Garmin Zumo 550 motorcycle Sat Nav

The new French motorway, yesterday, perhaps

GARMIN have launched a Sat Nav exclusively for motorcyclists with glove-friendly, left-handed controls and a waterproof casing.

Specific features of the new Zumo include Bluetooth wireless technology. This feature allows users to place hands-free mobile phone calls when paired with a compatible phone that has Bluetooth wireless technology. Incoming calls are answered by simply tapping the Zumo’s screen and speaking through the helmet mic or optional external mic. A user can also make a call from the Zumo’s huge points of interest database – which includes hotels, restaurants, stores, and much more.

Customers will also wirelessly receive navigation audio prompts when using a compatible helmet.

The Zumo 550 comes preloaded with highly detailed City NavigatorÔ NT maps – containing detailed road maps throughout Europe (Now includes new coverage of Eastern Europe).

The Zumo 500 Deluxe will have regional data preloaded and Europe City NavigatorÔ NT maps (with coverage of Eastern Europe) on DVD.

Map data for the Zumo is provided by NAVTEQ™ – the world leader in premium-quality mapping. This industry-leading navigation database allows the user to look up points of interest such as restaurants, hotels and banks

Product Features and Specifications

• High-sensitivity SiRF Star III GPS receiver – to ensure consistent GPS coverage in built up areas with tall buildings or woodland areas with dense foliage.
• Glove-friendly touch screen with left-handed controls – Oversized icons and menus, making it both accessible and easy to use even whilst wearing motorcycle gloves
• Rugged, waterproof design (IPX7) true all weather system that will
  
  withstand the most severest of rain storms, passing the rigorous IPX7 standard testing
• 3.5” QVGA” High bright sunlight-readable, UV-resistant touch screen display – 2.8”W x 2.1”H (3.5” diag.), 320 x 240 pixels
• Unit made from Fuel-resistant materials for added durability
• Preprogrammed internal memory – preloaded with City Navigator Europe NT data
• Robust flash memory – both shock and vibration safe
• Includes motorcycle mount (with Zumo 550 : also includes the automotive mount with built-in speaker for vehicle use)
• Locking motorcycle mount to securely attach the unit to the bike; Standard 4 hole AMPS pattern for maximum mounting flexibility
• Bluetooth wireless technology for sending voice-guided audio prompts to compatible helmets
• Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling with compatible phones – see www.garmin.com/bluetooth for a list of compatible phones
• Announces streets by name to help keep your eyes on the road (Text to Speech)
• MapSource for route planning, saved locations, and track viewing on PC or in Google Earth
• User can “share” favourite routes with other Zumo users
• Optional custom caps, available in a variety of styles, so riders can personalize their Zumo to match their bike’s color scheme and attitude
• Compatible with GTM 10, GTM 12, & GTM 21 TMC Traffic Receivers – traffic services available only in select cities where coverage exists
• Removable lithium-ion battery; 3-5 hours of battery life
• Features MP3 player – loading MP3s is “drag-and-drop” easy – no special software is required