Zumo 660 or TomTom

[Paul Szilard - Australia]

I know this is another "beaten to death" topics, but I can't find answers so here goes:

 

I have been using a Garmin Nuvi 760 in a Ram weatherproof housing, however it freezes frequently so much so that it drives me crazy! I had even fitted an inline ON/OFF switch so that I can power cycle it while riding. Anyway I want to change to a unit that is more reliable, and am considering the Zumo 660 versus the TomTom.

• So first question: does your device crash/freeze or is it reliable?
  
• 2nd question: which would you recommend?
  
• Do you recommend a plug-in GPS antenna for improved reception?
  

I would like to have:

• Wired connection to my Starcom
  
• Bluetooth pairing to my iPhone
  
• MP3 to my helmet (could come from the iPhone or from an SD card)
  

Thanks guys...

[Paul Szilard - Australia]

Am I correct that the TomTom Rider does NOT use external power!?!?!?

 

Surely this would be the stupidest design, and would eliminate it from consideration.

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

I have a TomTom Rider II and a Zumo 665. I use the Zumo on the RT and the TomTom for dualsport since I don't need the extras when riding like that.

 

No stalls, etc with either. No external GPS antenna needed with either.

 

The TomTom is stripped down but, you can add apps fairly easily. Tracking, route input and plain old GPS nav.

 

I recommend either....depending upon what you're looking for. They aren't intended to compete with each other IMHO.

 

The Zumo plays MP3, XM and audiobooks.

[Paul Szilard - Australia]

Just read somewhere that the TomTom has min-USB for charging, so you can connect this to the bike's battery via a 5V USB power converter. I would like to have this confirmed, though.

 

Cheers,

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

The TT R comes with a M/C cradle that just has bare wires for power. You can use it in a car with the USB that is otherwise covered when in the cradle.

[Haynes]

..... The Zumo plays MP3, XM and audiobooks.

 

Is this only via bluetooth or can MP3s be played via a hard-wired headset?

[Danny caddyshack Noonan]

Originally Posted By: 74c5

..... The Zumo plays MP3, XM and audiobooks.

 

 

Is this only via bluetooth or can MP3s be played via a hard-wired headset?

It comes with an Autocom plug or some such so, I'm guessing yes in addition to Bluetooth.