Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)UPDATE: Tomtom has just released a software update that brings back some of the missing features to EasyMenu. Here are some of the features restored with the 9.150 update:
- Routing preferences (avoid highways, tolls, ferries, etc)
- Avoid part of route (by street)
- View route as text (and Route demo or pictures)
- POI (show on map, custom POIs)
- Volume options
- Brightness controls
However, a few other missing features have not yet been restored:
- Itinerary planning
- Compass options
- Dynamic brightness (dim between instructions when on batteries)
- A few other minor options
If you don't care about those missing items you can ignore the EasyMenu -> Full Menu conversion instructions mentioned in this review. At least we know that Tomtom is listening and are fixing the EasyMenu interface.
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Original review:
If you have a choice between the XXL 540 and XXL 550, go with the cheapest. They are virtually the same, save for the inferior EasyMenu on the 550 (which can be remedied, as I'll explain below). In fact, if they are at the same price point, go with XXL 540 and save yourself the trouble of converting the "EasyMenu" to "Full menu".
I would normally use expletives to describe TomTom's new EasyMenu interface on their XL/XXL *50 models, but Amazon probably wouldn't like that very much. ;) Let's just say that EasyMenu is bad. Everyone hates it, and with good reason. It lacks every type of advanced customization you can think of, like proper routing (i.e. lacks toll road or highway avoidance preferences), route planning, itinerary, alternative routes, turn by turn text, the ability to disable IQ Routes, and many many other options that are available in the older XXL 540 and XL 340 versions. Yes, EasyMenu sucks. It's literally a dumbed down version of the original TomTOm menu. It is so limited that only your technologically impaired friend will be able to appreciate it. If you are one such person, I guess EasyMenu will be OK for you. EasyMenu's only pro is that it has sharper graphics, but I don't care much about sharpness when essential routing options are missing.
Unfortunately, TomTom decided to ship all their newest units with this dumbed down menu system. They apparently interviewed a bunch of people, and the interviewees said they don't care about anything other than getting from point A to point B. I guess TomTom took their word literally, and created the freakish EasyMenu.
So far it seems like this device is nothing but a failure, so why not give it 1 star? Well, the internet folk has figured out a way to enable the full menu on these newer EasyMenu-based TomToms, that's why! It's a very simple tweak, and can be done in less than a minute as long as you follow the instructions. I can't post links to the instructions here in the actual review, but you can find them in this review's comments section. Or you can search "easymenu menu options" on Google, and click on the first result.
Yep, you can enable the fully featured menu, if you care about any advanced option. All those features that were missing on the EasyMenu will now be enabled and fully functional. Proper routing, itinerary, advanced planning, road avoidance, advanced POI management, ability to turn off IQ Routes and all other options will be there. All these features are in fact already built in the preinstalled OS software. TomTom in all their wisdom chose to hide them. I don't understand this intentional dumbification, and the lack of a simple option to allow us more advanced users to enable the advanced functionality. But as long as there is a tweak to overcome that, I am happy.
In any case, the tweak is very, very simple. Simply create a text file called TomTom.mnu, copy paste the customized menu structure (follow the links and read the threads!), save the file, create a folder called "SdkRegistry" in your GPS navigator's root directory, and finally copy paste the "TomTom.mnu" file you created in there. If the file is present, EasyMenu is disabled and the full menu is enabled. If the file is not present (or has a different name), the full menu is disabled and EasyMenu is enabled. That simple. Just follow the instructions in the links found in the comments section.
After replacing the "EasyMenu" system with the full menu, this is what I gained:
- Route customization (ability to avoid a specific road)
- Itinerary (planning a route through multiple stops in a specific order)
- Ability to actually see a list of upcoming turns in text form. You can even play a demo of the route.
- Ability to avoid highways, toll roads, and other road types.
- Full Point of Interests management and customizations, including alerts.
- Compass, customization of data that's displayed in the main navigation view
- Backlight and Brightness options (yes, you can't change the brightness on EasyMenu)
- Audio warning customizations
These are all features that are missing from EasyMenu. And now I have them all enabled. The sleek new navigation interface is intact, and you get to use all these advanced options. Seriously, applying the tweak is a must.
Before you do anything though, backup, backup, BACKUP your device. You never know when something might go wrong. However, do NOT use
TomTom Home for that task (the backup feature has issues). Instead, copy-paste everything (including hidden files) manually from your
TomTom to your PC.
