TomTom XXL 540TM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)History with GPS Navigation:
I've used built-in Honda (Alpine), standalone Garmin, and Ford 'Sync' audio GPS navigation devices.
I loved the Honda navi for its size, and I hated it because updates were sparse and expensive.
I loved the Garmin for being up-to-date but I hated it because it always seemed to change its mind a lot, or direct me into strange areas.
I didn't really care for the Ford Sync navigation, as it wasn't a visual navi.Included for free with the car, but I choose not to use it. Maybe only good as a 'back-up' in case the TomTom fails-- though I don't think it ever will.

I sold my Honda and needed a new navigation system.

I bought the XXL 540TM for...
1) Screen size
2) Frequent map updates (4x a year + Map Share)
3) Ability to customize it (lots of settings to play with)
4) Well Known & Quality (I've always heard 'Garmin' is the best, but when I've tried Garmin, I didn't like it!)
5) Lane Guidance
6) IQ Routes (figuring out which roads were best to use)

By the way, in case you were wondering the "TM" stands for "Traffic" and "Maps", indicating there are free traffic and map updates. I had NO problems entering the "Lifetime Maps & Traffic" code provided.

What's in the box:
-> GPS device itself
-> Window mount (with suction cup)
-> Dashboard 'sticky' pad
-> USB cable (to connect to PC)
-> Car Power adapter
-> Set Up Guide
-> Slip of paper with 1 code, valid for Lifetime Map/Traffic updates

The first thing I did was hook it up to my PC and run all the updates. (A newer map was available + GPSFix + Map Share.)It took about 1.5 hours to update all of it. After it was done, it took up about 96% of the 2GB built-in memory. (I didn't check how much it used before updating.)Not a lot of 'wiggle room' to add more features.No built-in SD slot to add memory, either.

One major downside is that I don't like how easily the device 'pops off' the windshield mount. (See further explanation under "The BAD" below.) I am considering getting a (non-adhesive) weighted/padded mount to put on the dashboard.

The GOOD:
+ Screen size met my expectations. Easy to see everything on the screen

+ Startup time (including time to lock onto satellites) seemed fairly quick

+ Roads were up-to-date and labeled properly. Didn't find any errors

+ Allowed me to customize just about everything I wanted to.

+ It functioned perfectly as a Navigation device.This is where I felt Garmin was lacking. With all the features a Garmin has, it never seemed to 'navigate' the way I liked. Of all the features, the 'Navigation' is the most important, and TomTom does it well from what I've seen.

+ It pronounced some 'hard to say' roads perfectly! I'm sure I'll find some that are not right, but Garmin/Sync had a hard time saying road names.

The "OK":
+- Traffic is only updated by RDS (sent by local FM radio stations). This is what I paid for. RDS updated only major roadways (Interstates) and marked some accidents / road construction / road closures.It only worked when the power cord was plugged into the accessory power port on the car (as the cord functions as the antenna.)I would have preferred TomTom's GO/Live line of products which has a built-in 'cell phone' to grab more detailed and current traffic information. But, these were out of my price range.The XXL 740TM does "just enough" traffic to make it useful.

+- It takes some time to calculate a long distance route. But, I also know that it is using IQ Routes to choose the best roads.It seemed 1 or 2 seconds longer than it needed to be, but certainly not a huge problem.

The BAD:
- Internal memory not expandable. 96% used up without any 'extras' installed? Hope I don't need more...

- When browsing maps (dragging my finger) it is a bit 'laggy'. I don't expect perfection, but it seemed sluggish.Fortunately, I don't plan to browse maps often, so I'll deal with it.I tried turning off Points Of Interest (POIs), and turning off 3D maps (using 2D maps instead), and it really didn't seem to make a difference.I'm impressed with the detail it showed, but wasn't thrilled about waiting 10 seconds for the entire screen to finish 'drawing'.

- Windshield mount seemed to 'pop off' too easily.When suctioned to the windshield, I have to use 2 hands to 'hold' the GPS and keep it attached to the mount while I adjust.I suppose it is useful for people who leave the mount stuck on the windshield.I prefer to remove the device AND the mount and hide them when not in use. (I figure a thief will know that the mount is for a GPS, and that the GPS is hidden in the car somewhere.)I have yet to try this out on a LONG or COMPLEX road trip, but I have no doubts from what I've seen so far that it will be just fine.

OVERALL, I'm happy with the device.Happier than I was with Sync, Alpine, or Garmin. I consider myself an 'Average' navigation user (not a beginner, not an expert) and will update the review after using it more.

Sidenote: I ordered through Amazon, using "Beach Camera" seller. It was delivered ONE (1) business day after I ordered it! I used 'Standard' shipping, and FedEx (Home service) had it delivered fast. Very pleased with Beach Camera's shipping emails and speed!

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XXL 540TM 5 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic and Maps Edition)

Product Description:
Get street smart with the TomTom XXL 540·T--complete, 5.0 inch widescreen navigation featuring Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates. Outsmart traffic and minimize delays with Lifetime Traffic Updates. Based on incoming traffic events, your device will suggest alternate routes. And, with Lifetime Map Updates you'll always drive with the latest and most accurate maps. On average, 15% of the road network changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With the XXL 540·T you'll always stay current.
Five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates.


Expand your horizons with a five-inch, extra-wide touchscreen.


The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability.


Switch on and go right out of the box. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names will guide you to any address in the US, Canada, and Mexico--including more than 7 million preloaded points of interest. The TomTom XXL 540·TM is complete, widescreen navigation.


Only TomTom has IQ Routes Technology* which shaves time off even the shortest trips by calculating the fastest route based on time of day you are traveling. You'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route and save time, fuel and money. Advanced Lane Guidance** uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.


TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds and turn restrictions on your own device.


The "Help Me!" menu provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.


Maps of US, Canada & Mexico
Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device and receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico, worry free.


Lifetime Traffic & Map Updates
Enjoy a lifetime of easy driving with two great features from TomTom. LIFETIME Maps guarantees you receive four new editions of your TomTom map each year to ensure that you are always navigating with the industry's most up-to-date map. And, LIFETIME Traffic sends updates to your TomTom every three minutes, so you can always steer clear of traffic delays and take the fastest route possible to your destination.


7 Million POIs
Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot, or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own points of interest.


IQ Routes Technology
TomTom IQ Routes Technology puts the driving experience of millions of TomTom users into your maps to shave time off even the shortest trips. Calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. IQ Routes saves you time, fuel and money.


Traffic isn't the same during Monday morning rush hour as it is on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heavy traffic, rotaries, traffic lights, and even pedestrians can slow you down. The route you need changes depending on the day and time, so the shortest route isn't necessarily going to be the fastest. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the fastest route.


Advanced Lane Guidance*
TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make sudden, dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently.


Spoken Street Names
Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names.


Five-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a five-inch, extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.


Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. The EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. The EasyPort mount makes your device even more portable so you can take it with you wherever you travel.


*Feature only available in the US and Canada
**Feature available in the US only

All TomToms Feature

Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.


30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.


TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.


Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.


TomTom HOME--Always up to date.


Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

What's in the Box

TomTom XXL 540TM World Traveler Edition device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger with integrated traffic, and user guide and lifetime maps voucher

About TomTom

Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.


We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.


Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.

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