Entered CNET Catalog: 05/26/2005
SKU: 636926009676
Manufacturer: TomTom
Manufacturer description
TomTom NAVIGATOR 5 Bluetooth is your personal assistant on the road - in your car, in your bag, in your pocket. The TomTom Bluetooth Wireless GPS receiver uses Bluetooth technology to eliminate the need for connecting cables, and a high performance GPS antenna to ensure the best possible reception wherever you go. The GPS receiver has a high capacity battery that can be used all day on a single charge. The high performance GPS receiver is ideal for use in urban environments. On the road or walking around the city streets, it will make sure you find your way with ease.Product summary
The good: Gorgeous maps, especially on high-res PDAs; free TomTom Plus service fetches traffic and map updates; many on-device tips and tutorials; plans routes for walkers and cyclists.
The bad: Limited smart-phone compatibility; some Bluetooth-related wrinkles; no AC adapter for charging GPS receiver; TomTom Plus requires smart phone; manual covers software only.
The bottom line: With great mapping features and advanced services, TomTom's latest navigation kit for PDAs and smart phones approaches GPS greatness.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/07/2005
For our tests, we used the Bluetooth version with a Dell Axim X50v. TomTom also offers a wired-GPS option that's compatible with a couple dozen Pocket PC models, mostly from Dell and HP. The Bluetooth version works with Pocket PCs and a handful of Palm OS devices, including the Palm Treo 650. Inexplicably, it doesn't work with the megapopular Samsung SCH-i730; the only compatible Windows Mobile smart phones (for U.S. users, anyway) are the HP iPaq h6340 and the T-Mobile MDA. For a complete list of compatible devices, check TomTom's Web site.
About the size of a granola bar, the rubberized, nonslip Navigator 5 GPS receiver is powered by an included cigarette-lighter adapter, which also charges its battery. Alas, TomTom doesn't supply an AC adapter for pretrip charging--a potential problem if you need your cigarette lighter to power your PDA. Fortunately, the battery lasts for a healthy 5 hours of continuous use, which is impressive, considering the receiver's diminutive size.
After you install the Navigator software on your handheld, a TomTom logo appears on the Today screen, thereby enabling convenient one-tap access to the program. Next, you select the maps you want to install, either by state or by region. The latter option speeds and simplifies the selection process but results in large map files that take a long time to copy to your memory card. For example, the Midwest region requires about 155MB of storage space, and in our tests, it took more than an hour to transfer to our PDA's SD card. The process goes much more quickly if you use a card reader instead of your Pocket PC.
We had some initial problems getting our Dell Axim X50v to recognize the TomTom Navigator, but we attribute them to Windows Mobile's awkward Bluetooth pairing process and the total lack of instruction in TomTom's HTML-based manual; it covers Navigator operation in nicely illustrated detail but offers zero information on the GPS itself. What's more, whenever we turned off the Axim X50v and turned it back on, it was unable to reestablish a connection with the GPS until we exited and restarted Navigator.
However, once we'd successfully paired our PDA and GPS devices, we had smooth sailing. The receiver quickly locked on to the required satellites and kept up strong reception throughout. The Navigator interface relies on large, easy-to-read icons, though you often have to flip between several screens to find what you're looking for, especially when you venture into program settings. Navigation occurs on either 2D or 3D maps, both of which deliver some of the sharpest detail and smoothest scrolling we've ever seen on a GPS. The Axim's VGA screen gets much of the credit; most navigation systems operate at a much lower resolution.
Like any good GPS, Navigator can route you to an address, a point of interest from--according to TomTom--a database of millions, a zip code, a recent destination, or any designated Favorite. You can chart a route home with just two taps of the stylus and receive alerts (using any number of sound effects, including a bugle and a cow) when in close proximity to a selected POI.
We have two small complaints. First, you can't reprogram any of your Pocket PC's buttons to access commonly used features, which is surprising given the level of control you have over just about everything else (Navigator offers six screens of preferences). Second, you have to switch to Browse mode--a process that requires three screen taps--in order to view the details for any road, Favorite, POI, or other map element or just to scroll around the map.
