Gaining access to map updates and other downloadable content is accomplished through the TomTom Home software that is embedded in the One's onboard memory. Simply connect the One to your computer via USB and the software prompts a quick installation, no CDs required. Once installed, the TomTom Home software allows users to download updates, back up data, plan routes, and even play with a virtual representation of their One 140 S.
Other optional features are downloadable fuel prices that can be had via subscription and an add-on RDS-TMS receiver that can keep you up to date on traffic incidents along your route.
Performance
We found that the TomTom One 140 S was quick to boot and satellite acquisition was fast, averaging just under a minute for cold starts with a clear sky.
The onscreen keypad can be configured in A-Z or QWERTY layouts. Our preferred layout, QWERTY, features much smaller keys than the alphabetical layout--thanks to the addition of a numeric row--and therefore they are more difficult to accurately hit. Users with big fingers may want to cross-shop the TomTom XL 340 S, with its larger, wide-screen format.
Destination entry is superspeedy, thanks to the One 140 S's intuitive autocomplete feature.
POIs can be searched by name or browsed by broad category (restaurant, gas station, lodging) but cannot be grouped by subcategory (for example, Mexican or Japanese restaurants).
However, when choosing a route, the TomTom One's speedy response slowed considerably, particularly if the vehicle was moving during routing. Upon closer inspection, we found that the device was still digesting the updated map data provided by the TomTom Map Share service during the last sync.
Subsequent destinations chosen from a stationary vehicle were routed in a matter of seconds.
In sum
The TomTom One 140 S sits in an interesting location: at the top TomTom's entry-level. Here, it is able to hit a sweet spot by offering fairly advanced features--such as advanced lane guidance, the always-useful text-to-speech function, and daily updates of local fuel prices--while keeping its price relatively affordable.
Users who are looking for a larger screen should check out the TomTom XL 340 S, which is identical for all intents, with the exception of a larger 4.3-inch-wide screen. Those who aren't fans of TomTom's interface should look to the Garmin Nuvi 1200, which features a similar feature set (swapping lane guidance and fuel prices for Eco Routes and multimedia features), for about the same MSRP.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- TomTom
Where to buy
TomTom One 140 S portable navigation device:
$110.00 - $199.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$199.99 | Yes |
|
|
$129.95 | Yes |
|
|
$129.00 | See Site |
|
|
$129.95 | Yes |
|
|
Amazon.com Marketplace
|
$110.00 | Yes |
|
%20reviews%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com./car-gps-navigation/tomtom-one-140-s/4505-3430_7-33605479-2.html){kind=small}