Upgrade Zumo 550 to Zumo XT
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Sadlsor
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- Jan 15, 2020
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- 67
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- Birmingham, Alabama
- Bike
- 2008 ST1300A
- STOC #
- 9065
I bought a used 550 (maybe it was 595?) but I don't use it much. Routing is squirrelly even after I sent it to PC Doctor.
But paid so little for it, it was worth the gamble.
The XT is nice, but any working GPS would be an improvement.
Fortunately I do have several others. And they do work.
But paid so little for it, it was worth the gamble.
The XT is nice, but any working GPS would be an improvement.
Fortunately I do have several others. And they do work.
Yes. The XT is a worthwhile upgrade if only for the screen, which is bright and visible in full sunlight. All the other benefits of the XT are gravy. I used to wonder what good my 595 was if I could not see the screeen unless it was overcast. John Heath has a video - links are in the thread linked below - that will teach you how to become a guru in Basecamp and the XT.
www.st-owners.com
Anyone Using a Garmin XT? | GPS
Garmin's XT is apparently their latest and greatest MC GPS. (Correct me if I'm wrong.) I saw one at the NESTOC and, wonder of wonders, I was able to see the screen in strong sunlight. My only hesitation is that it is listed as 'weather resistant' (not waterproof). For those of you who have...
Usually, the buttons on the 550 have failed by now.. so that is a weak spot.. the screen on the XT is awesome and big.. It's configurable and the software is just faster. You can stream from your phone if you like such as spotify or prime music. I can't remember the 550 memory but on the XT you can load the entire U.S... I know the older ones would only hold portions of the U.S. at one time.
The up ahead feature is awesome, searches for stuff along your route, I think the 550 searches for stuff using a circle where you are the center so the 10 miles gas station might be behind you ..
The up ahead feature is awesome, searches for stuff along your route, I think the 550 searches for stuff using a circle where you are the center so the 10 miles gas station might be behind you ..
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
You can select to search along your route, so it only displays what is coming up ahead.
Thanks, I couldn't remember if it did.
I believe the XT's memory is 32 gig, and you can add a micro sd card - I've added a 32 gig SD, it might take larger...I don't know. That 32 gig should handle a few trips....around the world.
Sadlsor
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- Joined
- Jan 15, 2020
- Messages
- 4,284
- Age
- 67
- Location
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Bike
- 2008 ST1300A
- STOC #
- 9065
I think the XT is the first Garmin I've ever owned - I must have 6 or so left, through the years - that held the Lower Forty- Eight without adding a card.
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
I was able to get all of North America on to my Zumo 550 internal memory until a few updates ago. It eventually just became to big and I had to go to an SD card.
Deleting all of the foreign language text files, all of the foreign language help files, all of the foreign language audio files, and all of the English language audio files except the one text and audio file that you want to use frees up a lot of internal memory.
i.e. There at least six English language audio files- British, Australian, American, male and female. You don't need five of them. Pick one and keep only that one.
mlheck
Site Supporter
So this question is kind of like asking, I have a ST1100 that I like, should I upgrade to the new Goldwing?
The 550 was the most reliable GPS that I've owned. I've owned the the 590, and the BMW Nav 6 before my purchase of the XT. THE 590 and Nav 6 left me disappointed. They worked, but not without issues. I've only had the XT for a year, but I'm very happy so far. It is a very different beast than the 550. There will be a learning curve.
If you pair the XT with a smart phone using Garmin Drive the GPS will preform like Google maps. It will alert you to traffic issues or detours and recommend detours. This is really helpful if you are routing multiday rides.
Having used both I can highly recommend the XT. Especially if you can purchase it on sale. This usually saves you $100.
The 550 was the most reliable GPS that I've owned. I've owned the the 590, and the BMW Nav 6 before my purchase of the XT. THE 590 and Nav 6 left me disappointed. They worked, but not without issues. I've only had the XT for a year, but I'm very happy so far. It is a very different beast than the 550. There will be a learning curve.
If you pair the XT with a smart phone using Garmin Drive the GPS will preform like Google maps. It will alert you to traffic issues or detours and recommend detours. This is really helpful if you are routing multiday rides.
Having used both I can highly recommend the XT. Especially if you can purchase it on sale. This usually saves you $100.
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