If you're lucky enough to own a compatible smart phone, you can use TomTom's cool Plus service. With it, you can download real-time traffic and weather information, updated maps and POIs, and even new voices, including a humorous New York cabbie. TomTom Plus is free until the end of December 2005, but the company hasn't decided what pricing structure it will implement after that. Even without TomTom Plus, Navigator 5 ranks among the top PDA-based GPS systems available today. It combines beautiful-looking maps with easy operation and a wealth of desirable features.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41out of 41 user reviews
Planned Obsolesece?
Pros: Easy to use, handy software for Palm Tx
Cons: Total lack of customer support; uncaring customer service personnel, completely outdated product with no updates or remedy.
What's worse is I was shocked to see that TomTom is *still* selling this product with the outdated maps for $200 to unsuspecting customers! Buyers beware! The maps are at least three years old and TomTom has absolutel not plans for a remedy for map updates. Do not get suckered as I was into buying this old product that is virtually useless. I got totally lost last month in Washington D.C. from relying on my Navigator 5, roads that it directed me to were non-existent and I ended up in a very dangerous neighborhood at nighttime. Never again will I buy a TomTom product; their customer service and support is the worst of any product I have ever bought, period. They just don't care; once they have you're money you're scr*wed if you buy this product.
If they knowingly sold (and are still selling) this product as outdated as it is with no way to resolve the issues, they should at least offer their customers an upgrade to a newer product.
I now have to buy a new GPS product, and it sure as heck won't be a TomTom!
out of 41 user reviews
Not bad when it works...
Pros: Usually accurate, gives enough warning, clear
Cons: Often will not acquire satellites, when I know I should be able to get 7-13 at any time. Maps now horrifically outdated, and no way to update (have to buy new GPS, which won't work with old PDA--so double update required!).
out of 41 user reviews
NOT GOOD IN BIG CITIES.
Pros: EXCELLENT IN OPEN SPACES
Cons: NOT GOOD IN BIG CITIES
out of 41 user reviews
NO MAP UPDATES AFTER 2005
Pros: Fast Software, good for the year 2005
Cons: No map updates...ever... do you need any more?
out of 41 user reviews
Surprisingly mediocre
Pros: Works on a Pocket PC & a cell phone for the same price.
Cons: Maps - in spite of what they say - are not that accurate. Lots of "Unnamed Street"s & lots of wrong directions!
out of 41 user reviews
OBSOLETE - NO MAP UPDATES AFTER 2005!
Pros: this was a great product in 2005
Cons: TomTom not updating maps for Nav5!
This is an obsolete product that TomTom is still selling to unsuspecting consumers for US$200. Nowhere on their website do they indicate when the maps were last updated for this product (2005) or that there will be no future map updates. TomTom is pretty hot in the GPS navigation market right now, but don't use this product as your entry point. You'll be severely disappointed.
out of 41 user reviews
This is a piece of crap
Pros: user interface ok
Cons: Plays poorly with other software
out of 41 user reviews
Stay away from Tomtom
Pros: outstanding software
Cons: deplorable user support
After sending Tomtom the above posting, they finally posted my maps to my account. The software is excellent but user support is poor, and "fulfillment" time, i.e. time of receiving software minus time of paying for it is the longest I have seen. With pressure from users hopefully they will put money into this critical component of the business. I now give them an overall "4", but no better until they improve ordering and customer support.
out of 41 user reviews
Stick with the Mapquest print outs
Pros: Great design, good intentions
Cons: Software locks up on Tungsten T5
Some of the issues I have had:
Any time the software has to redirect or think, it locks up. If I stay on the original planned route, it sometimes works properly...
In a 30 minute trip from Orange County to Long Beach, I had to pull over 7 times to reset my device after the software locked up.
Voices lock up mid sentence giving a stuttering sound until you are able to pull your car over to reset the device.
In a 20 minute trip from San Francisco to Oakland the device locked up 5 times. I finally gave up and called a friend to guide me.
