Sunday, March 18, 2012

TomTom hacks – aerial photos and more

I came across some great TomTom hacks this weekend, including one for aerial photos (or any kind of raster imagery). I haven’t tried any of these out, so you’re kind of on your own here. As always, I’d do a full backup of the unit before trying them. Regardless, these look like some great resources for the TomTom enthusiast:

read more

Should I buy a refurbished or older GPS?

I'm seeing more refurbished GPS receivers advertised for sale these days. In many consumer electronics categories, such devices can be a good deal. But buying a refurbished GPS carries a special risk. Occasionally, some of these units come with outdated maps. Since there is no way to tell until you fire up the unit and look at the map version, I suggest you check the store's restocking / return policy if you go this route.

read more

Navigating thru a winter wonderland

Confusing signs in snow

There's a confusing enough array of GPS units on the market, but around the holidays the major manufacturers start throwing out units you've never heard of and have never seen reviewed. Some are exclusive to one retailer, while others are bargain-basement stripped down devices. Here's what the major manufacturers have on tap for the holidays this year…

read more

TomTom XL 330 review

Tomtom_xl_330

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For a list of current TomTom models and their features, please see our TomTom comparison chart.

The TomTom XL 330 updates the TomTom ONE XL 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.

read more

TomTom XL 330-S review

TomTom XL 330S review
UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For a list of current TomTom models and their features, please see our TomTom comparison chart.

Hands on with the 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. read more

TomTom GO 730 review

Tomtom_go_730_review

UPDATE: An even newer model, the TomTom GO 740 LIVE, adds connected services such as Google Local search.

UPDATE 2: This model has been discontinued. For a list of current TomTom models and their features, please see our TomTom comparison chart.

The TomTom GO 730 updates the TomTom GO 720 with several new features — advanced lane guidance (pictured above), IQ RoutesTM and voice address input. I’ll delve into those a little later in the review. First, the basics…

read more

Upgrade your maps within 30 days of buying a GPS

UPDATE: Garmin has updated their policy with their nuMaps guarantee, which gives users 60 90 days to register their device. Follow the link for more details.

It appears that TomTom and Garmin have both adopted a formal policy of allowing free map upgrades within 30 days of registering a unit. Wait 31 days and you no longer qualify. Hence, I am recommending that anyone purchasing an auto GPS register their device immediately to see if they qualify for a free upgrade.

read more

TomTom GO 730 and 930 announced

Tomtom_go_930

UPDATE: Read my TomTom GO 730 review and my TomTom GO 930 review.

TomTom is announcing two new products today — the TomTom GO 730 and 930.

The new x30 series incorporates a couple of new features — lane separation / complex junction details being one, but perhaps most exciting is the integration of historical average speed data for improved routing.

NOTE: Originally this post mentioned two other models that would include a traffic receiver, a 730T and 930T. I’ve been told now that those models have not been announced. It would not surprise me to see them at some point in the future though. Who knows, maybe they changed their mind because they are getting close to bring high-definition (HD) traffic to the U.S.

read more

TomTom GO 920/920T review

Tomtom_go_920t

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For current recommendations, please refer to our TomTom comparison chart.

The TomTom GO 920 / 920T is TomTom’s new top-of-the-line GPS navigator. This one has it all — pre-loaded maps of the U.S., Canada and Europe, voice commands, FM transmitter, Bluetooth, text-to-speech, Map Share, remote control and an included traffic receiver. The TomTom 920 has everything except that the traffic receiver, which is available as an optional accessory.

The really hot new features on this unit are voice commands and what TomTom calls Enhanced Positioning Technology (EPT). This uses dead reckoning sensors to help keep track of your position when you lose satellite coverage (in tunnels, etc.).

read more

TomTom RIDER 2nd edition review

Tomtom_rider_2nd_edition_2

UPDATE: This model has been discontinued. For a list of current TomTom models and their features, please see our TomTom comparison chart.

The TomTom RIDER 2nd edition, designed specifically for motorcycles, updates the first-generation TomTom RIDER. This new model adds a RAM mount, Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use, and includes a high-quality Cardo scala-rider(R) Bluetooth(R) headset for in-helmet spoken instructions. It comes with pre-loaded maps of the U.S. and Canada.

An optional car mount with integrated speaker transforms the RIDER into an auto navigator.

UPDATE: TomTom has announced that the RIDER 2nd edition will now include TomTom Map Share™, Help Me!, Fuel Prices Service (option), and TomTom Traffic with a 30-day free trial.

read more