TomTom’s feature set can be confusing, but the chart below should go a long way towards clearing that up. The links at the top of the chart go to our TomTom reviews. A couple of notes; the Bluetooth feature refers to units that support hands free cell phone use. Some TomTom units have Bluetooth but use it solely for TomTom PLUS services. Also, older and discontinued models have been moved to a separate chart further down the page.
NEW: Click on column headers to sort chart. You can also click here for descriptions and more information about various features.
| Model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | Live traffic | Blue- tooth | Advanced Lane Guidance | Lifetime maps | Menu | Voice command | IQ Routes | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GO LIVE 1535M | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| GO 2535M LIVE | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| GO 2535TM WTE | U.S. Canada Mexico Europe | 5″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| Start 45M | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | |
| Start 55TM | U.S. Canada | 5″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| VIA 1405TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| VIA 1505TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| VIA 1435TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| VIA 1505M | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5″ | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| VIA 1505TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices |
| VIA 1535TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5″ | Yes | Lifetime | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| VIA 1605TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 6″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| Model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | Live traffic | Blue- tooth | Advanced Lane Guidance | Lifetime maps | Menu | Voice command | IQ Routes | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EASE | U.S. | 3.5″ | Yes | No | No | No | No | Easy | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| GO 630 | U.S. Canada | 4.3” | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | No | Standard | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| GO 2505TM | U.S. Canada | 5″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Standard | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| ONE 130S | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | No | Compare prices  |
| XL 325 | U.S. | 4.3″ | No | Option | No | No | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 325S | U.S. | 4.3″ | Yes | Option | No | No | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 325SE | U.S. | 4.3″ | Yes | Option | No | No | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 330S | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 335S | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices |
| XL 335SE | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | No | Easy | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 335T | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 335TM | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 340M | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 340S | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 340S LIVE | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XL 340TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | Yes | Lifetime (US & Canada only) | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XXL 540M | U.S. Canada | 5.0″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XXL 540S | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XXL 540S WTE | U.S. Canada Mexico Europe | 5.0″ | Yes | Option | No | Yes | No | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XXL 540TM | U.S. Canada Mexico | 5.0″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XXL 540TM WTE | U.S. Canada Mexico Europe | 5.0″ | Yes | Lifetime (US & Canada only) | No | Yes | (US Canada Mexico only) | Standard | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XXL 550TM | U.S. | 5.0″ | Yes | Lifetime | No | Yes | Yes | Easy | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
Even older discontinued models
| Model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | Map Share | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | iPod control | MP3 player | Remote control | Voice command | IQ Routes | Compare prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GO 720 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Option | No | No | Compare prices  |
| GO 730 | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| GO 740 LIVE | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
||||
| GO 920 | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| GO 920T | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Compare prices  |
| GO 930 | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| GO 930T | U.S. Canada Europe | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Option | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Compare prices  |
| ONE 3rd edition | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | No | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| ONE 125 | U.S. | 3.5″ | No | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| ONE 125SE | U.S. | 3.5″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices |
| ONE 130 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | No | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| ONE 140 | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | No | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| ONE 140S | U.S. Canada | 3.5″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| ONE XL | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | No | When updated | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| ONE XL-S | U.S. Canada | 4.3″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| XL 330 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | No | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Compare prices  |
| XL 340 | U.S. Canada Mexico | 4.3″ | No | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| XXL 530-S | U.S. Canada | 5.0″ | Yes | Yes | Option | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Compare prices  |
| Model | Maps | Screen size | Speaks street names | Map Share | Traffic | Blue- tooth | FM trans- mitter | iPod control | MP3 player | Remote control | Voice command | IQ Routes | Compare prices |
- Speaks street names – Formally known as text-to-speech, this function allows the device to call out the name of the street for upcoming turns, so you’ll hear “approaching right turn, Maple Street” instead of just “approaching right turn.” A very helpful feature.