Bear in mind, I have had no problems with my T5 in the 1.5 years of ownership...it is only with this software. Customer service has acknowledged the problems and given solutions that have solved little to nothing.
In summary, it's not worth spending the money to have to print out Mapquest directions to have when the device crashes...stick with Mapquest.
out of 41 user reviews
Fabulous! Led me through Italy!
Pros: Great maps, precise instructions.
Cons: Mediocre customer service from Tom Tom
The basic software, including the maps of the US/Canada are on an SD card and integration with the Treo was very smooth.
But adding the map of Italy (which I purchased separately from Tom Tom) was a nightmare, even for my somewhat techie husband. After several calls to Tom Tom (when they were open) we learned that we had to load both the software AND the italy map onto another SD card. Perhaps obvious now, but at the time we were clueless, and almost opted to default to a paper map!
We tried out the GPS on a local trip and it's a good thing, because the Treo froze and we learned how to do a "soft reboot." This seemed to be a Treo issue, not a Tom Tom matter. This happened a few times in Italy so it's a good thing we experienced it while still able to call Palm for support.
We were astounded at the precise level of detail provided while driving around Tuscany and northern Italy. In even the tiniest of ancient towns and way into the Dolomite mountains, we were led right into the town center, or directly to a specific monument or museum, whatever we selected. There were numerous options including banks, gas stations, airports, train stations. We agreed that we would have had a tough time without it and probably would have gotten lost quite a bit -- just like the old days!
The clarity of the maps, with touch screen zooming, voice instruction and precise turn-by-turn directions were fabulous. Perhaps this is normal for GPS but as first time GPS users, we were impressed and very pleased. Most of the time, a GPS signal was found within seconds of startup and occasionally, it took as much as three minutes but this wasn't a problem.
I love having the GPS integrated into my smartphone and now my husband wants a GPS of his own. Also, I think it would be a good idea for my daugther, a new driver,for both safety and practical purposes. I just read a press release for the Navigator 6 product -- coming out in October 2006. I hope they offer an upgrade.
Tom TOm offers subscription to current traffice conditions (Euros 39 which is about $50 a year)for all over the world, if you have the country maps. I wish I had it while in Italy when I was delayed for an extra hour near Florence...we couldn't understand the traffic report on the Italian radio and were afraid to get off the highway.
Overall, I couldn't be more pleased and I gave a 9 out of 10 rating because Tom Tom needs to improve their customer service.
out of 41 user reviews
Excellent, How did I live without it?
Pros: Battery Life is better than advertised.....shocker!, Near perfect navigation. loud, easy to use my kids use it, price is fair
Cons: bluetooth had a few issues but i think it was my palm 700p, so really none
out of 41 user reviews
Call Someone Who Knows A LOT About Computers!!!
Pros: Awesome GPS solution.
Cons: Horrible installation, instructions and web support.
However....
If you don't know a lot about computers, find someone who does and block out a day.
I've never written one of these online-type of reviews, because usually I find that when people have something very negative to say, it's usually because they appear inept at working with the product.
However, I couldn't stop myself after wasting so much time setting up something that should have been pretty easy.
I run an I.T. consulting firm, so you might say I know a little about computers and peripherals. It took me five hours to get this going.
Why?
First, the installation instructions are overly simplistic. In fact, they're a joke.
Then, try downloading the user manual. When it comes to the installation portion, it doesn't fare much better.
Then, there are problems with the installation CD. I found this out after trying to install it on a several computers and it crashed every time. It might be an XP thing. I don't know.
I went to the tomtom web site and wound up downloading and installing three different applications, before finding the one application and set of instructions that addressed the installation problem I was having (and I'm sure many other XP users have experienced, as well). It was some voodoo about installing the application with the original CD in the drive, then removing the CD, then running the application again.
I was incredulous that it might work, and profoundly grateful when it did.
This might save you an hour or two....
How do I install Navigator 5 to my PPC running Mobile 5 (Win XP)?
http://www.tomtom.com/support/index.php?FID=4790
Also, the maps crashed every time I tried to install them from the CDs, as well. Another known issue.
Back to the tomtom site for some hunting around.
