Garmin GXM 30 Weather and Audio XM Satellite Receiver (requires subscription) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First I'd like to let anyone reading this know that I'm a trucker, so I use this thing all day, everyday.
First: it thought it was waaay expensive! And it is. But it was worth it because it's much better than changing stations every 10 seconds. And it tells my GPS route me around traffic and accidents.. which is amazing.
I use the XM Radio, Traffic, and Weather services - they all work great except the XM signal goes whenever I'm heading North-West. But the cord isn't long enough to reach outside my big semi so it isn't able to get the signal it needs. Other than that it's pretty darn good.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin GXM 30 Weather and Audio XM Satellite Receiver (requires subscription)

The compact, all-in-one GXM 30 delivers XM satellite weather, traffic, and radio to your compatible Garmin GPS navigator. With the GXM 30 and a subscription to one of XM's satellite services, you can check the weather, avoid traffic backups, or listen to commercial-free radio while driving with your navigator in tow. Setting up the GXM 30 is quick and easy: simply position the antenna where it has a clear view of the sky and connect it directly to the USB port on your GPS receiver. Once you've chosen the XM subscription that best fits your needs, you'll start receiving XM satellite services immediately.
The type of information you receive depends on your subscription package. XM NavTraffic notifies you of accidents, road construction, and weather-related traffic delays before you encounter them, and then offers an alternate route on your GPS. XM WX Weather, meanwhile, brings real-time animated weather data directly to your screen, letting you steer clear of bad weather or choose a less snowy mountain pass, for instance. Finally, XM satellite radio offers dozens of commercial-free music, talk, sports, and news stations--one for virtually every genre in existence. The GXM 30, which measures roughly 3 inches in diameter, fits the following Garmin navigators: the GPSMap 376C, GPSMap 378, GPSMap 478, GVN 52, StreetPilot 2820, StreetPilot 7200, StreetPilot 7500, StreetPilot 2730, and zumo 550. It's also backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box GXM30 satellite antenna, user's manual.

Get 9% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin GXM 30 Weather and Audio XM Satellite Receiver (requires subscription)

Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
People complain about the Zumo not having a built in speaker. Well, you wouldn't be able to hear it while riding your bike it if it had one, so it's a bit of a moot point.
On a side note, I think there are some features the unit lacks that can be somewhat annoying. First, and definitely the most annoying for me, the elevation by which you view your position on a GPS determines the amount of detail you see, i.e. POI's, street names, distance of road to travel, etc. The units I have used previously (factory nav in a Honda, other Garmins and the Mio 310 to name a few) had the ability to select zoom/elevation from the main nav screen allowing you to choose your "view" of the road so to speak, at anytime. With the Zumo, you cannot change elevation/zoom from the main nav screen, you can only adjust it while in map mode searching for a destination. The second you go back to the main navigation screen you loose the elevation you chose and go back to a default level of zoom, which for me is real irritating.
Another annoying feature is the keyboard for text input does not offer a QWERTY layout. I have not had to type on an ABCDEF style keyboard since the invention on the PC. In fact, I have a Garmin IQue 3600 that's 4 years old and it has a QWERTY keyboard?
Also, the search function on the Zumo is relatively slow at times. I once waited 4+ minutes while searching for a popular restaurant. It found it eventually, but for a while I thought the unit just froze up. I happen to be sitting in my driveway so it was only a minor annoyance, but if you were parked on the roadside with cars buzzing by it would seem more like an eternity.
One other issue, the built in hard drive is pretty much full with maps right out of the box, which isn't that big of a deal with the open SD slot. The SD slot lets you slip in a SD card for expanded memory capability (MP3 storage etc.), but when loading routes from your PC (which is a great feature I'll touch on below) you must save the data directly to the units hard drive in order for the Zumo to be able to read it. Well, that's going to be an issue when the hard drive fills up from firmware updates, etc.
While I'm at it, I think the icon that marks your position on the map is annoyingly large. It makes your car or bike look the size of a lake, or some other large map detail.
On the plus side, I believe that all of the issues I mentioned are correctable via a firmware update and a few bugs are to be expected to some extent given this is the 1st generation of a new model. Although, you can also argue that with the price this thing sells for combined with the experience Garmin has building GPS devices there is really no excuse for the Zumo lacking anything.
A nice feature, which is common on Garmins top units, is that you can map out routes on your PC, load it to the Zumo (again, on the built in hard drive though not the SD card) and away you go. This comes in handy if you're in sales for example and need to hit a few clients on a particular day or if you're going to be cruising on your bike and have a bunch of places you want to stop at during the trip. Rather than having to wait and program destinations one at a time as you make your stops, you can knock them all out the night before on your PC so you're entire trip is planned before it's even begun.
Also, the Bluetooth feature is sweet and works flawlessly. Pairing the Zumo with my Blackberry was a breeze. The Zumo was able to read my address book and displayed the contacts on the phone screen so there was never a need to touch the Blackberry once paired. When in the car, the speaker worked well and people on the other end seemed to have no trouble hearing me. I disagree with the one reviewer that said the mount looked weak. I think the mount would successfully support a cinderblock on rough road.
Installing the Zumo on my ZZR1200 took me about 30 min. It takes some time to run the wires and connect to the battery. You will need to crimp connectors (that are not supplied) on the end of the wires that go to the battery. The Ram mount is real solid. The Zumo does not move once you're locked in and on the road.
Now for the justification of the 4 star rating given I beat the Zumo up quite a bit. The build quality of this thing it second to none. It is literally built like a tank. I'd bet it would outlast anyone who buys it. Again, firmware updates will likely take care of all its shortcomings over time. And last but not least, Garmin tech support is second to none. No matter who you speak to they are knowledgeable, professional and will provide answers to anything you can throw at them (and I come up with some good ones) all without making you feel like you're annoying or a technological moron.
Therefore, I don't think you can go wrong with any Garmin, if you can swallow the price of the unit.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Born to ride, the Garmin zumo 550 brings all the power of a GPS navigator, wireless communicator, multimedia entertainer, and tour guide all into one device. And it's made just for motorcycles. Designed by bikers, zumo's motorcycle-friendly features make it easy to operate while in the saddle. From back roads to rallies, its preloaded maps and high-end navigation features give you the freedom to go where you want.
View the zumo 550 in action. You can also see a demonstration of the product's features. (Best viewed with Internet Explorer)
Made for Two Wheels The zumo is made for extreme durability; it's vibration-tested, waterproof, and built with fuel-resistant plastics to withstand the elements. It's also intuitive, with a glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls that make it easy to operate. There's a bright, sunlight-readable, UV-resistant display that makes it easy to view, as well as a unique motorcycle console for trip information, including a fuel gauge to warn you when its time to fill up. The display measures 3.5 inches diagonally and features 320 x 240 pixel resolution.
Measuring 4.8 x 3.9 x 1.6-inches (WxHxD) and weighing just 10.6 ounces, the zumo is small enough to carry with you while you're off the bike. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver is powered by the SiRF Star chipset, which offers extreme accuracy, even when you're riding under dense foliage or between tall buildings. The unit also features Garmin Lock -- an advanced anti-theft feature that disables the unit from performing any functions until you type in a specific four-digit PIN or take the unit to a predetermined location.
The zumo comes with a motorcycle mount with universal mounting hardware so you can mount it anywhere. An automobile mount is also included, and it features an integrated speaker. Garmin also provides custom caps, which are available in a variety of colors, so you can reflect your style.
Navigate the Open Road The zumo 550 comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded City Navigator NT street maps and a hefty points of interest (POIs) database, including motels, restaurants, fuel, ATMs and more. Simply enter a destination, and the zumo takes you there with turn-by-turn voice directions that speak street names. In addition, zumo accepts customized points of interest such as school zones and safety cameras, and it also includes proximity alerts to warn of upcoming POIs. Plus, the unit is fully compatible with Garmin's Tour Guide feature, a free utility that allows you to build and upload a database of POIs that are encoded with photos and MP3 files. A rechargeable, removable lithium-ion battery that offers up to three hours of use is integrated into the zumo for trip planning or use on foot. In addition, the zumo even accepts electronic maps, making it the ultimate off-road navigator.
Hands-Free Calls and Wireless Voice Prompts With the zumo's Bluetooth wireless technology, you can talk on the phone safely without removing your gloves or helmet. Connect the device to your Bluetooth-enabled headset/helmet and cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls. You can even make phone calls to POIs through the zumo's Bluetooth interface. In addition, The zumo transmits navigation voice prompts to your headset so you can listen wirelessly.
Traffic, Weather, and Radio With optional XM subscriptions and an XM antenna, you can check the weather, move ahead of traffic and listen to the radio when you travel with the zumo. As an alternative, the zumo can receive optional TMC traffic alerts (in select cities) when used with a compatible traffic receiver. Simply press a button on the screen, and the zumo recalculates your route to avoid traffic tie-ups.
Route Planning, Sharing, and Entertainment The zumo makes it easy to plan your next trip and share routes with your riding buddies. Plan trips on your computer before you start. Search for food and fuel stops and local attractions. Then, transfer your route to your zumo and go.
At the end of the day, share your favorite places and rides with other zumo riders, and review your travels in Google Earth. SD card expansion makes it easy for storage and route sharing, and you can download routes to share with your riding buddies. You can also load MP3s onto the unit so you can enjoy music while you're riding. Plus, a JPEG picture viewer lets you share photos of your adventures with friends and family.
What's in the Box zumo 550, preloaded City Navigator NT North America, MapSource City Navigator NT DVD (full-unlock), motorcycle mount with RAM mounting hardware, automotive suction cup mount with integrated speaker, dashboard disk, carrying case, AC charger, vehicle power cable, motorcycle power cable, USB interface cable, security screwdriver, custom caps (silver and black), Garmin stickers, owner's manual on disk, and quick reference guide.