- Live traffic – A nice feature that isn’t quite ready for prime time. Expect lots of inaccurate reports as well as incidents that aren’t reported. Delivered via FM, this service is provided by the Traffic Message Channel, hence you will sometimes see it referred to as FM-TMC. Here is a link to a coverage map. “Lifetime” indicates no subscription fees.
- Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use – Another nice idea, and I’ve seen signs that TomTom’s sound quality is better than that of other brands.
- Advanced lane guidance – Provides a visual representation of exits, and displays the number of lanes and proper lane(s) to be in.
- Lifetime maps – Lifetime map updates provided (typically quarterly) at no extra cost.
- Menu – The “Easy Menu” is simplified, but these models offer less customization options and other features than units with the standard interface.
- Voice commands – Too bad it isn’t that great of a feature. For one that is, check out my Garmin nuvi 880 review.
- IQ Routes – This feature bases routing decisions on historical traffic data, broken down by the day of the week and time of day, the latter in 15 minute increments. Routing behavior is greatly improved, even to the point of directing you to locally known shortcuts.
- iPod control – Control your iPod via your TomTom touch screen
- Map Share – Allows you to make certain map corrections on the device, share them with others, and receive their corrections as well. Found on all current models.
Return to GPS Tracklog
Could you add those with lane guidance?
I can at least put it on the to-do list 😉
In the interim, here are the current models with ALG: GO 630, 730, 740 LIVE, the XXL 540, the 140 and 340 models, and the XL 335S.
Why is it that the Tomtom XL325 S is not on your chart, at K-mart has it for sale.
Because there are only 24 hours in a day and I haven’t gotten around to putting up a XL 325S page yet. 😉 It’s basically the 325 with text-to-speech. If you can swing it, I’d go with the XL 340S instead, so you get IQ Routes.
Rich – How does the new (eff 4/26/10) XXL540TM stand up against the competition ? Reviews have complained Tom Tom did not include Free traffic like Garmin nad Magellan on some models (this also includes free lifetime quarterly map updates). Would you rate it higher with the added perks (which of course are included in the $259 list pirce?
If you’re a fan of TomTom, I expect you’d probably like it. I hope to have this unit in for review in the near future.
Rich – Have you tried this yet ? It’s down to $199 !! I’m waiting for your reply before I make my choice. Thanks
I thought I would have one by now, but my main TomTom contact apparently left their employment a couple of weeks ago. I’m currently trying to connect with a new person there.
To be honest, it’s probably going to go like this:
Pros are good customization options and IQ Routes, plus lifetime traffic and maps.
Cons are more complexity and dimmer screen than Garmin nuvis.
Hi Rich – Have you heard anything about the soon to be released XXL 550TM ? Do you think the differences between it and the XXL 540TM will make it worth it?
They both list for the same $259. What ARE the differences ? Thank you again
Yeah, we broke the story the other day… http://gpstracklog.com/2010/05/tomtom-eases-into-xl-350-and-xxl-550.html
It looks like the XXL x50 series will have a much simpler menu system (including fewer options) and no text-to-speech. Basically, a mid-range unit with a large screen.
Rich, I picked up the XXL 540TM for $162 new. Thanks for all your expertise to everyone and your advance notice of the simpler menus on the upcoming XXL 550 models. I like to be able to customize as many settings as I can. After one week I expect to keep this one. I was waiting to hear something about Cydle which I saw questioned on one of your sites, but it sort of vanished which is not a good sign.
Good deal! I think you made a wise decision going with the TomTom over the Cydle.
I am considering a TomTom device with lifetime traffic and maps. Can you recommend the best of the series?
Thank you.
Do you want a simplified menu or one with more customization options? What size screen? 3.5″, 4.3″ or 5″?
I need a GPS that has free map updates and has POI such as laundry mat, Campgrounds, And can differentiate between diffrent auto services like tire shops and lube or full auto repair. We move every few months wit hmy husbands job. In your opinion which is the best one for my needs?
