GPS Tracklog

TomTom XL 330-S review

The TomTom XL 330-S updates the TomTom ONE XL-S, with a new design that includes a built-in mount, dubbed the EasyPort^TM, that stows on the back of the device. Other than the form factor and re-designed speaker, this new entry level model is almost identical to its older sibling.

TomTom HD Traffic heading to U.S.

TomTom's HD traffic receiver has received FCC approval, so it appears that TomTom will be the second manufacturer to bring crowdsourced traffic to the U.S. There's no word yet on how soon it will become available, who their carrier will be or what the fee structure will look like.

TomTom GO 730 review

The TomTom GO 730 updates the TomTom GO 720 with several new features -- advanced lane guidance (pictured above), IQ Routes^TM and voice address input. I'll delve into those a little later in the review. First, the basics...

The 730 sports a 4.3" touch screen, maps of the U.S. and Canada, along with text-to-speech. The latter feature means that you'll hear "turn left on Oak Street" rather than just "turn left in 1/4 mile." It also includes a built-in FM transmitter and TomTom's Map Share technology, which allows users to make some map corrections and share them with others. TomTom doesn't give an exact number of points of interest (POIs) on their devices; they simply say "millions." Regardless, I find TomTom devices to have an adequate number of POIs.

TomTom ONE 130 review

The TomTom ONE 130 updates the TomTom ONE 3rd edition, with a new design that includes a built-in mount, dubbed the EasyPort^TM, that stows on the back of the device. Other than the form factor, this new entry level model is almost identical to its older sibling.

Step up to the TomTom ONE 130S and you'll also get text-to-speech, so you'll hear "turn right on Oak Street" rather than just "turn right in 1/4 mile." All the units mentioned above have a 3.5" color touch screen, while the TomTom XL 330 sports a 4.3" wide-screen. Otherwise, it is identical to the ONE 130. To see how the ONE 130 stacks up against other units, check out my TomTom comparison chart.

UPDATE: I've posted a detailed hands-on review of the TomTom XL 330-S, which is identical to the TomTom ONE 130 except that it offers text-to-speech and a 4.3" screen.

Upgrade your maps within 30 days of buying a GPS

It appears that TomTom and Garmin have both adopted a formal policy of allowing free map upgrades within 30 days of registering a unit. Wait 31 days and you no longer qualify. Hence, I am recommending that anyone purchasing an auto GPS register their device immediately to see if they qualify for a free upgrade.

TomTom GO 930 vs Garmin nuvi 780 road trip

Anyone trying to decide between a high-end TomTom and a Garmin might want to check out this 8,000 mile road trip comparing the nuvi 780 and GO 930. I'll be very interested to see their conclusions at the end of the journey.

TomTom reportedly drops plans to enter cell phone market

DigiTimes is reporting that TomTom has no plans to produce their own brand of cell phone, despite previous reports to the contrary. This is not surprising given their financial situation combined with the costly acquisition of Tele Atlas.

You can read the story here, but the link will probably only work for a few days unless you are a DigiTimes  subscriber.

TomTom announces four new models with integrated mounts

UPDATE: Read my TomTom ONE 130 review and my hands-on TomTom XL 330-S review.

TomTom is announcing four new models today, the numerically awkward TomTom ONE 130, ONE 130-S, XL 330 and XL 330-S. These entry level to mid-range navigators incorporate many of the recent TomTom innovations such as Map Share and the Help Me emergency menu. Add on options include gas prices and TMC traffic. (EDIT: I've been notified that, even though it was listed on the promo sheets I received, gas prices are not an option on the four new models, only on the GO 730, 920 and 930.)

What's new though is the integrated mount, dubbed EasyPort^TM. That's right, the mount stows on the back of the device as seen above. We don't have detailed specs yet, but the reported thickness is less than 1.5" with the mount folded in place. TomTom is touting the thinness of these devices, though in my mind that's still a bit bulky for your shirt pocket.

TomTom GO 730 and 930 announced

UPDATE: Read our TomTom GO 730 review.

TomTom is announcing two new products today — the TomTom GO 730 and 930.

The new x30 series incorporates a couple of new features — lane separation / complex junction details being one, but perhaps most exciting is the integration of historical average speed data for improved routing.

NOTE: Originally this post mentioned two other models that would include a traffic receiver, a 730T and 930T. I've been told now that those models have not been announced. It would not surprise me to see them at some point in the future though. Who knows, maybe they changed their mind because they are getting close to bring high-definition (HD) traffic to the U.S.

 

Map Share and Help Me free upgrades for TomTom owners

TomTom has quietly been updating the firmware of older units, adding their new Map Share and Help Me features. Newly supported units include the TomTom GO 300, 510, 700, and 910, along with the TomTom ONE and ONE XL. To upgrade, simply connect your device to TomTom HOME. The only catch is that, for most models, you'll need to have a map version of 6.75 or higher.