Editor's note: The ratings on this product were adjusted on July 27, 2007.
With its last product release, TomTom threw just about every available feature into the TomTom GO 910: maps of the United States and Europe, text-to-speech functionality, iPod compatibility, Bluetooth, the list goes on. Yet as dazzling and feature-rich as it is, the GO 910 isn't for everyone, especially if you're new to the GPS scene, so to fill that need, the company is going back to basics with its TomTom One. The One does navigation, and that's it. It's perfect for first-time buyers or drivers who just need a simple solution for getting from point A to point B. Our only wish would be a slightly lower price point. Don't get us wrong; at $499, it's certainly one of the more affordable portable navigation systems on the market, but it faces some stiff competition from the similarly featured and cheaper Garmin StreetPilot i series. Still, if you're looking for your first in-car GPS device or a no-frills nav system, the TomTom One fits the bill.
The TomTom One features a supersleek design, measuring a compact 3.8 by 3.2 by 1.0 inches and weighing 6.1 ounces. It sports an attractive silver-and-black color scheme and reminds us of a mini TV. In keeping with theme of simplicity, the only external control on the device is the power button on top. A tiny LED next to it lights up when you're charging the internal battery. All other commands are entered via the One's 3.5-inch touch screen. It displays 64,000 colors at a 320x240 pixel resolution, which is an improvement over the Garmin StreetPilot i3's 32,000 color output.
On the bottom of the unit, you'll find an SD card slot and a mini USB port, while the speaker is located on the back. In addition, there's a port for connecting an external antenna for enhanced reception; the TomTom One's GPS receiver is built into the device, so you don't have to worry about flipping up any antennas as you have to with some systems. Below the speaker are two grooves where you can attach the included windshield mount. The apparatus is easy to slide on and holds the unit firmly in place; plus, the suction cup mount is also quite strong. TomTom also packages the One with a car charger, a USB cable (which you can also use to charge the device), a memory card preloaded with maps, and reference material.
As we just mentioned, all the maps of the United States and Canada are preloaded on the included 1GB SD card, so to get started, simply insert it into the TomTom One's expansion slot--no need to transfer maps from your computer. You will, however, have to go through a process of entering product and device codes to get the maps activated (have these numbers and a pencil and notepad handy) as well as answer a few questions about your map and system preferences--for example, whether you want distance displayed in miles or kilometers and voice selection for audible prompts. All in all, it takes about five minutes.