Vanessa, since that map updates are important to you , you might want to try a midrange Tomtom. Make sure it’s one that comes with free lifetime map updates…some of the Tomtoms are doing that now.
I’d try them in a store to see what categories and subcategories are there. You can always add custom POI files to Garmin and TomTom units.
How do you put custon POI files on a garmin? I have a Garmin nuvi 260W right now. It’s kinda spazing out and saying im on diffrent roads then what I’m actually on and then all of sudden it will come back to reality and get it right. I figured it was probably on it’s way out the door and I should look into a new one.
You’ll need to create a POI folder in the Garmin directory.
I have the TomTom XL330S. I travel throughout IN, OH, MI and WV. I am do sales and I have many of my customers in my “Favorites” list so I can easily pick my destination. Unfortunately, the number of my customers outnumbers the slots available. Do you know of another TomTom with more “Favorites” available? I’d also be interested in another brand if necessary.
With Tom Tom XL330S to get more favorites, shouldn’t you set up POI categories instead maybe by city so you can keep more customer addresses than favorites allow . Thank you
I believe you can surmount this with custom points of interest. I’m not that familiar with how TomTom handles them but you may even be able to categorize them. They can be created with a tool like http://www.poieditor.com/ or on a spreadsheet. Here’s some more info: http://www.clubtomtom.com/general/pointing-you-in-the-direction-of-personal-pois/. You might also try searching Google for TomTom custom POIs.
If you just want a unit that will handle them as favorites without the hassle of custom POIs, can you tell me how many you will need?
Difference between the Tomtom XXL540TM and Tomtom 550TM per tech support today July 27.2010 @1600 hours. The XXL 540TM displays the SPEED LIMIT to the right of the MPH. The XXL 550TM does not display any SPEED LIMIT at all. There is NO Preference Selection available on the XXL 550TM – period – per Amber @Tomtom Tech support.
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The XXL 550TM I tested did display the speed limit…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/06/tomtom-xxl-550tm-review.html
Otherwise, the tech (and Roberto, below) are right. The 550 offers little in the way of customization options. I need to redo this chart to reflect current differences between models.
Rich is correct and the 550TM does (sometimes) display Speed Limit. Phoenix, ArizonA area is missing about 60-70% of the major posted speed limits – displayed on 550TM/540TM. 10% that are displayed are more/over – the actual posted MPH. So corrections / additions must be added. In Phoenix = major mile roads.
Big differences between the TT 540 and 550 models. The 550 has little customization which is definitely made to compete with Garmin. If you would not be choosing TT for the lifetime maps, I would still get the 540 model (with or without traffic). If customization is not an issue, I would get a Garmin with TTS over the TT 550. The only thing the 550 might have over the Garmin is the TT IQ routes. Everything considered, I’m glad I got the TT 540TM !! There are a few free TT forums which show you how to easily correct some of the minor deficiencies in TT’s voice & number enunciation.
I am driving myself up the wall reading GPS reviews. My TomTom (bought in 2003) started smoking and sizzling while we were on vacation. Since I am directionally challenged, I am in desperate need of a GPS. I don’t want anything larger than the 4.3″ screens since I would like to use it outside of the car as well. My wish list of features are: accurate routes, text to speech, free lifetime map/traffic update, lane assist, IQ routes, able to avoid parts of route before starting and during drive to destination, able to route multiple destinations and order them via fastest route, shortest route, etc, lots of POI, able to determine where I am, car locator, FM transmitter, and expandable storage.
My issue is I keep switching between TomTom and Garwin as I read the reviews (I have refrained from reading Magellan reviews). There seems to be lot of bad TomTom reviews (delay in map refreshing, bad tech and customer support, freezing, etc). Garwin has a lot of complaints involving loudness. Everytime I find a unit I think is good, something in the reviews will turn me off.