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin Zumo 550 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

Garmin GXM 30 Antenna NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio reception for your Garmin navigation system Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using a GXM 30 with my Garmin 2739 for over 2 years now. I am very pleased. I use if for music as well as subscribing to the traffic and weather services from XM. I take the unit wherever I go. The 2730 goes from car to car as well as two motorcycles. The GXM I only use in the cars as I have hard wired a Delphi Sky-Fi II mounting bracket onto both bikes and take the head unit with me as I need it. For those of you who are thinking about buying a car dealer navigation system in the car as well as XM - don't wast your money. The Garmin is a whole lot less (I paid $181 for a refurbished unit), it is more easily updated and for less than the dealer systems, and it is portable. OK, it is not as cosmetically appealing as a in dash screen but I can live with that and the $2000 I saved. I agree with the previous poster, the first person should have researched the product. His complaint is not a valid one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin GXM 30 Antenna NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio reception for your Garmin navigation system

XM smart antenna for use with compatible Kenwood navigation units * delivers XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic * flange mount included * diameter: 3" * XM and/or NavTraffic subscriptions required *

Click here for more information about Garmin GXM 30 Antenna NavTraffic and XM Satellite Radio reception for your Garmin navigation system

Garmin Zumo 550 Lithium Ion Battery Pack Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)To all owners of Garmin Zumo GPS units... If your internal battery that allows you to use your GPS while not attached to an external power source, such as your car/ bike cradle, has not failed yet. Congratulations, but, it's just a matter of time. Be prepared for sticker shock when inquiring at Garmin for a replacement battery, however, once again, Amazon comes though saving you $$ and time by ordering on-line. This product is an excellent value and I was surprised to see it was the same genuine "Garmin Product" at a great savings.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Zumo 550 Lithium Ion Battery Pack

The Garmin Lithium Ion Battery Pack is designed for use with the Zumo 550. This rechargeable, removable lithium-ion battery lasts up to three hours. Once integrated into the Zumo, it gives you the flexibility to use your Zumo on hikes or bike rides--anywhere you need a steady source of internal power.

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin Zumo 550 Lithium Ion Battery Pack

Garmin Custom Caps for Zumo GPS Units, Flames (010-10857-00) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Product arrived in a timely manner and in perfect condition. Product was exactly as described. These caps seem over priced for all they are: two plastic caps for the top and base of the Garmin 550 GPS... but they are very cool. GREAT TRANSACTION - pricy item. A

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Custom Caps for Zumo GPS Units, Flames (010-10857-00)

Personalize your Zumo with Garmin Zumo Custom Caps. These caps are designed to match your bike's color scheme and attitude, allowing you to indulge your wild side and add a touch of style to your navigation system. Brightly colored, with a vivid and eye-catching yellow, orange, and black flame design, these caps are easy to slip off and on and are sure to grab attention.

