July 14, 2008

TomTom XL 330-S review

Tomtom_xl_330s

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

The TomTom XL 330-S sports a 4.3" wide screen. The S in the product name refers to text-to-speech, so you'll hear "turn right, Oak Street," instead of just "turn right," which is what you'll get if you drop down to the TomTom XL 330.

Compare prices on the TomTom XL 330-S

The TomTom ONE 130 and 130-S offer the same features as the XL 330 series, albeit with a smaller 3.5" screen. All of the above units come with pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada.

To see how the XL 330-S compares to other TomTom units, check out my TomTom comparison chart.

EasyPortTM mount

The new mount stows on the device itself. I found it to be a little unintuitive at first, so I'll go into some detail here on how it works. Take a look at the image below. The round, hard plastic piece under the suction mount twists to apply (or release) suction from the windshield. I really like this part of the mount, and found it easier to use than a the typical suction lever.

Tomtom_easyport_mount

The swivel joint on the mount was very tight though, so tight in fact that I was afraid I would break the mount when I tried to move it. In fact, the mount did pop off the back of the device, as shown below. Don't worry if this happens; it's quite easy to pop it back on. It seems like this joint loosened up a bit during the review period.

Easyport_disassembled

While many people seem to like the EasyPort mount, I'm not a big fan for the following reasons:

  • As mentioned above, the swivel joint is so tight, the entire mount can come apart as you try to adjust the angle on your windshield; this may not be a problem in the long run, if indeed the joint loosens over time
  • The mount is so compact that the device ends up being out of reach when placed low on many windshields
  • It's still not compact enough to fit comfortably in your shirt pocket

I hope to have a post up about an alternative mounting system in the next few days.

TomTom XL 330-S speaker

One other improvement TomTom wanted to make with this device was a better quality speaker than that found on earlier TomTom ONE and XL models. In some ways they succeeded, because the speaker is certainly powerful enough. Unfortunately, sometimes it is too loud and sometimes it is too soft, regardless of whether or not you choose the "link volume to car speed option." Some consumer reviews of the XL 330 series report speaker problems, while others say it is fine.

TomTom XL 330-S routing

Routing was a mixed bag. On the one hand, the TomTom actually performed better than my Garmin nuvi on some routes in town. However, I did have one bizarre route generated, where the unit didn't appear to know about a 30 year old Interstate ramp. Once I ventured off the beaten track, more problems cropped up.

For example, on a trip to DuPont State Forest, the unit routed me up a five mile long gravel road, instead of taking a major paved road that was a comparable distance. I had the unit set to "always plan fastest routes." There is not an "avoid unpaved roads" option.

On the way back, it tried to route me a very indirect way that it estimated would take 1 hour and 30 minutes. I kept going the more direct way that I knew and within a few minutes it picked up that route, estimating 1 hour and 7 minutes travel time.

All GPS units will misdirect you occasionally, so these instances should be considered anecdotal. Nevertheless, I am beginning to wonder more about the Tele Atlas maps found on TomTom devices and a few other brands, after several recent review units generated unusual (and inefficient) routes.

One routing interface feature I did like was the option to close the route summary screen (shown below) automatically after 10 seconds.  This way you don't have to press the "done" button. It's this sort of attention to detail that makes the TomTom interface a joy to use.

Route_summary

TomTom XL 330-S interface

As usual, TomTom presents an intuitive interface while still managing to provide the user with lots of options for customization. It's not as drop dead simple as a Garmin nuvi, but there is a lot more you can do with it.

The main map screen is shown below. The information on the status bar can be customized (options are also shown below).

Map_screen

Status_bar_options_1

Status_bar_options_2

Map Share and Help Me

Map Share allows you to make certain map corrections on the device, while the Help Me! feature allows you to locate nearby emergency services. I covered both of these features in more detail in my TomTom GO 730 review, so rather than repeat myself, I'm going to direct you to the Map Share and Help Me! sections of that review.

TomTom XL 330-S Pros

  • Many options for customization
  • A very easy setup process (Q&A format) is followed by a brief but helpful tour of device features
  • Search fields default to most recent entries for city, street, etc.
  • Can search addresses by zip code
  • Multi-destination routing allows you to store destinations for a trip, but does not automatically advance to the next destination
  • Map Share allows you to make map corrections
  • Help Me! emergency services screen
  • Can search for POI near current locations, along route, near destination, etc.
  • Can select specific POI categories to show on map
  • Can add POIs and POI categories
  • Option to switch off when external power lost
  • Can choose ABCD, QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard layout

TomTom XL 330-S Cons

  • Screen is not bright enough and will appear washed out in direct sunlight
  • The mini USB connection for the car charger is recessed and difficult to plug in properly
  • No POI subcategories, so you can't search for restaurants by cuisine or shops by type (hardware, etc.)
  • Street name pronunciation is weak
  • Multi-destination routing does not automatically advance to the next destination
  • Does not auto power on when starting car
  • You cannot browse the map from the map screen; you must choose "Browse map" from the main menu

Recommendation

The TomTom XL 330-S is a good choice for someone who wants a basic GPS that they can customize. It is less appropriate for people who get lost in menus or just want a simple, easy to operate device.

More TomTom XL 330-S reviews

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

Other TomTom XL 330-S resources

Compare prices on the TomTom XL 330-S at these merchants:

From the official TomTom XL 330-S web page:

TomTom’s award-winning software means easy navigation from A to B. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just enter the address on the touchscreen and start driving anywhere in the US or Canada. TomTom guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions including street and place names. An extra-wide touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share™ technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, and POIs on your own device. The XL 330•S is preloaded with millions of points of interest to enhance your traveling experience. And with the “Help Me!” menu, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The TomTom XL 330•S is traffic-ready, so you can outsmart the traffic, wherever you go. Go confidently.

Related posts:

Jul 14, 2008 6:28:28 AM | GPS Reviews, Hardware, TomTom

2 Comments

H. H.

I have a TomTom XL 330-S but I do not know how to make it say street names (text to speech feature) . Did I miss something. Could you please show me how to unleash this feature .
Thanks
CN

Posted by: H. H. | September 01, 2008 at 01:14 PM

Rich Owings

Go to Preferences > Voice Preferences > Change Voice. Then choose a voice that says something beside it like Computer or TTS. I can't recall how TomTom lists it, but I think it's one of the two.

Posted by: Rich Owings | September 01, 2008 at 03:07 PM

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