Showing posts with label xxl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label xxl. Show all posts

6/26/2011

TomTom XXL 550M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) Review

TomTom XXL 550M 5 inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Warning, this unit is riddled with so many problems, I can't even get customer service to reply. The auto reply says they are swamped with complaints, once they did respond, but only to the part of no manual, sent a link, but it was not the correct one, they chose to ignore all the problems with the unit. Addresses are way off, some as much as a mile. Many roads are not on the unit, even with the latest update some neighborhood that are 3-5 years old do not exist. It shows roads that do not exist? Unit consistantly picks much longer, time consuming routes. Many streets are misnamed, many roads have county number on the gps, yet the road has had a name for 15 years. Told me to go straight at a fork in the road? One road, probably 15 miles long, unit said it had no numbers for the road, so you had to ride for miles looking at mail boxes, and yes, it was a old road, places had been there for many years.
Memory is almost full, and there is no memory slot to add more, very poor planning. It is slow updating your actual speed. You have to set the time, but other brands do this for you. Road name only show up a few seconds, leaving no time to plan on turning. Speed limit is useless, only good mainly on interstate, yet other brands have speed limits on secondary roads. Going down the ramp to get on a interstate, it says to turn left? Guess thats why all those slow drivers are in the left lane! Can't delete individual temp go to locations, have to delete all. Has several nice voices, yet only compter voice gives street names. They don't even have a manual for this unit. I could go on, as there are about a dozen other issues with this brand, but save yourdelf the trouble, get something else. These are just a few of the problems found in the first 2 weeks,Ok, its not all bad, 5" screen is nice, volume is better than many, now, only if it could get me there. I had to order a different brand as this one could not get me to most places.My new Garmin gets me there.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XXL 550M 5 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition)

Product Description:
Outsmart road changes with the TomTom XXL 550·M--complete 5-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates*. On average, 18% of road information changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With Lifetime Map Updates, start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year. 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 plus Lifetime Map Updates.


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.


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 with Lifetime Map Updates
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.


Roads change, but with Lifetime Map Updates your map will always be up to date. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year.


Note: You receive up to four non-transferable map data updates per year until the product's useful life expires or TomTom no longer receives map updates from its suppliers, whichever is shorter. Details and terms at www.tomtom.com/legal.


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 540M device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, 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.



Buy Now

Want to read more honest consumer review about TomTom XXL 550M 5 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) now ?

2/19/2011

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

TomTom XXL 540TM World Traveler 5 inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The GPS market has come a long way in the past few years. A decade ago, there were very few after-market GPS units, they were mostly expensive, and they were also mostly mediocre. The best units cost more than a thousand, and while they'd get you from here to there, didn't feature a lot of bells and whistles. Factory installed GPS units--then limited mostly to high end cars--generally cost $2-3k.

A growing number of portable GPS units have come to market in the past 5 or so years. Over time, the hardware has improved, the software has (for the best ones) gotten pretty good, and prices have (especially in the past year or so) dropped tremendously. (That last point--the tremendous drop in price--has forced many manufacturers out of the market. At this point, it is mostly dominated by names like TomTom, Magellan, and Garmin). There is also now competition from high end smart phones, most of which have a GPS unit built in.

(Amazingly--or perhaps not--the cost of factory installed car GPS systems has stubbornly remained around $2,000!)

While there has been substantial brand attrition in the GPS market, there is no shortage of choices. That's because each manufacturer now offers an almost ridiculous number of models, many of which are only modestly different.

GPS units can basically be differentiated as follows

1) Screen size (usually 3-5" diagonally)
2) Ability to acquire a GPS signal
3) The GUI (graphical user interface) presented to the user
4) Quality of the maps (how often updated, what geographical regions they cover)
5) Does the unit incorporate traffic data?
6) Quality of routing (how good are the driving instructions generated)
7) Does the unit offer text to speech? (Does it tell you the names of streets, or just say "next left"?)
8) Does the unit offer voice recognition
9) Does the unit incorporate blue tooth to communicate with your phone and/or FM transmission to play over your car radio?
10) Does the unit have expandable memory; play mp3s; etc?
11) How good is the included mounting hardware?

Let's take these features one at a time for this particular GPS, the TomTom XXL540TM

1) The screen size of this unit is 5". This is at the high end of current offerings by the major GPS manufacturers. This doesn't really buy you any additional "real estate", i.e. the resolution isn't higher than the small GPS units. It's just a little bigger. That IS useful, to be honest, and is also helpful as it makes it easier to maneuver the touchscreen menus.

2) This unit, like all the current TomTom line, does a great job of acquiring a GPS signal. It can take far less than a minute with clear lines of sight, and my unit was even able to pull up 5 satellites inside my home with the blinds drawn. I also have GPS units from Sony and Garmin, as well as a built in unit in my car. The TomTom is better than the Sony at getting a signal, as good as the Garmin, and slower than the built in in my car (not a fair comparison, since the built in gets a much larger antenna).