Get 41% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin Custom Caps for Zumo GPS Units, Flames (010-10857-00)

Garmin zumo 220 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Motorcycle GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Zumo is a great motorcycle GPS but it does have its flaws.
The first thing you'll notice is that the Zumo doesn't come with a printed users guide. Garmin expects you to download the PDF version. It was easy to find on-line and this approach is fine since we're all supposed to be going green. What ships in box is a quick start guide. The web site says "installation instructions" are included but this is not accurate. The only installation information is contained in the quick start guide. It's pretty basic but more than adequate unless you want to attempt installing the wiring harness. If you plan on using the wiring harness you need to know how to tap into the electrical on your bike and handle all of the cable routing yourself or take it to a pro for assistance. (One note on the wiring harness: the cable doesn't include anything to cover the USB/power connector so if you install the harness and don't have the GPS unit plugged in the end of the power adapter is fully exposed to the elements.)
The second thing you'll notice is the device doesn't come with a wall charger. There is the permanent wiring harness and a car charger but they didn't include a wall charger. With a battery life of almost 8 hours I planned on just charging the unit at night and skipping the wiring harness since nearly all of my rides are under 8 hours. For the cost of the unit I was disappointed that I had to scavenge to find a power charger.
The battery life provided on Garmin's website states "up to 8 hours". I think this is a bit of a stretch. If you turn the volume off, turn the screen brightness down to under 50% (the default), and turn off Bluetooth you can get close to 8 hours. When riding with voice prompts, screen brightness at 80 to 90 (on a sunny day) and Bluetooth enabled I was able to get just over 5 hours of battery life. Still very respectable and more than most motorcyclists need for a single day.
One of the nicest features of the Zumo 220 is the ability to plan your routes on your PC and load them on to the GPS unit using Garmin City Navigator. It's easy to install but the unlock code, which is needed to use the maps, comes on a non descript yellow sheet that looks like something you should simply ignore or throw away. You need this special yellow sheet so be careful or you'll be explaining to your wife why you're digging through the garbage! Once installed and unlocked City Navigator is great. It's easy to use and simple to transfer routes to and from the GPS unit.
The GPS unit itself is a nice size but a little thick. If you're thinking you'll just throw this unit into your back pocket you can but there are two issues. First the unit is thicker than you expect and you will be aware of the bulge in your back pocket - it's not a petite unit. Second there is no power lock and it's very easy to turn the unit on when inserting the unit into your pocket or when moving around. It would have been better to have some sort of power button lock. I've resorted to removing the battery from its waterproof compartment, which is easy and quick to do.
The user interface is very intuitive and most of the data fields presented on main page can be customized, even when in motion. The keyboard is easy to use and has two modes that basically change the size of the buttons on the screen to make it easier to use when wearing gloves.
One nice feature is the fuel tank alert. Just enter the total mileage you expect to get from a tank of fuel and how many miles before empty that you want warnings and the unit keeps track of everything. Interesting note: the unit has multiple modes like driving, motorcycling, scooter etc. The only mode that fuel tank alerts work is when in motorcycle mode.
Another solid feature of the unit is if you do switch between a motorcycle and a car the Zumo 220 remembers your preferences for the route types of each mode. This makes it nice not having to reprogram anything when going between modes.
I have encountered a few issues with custom voices downloaded from the Garmin Garage. On at least one of the custom voices the unit seems to get confused and reboots on occasion. Changing back to the preinstalled voices seems to have fixed this quirky problem.
I have a big v-twin and my bike has a healthy dose of vibrations, especially when accelerating or using engine braking. The Zumo 220 is rugged enough to handle the vibrations with ease and the RAM mounts that came with the unit work great. One note on the u-bar attachment for the handlebar: If you have larger handlebars than 1 inch you're going to need to run out to your local hardware store to get a larger u-bar. If you've got a 7/8" - 1", like most people, you'll be fine.
Overall the Zumo 220 is a high quality unit that's easy to use, rugged and ready to hit the road. Just plan on doing a little extra shopping for things that Garmin should have included, especially given the high price point of this unit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin zumo 220 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Motorcycle GPS Navigator