Can you please give me a suggestion for a TomTom and a Garwin with the features I want so that I can just concentrate on those two and make a final decision. I would appreciate it greatly.
Well, remember that many of the people who take the time to comment and review things online do so only because they have had problems. The people with a good experience are the silent majority!
I see a couple things in your list that will be limiting. The only current TomToms with an FM transmitter are the GO 730 and 930. The only Garmin units with something similar to IQ Routes are the (new and pricey) nuvi 37xx models.
I think the TomToms I mentioned are “able to avoid parts of route before starting and during drive to destination.” There are a lot of features on your wish list and it will be hard to find one unit that will do them all!
OK, forget my wish list. Amongst all the Garmins and TomToms, which Garmin and which TomTom would you pick? Also, do your Auto GPS Buyer’s Guide choices still stand? Thanks.
For the most part, I think those recommendations are still good. I should probably add in some TomTom lifetime units, like the XXL 540TM.
Do you have a price range?
$200-$400
The TomTom XXL 540TM will meet most of your needs, although it doesn’t have an FM transmitter.
On the Garmin side, I’d look at the nuvi 3700 series. You could get the 3750 and buy nuMaps lifetime updates for around $400. These are the loudest nuvis I’ve ever heard. But again, no FM transmitter and it may be a bit more difficult “to avoid parts of route before starting.”
Hope this helps. Feel free to followup with more questions.
Still vote for Tom Tom XXL540TM. Most custom options AND easily can update some TTS code which I am doing so it pronounces some of the local streets names better and pauses longer between street name and type (ex: road). Very happy with lifetime maps and traffic too. Traffic says problem, waiting time, and tells you if your route is still the best, all without having to look at the screen. Also Tom Tom has IQ routing which Garmin is just starting to experiment with (as others have written).
Thank you very much for the info. I can now start shopping 🙂
Well, my Garmin seems to have grown a set of legs and took a hike so now I need to buy a replacement. Seem to be leaning towards a TomTom this time. I would like at least the 4.3″ and the 5″screen would be great for my aging eyes and only other thing is that it speaks and I get lifetime map updates if you feel that is an important aspect. Don’t use it everyday, but do enjoy having one when needed. That said, can you give me your preferences under the $200 range. Thanks. Enjoyed reading your site.
The 5″ TomTom XXL 540TM and 540M seem like nice units (they have more options than the 550 series). I’m seeing the 550M for $180 on Amazon and the 50TM for $205. They seem like they would meet your needs pretty well.
The 540 T or M models are going for aroung $150, the TM model for $175.
Decide if you want lifetime traffic “T”, Lifetime maps “M” or both “TM” and try that model. They can be tweaked by readin other TT forums to make it an even better unit with better pronunciation. I’ve seen it and tried it myself with great results. There is a big difference between the 4.3″ and 5″ screens as (I think) Rich has said previously.
Hey Everyone
I wanted to say thanks to Rich Owings for making such an awesome website, it really helped me with trying to purchase a GPS system.
I’d been searching for a GPS, I knew the 3 main companies were Magellen, TomTom, and Garmin. Of the 3, I heard that TomTom and Garmin were the best.
I did read problems about both on various websites (mainly amazon consumer posts) and realized that this wouldn’t be a cut and dry decision, and thats where the website really helped.
I wanted to spend as little money as possible on a mid/high end GPS. I found the TomTom XXL 540M on Amazon for $119.99 as the deal of the day yesterday and jumped the gun and purchased it! Although I know I’m losing out on the traffic part, the maps are more important in my opinion. Of the reviews I’ve read, the traffic updates weren’t always accurate, and the re-routes are long and tedious. Also, I think being able to get to where I need to go is more important than how long it takes me. In the end, I saved around $90 going with just the Maps! What do you guys think, is the traffic part worth it?
