GPS Navigation History:
I joined Honda (Alpine), autonomous Garmin and Ford Sync Audio GPS navigation devices.
Honda navigation Loved for its size, and I hated it because the changes were scarce and expensive.
Loved the Garmin to keep up, but I hated it because I always seemed to change his mind too much, or directly at me strange areas.
I do not care for Ford Sync navigation, as it was not a visual navigation system. Included free with the car but I prefer not to. Maybe just a product as "back-up if the TomTom is not - although I do not think I ever will.
I sold my Honda needed a new navigation system.
I bought the XXL 540TM ...
1) Screen Size
2) Frequent updates of maps (one year + Map Share 4x)
3) The ability to customize (lots of places to play)
4) Quality and well known (I've always heard "Garmin" is the best, but when I tried Garmin, I do not like!)
5) Guide rail
6) IQ Routes (knowing they were the best ways to use)
Indeed, in case you are wondering "TM" stands for "Traffic" and "Maps," indicating that there is no free transit and map updates. I had no problem entering the "Maps and lifetime traffic" code provided.
What's in the box:
-> GPS device itself
-> Window Mount (suction cup)
Pads> Panel "sticky" -
-> USB cable (for connecting to PC)
- Car> Power Adapter
-> Configuration Guide
-> Piece of paper with a code valid for the lifetime Map / traffic updates
The first thing I did was connect to my PC and run all updates. (A new map available + + GPSFix Map Share.) Took about 1.5 hours a day all. After he was done, it took about 96% of the internal memory of 2GB. (I do not see how it used to before upgrading.) There is a lot of "leeway" to add more features. No SD slot for adding memory, too.
A major drawback is that I like the ease with which the device "is off 'of the windscreen. (See below for an explanation under the title" The Bad "below.) I'm thinking of getting a mount (no adhesive) weighted / padded seat on the panel.
The good:
Screen Size + met my expectations. Easy to see everything on the screen
+ Start up time (including time lock on the satellites) seemed fast enough
+ The roads were current and properly labeled. Finds no error
+ I allowed customize virtually everything he wanted.
+ Worked perfectly as a navigation device. This is where I felt Garmin was gone. With all the features of a Garmin has never seemed to 'sail' I liked. Of all the resources, "navigation" is the most important, TomTom is good that I've ever seen.
+ Pronounced few "hard to say" the roads perfectly! I'm sure to find something that is not correct, but Garmin / Sync struggled to say the names of the roads.
The "OK":
+ - Traffic RDS is only updated (sent by the local radio station FM). This is what I paid. RDS updates only the main highways (interstates) and scored an accident / road construction / road closures. It only worked when the cord was plugged into the accessory power in the car (as functions of antenna cable.)'d Rather TomTom GO / Live product line that has a "mobile" built-in for more details and Current traffic information. But they were out of reach. The XXL 540TM is "enough" for traffic worthwhile.
+ - It takes some time to calculate a route long distance. But I also know that he is using the IQ Routes to choose the best paths. It looked like 1 or 2 seconds longer than it should be, but certainly not a huge problem.
The bad:
- Internal Memory not expandable. 96% did not use "extras" installed? Hope you do not need more ...
- When the navigation map (by dragging your finger) is a little 'lag'. Do not expect perfection, but it seemed slow. Fortunately, I have no intention to consult maps, many times, so I'll deal with it. I tried to put Points of Interest (POI), 3D maps and out (through maps rather than 2D), and does not seem to make a difference. I am impressed with the detail that was, but I was happy to wait 10 seconds for the screen to finish "designed."
- Mounting the windshield seemed to "pop off" easily. When you draw in the windshield, I have to use two hands to 'hold' and GPS keep you connected to the assembly to be adapted. I think it's useful for people who leave the mount attached to the windshield. I prefer to remove the device and mount and hide when not in use. (I think that a thief knows that the assembly is a GPS and the GPS is hidden in the car somewhere.)
