TomTom One Review
The TomTom One In action
With the large number of TomTom One XL models showing up in the $100 price range (factory refurbished), this is a great time to take a look at this automotive GPS.
Buy From Tiger Direct – $99.99
Buy From Amazon.com – $99.99
Product Description
Expand your horizons with the new TomTom ONE XL. The distinctive design
combines an extra-wide 4.3 touchscreen and the power of GPS in a slim,
lightweight device. Easily taken from car to car. Switch it on and go
right out of the box. Just a few taps on the screen and the ONE XL does
the rest. The crystal-clear display, 3D view and spoken turn-by-turn
instructions help you find your way, worry free. Preloaded maps of the
US and Canada and millions of points of interest enhance your traveling
experience. With the ONE XL you can access smart extras like real-time
traffic, 5-day weather forecasts and celebrity voice downloads. No
activation, no monthly fees, its that easy.
TomTom One Technical Specs:
- 4.3 inch TFT LCD GPS Navigation Systems
- Preloaded Maps of US/CANADA/Spoken Directions ans Streets Names
- Touchscreen 480 x 272 /Help me Emergency Menu
- Memory 64 MB RAM/1 GB Internal Flash
- High Sensitivity SIRF Star III GPS Receiver
Type: Automotive
Screen Size: 4.3″
Touch Screen: Yes
Voice: Yes
Expansion Slots: SD Card
Battery Type: Internal Litium-Ion Battery
Battery Life: 2 hours
Antenna: High sensitivity GPS chipset
Special Features: Bluetooth
Special Features: Spoken Street Names
Maps Included: United States
Maps Included: Canada
Our TomTom One Review
In short, this is a quality GPS unit, with a couple drawbacks. For a GPS in this price range, the TomTom one has a great screen. The interface is a little awkward, and has a learning curve. The cool sexy voices are nice, but you need to select a computer voice to get the voice activated directions to work correctly.
The TomTom One is not suitable for portable uses, but is strictly automotive only. The maps are clear and easy to follow, but keep in mind the issue we will address shortly.
Maps: Some users have had problems getting updated maps with a refurbished TomTom one. On purchase, their should be a map upgrade card in the box. If you do not receive this card, getting an upgrade may be difficult, and the unit should be returned. Updated maps are critical, as these units could be several years old.
Suction Cup: Lots of complaints on the suction cup. Make sure the unit will not get damaged if it falls, the warranty will not cover a broken screen, even if its broken from a defective suction cup.
Overall, if you keep in mind the price range, this is a great bargain. There are the typical refurbished issues, so make sure you buy from a retailer with a return policy. If you need a budget GPS and want a great screen and voice commands, a refurbished TomTom One is hard to beat.
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 Review
The Garmin StreetPilot 7200 is a large (7″) screen automobile GPS device with radio and text to speach capability. It is on the pricier end of devices, with most stores selling at around $590.
Garmin StreetPilot 7200 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator at Amazon.com
Some of the features include:
* High-end automotive GPS navigator with 480-by-234-pixel 7-inch color TFT touch-screen display
* Text-to-speech technology announces the names of streets and delivers turn-by-turn directions
* Integrated XM radio receiver delivers real-time traffic info, weather, and entertainment; built-in MP3 player
* Includes MapSource City Navigator NT North America software with maps of U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
* Built-in A/V input for connecting portable DVD player; 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.2 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
Product Description
The StreetPilot 7200’s huge 7-inch touch-screen display means you’ll always see where you’re going, from anywhere in the vehicle. Designed for larger vehicles such as RVs, semi-trucks, and buses, it is a premium automotive unit that comes preloaded with City Navigator NT detailed maps of North America. With the purchase of an optional sensor (not included), the unit notifies the driver of accidents, road construction and weather-related traffic delays before they are encountered (requires subscription, traffic service only for select cities where coverage exists). Either of two optional purchase sensors can provide these features, the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic sensor or the GXM 30 Smart Antenna (separate purchase required). In addition to traffic data, the GXM 30 provides real-time satellite weather information. The 7200 model features all of Garmin’s well-known GPS functions, including intuitive navigation and automatic route calculation; voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions; 2D or 3D map view; and automatic rerouting if a motorist strays off course. With its POI Loader software, users can load custom points-of-interest such as school zones or safety cameras. The StreetPilot 7200 also includes entertainment options, including an internal MP3 player, XM radio, and playback of audio books. The built-in MP3 player lets users browse music by artist, album, song, or genre. The XM Radio (with the optional GXM 30 Smart Antenna and XM Satellite Radio subscription – not included) features 150-plus channels of commercial-free entertainment. The StreetPilot 7200 is also compatible with www.audible.com, a subscription-based audio book service. The face of the StreetPilot 7200 only has one button, an on/off switch. Using simplicity to manage complexity is a hallmark of the quality from Garmin, the premier maker of GPS products.
Our Opinion:
Beautiful large screen, and Garmin quality. We like this device.
Some cons:
No street names on the map.
Large size, tight fit in small autos, maybe more suitable for SUV or larger.
Hefty price tag.
TomTom GO 740 LIVE Preview
LAS VEGAS—TomTom finally is getting connected, thanks to the company’s announcement of the GO 740 LIVE here at the Consumer Electronics Show.
The $499 GO 740 LIVE is TomTom’s first connected portable navigation device to be launched in the United States. With a built-in wireless connection, the GO 740 LIVE provides real-time traffic information, TomTom’s Fuel Price Service, Local Search powered by Google, Weather, QuickGPSfixT and TomTom Buddies. All LIVE services work right out of the box with a built-in SIM card and a GPRS Modem. The GO 740 LIVE comes with one year of service included.
