- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 47 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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13 out of 13 people found this review helpful
4.0 stars
"Far superior to my last in-car nav unit"
Pros: Fantastic screen, crystal clear audio, real-time traffic, excellent maps, very easy to use
Cons: Mounting bracket could be more sturdy, non-existent technical support, some features are still being rolled-out
Summary: In short, this unit vastly exceeded my expectations, which were set by previous vehicles's in-dash system (Lincoln LS with Navtech software).
When I bought my new Mercedes, I said 'No' to the $2500.00 in-dash system and went with the $600 TomTom 510, instead. I've used the M-B system in a rental car, and this thing is a better unit at any price.
The Good: The screen is extremely crisp and easy to read (even in direct sunlight); the spoken directions and very clear and seem coincide nicely with the actual route. I thought about returning it for a 910 to get the spoken street names, but the on-screen labels for streets are very easy to read and, along with the nice 3D perspective, I just don't need to hear the street names.
After I setup my bluetooth phone (Cingular 2125) for data and configured the TomTom PLUS free trail, I was off to my commute. On the first run, it very accurately showed my two accidents on my route and re-routed, accordingly. To my complete astonishment, the 510 routed me off the highway and right back on to avoid congestion between the off-ramp and a following on-ramp. No kidding...
The UI took me about 5 minutes to learn; it's very straight forward and it's much easier to find streets, et al. than my last in-dash unit. As you type, it shows a running list of matches.
And, the maps have been accurate, so far. We'll see how they do when I drive out to the sticks this Summer.
The Bad: The mounting bracket / suction cup thing does not hold the unit steady. My C230 has tight suspension and the 510 was jiggling up and down - very annoying, until I just lowered the suction cup and the 510 now rests on the top of the dash.
Also, while the audio quality for the spoken directions is quite good, the same cannot be said for the Bluetooth phone hands-free function. That may not be the 510, but a problem with my phone (although my BT headset sounds OK).
Technical support? I've submitted two e-mail requests for issues. I've not received any response. It may be that I will hear something later, but you will probably be on your own if you purchase this product and have problems.
Conclusion: Get one - you won't be sorry.Updated
...I'm not that bad of a driver
Also, I should mention that the issues I've contacted support on were (1) how do I sign-up for US TomTom Traffic (seems to allow only European subscription, even though the US free trail works wonders in Minneapolis) and (2) I upgraded the firmware on the device and had trouble getting the device to re-connect to the PC-based management sofwtare; the PC software is not needed, but is very handy for trip planning.Updated
After using the 510 for a week, I returned it to Circuit City and 'upgraded' to a 910.
Without hearing the Highway numbers and street names, I kept having to 'read' the display when navigating to unfamiliar locations. As I mentioned in my previous review, the screen is very easy to read; but I found myself spending too much time looking at the screen. With the 910's spoken street names, I almost never need to look at the screen while traveling.
I think that feature along makes it worth the upgrade. I also really like having the remote control, as I've positioned the unit as far forward as possible on the dash.
One more thing: after using the Bluetooth Hands-free functions, I decided to install and use the included external microphone; seems to be needed for call clarity.
I feel compelled to re-iterate how vastly superior the TomTom is to any in-dash nav unit I've ever used (Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz).
- 2 replies to this review
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I've been trying to get my TomTom to connect to my 2125 but am having no luck. Any tips on what the settings may be? I'm in LA and would _love_ to have traffic updates on the thing! Thanks!
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Based on my experience, I would be shocked if the 910 still works ... any update?
Where to buy
TomTom GO 510:
$11.99 - $137.83
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$11.99 | See Site |
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Buy.com
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$137.83 | Yes |
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