Get in touch with the open road — have zūmo 220 show you the way. The affordable, compact zūmo 220 motorcycle navigator mounts neatly, right up on your bars ready to guide your ride with spoken street names sent wirelessly to your Bluetooth-enabled helmet or headset. Designed By Bikers For Bikers The zūmo 220 has a bright, glove-friendly, color touchscreen display that gives you all the information you need in an easy-to-read format. It\'s easy on the eyes whether you\'re riding in the bright midday sun or a moonless night. And the intuitive interface makes entering information as easy as shifting gears. But make no mistake this is no car navigator posing as a biker. It\'s built tough. With its rugged waterproof case that resists fuel sprays and UV rays, zūmo 220 is built for life on the road. Go Your Own Way Pick your route and hit the streets. The zūmo 220 is ready to go, on or off road, right out of the box. It\'s preloaded with City Navigator NT street maps and millions of points of interest (POIs) that include motels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs and more. It features voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination and displays the speed limits for most major roads. In addition, zūmo 220 offers lane assist to help guide you to the proper lane for complicated highway interchanges. The zūmo 220 also comes standard with a digital fuel gauge so you can keep track of how many miles you have left before it\'s time to get gas. And at the end of the ride, it slips comfortably into your jacket pocket. Move Between Modes Just because your bike\'s parked doesn\'t mean your day is done. The zūmo 220 can also pull double duty as a navigator in your car or truck when you\'re on four wheels instead of two. In addition to the included motorcycle mount, zūmo 220 also comes with a vehicle mount and power cable.Plan and Share Your Rides Searching for the perfect back road to share with your riding buddies? Or perhaps you\'re planning a cross-country trip and looking to avoid as much interstate as possible. With its powerful trip planning tools, zūmo 220 can help you create custom routes via computer and then transfer your saved route directly to your zūmo. Once home, you can review your rides in Google Earth. In addition, microSD card expansion makes it easy to share routes and add storage. Be sure to visit Garmin Connect — our online community of routes and riders. It\'s a great resource for finding new rides and planning trips.What's in The Boxzumo 220, preloaded City Navigator NT for North America, MapSource City Navigator North America NT DVD, Motorcycle mount with mounting hardware, power cable/bare wire, replaceable battery, automotive suction cup mount, automotive power cable, USB cable, dashboard disc, quick start manual, and installation instructions

Get 29% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin zumo 220 3.5-Inch Bluetooth Motorcycle GPS Navigator

Garmin Motorcycle Power Cable for Zumo 550 (010-10861-00) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This came with the Zumo when you buy the Motorcycle package. I didn't know now I have two. One I used on my Trike. Works well easy to use and connect. You may ask why I don't send it back and get money back well I saveing it for when I get another motorcycle I can move the Zumo back and forth easily.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Motorcycle Power Cable for Zumo 550 (010-10861-00)

Designed for use with the Zumo 550, the Garmin Motorcycle Power Cable helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable ride by giving you access to the important navigation information in your Global Positioning System (GPS) system. This lightweight cable features bare wires to connect the GPS to your battery, and an audio jack allowing connection of your headphones.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin Motorcycle Power Cable for Zumo 550 (010-10861-00)

