Switching from 2610 to Zumo 550

[David]

Well, after four years (?), several hundred thousand miles, heavy rains, Mexican canyons, and all sorts of other nonsense, my 2610 died. That was sad, too, because I liked everything about it.

 

After seeing Jim Williams' 550, though, I was convinced that I'd love it. And love it I do. Some things are much better than the 2610, like battery, screen use, form factor, mount, etc.

 

But there are only two things I wish were different.

 

1) The UI is excellent EXCEPT changing time zones, which is not intuitive and quite below Garmin's usually excellent standards.

 

2) I miss being able to change the content in the display fields, especially since I would not have chosen some of the layouts they have.

 

Granted, I've not read the manual, so maybe one of you can correct me.

[Hermes]

David, I recently bought a defective 2610 (for parts for my 2620) I wonder if you would consider given it up for a small token of my appreciation. Can you e-mail me and tell me what is wrong with yours?

 

Thanks Jurgen

[David]

Jurgen, you can have it for the cost of shipping.

 

The right third of the screen quit accepting input except very sporadically.

[Hermes]

THat's an offer I can't refuse, David. The 2610 I have has a broken off pin for the storage card, and as long as I can replace that, I should have a functiong unit.

I'll PM you my address.

Thanks a lot Jurgen

[Art..]

David, make sure you download the latest firmware update from Garmin, it adds an additional 2 or three screen in the "data" category that give you many of the functions you may want, like time stopped and elevation.

 

You can't configure the fields, but by simply hitting "More" you can switch easily to the next screen.

 

Having the buttons on the left is the best feature for me. I mounted my Zumo on the left bar, so it's easy to reach with my clutch hand. Much better than the center mount I used for the 2610, in my opinion.

 

The Bluetooth functions flawlessly with my Blackberry. With one button I can "call home". Very nice.

 

If the unit ever locks up, I discovered hitting "power" and "minus" together will soft-reset the unit, at least on mine it does. FYI

[jimwms]

I don't think you're missing anything; the things you wish were different would indeed be improvements. I don't get why you have to set the time zones manually, anyway, given that it knows where you are. Still, I really dig the Zumo. I've ordered a screen protector for mine and am anxious to see if it will compromise what I think is one of the Zumo's most amazing features; namely the way it responds to gloves.

[alanz]

David,

 

Just out of curiosity, have you tried recalibrating the 2610's screen?

 

One of my 2610 units was also not accepting input reliably until I used the built in recalibration screen. Now it works fine.

[MikeB60]

Jim,

I've had a screen protector on mine for a couple of months. No adverse effect on the touch screen.

[David]

David,

 

Just out of curiosity, have you tried recalibrating the 2610's screen?

 

One of my 2610 units was also not accepting input reliably until I used the built in recalibration screen. Now it works fine.

 

Yes, but to no avail. It wanted to retire.

[Jim VonBaden]

One of my 2610's, I have three, delaminated and the screen protective film came off. I added some Palm Pilot screen protective film. It brightens up the screen, and is very protective with no loss of touch screen capability.

 

One thing to keep in mind with the Zumo, you cannot set your custom routes like the 2610. The little sliders were great for varying the amount of large, small and freeway streets you wanted to take.

 

Jim

[Hermes]

I added some Palm Pilot screen protective film.

 

Jim, where can I get some of that Palm Pilot film? My 2620 delaminated too, it got damp under the cover and that was it.

Thanks Jurgen

[Jim VonBaden]

I added some Palm Pilot screen protective film.

 

Jim, where can I get some of that Palm Pilot film? My 2620 delaminated too, it got damp under the cover and that was it.

Thanks Jurgen

 

I got mine at Circuit City. I took my gps in to find some big enough, and had to trim it down.

 

I'll post what model when I get home.

 

Jim

[jimwms]

I'm partial to these, which I've used on Palms, phones, and iPods:

 

http://www.clarivue.com/detail.asp?key=Screen_Protector_Navigation_Garmin_zumo_550

[Jim VonBaden]

I'm partial to these, which I've used on Palms, phones, and iPods:

 

http://www.clarivue.com/detail.asp?key=Screen_Protector_Navigation_Garmin_zumo_550

 

Nice! I got the Palm Tungsten covers. It came with 13 protectors, though I have never needed more than the one in almost a year.

 

Jim

[Couchrocket]

I have a 2720 and love it a lot. But, I'd been considering the Zumo for the "form factor" and more usable screen size, etc.

 

Not being able to configure what info is displayed is an absolute DEAL BREAKER for me, though. Do any of the Zumo models allow configuring the display to the rider's preference? If not, this is a significant step backward, IMO.

[bahetrick]

I agree with Couchrocket. I just purchased a Zumo and I'm disappointed by the lack of custom screens. Other than that I'm pleased with the unit so far.