Garmin Zumo 450 VS 550 VX Road Tech

[x2tpd]

Can someone help us decide which unit to buy?

We are wanting to get a replacement GPS and my husbands main requirements are that it plays mp3's and that it pauses the music when it needs to give you a direction.

I know all three units play mps and the Road Tech definately pauses the music for directions. Do the other two? We DO NOT want bluetooth.

Also how is the music quality?

Do any of the units play music loud enough the driver and rider can hear it when on the road without earphones and without helmets? or does anyone use an earphone for the passsenger and driver and if so does this interfere with the drivers ability to turn the handle bars etc?

[Fergie]

I have a Zumo 550 and it does pause the music for directions. Can't say about the 450. Check here ZumoForums

[davidr]

Hi there,

Whether or not you find the music loud enough depends on many factors such as how fast you ride, how much noise the helmet and bike make and how well positioned the speakers are.

On the whole Garmin have improved the software over time and it seems to be loud enough for about 80% of people in my experience.

The sound quality is also fine, not B&O but adequate, the sound over bluetooth is somewhat limited but as you are now planning to use the Bluetooth you should find it to be acceptable.

HTH,

David