I wound up extracting them to my computer and then copying them to my PDA.
Is there an alternate method for installing Navigator 5 Maps?
http://www.tomtom.com/support/index.php?FID=5026
And finally, the GPS device can hold a 5 hour charge, but the only power adapter they give you is for your car's cigarette lighter. What if you'd like to charge it in your home the night before? What if you need that cigarette lighter to power some other device?
Pretty obvious issues and questions.
Anyway, I would have given this product a 10 if the installation process wasn't so horribly thought out. If you're an average home computer user, you are going to have your work cut out for you. However, it's probably worth it.
Best of luck!
out of 41 user reviews
The GPS works good, but map data full of errors
Pros: Good graphics, GPS software, and ease of use.
Cons: Blue tooth problems, can't rely on maps and directions
out of 41 user reviews
Great divice for T-Mobile MDA
Pros: Easy install, works perfectly
Cons: Add'l charge for voices & POIs
I purchased item to replace my Navman Smart SST BT. Unfortunately, Navman does not support WM 5 (t-mobile mda).
Though the installation was lengthy, it went pretty smooth. It came with version 5.1x which worked fine. I didn't notice any problems during operation. The TomTom website recommended upgrading to their latest version for WM 5. I upgraded to version 5.21 and it also worked well.
There is no need to install ("pair" or "partner") the BT GPS receiver to the MDA. Just turn on GPS receiver and start the program. The TT software takes care of turning on BT radio and pairs it automatically with the MDA. Once you exit program TT turns BT radio off.
The GPS receiver has great reception. I carry it in my briefcase and in the trunk of my car with minimal loss in reception. Even indoors I still get pretty good reception.
The software is good overall and performs perfectly with my MDA. I dive all over the LA basin and haven't noticed any errors in route calculations or map accuracy.
TT Nav 5 comes with several voices and many POIs to choose from (no ATMs). You can purchase additional voice /POI from TomTom website.
Overall, I am extremely pleased with my purchase.
out of 41 user reviews
Great PDA GPS Solution
Pros: Easy to use and easy to read maps; many points of interest, transition between zones worked flawlessly. I’m using it on a HP IPAQ rx3415, the performance is fast. Cost effective and inexpensive.
Cons: Updates for maps are not available. Short route can actually send you on a scenic route that avoids highways and makes heavy use of side roads. Reaching customer service can be a nightmare.
I'm a network consultant and travel a lot up and down the East Coast between Boston to Tampa and as far west as Ohio moving between 4 map areas, I never had an issue with routing between maps.
out of 41 user reviews
Overall great program...
Pros: Map graphics, clarity of voice(Lisa), PLUS services!
Cons: Installation issues w/ Windows Mobile 5
Anyway, I got seriously frustrated trying to install on my XV6700(which runs WM 5.0). It took me a solid weekend of playing to finally figure it out. Apparently their install program doesn't really get WM 5.0 yet, but there is a work-around. I read through countless forums(Howard Forums, PDAPhoneHome, etc) with no help that would actually get it running. Of course the last place I checked, the tomtom.com support page of course, had specific instructions and I was up and running in no time. Don't get discouraged if you have a little trouble with the install, you'll figure it out.
Once you get it going, I'm actually amazed by its capability. Usually companies sell add-ins after a trial period, but 99% of the time they're useless. Honestly TomTom PLUS might actually be worth it. I don't live in a big city, but traffic info is current and accurate. Map updates are crucial in my business so that availability is key.
Overall, I am truly pleased with the Navigator 5 product, and if they can get rid of the install hassle, it would get a 10.
Oh, and I haven't figured out a way to navigate between maps(i.e. leaving from southeast and driving to northeast). It could still be user-error since I've only had it for 3 days, but I would seriously think it to be possible.
out of 41 user reviews
Customer Support aside, this is a GREAT unit
Pros: Small, accurate, easy to use
Cons: Archaic activation procedure, minimal instructions
out of 41 user reviews
Extremely Poor Support
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Too simple, doesn't have a lot of info. Poor Support. Expensive to Dell Solution.
out of 41 user reviews
Good Product - Terrible Support
Pros: Small, recharchable
Cons: Maps would not authorize - no support
However, after buying and returning 3 sealed units (at a major retailer), I still wasn't able to get any of the TomTom maps to work. All 3 packages indicated that the software had already been authorized to another device.