I was debating on whether I should get the 755T or 1450T from Garmin, but while the lifetime traffic feature was there, the lifetime maps was not included and much more expensive to get. The 755T was only a $30 increase, but has a smaller screen and has ads (I also heard it was going to be replaced with a new model updated soon). The 1450T has ads and was way more expensive!
My only complaint thus far is that the TomTom XXL 540M doesn’t have an SD or microSD card slot to increase the memory for Maps in the future, which I think limits its ability to last long term. Perhaps you can ad a feature to the website in the future with a column in the comparison charts that shows which models have a slot to increase the momory in the future.
I think I made the best decision for the money, but I just wanted to know what you guys thought. I plan on trying to use this GPS for as long as TomTom keeps giving the map updates and supports the product. I’ve been using mapquest and google maps every time I needed to go somewhere, but it came to a point where a GPS was just going to be easier, save my printer ink, and I’ve been traveling a lot more. I was going to try and wait to see if the holiday brought any good deals or new models, but this deal was too good to pass up on, and I don’t have to wait a couple months to get it! Any advice would be great! Thanks guys.
Cool. I’m glad it helped! I’d suggest taking time to explore the menus and preferences and get it set up the way you want. The 540 series is awesome. Good choice!
Hello Ehsan. You made a good choice with the Tom Tom 540M and got a great deal. I wanted the traffic as well and got the TM model. The 5″ screen seems much larger than the 4.3 (I looked at them side by side) and the font seems bigger for the screen data. The traffic works well, but nothing is perfect and when you get to the traffic spot it could be cleaned up by then (that doesn’t mean the traffic report was incorrect). If you didn’t want the traffic, why get it ? The 755T garmin has screen inputting problems mentioned all over the internet. Press one key, get a different character appearing, one not even close to the one you pressed. Otherwise….it is a great unit but has many extras (MP3, etc) things I would never use. The Tom Tom lack of sd card slot is not a big deal because in a few years (3-5) technology will have improved so much you will probably want a newer GPS with great traffic which might cost under $100. I read Tom Tom forums show how to easily improve the TTS speech, so look for that. This TT is for people who want to control the GPS settings, not to allow the company (Garmin) to tell them what settings they should have.
FWIW, a recent firmware update FINALLY fixed this problem on the 7×5 series.
Rich. If Garmin had put that firmware fix in for the 7×5 problem in 4 months ago, I probably would have picked up the 755T instead of looking elsewhere. I did notice many times, though, my brother’s 755t would give turn directions almost when I was at the corner of the street where I needed to turn (but not once before that). This was in local driving. With all I can do with the TomTom 540TM I am glad I got that after all (also thanks to your review and comments for helping).
Hi, I am back again. One last question, which GPS allows me to hook a backup camera to it? I really would like this feature. Thanks again for a great website.
Several Garmin nuvis have this, as does a Nextar unit. Here’s the low down on the Garmin models, from a response to another comment…
They had backup camera inputs on the voice command nuvi 8×0 and 8×5 series, but I think the implementation was problematic. I’d investigate the costs and installation issues thoroughly before deciding to do this. The nuvi 5000 may be a better choice. From garmin.com support:
Question: Can I use a backup camera with my nuvi?
Answer:
It is possible to use a backup camera with the nuvi 5000 and the nuvi 8xx series. The nuvi 5000 can be used with a backup camera by purchasing the following A/V Cables.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1375
The nuvi 8xx series requires the purchase of the VIB 11.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=164&pID=9653
I just bought the 350 XL TM because I wanted the lifetime maps and traffic. We have 2 other Tom Toms, that are not as advanced. However, one feature on our older ones was the ‘browse as text’ option for directions. I could see my entire route and decide if I wanted to reroute a part of it. I found that I can’t do this on the 350, so I plan to return it. Interesting that in talking to a Tom Tom company rep on the phone while traveling, that they told me that this was being eliminated from the newer models. Does this make sense? There was no way I could find to see what my next several traffic moves were going to be. What about this ‘browse as text’ option on some of the other models? Is it on the 500 or 700 series?
