Product Review: Garmin Nuvi 550

[sail2xxs]

This is an initial review; I've only put somewhat over 500 miles on since receiving the GPS Thursday afternoon. All in the dark. Given the forecast, testing sunlight readability of the screen is not looking good for a while. Temperatures varied from the mid 50s to the high 30s; I used regular unlined Held gloves, and a pair of Gerbing G3 heated gloves to manipulate the controls on the GPS. When reading this review, please understand that this is my first GPS experience on land - I've used GPS on boats for years, so I have some degree of familiarity with the general operation and terminology.

I did a little light shopping on Black Friday, and after extensive research, purchased a Garmin Nuvi 550 at Abes of Maine (http://cameras.abesofmaine.com/search?w=nuvi+550) Total delivered cost was $189.00. The 550, which is rated IPX 7 water resistant and is capable of handling vibration, came with North American NT maps, a car power cord, suction cup mount, and an adhesive dashboard disk. A quickstart instruction manual was included. The Nuvi 550 does not come charged, and also does not include an AC charger (available separately from Garmin).

With only a middling level of frustration building, I was able to get the suction mount to stick on the left lower corner of the windshield. When mounted, the unit fits perfectly in the space slightly below and just off to the left of the tach, and aside from the dark silver of the case vs the black instruments, looks kind of "stock". I'll try to post pictures when I get a chance. I'm 6'3", 34" inseam, and have the regular seat on my GS. For me, this mounting location is perfect - the GPS is easy to see (I can still keep my eyes on the road), doesn't block any of the other gauges, is protected somewhat from weather, etc. and is easy to reach while riding. I used a zip tie around the windshield mounting bracket as a safety precaution, but it has been unnecessary thus far. From a security perspective, it is a simple matter to remove the 550 from its cradle and slip it in your pocket when the bike is parked.

After about 2 hours in the truck, the battery was fully charged. Perfect timing, as I was in a rush to get to New York City. I've made this trip many times, and thought it would be interesting to see what the GPS thought of my preferred routing. As always, I skipped reading the directions - the user interface is so intuitive and simple that even a guy like me who waits until 12:00 PM to set the clock on the VCR could do it. I'm sure that many of the more advanced features might require a bit of reading, but I needed to get moving quickly.

Once on the road, I found the mounting position to work very well. Unfortunately, after particularly bumpy stretches of road, I found that the socket/ball connection was not tight enough to hold the GPS in place. It would slowly tilt off to the right, still visible, but not as easily. Though it only takes a second to reach over and put it back in place, I'm going to put a piece of duct tape over the ball and see if this will tighten the joint up enough to fix the issue.

I initially set the GPS to talk mode; with a Shoei RF 1000 helmet and earplugs, I could hear directions up to 30 MPH at high volume. Beyond this speed, wind noise drowned it out, so I turned off the voice mode to conserve battery power. I also reduced the screen brightness to the lowest setting, as I found the regular setting somewhat too bright and distracting for night riding.

Wearing the unlined Held gloves, I was able to work all functions on the touchscreen without difficulty. As temperatures dropped, I switched to the Gerbing G3 gloves. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that even with these much thicker gloves, I could still use the touchscreens. I was even able to successfully use the touchscreen that manages the routing preferences, which are checkboxes, while riding (low speed test on an empty road). In terms of possible difficulty in using the 550 while wearing bulky gloves, this is the trickiest screen.

From a routing perspective, I think the 550 did a good job. Initial satellite acquisition upon first startup was pretty quick and in subsequent start ups acquistion was nearly instantaneous. My hotel in NYC was surrounded by skyscrapers; it did take approximately 3 minutes for the 550 to acquire satellite signal after being turned off for approximately 18 hours. Interestingly (and not surprisingly) I lost satellite signal in the Lincoln Tunnel coming into NYC, but did not lose it in the Holland Tunnel when leaving. Can't figure that out, but I'm not complaining! Despite being in "urban canyons", I had no signal problems while riding in NYC.

