmo 550 model. It does have some new and useful
tools, better processing speed and a far better display
than the zūmo 550.
What keeps the zūmo 660 from getting a much higher
assessment rating is the fact that it could be so much
more, for probably close to the same price.
The purchase of the new zūmo 660 Touratech mount or a
related product would have been done anyway as these
after-market products provide a locking mechanism, a
feature not provided by Garmin. Just something else to
consider...
|
|
wBW
Product Review: Garmin zūmo zūmo 660 |
|
Product Review Details and Owner Comments in
Part 1: Introduction |
Note: For informational use only. All material and
photographs are Copyright © webWorld International, LLC - 2000-2011. All
rights reserved. See the webBikeWorld®
Site Info
page. NOTE: Product specifications, features and details may
change or differ from our descriptions. Always check before purchasing. Read
the
Terms and Conditions!
|