I signed in to Tomtom's tech support site and spent the time to navigate their system, create an account and post 3 separate detailed support messages. It has been over a week with no reponse.
Tomtom may have great technology, but if you can't license the software, what's the point?
It's fortunate for us consumers that retailers will refund our money and pull product off the shelves when it doesn't work.
out of 41 user reviews
Works with SCH-i730
Pros: Small size,
Cons: I can't think of any
BT works great with fast connection ot my i730.
out of 41 user reviews
love this product. Does anyone know if the treo 700w will work with it?
Pros: terrific voice prompts, accurate, very inexpensive when linked to a pocket pc or smart phone
Cons: not any significant ones
Also I had a thought that velcro tape that you can buy at sam's will mount this well and still be portable. I love this thing.
out of 41 user reviews
A below average product
Pros: nice looking 3D view
Cons: Map is way out of date
out of 41 user reviews
Good Product, Crap Customer/Technical Support
Pros: Wonderful Software, Good GPS Unit
Cons: This company has no idea about how to treat the customer
Update 1/9/06
Still no contact with TomTom. I have to wonder why a company with so many tech support issues can afford to take a weekend off.
Truely amazed.
out of 41 user reviews
Tom Tom helps us learn names of streets and roads.
Pros: Tom Tom works on my Tungsten e2. It's easy to program. The voice prompts are clear and easy to follow. It makes finding addresses in unfamiliar towns a breeze.
Cons: Maps are not 100% accurate. Tom Tom lists my home two blocks down the street! It does not easily offer alternative routes.
out of 41 user reviews
works great
Pros: compact, Palm version has charger for BOTH receiver and Palm device. Interface is identical TomTom Go.
Cons: Documentation for setup is is sparse. Cold startup times are slow, 90 seconds to 2 minutes.
out of 41 user reviews
incredibly poor tech support
Pros: clear display/graphice
Cons: slow startup
out of 41 user reviews
Tom Tom - Treo 650 Absolutely Amazing
Pros: Interface, accuracy, ease of use
Cons: not a single flaw
Here are the concerns I had prior to purchasing this:
Was the software going to opperate too slow on the treo.....Absolutely not. I was surprised. There is no lag time in the transfer of info via bluetooth. The screen shows my exact location at all time, re-rount in micro seconds when I go off course, and has never locked up my phone.
Is the Treo screen too small to see this images of where I am going.......Here, I was completely surprised, it is actually a pleasant view you have, you can easily read street names, where your going, what turn is next...everything....the treo screen is just the right size.
Is this as good an option as the TomTom go 700.......I have used this unit (the 700) and cannot see any difference in its opperation, accuracy, speed, ease of use...anything. If you have a treo, there is no need to pay for an additional computer to operate the navigator software.
Last, but not least, this is the best add on to the Treo 650 out there. I had no idea of the additional features that make this so cool. For instance, I'll be driving home from work (1hr commute) and click on "restaurants" using my home address, from here hundreds of locations will pop up on the screen, with their phone number included. I simply decide which I want to choose for dinner, tomtom asks if I want to dial their number, and then I am connected to a local take-out.....How cool is that?
I was sitting at home the other night when my wife asked me when the local sams club was closing for the night. I asked tomtom. The phone number immed popped up from its database, called sams, the let me know the were closing at 9pm. I did this from the couch.
I love it.
It is so much more than a simple GPS device and really shine on the treo 650
out of 41 user reviews
Big Mistake, Get a Real Navigation
Pros: Not very Expensive
Cons: Signal Dropping, Bad Customer Service
Now i know, if I want to buy a GPS i get a GPS, i have the magellan GPS now and it works great because it is JUST a GPS nothing else, I advise you to save some more money and get a REAL GPS not this child's toy.
out of 41 user reviews
Product seems to be okay--if I could active it!