Thanks for all the other information!
Mary if you want all those “older” cool features on Tom Tom, get the 335, 340, or 540 models. I think there is a legitimate “hack” (east to find online) to make the 350/550 a 340/540, but it’s easier to buy the original 340/540 and work with those. The “older” ones from last year allow for everything you could want including the turn by turn directions. Everywhere I look people say to stay away from the new Easy Menu for the reasons you noted.
@Mary, Justin right on target. The x50 models are dumbed down.
I have a TomTom XL & I cannot switch between the map and a listing of streets, Does the TomTom 540TM allow you to switch between the map and a listing? I have a Magellan that has this feature & it is so helpful!
Thanks
Which model do you have? The ONE XL? If so, it should have this feature. I think it would be under something like Details > Browse as Text. And yes, the 540 series includes this feature (but the 550 series does not).
which models can use SD/microSD slots for maps? thanks.
As far as I can tell, the GO series are the main ones that have card slots. Looks like most newer models don’t.
I just bought the TonTom XXL 540M on the Amazon daily deal. We need a GPS that shows MPH, since the speedometer on our motor home doesn’t always work. Will that information be available on this model, or should I return it before I tear open the package? We are replacing a TomTom ONE. I can’t tell from any of the specs. Thanks a bunch –
Yes, it should. It’s shown on the 550 models and they are significantly dumbed down from the 540’s.
Hi, I’m getting out of a built-in GPS unit in BMW and now looking for a portable unit for my next car. I’m confused. There are so many units out there that I can’t make a clear choice, I’m between the Garmin 255w and the Tomtom 340s. Is the difference surmountable, the reviews are misleading. I don’t require traffic or maps updated. What do you think? Thanx.
The nuvi 255W is a tried and true favorite, but the TomTom’s historical road speed database could result in superior routing. However, if you are in a rural area, I’ve found Garmin’s NAVTEQ maps to be superior in such situations. Hope this helps.
Hi Rich, I’m located in an outer boro of New York, it’s not rural. Thanx for the informative reply. I’m not tech savy and really need a simple unit to get me from point A to point B and that’s it. Am I on target with the two I’ve choosen or what about another unit.
Thanx, Charlie
Those are both good choices. The nuvi is (IMHO) easier to use though.
Your chart has an error. The TomTom website indicates that the XL 335 series has IQ routes. Your chart says “no”. The only difference I can find between the XL 335 series and the XL 340 series is the map of Mexico (and of course price). Do you know of any others?
Sheesh! Thanks for catching that. The 340 has a larger points of interest database. That’s the other big difference.
Rich, someone said there were sites that had tweaks for the 540tm. Do you know which sites this might be and if so provide them? I just ordered one from Amazon and would like to be able to clean it up so it gives the best performance possible.
thanks
Dale
Joe, are you subscribed to this thread? Can you provide some links on the voice tweaks?
My wife and I are looking for a GPS which is good at giving alternate routes in case of traffic jam. Is the Tom Tom 540 a good choice?
The TomTom T models will redirect you and let you know if you are still on the fastest route. If need be, it will route you a different way. But it won’t show multiple route choices (e.g., three to choose from). But yes, I think the 540T models would be a good choice.
Hi Rich, As per recommendation I purchased the nuvi 255w, I’m sure you’re right. My question, I ordered as an accessory an AC charger but I just realized that my verizon Razor cell phone has the same mini connector, will this charger charge my nuvi thereby enabling me to cancel my purchase of a separate unit. Thanx, Charlie
Probably, but proceed at your own risk. I did come across this, which might be helpful…
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/9330
I have a TomTom 920 and the newer XXL 550TM. Can you tell me how to enter a GPS coordinates destination into either one. If without that capability, can you tell me a TomTom or Garvin that has that capability with features closer to the TT920 than the TT550TM. The lifetime maps is a much desired feature since I don’t want to pay for updates every year.