Garmin zumo 660 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a Zumo 550 and it was with interest that I helped a friend install his Zumo 660. After taking two road trips in the car and working with the 660 I have some comparisons to make to my 550.
Let me predicate my review as it is based on the 660 Firmware update 3.20 that came out towards the end of July of 2009.
1. The 660 doesn't display all street names when browsing the map. I found my friends house using where to? button and it showed the house but none of the street names (including his street name) surrounding his house. The zoom level didn't matter.
2. Won't follow the route you specify in MapSource custom route download. The 660 will recalculate the route you download so there is no guarantee that the route you enter on your computer will be followed by the 660. You have to really get into the habit of using waypoints.
3. Construction of the 660 is like a nuvi. In fact, I think it is a modified nuvi. The USB connection on the 660 can only be accessed by removing the battery cover (which then causes an annoying message to appear that the battery cover is off) There is no tether for the cover, so if you loose it, guess what? All GPS functions are disabled! The 660 only works in GPS mode with the battery cover attached. The screen feels like soft plastic when you touch it. In comparison, the USB connection on the 550 is behind a hinged door, and it doesn't matter if the door is open or closed. So even if you break the door, the 550 still operates as a GPS. The 550's screen feels more like glass to me. In my opinion - for fit and finish - the 550 is built like a brick house, the 660 - not so much.
4. The 660 doesn't come with a 120v charger adapter like the 550 does. Both the 660 and the 550 will recharge with the USB connection but if you are planning a trip with your 660, you have a limited amount of battery power because if you plug in the USB cable to recharge it - it enters the USB Mass Storage Mode. The 550 will operate as a GPS plugged into a 12v source (cradle in car or bike) or the 120v adapter (like at home or your hotel room.)
5. The 660 utilizes a micro-sd card. Geeze! have you seen how small these are? About the size of your pinky fingernail. The 550 uses a easy-to-handle standard SD card. The SD card in the 550 can be plugged into your pc's card slot and read like a disk drive. Easy and convenient to do. The micro-sd card is so darn small, and inconvenient to get to, (you have to remove the 660's battery to get to it) it's hardly worth the trouble.
6. Never saw the lane change notice feature. Apparently none of the freeway interchanges we went through were programmed into the 660.
7. Even at maximum volume in the car, the 660's internal speaker was barely audible. This is a serious problem. You have to have all other music in the car off in order to hear the 660 through its internal speaker when using the car mounting. The external speaker in the 550's auto mounting gives you plenty of volume and can be heard over other noises in the car.
8. 660 doesn't have the screen change/flip/page button like the 550. You can toggle between screens by hitting the box button on the side of the 550 repeatedly. I find that a very useful way to navigate around the system. I could not find an equivalent key or process on the 660 to do the same thing.
9. On the 550 - touching the turn in xx miles portion of the nav map screen, the unit repeats the last verbal instructions again. I could not find an equivalent key or process on the 660 do do this simple task.
10. It may not matter to you, but the 660 is not integrated to work with XM radio and weather. One of the few things it doesnt support. The 550 will support XM and Weather if you get the GPX 30 antenna receiver and pay the subscription service.
CONCLUSION:
I still feel that after handling both units, the 550 is a true motorcyclists GPS, it does everything I ask of it. The 660 can be, but as stated elsewhere, it got released before all the bugs were worked out of it. It needs work.
It is interesting to me that Garmin is playing the field with the 660, the 550 is still a cataloged product, and is still for sale at most dealers. I don't know if they plan to phase out the 550 if and when more 660's are sold.
I do know that I'm very happy with my 550 for now and will watch Garmin to see what firmware updates they provide to address the shortcomings for the 660.
As of 07-15-2009 Amazon does not have this unit listed for sale as new. There is only one seller of this unit and it is listed as refurbished.
As of 7-31-2009 Amazon has taken this item out of the product catalog. It is not currently available.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin zumo 660 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator

Garmin zumo 660 Motorcycle Navigator 010-00727-00 Portable / Handheld Navigators

Get 21% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin zumo 660 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Motorcycle Navigator

