TomTom ONE review

UPDATE: This unit has been replaced by the TomTom ONE 3rd edition and the even newer TomTom ONE 130 and TomTom ONE 130-S.

The TomTom ONE (original edition) is a small, pocket-sized device, similar in form to Garmin's nuvi, and it is a more basic navigational device than some other TomTom units. Rather than try to cover the differences here, check out our TomTom GPS comparison chart.

The ONE comes with pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada, voice-prompted directions, a color touch-screen and the SiRFstar III chipset.

Compare prices on the TomTom ONE

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

"Coming to the United States after making a splash across Europe, the TomTom ONE is a complete portable GPS vehicle navigation device with an incredible range of features. A sleek design, comprehensive wireless capabilities, and a sharp display combine to make the TomTom ONE a vital companion on the road. Like TomTom's other navigation systems, ONE gives you coverage in all fifty of the United States...."

More TomTom ONE reviews

• TomTom One reviews have been posted by owners at Amazon.
• GPS Magazine has posted an in-depth TomTom ONE review, complete with lots of photos and screen shots.
• PC Mag gives a "very good" (4 out of a possible 5) in their TomTom ONE review.
• CNet gives a 6.3 out of 10 rating in their TomTom ONE review. Consumer reviews are also posted.
• GPS Lodge has posted an in-depth TomTom ONE review.
• Consumers are also posting TomTom ONE reviews at CompUSA.
• Pocket-lint reviews the TomTom ONE Europe.
• Techworld reviews the TomTom ONE, comparing it to a PDA, the HP iPaq rx5000 Travel Companion.
• Laptop Magazine has posted their TomTom ONE review, giving it 4 out of 5 stars.
• SiliconRepublic.com reviews the TomTom ONE.
• GpsPasSion looks at the TomTom ONE version 3 with the Global Locate chipset.
• BayReviews gives a perfect 5 star rating in their TomTom ONE review.
• LordPercy reviews the TomTom ONE Europe.
• Technocrat has posted their own TomTom ONE review.
• TopSpeed reviews the TomTom ONE.
• Gadgetnutz has posted a TomTom ONE review.
• A personal review of the TomTom ONE.
• Here's a brief TomTom ONE review.
• Kyle Hahn has also posted a TomTom ONE review.
• A TomTom ONE mini-review.
• Kartoys reviews the TomTom ONE.
• The Engine Revolution posts a TomTom ONE review.
• Kaiyen reviews the TomTom ONE.
• PC Authority reviews the TomTom ONE from Down Under.

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

Other TomTom ONE resources

• Another handy TomTom GPS comparison chart.
• The TomTom ONE owners manual.
• YourNav hosts a TomTom message forum.
• GpsPasSion also has a TomTom message forum.
• There is also a message board at TomTomForums.com.
• Use the TomTom product advisor to help determine which unit works best for you.

Compare prices on the TomTom ONE at these merchants:

• Check the current TomTom ONE price at Amazon.com.
• Get the TomTom ONE Compact Portable Automotive GPS System at TigerGPS, where you get free shipping on orders above $250.
• Buy the Tomtom One GPS Navigation System (MPN: ONE) from TheNerds.net.
• Find the TomTom ONE for an amazing price at eBay!

Feature list from the official TomTom ONE web page:

Easy to use:    
* Plug & Go: Works straight out of the box.    
* High quality touchscreen    
* User-friendly menu with high resolution graphics    
* Tip Feature: discover everything ONE has to offer through useful onscreen tips.    * Fast GPS signal fix  
* Portable, lightweight and wallet-sized

Drive relaxed, travel safely, arrive on time!    
* Latest and most complete maps on SD card: door-to-door navigation anywhere in USA and Canada    
* Choice of routes: such as quickest, shortest, avoiding toll roads, pedestrian and bicycling routes    
* Itinerary planning: plan your trip by defining multiple waypoints and destinations   * Route planning based on desired arrival time    
* Optional warning when exceeding recorded speed limit (available on most highways and major roads) * Car speed linked volume: volume of voice instructions will increase/decrease depending on speed of car.    
* Anti-glare screen: always an optimal view

Clear instructions:    
* Crystal clear 3D and 2D graphics for perfect viewing day and night    
* View route: review and test the calculated route before you start driving    
* Clear spoken instructions in your own language (36 languages to choose from and 55 different voices available)    
* User interface: now including 22 languages    
* Sign post information: exit sign info displayed in navigation mode    
* Compass Mode: displays compass on screen to have even better orientation while driving.

Services & Smart extras    
* Built-in Bluetooth™ technology - Easy connection process to the mobile phone; Remembers up to 5 different mobile phones to connect to    
* Ready for TomTom PLUS services: real time information on traffic congestions, weather conditions and extra downloads such as detailed city maps, scenic routes, additional voices, Points Of Interest and much more. (Bluetooth enabled mobile phone and GPRS data subscription required)    
* TomTom HOME software: the essential tool to keep your TomTom up to date, easily install maps and services, shop for more services, prepare trips and much, much more    
* Buddy finder: instant messaging and navigation come together. Locate and keep in touch with your friends    
* Downloadable points of interest

Related posts:

• Our GPS reviews
• Auto GPS buyers guide
• Top ten auto GPS

Comments

[Roberto Moncada]

Hi,
I have a TomTom One XL, and I am looking for a map of Mexico. Or a software to construct a map of all the places where I go, and then upload to my device.

Thank You for your comments.
rewards.

Roberto

[MEKKMan]

My son gave me a TomTom One for Christmas. We used it for our trip back from Huntsville Alabama to our rural SD home. Simple to set up a trip. Amazing accuracy! It announced our arrival at our driveway exactly! It navigated us into St. Louis differently from the way we have always gone. TomTom's route was better -less traffic (at 5PM) and faster.

After I got home, I hooked it up to my laptop and downloaded the latest SW. When I restarted the unit it reported there were no map files. Fortunately I'd backed it up before I "updated". Restoring from back up "fixed" the problem. Now I can't tell if I'm running the latest SW or not. But, it works.

The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't report the altitude.

[Rich Owings]

Thanks MEKKMan. I don't have a TomTom ONE here to test right now, but under "preferences" there is a "Configure GPS" option. Will that show elevation?

[Louis Agius]

THE TOMTOM ASKED ME TO PLUG IT TO MY CONPUTER FOR UPDATES , WINDOWS DID NOT INSTALL DRIVERSWHEN I DID IT SAID

And on the tomtom screen I keep getting

Do you want to connect to your computer
I say yesit loads something and goes back to
Do you want to connect to your computer