Thanks for your response, ray
On the 920, you should have Navigate To > Latitude Longitude.
Garmin now has some Lifetime Map Update units (http://gpstracklog.com/2010/05/garmin-nuvis-with-lifetime-map-updates-lmu-hit-market.html), or you can buy a nuMaps Lifetime card for any nuvi/
Dale
Try looking through these two threads. They provide good info and will make your TT even better sounding. Look for the changes whih affect your model.
They are very easy to change.
http://www.tomtomforums.com/tomtom-voices/18323-number-enunciation.html
http://www.tomtomforums.com/general-tomtom-discussion/21171-how-fix-poor-tts-pronunciation.html
Joe W
Thanks Joe!
Thanks Rich. Don’t know how I missed the TT920 “navigate to” gps coordinates option. Is there no possibility of a work-around for the same capability with a TT XXL 550TM? Not sure what the improvements or added flexibility is with the TT XXL 540TM compared to the 550TM, but I’m begining to believe I shouldn’t have purchased the 550TM. Really appreciated your quick reply. ray
I’m pretty sure its available in the 540 series. The 550 models are dumbed down quite a bit.
Rich, the past week my 3+ year-old TomTom 920 started rapidly flashing screens that I didn’t request or couldn’t stop or control. Thus far the 920 beats the heck out of the new XXL 550TM that I just bought so I want to try to keep the 920 going reliably. Someone suggested taking a business card corner and inserting it under the TT 920 bezel and working it around the entire circumference of the bezel to remove any grit or whatever contaminant might be between the bezel and the touch screen. It seemed to help but has not proved to be 100% reliable. Ever seen or heard of this problem and is there a reliable solution? There are two small screws in the back of the TT 920 that I might be able to remove and perhaps clean under the bezel? ray
Nope, first I heard of it. This may help…
http://www.tomtomforums.com/new-members-introductions/21743-tomtom-720-jumping-menu-map-view.html
There are pics on removing the bezel, but it turned out to be a battery issue for the original poster (see next to last post at the link above).
Hope this helps. Please let us know.
Like everyone else posting here I have been reading lots of reviews, mainly Garmin and TomTom since that is what is carried at my local Sam’s Club, but Rich’s replies and recommendations on both this thread and the Garmin thread have lead me to the conclusion that the TomTom 540 would be a good choice for my needs. Now comes the question, which model?
I notice that the 540 has four models: M, S, WTE, and TM. Since I have plans to travel to Australia next spring and make trips to Europe every other year to visit family, I was attracted to the WTE model. BUT, Australia is not built in the WTE model and it appears to not feature life-time map updates as the M model does. If I were to get the 540M can I download maps for other continents and load them onto my model 540M for use while I am on that continent? I find the life-time North America map updates a feature worth having.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom.
Yes, you can download the maps for other areas, but loading them may be another issue! Most current TomTom units don’t have SD slots. This includes the 540 (I think some of the forthcoming models will though). To make matters worse, TomTom has a reputation for not even providing enough memory for map updates in many cases. Note the warning on this page:
http://www.tomtom.com/products/maps/select.php?D=76
“IMPORTANT: Some versions of this device have limited internal memory. Before purchasing a map that may be too big, either use the device serial number checker (the box to the right) or connect your device to TomTom HOME to check how much memory you have available. ”
This is definitely one place where Garmin has an advantage.
Rich, given your warning about the TT memory limitations, which Garmin unit would give me the map flexibility/storage capacity I think is desirable and keep my North America map updates either free of low cost?
There are no transatlantic nuvis that comes with lifetime maps. The best bet may be to get one of the other nuvis and add the European and Australian maps. If you go to this page, you can select lifetime map updates to see which units offer them…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134
Or buy one of the transatlantic models and get a nuMaps Lifetime subscription.