I have yet to test this on a long trip or complex, but I have no doubt that I have seen so far that he'll be fine.
Overall I am happy with the device. Happier than I was with Sync, the Alps, or Garmin. I consider myself an "average" user's browser (not a beginner, not a specialist) and update the review after using it more.
Note: I ordered through Amazon, with "Beach House" salesperson. He has ONE (1) business day after I ordered! I used to transport "Standard", and FedEx (delivery service) was delivered quickly. Very happy with e-mails navigation and speed camera beach!
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UPDATE 11/18/2010:
I thought I would provide an update after 6 months of use the TomTom device:
1) I am still very happy! It is the first GPS I've used that "just works" and I'm glad you do not have to mess with it.
2) that has mastered the technique of adjusting the position of the screen while maintaining the suction. In May, when I first saw it, I was concerned about how "easily" hit it off. Now, it's still annoying, but I minimized the number of times you pass, holding properly. It bothers me enough to buy a different position / title.
3) The vacuum still holds up very well. He has not fallen yet. (I on / off the windshield every time you use.)
4) Receiver: I've been happy with the alternating directions / road closures. It is very accurate, even in rural areas, where road closures expected to display.
5) long-distance travel: I've used it for some long trips (1000 miles) and had no problem with it. I found the "estimated" time is extremely accurate. There was more than 10 minutes. (I calculated the time it stopped for gas and said the original estimate.)
6) Battery life: I discovered the life of the battery is holding charge a little less than it used to, but nothing I feel is alarming. Most times, I have the power cord connected in some way (so get traffic updates with the antenna built into the cable.)
In general, this is my favorite GPS. What was the connection to the computer less and less (ie I'm losing patches "Map Share" again). I decided to do the last update of the map. Why? Well, I think that everything is working fine the way it is. ¿I can upgrade if I have free time. This is in sharp contrast to my previous GPS, when I pray for updates to address persistent problems. TomTom is great and had no major complaints. I'm not in the market to buy a new GPS because I'm finally satisfied.
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UPDATE 03/06/2011:
Here is an update after a year of using this device!
1) The battery is holding charge less than last year but still has a duration of 6-8 hours without a charge. Not a problem for me because I use the car adapter in most cases.
2) I went to Canada and the maps were accurate! In fact, I liked that TomTom has said the speed limits of roads. (Signature says the speed limit 100 km, showed that the 60 mph limit TomTom.) I found this article useful, so I had to squint to "mph" small speedometer in my car. I made this trip before in the past (without my TomTom) and choose "avoid tolls" on this trip. TomTom beautiful found a route that I did not know. IQ Routes is used to get all the rush hour traffic too! I used the "Itinerary" feature for the first time and found it worked very well. I programmed destinations 07.06 the night before my trip. The next day, just opened the route and asked if I wanted to go to the first. I also ended up re-order a destination for later in the trip, and found an option to change the order. Very useful!
3) I updated my map only once (just before my trip to Canada). I installed it on a new computer. I was worried that TomTom does not "know" who was eligible for the free maps on my new computer. But I had no problem at all! For those of you who do not know, all updates to its maps, color schemes to download icons (etc) are made through TomTom HOME software. Create an account with TomTom and the TomTom HOME software uses this account to "know" is entitled to map updates for life.
4) I found a piece that does not work for me. I can not use the "radar" add-in TomTom HOME. I research though. I got an error message when trying to add it. No big deal for me because I only planned to add curiosity. A quick Google search reveals not a widespread problem. I'll update this review if I find a cause / solution.
5) Yes, GPS is still "appears off" the hill with ease. It bothers me from time to time, but not enough to buy a different mount / base.
6) I'm in the market for a new GPS? No! Being very happy with this. (I was sick of all the other GPS within 6 months of use. But knowing that I still love this TomTom after a year says a lot!)
TomTom good work, you have exceeded my expectations. Thanks!
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