The hotel was in the 550's database, which was neat. I also used the touchscreen to enter the address, and found the process to be very simple. Getting home was even easier. I hit the "Home" button on the touchscreen, and that was it. I generally agreed with the routes chosen by the 550, but when I went "my way", recalculation was acceptably quick.

I am very impressed by the battery life of the 550 - two hours of charging time gave me approximately 7.5 hours of use with voice function muted and the screen on its lowest brightness setting.

I'd like to hardwire the unit to the bike, and understand that there is already provision for a GPS wiring connection, anyone know what the part number is?

As I learn more about this nifty gadget, I'll post follow ups.

Chris

[EmmBeeDee]

Originally Posted by sail2xxs

This is an initial review; I've only put somewhat over 500 miles on since receiving the GPS Thursday afternoon.

Thanks for taking the time to write this - I think the Nuvi 550 is a real bargain.

Re the mount - you'd be better off ditching the Garmin mount and getting the RAM version instead. Use the Garmin mount in the car.

Save the duct tape for real emergencies.

[jrwooden]

Chris:

I have the Nuvi 500, and like you I am very pleased with everything about it EXCEPT the MapSource software which I dislike ... (Why can't we have something like Google Maps where we drag the route around till we get it like we want it then download it...).

I very much like the routing capability that is built in to the unit so that I don't have to have a PC handy to launch the sucky MapSource s/w... one thing I don't understand is that the "intersection" feature of the built-in routing will NOT allow you to enter the intersection of an interstate + secondary road ...

but ... I digress....

Anyway ... several articles on wiring in the HOW... one by me:

http://f800riders.org/HoW/showentry.php?e=58&catid=6

the Nuvi 5x0 series needs 5V not 12V so in addition to the wiring I show you also need a 12V to 5V converter ... I did that later and didn't take pictures.

Powerlet sells a converter and so does Garmin..... I bought the Garmin one, but if I was to do it again I think I'd get the Powerlet it was a bit smaller. I can't find the P/N for the Powerlet ... ring them up for details to make sure you get the correct stuff... I seem to recall an adapter is needed for Garmin units.

[Kelsow]

Thanks for the write up.

I just installed mine last night. I used the Garmin hard wire set up connected directly to the battery. It has a small oval shaped box with a green light. I assume that is the voltage stepdownthingy.

I haven't used the GPS too much on the bike, more in the car. So far it's been excellent in giving directions. I haven't tried to plan a route with it yet.

I used a RAM mount attached to the bars. It's positioned a bit to the left so I can see all the gages and is clear from the tank bag.

[RockBottom]

Like Jim, I find MapSource pathetic. If I don't watch it very closely, it will come up with unnecessary detours through towns to save a few yards on the route. I've tried every possible setting and can't fix it. It sometimes routes me on unpaved roads over the mountains. And it's just awkward to work with. The method for transferring a route to the device is awful--you can only do one at a time, each takes several minutes, then you have to manually rename every route since it doesn't transfer the name you gave it in MapSource, but names everything "start point" to "end point."

[jrwooden]

yeah I just don't get that s/w....

I about a month back I was heading from NC to NY.
I did pretty much and "auto-route" with a few key waypoints added to "bend" the routing.
It all looked fine...

I downloaded it to the GPS it comes up with "calculating route" and took off as I was late....

about 5 minutes later it got done calculating route and said the route length was 6062 miles... from NC to NY ... yeah... I don't think so ...........

If I could get "Google Maps for Garmin" I'd pay serious money for it.........

[Kelsow]

What I used to do with my old GPS was this, http://www.gpsbabel.org/htmldoc-1.3.5/fmt_google.html

You map out your route, follow the instructions, and Bob's yer uncle.
Seems to work out fine for me.
You can also do your routing in Google Earth, save the file and upload it into your Garmin software.
Haven't done it in a while so I don't remember all the details.

This method got me from Halifax through the Gaspe and into central Ontario last year.

[TAMPAJIM]

Some may be getting the Nuvi 550 confused with the Zumo 550.
The Nuvi is the same size, is waterproof and shockproof, but it doesn't allow the importation of routes ,tracks etc from Mapsource (or any other source.) You want to plan a route you do it directly on the touchscreen.