Pros: Small device, seems like a neet idea.
Cons: Can't activate it, customer support is horrible.
Now, somehow, the device code TomTom has for my device doesn't match the device code on my treo, and they won't reset it unless I can prove I purchased it after the registration attempt was made. Which, obviusly, I can't do, because I _didn't_ purchase it after the attempted registration, it's the failed registration on my machine that they have.
They refuse to admit a bug could exist in their registration process, and refule to fix the problem, so the only option I have at this point is to return the tomtom, and buy another product.
I've not gotten any answers to my activation problems via email, so I finally tried to call the company, through their non-free (toll only) dial in number. It takes about 10 or 15 dials to actually get put into the queue, then you receive a message that in 5 minutes you will have the option of leaving a message. About 2 minutes after this message comes up, it kicks out to an answering machine, and gives you no choice to continue holding, but forces you to a voice recorder.
This company needs to learn something about support.
Do not buy this product if you expect support.
I'm entering a new review, rather than posting comments there, so I can rate the product separately from the customer support issues I had getting the product set up and running. Once I got the software installed, and running, I tried in a couple of places, and it works well. The general map isn't all that detailed, but the more detailed regional maps are much better.
Overall, this is a nice product, and worth the price. I would buy a 2GB SD card to go with it, though, so you can load serious detailed maps on your machine.
I finally got ahold of someone at customer support, and they activated my software (!).
Once I got the software installed, and running, I tried in a couple of places, and it works well. The general map isn't all that detailed, but the more detailed regional maps are much better. Overall, this is a nice product, and worth the price. I would buy a 2GB SD card to go with it, though, so you can load serious detailed maps on your machine.
out of 41 user reviews
Navigator was more User Friendly
Pros: Great Maps
Cons: Too much input requirements
I am using the HP2210 with a Holux 270CF gps unit and get great results.
out of 41 user reviews
You really, need it
Pros: Absolute nav
Cons: $hitty setup
O.K I will put it this way, buy it, if you are a tech boy/girl. If not, consult techgeek.
out of 41 user reviews
Would recommend to any one.
Pros: Easy to use with few navigation erors.
Cons: Some on screen next turn direction can be confusing
out of 41 user reviews
TomTom has it right. Great product..
Pros: Slick and easy to use interface.
Cons: No seamless map of entire US but no big deal.
TomTom Navigator 5 is a mature product. It is feature rich, the screen layout is attractive, and its predictive menuing is a dream.
You can Nav directly from you Outlook Contacts and the software can dial a Bluetooth phone if a POI has an associated number.
For those with phones or PDAs with hard keyboards there is an undocumented bonus. There are many hotkeys available making menu navigation even easier.
The only thing lacking is a seamless map of the entire US. You can only load individual regions. This isn't a big deal unless you continually drive coast to coast. If that is case, you can use the Major Roads of America map that covers the entire country. Once you leave a major route you will need to switch maps to get street level detail.
out of 41 user reviews
I Love it!
Pros: Accurate, Excellent Software, Easy to use, Portable
Cons: GPS gets confused occasionally, map activation is a bit of a pain
If you have a Treo, buy a large SD card and pick this baby up.
out of 41 user reviews
benelux with a bug
Pros: much better than tomtom3 except for...
Cons: Brussels streets are all in Flemish
out of 41 user reviews
Great Product - does it all!
Pros: All US Maps fit on one Gig SD - Almost never wrong.
Cons: Could use some help signaling successful Bluetooth connection
Great product when used with the Parrot CK3300 Bluetooth Hands Free and GPS receiver!!
I use it with my Treo 650. When I am in the car the Treo with the Navigator software and using my Parrot CK3300 Bluetooth car kit with its own GPS Bluetooth GPS receiver I have a full turn by teurn nav system. When ina rental or some one else's car, the GPS reveicer works great.
All in All FANTASTIC!
I use it with my Treo 650. When I am in the car the Treo with the Navigator software and using my Parrot CK3300 Bluetooth car kit with its own GPS Bluetooth GPS receiver I have a full turn by turn nav system. When ina rental or some one else's car, the GPS reveicer works great.
