 Garmin Zumo
The Garmin Zumo 550 motorbike satellite navigation system was launched in the UK in Autumn 2006. The Zumo 500 is a satellite navigation unit for use on motorbikes and two-wheels and will be compared to the TomTom Rider which is also a motorbike satnav system. The unit comes with both a li-ion rechargeable battery and a GPS receiver for wire-free operation built in to the case.
Designed by bikers for bikers, the Zumo 550 is specifically made for two wheels. The rugged construction ensures that it is durable enough to withstand all weather conditions the UK can throw at it whilst being used on a motorcycle. The unit comes with full IEC 60529 IPX7 certification meaning that the unit can be merged in 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes and still continue to function - an important characteristic for a motorcycle satnav system in the UK.
The glove-friendly touch-screen allows the rider to use the Zumo's simple menu system without needing to remove their gauntlets. The system has been vibration tested and is of fuel-resistant plastic construction. The screen is made from sunlight-readable, UV-resistant materials allowing maps and images to be easily viewed by the user and pillion rider.
The Zumo 550 software comes with a built-in motorcycle console providing the rider with trip information, including details of fuel remaining. A universal motorcycle mount with the standard 4-hole AMPS pattern, for mounting the system on the machine, is included as well as an additional automotive mount for using the system in a car or other 4-wheeled vehicle.
City Navigator NT mapping data comes pre-loaded allowing the unit to be used out of the box. A comprehensive Points of Interest (POI) database contains locations for a large number of hotels, hospitals, petrol station, cash-machines etc. By selecting a certain POI, the system will navigate the user to one near to the user's current position. The Garmin Zumo 550 accepts customised POI's and these can be uploaded to the system using the POILoader software - available for free from the Garmin site.
The system is also compatible with Garmin's Tour Guide - allowing the user to upload POI database's which contains destinations encoded with photo's and MP3 files.
Zumo is Bluetooth-enabled. In conjunction with a wireless headset/helmet and a Bluetooth phone, the rider can make and receive phone calls whilst riding. In addition to this, Zumo can also transmit its voice-instructions to the rider's headset/helmet so they may navigate wirelessly. Maps can be viewed in both 2D and 3D modes.
The Gamrin Zumo offers serious competition to the TomTom Rider. There is not a lot of competition in the motorbike satnav marketplace. |