It is a very good basic GPS and the price is almost $500 less than the much more sophisticated Zumo.

[redhededgreg]

I've been using a Nuvi 760 with a Ram mount and (when necessary) the Ram Aqua box to protect from weather. The Nuvi 550 looks like a great deal in a weather proof GPS although I do like the larger screen on the 760. I noticed recently that the Zumo price may be coming down, at least for the 550 as I now see it's offered by Costco for $599, considerably more affordable than I've seen it in the past.

[jrwooden]

Originally Posted by TAMPAJIM

Some may be getting the Nuvi 550 confused with the Zumo 550.
The Nuvi is the same size, is waterproof and shockproof, but it doesn't allow the importation of routes ,tracks etc from Mapsource (or any other source.) You want to plan a route you do it directly on the touchscreen.

It is a very good basic GPS and the price is almost $500 less than the much more sophisticated Zumo.

TampaJim:

I have the Nuvi (not Zumo) 500 which is the same as the 550 except that it has a different map set loaded. The Nuvi 500 / 550 DOES allow importing of routes directly from Mapsource. I do it often. The less expensive Nuvi 200-series does NOT allow route import to the unit, but the 500-series does.

[tom964]

Originally Posted by TAMPAJIM

Some may be getting the Nuvi 550 confused with the Zumo 550.
The Nuvi is the same size, is waterproof and shockproof, but it doesn't allow the importation of routes ,tracks etc from Mapsource (or any other source.) You want to plan a route you do it directly on the touchscreen.

It is a very good basic GPS and the price is almost $500 less than the much more sophisticated Zumo.

I use the Nuvi (not Zumo) 550, and it definitely allows the importation of routes. I have done that many times. I don't have MapSource because I use a Mac, so I use the Garmin software for Mac (RoadTrip), but I have planned routes on RoadTrip, or imported them from downloaded files of other riders, and then imported them into the 550.

Also, by the way, in response to some comments above regarding the limitations of MapSource, I note that RoadTrip does allow dragging and dropping to shape routes.

[jrwooden]

Originally Posted by tom964

... Also, by the way, in response to some comments above regarding the limitations of MapSource, I note that RoadTrip does allow dragging and dropping to shape routes.

Damn... I may have to go buy a Mac I want software parity!!!

[EmmBeeDee]

Originally Posted by RockBottom

Getting ready to do the 6000 mile checkup, I see. ;)

[TAMPAJIM]

Originally Posted by jrwooden

TampaJim:

I have the Nuvi (not Zumo) 500 which is the same as the 550 except that it has a different map set loaded. The Nuvi 500 / 550 DOES allow importing of routes directly from Mapsource. I do it often. The less expensive Nuvi 200-series does NOT allow route import to the unit, but the 500-series does.

Guess I stand corrected. Did some research to replace my dead Quest and somewhere I read that route importation was a limitation of the Nuvi500. I have the Mapsource software so I should be good to go when the Nuvi shows up in my Christmas stocking.

Question is why would anybody pay 2-3 times as much for the Zumo when the Nuvi is so close in features?

[EmmBeeDee]

Originally Posted by TAMPAJIM

Guess I stand corrected. Did some research to replace my dead Quest and somewhere I read that route importation was a limitation of the Nuvi500. I have the Mapsource software so I should be good to go when the Nuvi shows up in my Christmas stocking.

Question is why would anybody pay 2-3 times as much for the Zumo when the Nuvi is so close in features?

Because they can?

Zumo's got a bigger screen, fuel resistant plastics, XM traffic, among other things.

[ToadRide]

I've got the Zumo 450 at a 200 dollar savings over the 550. Besides the savings, I did not want XM radio because I still feel radio service should be free. And I don't need Bluetooth. But, all in all, the 450 has been a rock. Mapsource? It even blows more now that I have Win 7 and the Mapsource memory glitch.

