590LM vs. 660LM

[arjayes]

Was watching some Basecamp how-to videos and came across this excellent comparison of the 590LM vs. 660LM:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBU65cOk5Gk

I've owned the 660LM for a couple of years. The 590LM looks like a major upgrade, but is priced accordingly. The 660LM can be had for around $325 these days while the 590LM is solid at the MSRP of $900. I'm not enough of a gadget junky to pay that much so I'll muddle through with the 660LM for a couple more years.

This guy also has some very good Basecamp videos.

 

[Bryce]

While I'd love to have either one of these, I don't think any of them are priced accordingly anymore. I just can't see why waterproofing them gives then such a premium over the non waterproof Nuvis with similar features. They have us over a barrel because we are a niche market.

For now, I'll keep using my Samsung Galaxy S4 Active with a few apps that are doing me fine.

 

[Roge]

I'm still running my old Zumo 550, I 've had it since they first came out its never been off a bike since. I have just replaced the touch screen as it was hard to read in bright sunlight at $57.

 

[JBB]

I've been running Garmin Nuvi's in RAM mounts. I figure if one gets wet and dies, I can buy two more before I've spent what a Zumo costs. I've had the Nuvi in some pretty serious downpours (behind a windscreen), and they just keep on working.

 

[Juan]

I got a Zumo 590LM last year. Fantastic GPS. Can take heavy rain downpours without problems (I know it first hand). It costs nowhere like $900. I think I got it for something like $650 and that was a year ago. Must be in the $500 region today!

 

[fredz43]

I've been running Garmin Nuvi's in RAM mounts. I figure if one gets wet and dies, I can buy two more before I've spent what a Zumo costs. I've had the Nuvi in some pretty serious downpours (behind a windscreen), and they just keep on working.

Is there a Nuvi available where you can load custom routes? I ask because I use a Zumo 660 on my S10 and sometimes plan routes on my laptop and download them to the 660. I have a DR350 dual sport and was looking for a cheap Nuvi for it, but want to be able to load routes.

BTW the Zumo 660 is down to $319 on Buy Dig now.

Thanks.

 

[RIDEMYST]

I upgraded from a 660 to the 590 last spring. The 590 is a big improvement (as it should be based on its price). You can actually see the screen in direct sunlight and if you have a Smartphone there are lots of additional features. -JEP-


Sent by using these little bitty keys on my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[arjayes]

I got a Zumo 590LM last year. Fantastic GPS. Can take heavy rain downpours without problems (I know it first hand). It costs nowhere like $900. I think I got it for something like $650 and that was a year ago. Must be in the $500 region today!

Maybe it's different elsewhere, but in the USA the 590LM sells for exactly $899.99 everywhere that I've seen it listed. Anyone seen it for less than that?

 

[JBB]

Is there a Nuvi available where you can load custom routes? I ask because I use a Zumo 660 on my S10 and sometimes plan routes on my laptop and download them to the 660. I have a DR350 dual sport and was looking for a cheap Nuvi for it, but want to be able to load routes.

I've never had much luck loading routes from MapQuest or Google, but BaseCamp works great. 98% of my gps usage involves pre-programmed trips with multiple route changes. I've downloaded BaseCamp to my laptop and take it on trips with me. I sit in the hotel room at night and plan the next day's trip.

 

[RIDEMYST]

I've never had much luck loading routes from MapQuest or Google, but BaseCamp works great. 98% of my gps usage involves pre-programmed trips with multiple route changes. I've downloaded BaseCamp to my laptop and take it on trips with me. I sit in the hotel room at night and plan the next day's trip.

Ditto!
In addition, the 590 comes with Lifetime Maps which run on BaseCamp and the old Mapsource. -JEP-


Sent by using these little bitty keys on my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tyke]

Thanks for sharing that excellent report which for those of us who do use a Zumo 660 provided valuable and concise information

Its clear to see that the 590LM has developed greatly when compared to the 660

 

[Juan]

Maybe it's different elsewhere, but in the USA the 590LM sells for exactly $899.99 everywhere that I've seen it listed. Anyone seen it for less than that?

Several suppliers on eBay in the price range $550 to $600

 

[Bryce]

Several suppliers on eBay in the price range $550 to $600

I might be wrong, but you won't find them with NA maps for that price on eBay and I remember something about warranty issues with buying from eBay and other non authorized resellers.

Products that are purchased from eBay auctions are not covered by Garmin warranty. Online auction confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification and Garmin will not replace any missing components from any package purchased through an online auction.

 

[fredz43]

I've never had much luck loading routes from MapQuest or Google, but BaseCamp works great. 98% of my gps usage involves pre-programmed trips with multiple route changes. I've downloaded BaseCamp to my laptop and take it on trips with me. I sit in the hotel room at night and plan the next day's trip.

Thanks. That is exactly what I do with my Zumo 660 on trips. I have a Nuvi 1350 coming for my DR350 and I hope that I can do as you say.

Thanks for the reply.

BTW, any of you that are having trouble seeing your GPS screen in daylight, might try this anti reflective film. Helped a lot on my Zumo 660LM.

http://www.nushield.com/anti-reflective-film

 

[fredz43]

I've never had much luck loading routes from MapQuest or Google, but BaseCamp works great. 98% of my gps usage involves pre-programmed trips with multiple route changes. I've downloaded BaseCamp to my laptop and take it on trips with me. I sit in the hotel room at night and plan the next day's trip.

I got the slightly used Nuvi 1350 today and evidently it isn't able to accept routes. I tried from Basecamp and it looked like it loaded, but there is nowhere in the menu on the 1350 to retrieve it. The Help file says SOME Nuvi's can and if so, go to either Where To or Tools, and then select Routes. No Such selection available on my 1350. Oh, well I got a good deal, it has 2016.20 maps and I can use it to keep from getting lost on my DR350 when exploring. If I want to follow a route, I'll use the Zumo 660.

Thanks.