Now that TomTom has, today, officially introduced their RIDER 2, and this new motorcycle PND is set for release in the very near future, the time for phase 2 has come: the battle for the consumer, and it will come as no big surprise to anyone that most of the competition will come from Garmin’s zūmo, which was also specifically designed for motorcycle use.We’ve already reviewed the Garmin in our review: ‘Garmin zūmo: Rider's Bigger Brother?’. For a definite comparison, we’ll have to wait for our review sample of the RIDER 2.
This doesn’t mean however that we cannot already compare both devices. We’ll take the zūmo 550 and the RIDER 2 Europe edition, and based on the info which is already available to us, this is how these devices compare to each other:
| Dimensions & weight | ||
 zūmo 550 |  RIDER 2 | |
| Width (mm) | 122 | 113 |
| Height (mm) | 100 | 96 |
| Depth (mm) | 41 | 53 |
| Weight (grams) | 305 | 310 |
| Screen (inch) | 3,5 | 3,5 |
| Water proof | v(IPX7) | v(IPX7) |
The devices
Since both devices feature a 3,5 inch touch screen, their dimensions are also pretty much alike. The zūmo is a bit wider and higher, but the RIDER is a bit deeper. This extra depth is caused mostly by the integrated sunshade on top of the RIDER, which should decrease the screen reflection. The weight difference between the two units is only 5 grams, and the zūmo is the lightest of the two.We find the zūmo, with it’s black ‘grips’ on each side, a bit more tough looking than the RIDER. But of course, that is highly subjective, and we can imagine this being crucial in the choice of the perfect unit. The water resistance is more important in that respect if you ask us, and there’s no difference between these two units when it comes to that: both units are compliant with the IPX7 standard, which means they remain fully functional after been immersed completely in water for 30 minutes, up to a depth of 1 metre. The occasional shower should not be a problem anymore!
| Internal | ||
zūmo 550 | RIDER 2 | |
| CPU (MHz) | ? | 380 |
| RAM (MB) | ? | 32 |
| Flash (GB) | 2 | ? |
| Storage | SD/MMC | SD/MMC |
| GPS chipset | SiRF Star III | SiRF Star III |
Inside look
This section is slightly frustrating for us, since Garmin principally, does not comment on the CPU’s they use, and even though withholding such information usually doesn’t mean much , in this particular case we don’t believe either unit differs much from the other. The same applies for the GPS reception, which will be very good considering both units use a SiRF Star III chipset.What is completely different between both units is the choice of data storage medium. The zūmo contains a spacious 2 GB of internal flash memory, while the RIDER 2 sticks with the tried and tested SD card for storing maps and navigational software. The size of the card is dependent on the type of RIDER: the SD card of the RIDER regional depends on the size of the region, and the RIDER Europe is shipped with a 1 GB card.
| Functionality | ||
zūmo 550 | RIDER 2 | |
| Traffic info | TMC (optional) | Via GPRS |
| Hands free phoning | v | v |
| MP3-player | v | x |
| Text-to-speech | v | x |
What is possible?
Here it becomes clear that both GPS moguls have made difference choices. Garmin has chosen to include a lot of extra functionality like an integrated MP3 player and text-to-speech. TomTom has chosen not to include these extras.With regards to traffic information there are also differences: Garmin offers their customers the possibility of purchasing a TMC receiver (GTM 12 or 21), which can then be connected to the zūmo. This requires a one-time investment of about 100 Euro. TomTom on the other hand does not offer the TMC route, but only their own traffic info services called TomTom PLUS. This requires an annual subscription of ¤ 39.95 and will get you the traffic info of ten European countries. Of course, you’ll also have to add the phone cost and the cost of data transfer via mobile phone to that.
| In the box | ||
zūmo 550 | RIDER 2 | |
| Maps | Europe (Navteq) | Western Europe (Navteq) |
| Headset | x(optional) | v |
| Mount | v | v |
| Carmount | v | x(optional) |
| Bag | v | v |
In the box
Both devices ship with a lot of parts, including mounting material, chargers, a USB cable and a carrying bag. But the manufacturers have chosen to include very different things with their units:Garmin ships a car mount as standard with their zūmo 550. This car mount features an integral speaker, and so the navigational commands can be heard without a Bluetooth headset. The RIDER 2 also has such a car mount, also with an integrated speaker included this time (as opposed to the RIDER 1), but only as an option for around ¤ 79.95. Clearly a big plus for the Garmin.
But on the other hand, one of the main negatives we found in our Garmin zūmo review, was that Garmin doesn’t included a Bluetooth headset as standard with the unit. This is a very conscious choice by the company, and when asked for the reason for this, they point to the fact that there are already a lot of different helmets available on the market which feature an integrated Bluetooth headset. That way the user can choose a solution completely on a par with his/her own wishes or choices. We’re curious to know what Garmin thinks of TomTom’s choice then, to include the renowned ‘Scala-rider’ headset by the company Cardo with their product. This headset is pretty popular amongst motorcyclists, and costs almost ¤ 150 in the shops. Not a knick-knack at all we think…
Garmin has chosen the complete NAVTEQ European map as mapping material for their unit which also includes a few Eastern-European countries. The RIDER 2 comes with Western-European maps pre-installed only.
| Prices | ||
| Prijs | ||
| RIDER 2 W-Europe | ± ¤ 600,- | |
| zūmo 550 Europe | ¤ 799,- | |
Prices
This section deals with the biggest difference between the zūmo 550 and the RIDER 2: the price in the shops. TomTom is the cheapest of the two: a RIDER 2 Europe, featuring a Western European map and a headset will cost you about ¤ 600. For a Garmin zūmo with TTS, a European map a car mount, but no headset, you'll pay about ¤ 799! A price difference of about ¤ 200!!As we’ve already stated, this comparison is by no means a definitive one. But based on the current differences in price, we wouldn’t be at all surprised, if we were to receive an email from Garmin very soon, which announced a severe price-cut throughout the entire zūmo range. Long live the competition!