[sail2xxs]

Originally Posted by EmmBeeDee

Because they can?

Zumo's got a bigger screen, fuel resistant plastics, XM traffic, among other things.

For my purposes, even the Nuvi 550 is capable of more than I really want. I'm not interested in XM or Bluetooth, and although it's neat, the talking feature is not that important to me. Fuel resistance is a neat idea, though if I manage to spray fuel while filling the tank and it gets all the way up to the dash, I'm sure I'll have many more immediately pressing concerns. (Like staying away from open flames or sparks for a while!! )

I have always used MapQuest, StreetAtlas, or similar mapping software to print out routes when I'm on a longer trip and need directions. In the trucks, this works fine. On the bikes, I would condense the directions onto index cards and either tape them to the tank, or have them in the clear tank bag pocket. This system worked, but had two rather important limitations - darkness and rain. Now that I've moved to a more technologically advanced level, I will still take my map book with me.

My main requirements in looking for a GPS were:
1) Waterproof IPX 7
2) Vibration resistance
3) Ease of use
4) Screen readability
5) Satellite acquistion and retention capability
6) Track back
7) Reasonably quick re-routing and good map availability
8) Customer service from manufacturer
9) Reasonable cost

I haven't had a chance to try the 550 in sunlight yet, but thus far I'm happy on the remaining 8 points. At least with the marine GPS' I've had, Garmin has always provided exceptional customer service.

Chris

[sail2xxs]

Originally Posted by Kelsow

Thanks for the write up.

I just installed mine last night. I used the Garmin hard wire set up connected directly to the battery. It has a small oval shaped box with a green light. I assume that is the voltage stepdownthingy.

Kelsow,

Do you happen to have the part number for the hardwire setup?

Thanks,

Chris

[TPadden]

Originally Posted by tom964

I use the Nuvi (not Zumo) 550, and it definitely allows the importation of routes.....Also, by the way, in response to some comments above regarding the limitations of MapSource, I note that RoadTrip does allow dragging and dropping to shape routes.

AGAIN - so does Mapsource.

Change to the Selection Tool (white arrow). Point to the route, left click once (this should change the route to yellow color), click once again and the tool will change to the route tool, move the pointer wherever you want and the route will be dragged, click again and voila the route will be reshapped and recalculated.

Tom

[TPadden]

Originally Posted by sail2xxs

Kelsow,

Do you happen to have the part number for the hardwire setup?

Thanks,

Chris

$24 from Amazon:

Amazon.com: Gilsson Direct Wire Cable for Garmin Nuvi 205 255 265 550 660 755 760 765 775 885 Magellan 1412 4210 TomTom Go 720 OneXL: Electronics

Amazon.com: Gilsson Direct Wire Cable for Garmin Nuvi 205 255 265 550 660 755 760 765 775 885 Magellan 1412 4210 TomTom Go 720 OneXL: Electronics

[sail2xxs]

Thanks Tom!!

[EmmBeeDee]

Originally Posted by sail2xxs

...Fuel resistance is a neat idea, though if I manage to spray fuel while filling the tank and it gets all the way up to the dash, I'm sure I'll have many more immediately pressing concerns. (Like staying away from open flames or sparks for a while!! )

I think the fuel resistance is more so that gloves with oil or gas on them won't damage the touchscreen.

If you're riding an old British bike with carb "ticklers" your gloves would tend to get wet with fuel a lot of the time.

[danham]

Good write up.

I use a nuvi 760 with RAM mount and love it.

For details about getting from Google to nuvi with routing intact, here's a guide I wrote as part of my "duties" as a forum moderator at gpspassion.com:

Advance route planning

-dan

[sail2xxs]

Originally Posted by EmmBeeDee

I think the fuel resistance is more so that gloves with oil or gas on them won't damage the touchscreen.

If you're riding an old British bike with carb "ticklers" your gloves would tend to get wet with fuel a lot of the time.

I hadn't thought of that!

[sail2xxs]

Dan,

Nice description!! When I get a chance to play with it, I'll use the great directions on your site.

Thanks,

Chris