TomTom XL 330-S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Box Packaging) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)So far I had owned 3 GPS devices: the Tomtom One 3rd edition, the Garmin nuvi 350 and this latest Tomtom 330s model. Before owning, I have used the Garmin Streetpilots given by many car rentals.
By far, this is the best of the three:
Pros:
- Wide screen
- Text to speech
- LOUD speaker (I've read some reviews of a soft speaker - I guess either it was a bad batch of devices, or you didn't read the instructions on how to change the volume. With mine, on 80% it's blasting over the radio AND road noise.)
- Volume adjusts to driving speed
- great GPS reception (even in NYC, although sometimes because of tall buildings can have a little trouble finding current position, but that's the problem with ALL of the GPSs I've had, including the very highly reviewed nuvi 350)
- The new Easyport mount that eliminates the need to carry three things for your trip: the Device, the mount (sometimes more than one part) and the car charger. This new mount is a blessing and a small nuisance at the same time since it makes it slightly more difficult to fit snugly into a pocket or a pouch, but is definitely more of a pro than a con because of its simplicity of use and the eliminated extra plastic thing to carry. This little issue can be solved either by buying the Tomtom carrying case (the one made specifically for the models with the easy mount for an extra ~$28 on Amazon), or simply by detaching it from the back since it is detachable. Though detaching it, some would say, is defying its purpose...
- "Tomtom Home" software is a breeze to use and lets you add user updates to the maps when roads get blocked or other changes take effect to the preinstalled map.
- Device SOFTWARE SOFTWARE SOFTWARE: The best software of a device I've had the pleasure of using. Explanation follows:
The software allows much more intuitive handling of the device than any Garmin I've found.
It's quick, it's easy, and the most important, when you search for a name of a POI, it uses the more modern approach that allows you to type any letter or word no matter where it appears on the name of the POI and it'll show you the results on the list.
There are dozens of advantages in the software over the one of the Garmins I've used but I can't possibly list them all.
Some important features to note are that the actual Navigation Screen View gives you so much more clear information (which one can, of course, tweak to one's liking) such as current time, time of arrival, total trip distance, remaining time to destination, GPS signal strength, next turn's street name, current street name, direction of and distance to next maneuver (which nuvi 350 garmin only tells you which way to go right before the turn), and to that you can add a compass, change the car symbol and even more impressive - the color scheme of the map!
I have to say this is just a SHORT list of software features I absolutely love and think are on a much higher level of sophistication than what I've seen of Garmin.
Cons:
I really have to strain to think of any, but there are some minor ones (after all, nothing's perfect)
- As I said the Easyport mount can be a little problematic when fitted into a pocket, but it CAN be removed from the back (see pros).
- The car charger takes a little practice to insert it easily.
- The "Password" feature when powering on the device seems more fluff than a hindering threat. It doesn't really lock the device if for example you enter the wrong password three consecutive times or so, it just won't let you use the device until the right combination is entered.
- No bluetooth capability. For some it's a con, but for me personally it's a pro (because I don't really need it anyways, and if any corner should be cut to make the product less expensive, this is it!)
- The map isn't as pretty as on the garmins. It has a little more jagged lines but, if visual beauty is important to you in a map representation of a GPS, you're really looking in the wrong direction...
In other words, warmly recommended for the people who are interested in getting the best GPS for their hard-earned dollars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XL 330-S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Box Packaging)

The TomTom XL 330-S is easy-to-use widescreen navigation. TomTom's award-winning software means effortless navigation from point A to point B. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just enter the address on the touchscreen and start driving anywhere in the United States or Canada. TomTom guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions including street names. And 3D graphics help guide you to your destination.


An extra-wide touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free.

The XL 330-S is preloaded with millions of points of interest to enhance your traveling experience--easily find your favorite gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and more.

TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you instantly can modify street names, street direction, points of interest, and more on your own device. And with the "Help Me!" menu, added safety features enable you to easily access local emergency providers, such as police, fire stations, and hospitals.

The Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.

Go confidently.
How to Update Your Map
XL 330-S Features
Maps of United States and Canada with TomTom Map Share
Spoken Street Names
Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
4.3-inch Touchscreen

All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.

Preloaded Points of Interest--Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more on your route.

30-Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.

TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.

Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers, such as police, fire stations, and hospitals.

TomTom HOME--Always up to date.

Traffic Ready--Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.

Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

Why TomTom? TomTom believes that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. TomTom develops smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
Easy to Use

Award-winning navigation software
Plug & go

Best Maps

30-Day Latest Map Guarantee
Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share

Best Routing

QuickGPSfix
Traffic ready

Leader in Safety

Help Me! emergency resources menu
Safety preferences menu

About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high-quality products and services.
TomTom is a leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further its commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so that the company can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

TomTom has its own mapping company!

Did you know that every year, roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.

What's in the Box TomTom XL 330-S device, Windshield mount, desk dock, car charger, software/manual CD, documentation

Get 19% OFF

Click here for more information about TomTom XL 330-S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Box Packaging)