While having all of the extra bells and whistles on your GPS device is important, I have always said that if you have to pick just one thing, pick lifetime maps. A lot of people don’t’ realize that your GPS is really only as good as your maps, and the ability to update maps without an additional fee is really worth the extra money and will greatly improve the life, value and usability of your device.
Generally, devices come with lifetime maps for only the specific continent or region in which you live. Well, now TomTom has gone a step further. The newest TomTom GO devices will all include lifetime world maps, meaning that users will not have to pay an additional fee to access TomTom’s excellent maps of other countries and continents. I am fairly sure that this is an industry first, as I’ve not seen any such capabilities from the other main GPS companies, although no doubt they will soon follow.
Continuing the confusing trend of using the same device numbers as previously-released GPS units, the new TomTom GO devices are numbered 510, 610, 5100 and 6100. Unlike the earlier versions of the same number, these devices come in five or six inch sizes and feature an interactive screen on which users can pinch, zoom and swipe to navigate. The devices also have compatibility with MyDrive.
Other features include:
- Lifetime Safety Camera Alerts
- TomTom traffic (via smartphone connect on 510/610, via SIM on 5100/6100)
- Advanced Land Guidance
- Quick Search
- Preloaded POIs
- 3D Maps
- Voice Recognition
- Convenient ‘Drive Home’ and ‘Drive to Work’ buttons
“With the addition of lifetime world maps and lifetime speed cameras to our new TomTom GO devices, we’re offering the most comprehensive package to drivers that we’ve ever launched. Our aim is to help you avoid the jams, getting to your destination faster, wherever in the world you might be,” said Corinne Vigreux, co-founder and Managing Director, TomTom Consumer in a statement.
According to the press release, the new TomTom GO devices should be available in stores and online now for about $220. However, at the time of publication, I couldn’t find the links on the website.
