TomTom GO 510 review

The TomTom GO 510 is an older unit with a four-inch wide touch-screen, iPod compatibility, the SiRFstar III chipset, a 1 GB SD card, and hands free calling (with a compatible Bluetooth cellphone).

The North American version features pre-loaded maps of the US and Canada. The European version of the TomTom GO 510 features major roads throughout Europe and detailed maps of your region.

To see how the TomTom GO 510 compares to newer models, check out our TomTom comparison chart.

Compare prices on the TomTom GO 510

Before we hear from others, here's what Amazon has to say in their TomTom GO 510 review:

"The TomTom GO 510 Portable GPS Vehicle Navigator improves upon TomTom's line of all-in-one portable navigation solutions that work straight out of the box. The 510 features a new cutting-edge design that includes a high-quality, extra-wide, four-inch LCD touch screen that offers the ultimate in readability and ease of use. The GO 510 also includes the software application TomTom HOME and the HOME dock, which serves as a portal that enables you to easily manage, download and store content from your home computer. With the GO 510, TomTom has also improved their renowned hands-free calling functionality for additional safety, and the pre-installed Safety Camera database makes it easier and safer than ever to navigate to your destination. In short, with hundreds of features and software improvements, the GO 510 has greatly improved on TomTom's already outstanding GPS performance..."

More TomTom GO 510 reviews

• Readers are posting TomTom 510 reviews at Amazon.com.
• Nicholas Prada has posted a video TomTom 510 review.
• TomTom 510 reviews are beginning to show up at Cnet.
• Here's a head to head comparison of the TomTom GO 510 and Magellan RoadMate 3000T.
• Rama Roberts posted his initial thoughts upon first trying a TomTom GO 510.

I'll be posting more hands on reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some...

Other TomTom GO 510 resources

• A link to the TomTom GO 510 owners manual.
• Here's another handy TomTom comparison chart.
• There is a TomTom GO message forum at Yahoo.
• There is also a great TomTom message forum at yourNAV.
• GpsPasSion has a TomTom message forum too.
• Finally, there is another message board at TomTomForums.com.
• Use the TomTom product advisor to help determine which unit works best for you.

The North American version features pre-loaded maps of the US and Canada. The European version of the TomTom GO 510 features major roads throughout Europe and detailed maps of your region.

To see how the TomTom GO 510 compares to newer models, check out our TomTom comparison chart.

Compare prices on the TomTom GO 510 at these merchants:

• Check the current TomTom GO 510 price at Amazon.com.
• Find the TomTom GO 510 Automotive GPS Traffic Navigation System at Tiger GPS.
• Get the TomTom GO 510 for an amazing price on eBay.

Feature list from the official TomTom GO 510 web page:

Easy to use:    

• Plug & GO: Works straight out of the box.
• Portable: Easy to take from car to car.
• Touchscreen: Easy to operate. And no awkward buttons!
• Extra wide LCD screen: 4 inch high quality LCD screen with crystal-clear 3D graphics, 480x272 pixels and 64,000 colors. For optimal visibility.

Best routes:    

• The latest and most complete maps: Detailed maps of the USA and Canada pre-installed on a SD card. Door-to-door navigation across the USA and Canada.
• Route choice: Plan your route to fit your requirements, such as: quickest, shortest, and avoiding toll roads, by required arrival time, etc.
• Points of Interest: Restaurant, parking garage, movie theater or gas station. Millions of POI’s pre-installed. Search by proximity to current location, on your route, near a specific city, etc.

Clear instructions:    

• Huge choice: TomTom GO 510 speaks 36 languages in over 50 different voices.

Hands-Free Calling and Hi-Fi audio:

Smart extras:    

• I-pod control: Connect your I-pod to your GO to operate it via your GO 510 touchscreen and enjoy mp3’s or Podcasts through the high quality speaker or via your car stereo. TomTom GO 510 supports the I-pod 3rd and higher generation (except the I-pod Shuffle).
• Home dock: Our easy-to-use home dock is the smart way to download from your pc or Mac, upgrade your GO and manage your files, all while automatically charging your device.

TomTom PLUS:    

• Real-time traffic: Up-to-the-minute traffic information, jam alerts and road condition warnings. Free trial, click here for offer and availability.
• Real-time weather reports: A real-time overview of the weather before you leave, including 5-day forecasts for the place you’re going.

Safety    

• TomTom is committed to make driving more safely on the roads. Our navigation systems encourage you to get from A to B as safely as possible:
• Clear & accurate spoken and visual instructions: Easy to follow, calm instructions given with plenty of notice mean that you can focus on your driving.
• Speeding alert: Alerts you that you’re speeding, even if you're not in navigation mode.
• Safety cameras: Receive and report alerts when there are safety cameras coming up, fixed or mobile.

Related posts:

• Auto GPS buyers guide
• TomTom GO 910 review
• TomTom ONE review

Comments

[Mouse]

Thanks for the info and links - very helpful. I think the 510 and 910 are great additions to the TomTom line up, espeically with the SiRF III chipset.

[Rich Owings]

Thanks for commenting. Yes, these SiRF III units are going to be very popular. There are lots of people out there lusting over them and wanting to upgrade.

[Rodney]

TomTom has been a great innovating force in the GPS industry and the rollout of the 910 just goes to show all the great work they are doing. I'm glad to find out that they have begun selling the TT ONE in the US-- I think the pricepoint on this device is going to hook a lot of people on to these great devices.

[Peter Haig]

Love the reviews but no one has said if any TomTom units also give the altitude readout. Can you inform me these do and if not, what GPS unit does give a readout on altitude?
Many thanks,
Peter

[Rich Owings]

Mmm, wish I had a TomTom here to check it out on. It would likely be on the satellite screen. My Garmin nuvi 660 shows elevation on the satellite screen.