While previous versions of TomTom GO navigators have used TomTom’s innovative IQ Routes Technology which calculates routes based on historical travel times, the GO 740 LIVE now features a new and extended version of IQ Routes. With the extended version, IQ Routes calculates travel time information based on historical data for every road, every day of the week, and time of day.
As you can imagine, travel times vary significantly based on the day of week and the time of day. The extended IQ Route data is based on data gathered anonymously from TomTom customers who report traffic flow data as they drive. According to TomTom, over the last two years, 1.8 trillion miles of roads have been recorded and the data has been implemented into the extended IQ Routes technology.
The GO 740 LIVE also features enhanced voice recognition that recognizes over 130 voice commands. With the ability to plan routes, set user preferences and make phone calls using only voice commands, the GO 740 LIVE is going to provide fierce competition for Garmin’s nüvi 880 series of products.
TomTom broke new ground when it announced Map Share. Map Share allows TomTom users to update maps based on their knowledge of local roads and to share that information with the TomTom community. Recently, TomTom announced that more than 5 million map improvements had been made by the TomTom community. Like all TomTom devices, the GO 740 LIVE includes Map Share.
With the included connected live services, the improved IQ Routes and the enhanced voice recognition, TomTom has a unique bundle of features at a very attractive price point. The GO 740 LIVE could be the GPS product of the year. I can’t wait to review the unit to see if it’s as good as it sounds. Check back at www.pcmag.com for the latest in GPS reviews.
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PC Magazine
TomTom GO 920T Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator with Traffic Receiver
TomTom GO 920T Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator with Traffic Receiver
Product Features
The GO 920 and it’s sibling, the 920T, are TomTom’s new flagship portable gps navigators, replacing the GO 910. The GO 920T comes bundled with TomTom’s RDS-TMC traffic receiver and a one-year subscription to the Clear Channel traffic service, which allows users to receive real-time traffic information. The traffic receiver is sold as a separate accessory for the GO 920.
The first big difference you’ll notice is that the 920s are much thinner than the 910. TomTom introduced this slim form factor with last year’s ONE. With the release of the top-of-the-line 920s, TomTom now offers a full range of units in the new form factor. When you turn it on, you’ll also notice the increased performance and features the 920s packs into their slimmer form.
What’s New — Enhanced Positioning Technology
TomTom’s new Enhanced Positioning Technology uses movement and gravity sensors to calculate drivers’ positions when GPS signals are unavailable. This helps the device continue to navigate to its destination, even when there may not be a direct line-of-sight connection to a satellite (for example, when driving in a city with tall buildings, underpasses or bridges).
What’s New — Voice Prompted Address Entry
Voice prompted address entry gives users the option to speak the address to which they want to drive. Users can simply speak the city, street name and address number they would like to travel to, and the device will automatically calculate the route.
What’s New — Map Share
The GO 920 includes TomTom’s innovative new Map Share technology. Map Share enables users to make easy changes to the map and to share map corrections with other TomTom customers so that users always have the most up-to-date maps available.
Widescreen View and FM Transmitter
See more. Hear more. The GO 920 offers a 4.3-inch, extra-wide, touch-screen LCD display that features anti-glare technology for easy viewing even in direct sunlight. Realistic and clear visual instructions are provided with high-quality 3D graphics, while spoken instructions tell you where you need to go in your own language. As an added convenience, text-to-speech functionality provides you with actual street names. The built-in FM Transmitter to play music and navigation instructions over the car stereo.
Hands-Free Calling
In more and more places, it is becoming illegal to use cell phones while driving without a hands-free kit. The GO 920’s Bluetooth capability, microphone and speaker lets match it to any bluetooth-capable phone to make hands-free mobile phone calls.
Maps
The GO 920 comes come preinstalled with complete maps of the United States, Canada and Europe on 4 GB of internal memory. The GO 920 range has the most complete set of pre-installed maps available in TomTom’s entire portfolio.
Remote control
The TomTom GO 920 range comes with an improved Bluetooth remote control. The remote control enables drivers to operate the device safely from anywhere in the car without having to reach over to the device.
Help When You Need It
Extensive safety features including ‘Help Me’ menu, to give drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance.
Fun Extras to Personalize Your TomTom
Record your own driving instructions. View documents, exchange positions via SMS and Bluetooth wireless technology and select a favorite car icon on the screen.
Full range of accessories to match the design and finish of the new GO range, including a leather carry case, a soft touch carry case, iPod cable and a home charger.
TomTom HOME
HOME is TomTom’s free software that enables TomTom users to future proof and personalize their devices. Via easy desktop access, any TomTom customer can update maps, download the latest application, celebrity voices and more. TomTom HOME allows TomTom customers to
• Update their TomTom device with TomTom’s latest software and services automatically and for free
• Easily buy and install the latest maps and European safety cameras
• Download celebrity and character voices
• Pre-plan trip itineraries
• Receive free traffic alerts on their computers
What’s in the Box
TomTom GO 920 gps portable navigation device, suction mount, car charger, USB 2.0 data cable, and installation CD with connection software and manual.
Language Support
The TomTom 920 gps provides menu support for most European languages as well as English. Voice support covers additional languages, including most Asian languages.
Positives
- Much better point of interest support, comparible to Garmin devices
- Improved shape and design, much slimmer and more portable
- Voice activated – A big plus when driving, seems to work fairly well
- Big and bright screen, good in sun and shade
- Timely and accurate traffic data
- Bluetooth remote is a big improvement on earlier models
Negatives
- Cannot use ipod and traffic antenna at the same time, they use the same port
- POI organization is confusing
- Canceling a route more difficult than necessary
- Short battery life
- Often quirky “out of the box”