All in All FANTASTIC!
out of 41 user reviews
Not perfect, but close
Pros: Maps are very well done
Cons: Cannot travel between geographic regions
out of 41 user reviews
Best Consumer GPS Product Out There
Pros: Excellent 3D Display
Cons: Bluetooth Pairing Can Be Tricky with Microsoft
However, you should be aware that TomTom develops a core GPS engine then tweaks it for various different hardware devices. So TomTom Navigator 5, TomTom Mobile 5, and the TomTom software installed on the GO series are all practically identical. So my comments are applicable to all these platforms.
I use my own bluetooth GPS receiver (not the one provided by TomTom), so the software can be paired with any such device.
The TomTom software provides an excellent 3D view that for all practical purposes matches the exact road-layout you see in front of you as you drive. It provides road names on major roads as you approach them, allowing you to easily confirm where you are. And best of all, TomTom provides the best verbal instructions I've encountered in any GPS software, which gives you plenty of advanced warning on any upcoming maneuvers.
The software is very configurable, with a whole bunch of options you can tweak (display colors, spoken voice, spoken language etc etc).
After you enter a destination, TomTom gives you the choice of picking the shortest route, fastest route, avoiding tollways (if it determines there is one on your potential route), avoiding freeways etc etc.
There is a nice feature called advanced planning which, if you aren't yet sitting in your car ready to go, allows you to plug in the start and end destinations, and gives you a preview of the calculated route. You can look at the preview in the form of map instructions (just like Yahoo or MapQuest turn-by-turn directions) and it even lets you simulate taking the journey so you can see what it "looks" like, complete with spoken directions. This feature does not require the GPS receiver, so its very handy for showing off to your colleagues in the office.
There is a whole POI (point-of-interest) database provided which I must admit I don't use too much. Can be handy if you're running out of gas and want to be alerted to where the nearest gas station is. The POI shows up on the display, and an audible alert can be optionally configured.
I've seen one review which criticized TomTom for its POI implementation, because a user couldn't find his nearest bank. However I tend to use address type navigation. I can browse to my bank's web site on my phone, find the address of the nearest branch, plug that in to TomTom and I'm good to go.
The GPS software is very good at recalculating your route if you make a wrong turn. But this should be standard with any modern day GPS software. I have encountered one slightly incorrect location in all my use so far. The software calculated the destination was about 500 yds away from the actual location. Note this is an issue with the underlying map used by TomTom (which is supplied by a 3rd party), and not a direct fault of the TomTom software. I encountered the exact same error with a competitor's product (which used the same map provider).
All in all I highly recommend this software (on whichever platform you choose). There is a very large and active user community for TomTom products, more so than for any other consumer GPS device. And you can find a lot of information and extra goodies for TomTom products. Fancy spoken directions by Darth Vader? Its out there in the public domain. So is a speed camera database for the UK (very handy when I return on vacation to my homeland).
No other product has such a vibrant, informative, friendly and vocal user community.
out of 41 user reviews
Great GPS Well worth the money!
Pros: Easy to use. Easy to read maps. Intuitive Interface
Cons: Not able to download voices and POI's yet
out of 41 user reviews
Product seems promising but QA and CS lacking
Pros: Small and portable
Cons: Documentation, quality assurance, and customer service are poor
My replacement GPS unit arrived and has been working as I had expected from the beginning. Coldstart times feel appropriate now and the power button has functioned for a week. If I could revise my original score I would now rate the unit an 8.
I'm not sure if the CNET reviewer has a newer version of the regional US maps than I have, but my Midwest map is missing the state of Indiana and has Idaho instead! It looks like Technical Support is swamped with questions, as it's been a week and a half since my inquiry without a response. Otherwise, the GPS has functioned as expected over the last few months.
out of 41 user reviews
Great Navigation Tool for Treo 650
Pros: Seamless integration with Treo 650 and its Contacts, very powerful GPS receiver, great software, great maps
Cons: No complete USA map, u have to change regional maps as u travel to different region
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