So think about it. This tweak literally makes the XXL 550... a XXL 540. But with the ability to switch between EasyMenu and Full Menu at anytime. Because if in the future TomTom wises up and adds those missing features to EasyMenu, you might want to switch back to it. ;)
A few thoughts about the hardware:
- The specs are exactly the same as XXL 540. If you have one of those, you already have the XXL 550.
- It still uses USB 1.1 instead of 2.0. I backed up everything to my computer as soon as I connected the device, and that process took almost 40 minutes (1.82GB of data, with 620KB/s average speeds). It's truly unfortunate to be in 2010 and see this kind of outdated technology still implemented in new devices.
- Audio instructions are VERY loud. Louder than Garmin 1350, in fact (a good thing). I didn't have any trouble hearing them over my car's loud engine and moderate radio volume. Street name pronunciations are also very clear.
- I know some people have issues with the EasyPort mounting system, but I didn't encounter any. It's a very simple "hold and rotate"
process. The unit stays in place even during bumpy rides. I find both the Garmin and TomTom mounts adequate.
UPDATE: After a few uses the EasyPort suction cup stopped holding. The slightest bump causes the unit to fall down. However, it can be fixed by pouring some water over the suction cup just before attaching it to the windshield. It becomes so attached to the window when you do this, that it's actually hard to detach. :p
- Battery life is around 4 hours (3 hours 50 minutes to be precise on Day mode). This was after activating the "Dim screen between instructions" function (automatically lowers the brightness to a minimum when it isn't giving you any new instructions, like in the middle of a long highway stretch, and increases to full brightness for about a minute before and after each instruction). This option is, of course, only possible when using the Full menu. With EasyMenu it stays at full brightness all the time, and that is bound to shorten battery life. Yep, another good reason to switch to Full menu. ;)
Again, read the comments section of this review for instructions on how to enable the Full Menu.
Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XXL 550 5 Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Product Description:
The TomTom XXL 550 is complete 5.0-inch widescreen navigation--and, since TomTom has the industry's most accurate and dependable maps, you'll have access to one million more miles of roads than you would using other GPS brands. Navigate to any location in the US, Canada or Mexico--or directly to one of 7 million preloaded points of interest. Finding your way has never been easier, using TomTom's new EasyMenu and spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names.
Complete 5-inch widescreen navigation.
Expand your horizons with a 5-inch extra-wide touchscreen.
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability.
Only TomTom has IQ Routes*. This exclusive technology evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of day. You'll always be directed to the quickest, most efficient route. Advanced Lane Guidance** provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.
Eighteen percent of the nation's road information changes every year. With TomTom's exclusive Map Share On-Demand Updates, you have the ability to update your own map instantly or download verified updates from other drivers. Update your TomTom daily or whenever you wish.
The "Help Me!" menu lets you travel with peace of mind. It provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations, and hospitals. The "Where Am I?" feature pinpoints your exact location so you can accurately communicate it to emergency resources.
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag.
Maps of US, Canada & Mexico
TomTom is known the world over for the accuracy and extensive coverage of its maps. TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of road than other GPS brands and have been rated highest in terms of quality and reliability.
EasyMenu
Easily access all of TomTom's powerful features through its simple and intuitive two-button menu. Just a tap gets you started, and easy-to-follow commands and recognizable icons lead you through a quick start-up process to get you on the road in no time.
7 million Points of Interest
Comes preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels 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 favorites.
IQ Routes*
Despite posted speed limits, traffic traveling along a road at 8 a.m. moves at a different pace than it does at 2 p.m. Actual traffic speed is affected by rush hour, traffic light changes, pedestrian traffic, day of the week, and more. Only TomTom offers exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of the day.
Advanced Lane Guidance**
TomTom provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.
Announces Street Names
Keep your eyes on the road while your TomTom announces turn-by-turn directions, including street and place names.
5-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 5-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. It folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag and can be taken with you wherever you travel.
Traffic Update Service* (Optional)
Outsmart traffic. Optional traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic conditions to minimize potential delays. Based on incoming traffic information, your TomTom will recalculate travel time and suggest alternate routes. Traffic updates available in the US and Canada.
*Feature available in the US and Canada only
**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 550 device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guideAbout 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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