3) This TomTom has a very good GUI. The touch screen is reasonably responsive and most everything appears where one would, intuitively, expect it to be. My biggest complaint is that there are a LOT of options and option screens you can drill through--way too many to deal with while driving. The upside, is there is a "simple menus" options that will present only the most significant option screens. It should be noted that some of the recent TomTom models (e.g. the 550) have eliminated a lot of the options/option screens, leaving ONLY the "simple" menus. That is a big negative, since some of these deep menus are quite useful. Bottom line: Good GUI and stick to a model like this that at least gives you the option of the deep menus.

4) The map data is good, and this particular GPS comes with lifetime map updates. TomTom also has a "map share" facility, which allows users to upload/download map changes. That means if a bunch of users discovery that a street is closed, they can note this information on their GPS and that info will get transmitted back to TomTom, who then shares it with everyone else. In this way, maps get corrected very quickly. This unit includes maps for both North America (US/Mexico/Canada) and much of Europe. The inclusion of European maps will be considered a major bonus for some, and irrelevant for those who don't plan to take this outside this continent.

5) This unit includes lifetime traffic data. The value of this data will depend on where you live. Major cities have great coverage. Smaller cities frequently get poorer coverage. The traffic data is also sometimes incorrect. But on the whole, the traffic data is good, and reasonably reliable (where you can get it). It is transmitted over the FM frequency, and an antenna is built into the auto power adapter cord that comes with this unit. The REAL value of the traffic data is that the unit incorporates the data when calculating routing information. I was skeptical at first, but have been VERY surprised at how well the unit picks the "right" route (not just the route that is shortest in land miles, or shortest based on posted speed limits). This is an A++ feature.

6) The quality of the routing with this unit is OUTSTANDING. Everything else aside, this is, in my opinion, where this unit really shines. They use what they call "IQ Technology" for routing. This is just putting a brand name on the following process: Incorporating frequently updated information on the real speed of various roads (and current traffic information) when generating routing information. It works beautifully. I tried several routes I frequently drive, where the real-world best route would NEVER be predicted on the basis of land miles or on the basis of posted road speeds. No other GPS I have used has ever predicted the real-world best routes--that includes a last generation Magellan unit, a last generation Sony unit (updated with their most recent firmware), and the unit installed in my car (also updated). In one case, the TomTom came up with a very good route, but not quite the best one. I went to the menus and indicated I wanted to avoid a certain road. The TomTom recalculated and subsequently came up with the correct (and not obvious) route. On the basis of their routing, I am a TomTom believer.

It's worth adding that this unit also includes "lane guidance", which is extra information about what lane in a multi-lane road/highway you should be in to prepare for your next road change. This feature is included in the higher end units in pretty much all the manufacturer's lines, and as with the others, it works very well here. I find this to be a very useful feature and would gladly pay to move up in a product line to get it.

7) This TomTom unit features text to speech. I find this a good feature, though obviously you can glance at the LCD screen to get the same info on a unit that does feature this feature. The TomTom is very good at pronouncing names that you might expect would present a problem (e.g. names derived from Spanish, or those derived from the names of Native American Indian tribes).

8) This unit does NOT include voice recognition. Although I would consider good quality voice recognition to be a MAJOR advantage, my experience is that the voice recognition on most portable GPS units is poor/worthless. Some of the high end Garmin units feature reasonable voice recognition, but they are expensive and the feature is still, to some extent, a work in progress.

9) This unit does not offer blue tooth connectivity to your cell phone, nor FM transmission through your radio system. To be honest, while these features sound good on paper, the ONLY blue tooth systems I have used that have ever been worth consideration are those factory installed into a car (at a cost of...$2000, or so...) When blue tooth is available on these portable units, it's mostly bad, and frequently horrible. So the lack of blue tooth on this GPS is no loss.

10) This unit does not have an external memory slot, and the memory cannot be expanded. Full loaded with both North American and European maps, this device uses about 3.7Gb of the 4Gb that are built in. But you can easily remove the maps for either North America or Europe in standard use, if you need more space in the future. The lack of external memory means you also won't be using this unit for playing music or videos or whatever. Again, this is no loss in my opinion. Few people use these features even when they are included.

11) The included mounting hardware is, sorry to say, very poor. The design--where the mounting bracket folds to nearly flush with the unit when not in use--is quite cute. Unfortunately, A) the suction device doesn't work very well and loses suction fairly quickly, even when applied to a good, clear, level surface. (When that happens, your GPS comes crashing to the floor!); B) the quick release bracket that allows the GPS to be removed from the mounting bracket is poor, and if you try to adjust the direction of the GPS, it comes off too easily; and C) even if A & B were not true, the included bracket allows only a very limited amount of motion--not enough to really adjust the GPS to the angle and direction you'd want (and certainly not enough to be usable with the increasingly popular "beanbag" dash mounts...) I would STRONGLY recommend that you buy a high quality after-market mount system made for this device, specifically this one: ARKON TTEP115 TomTom EasyPort Windshield / Dash Mount. At the time of writing this review, it's about thirteen dollars from Amazon, and worth every penny. It works great with this...Read more›

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

Product Description:
Get street smart with the TomTom XXL 540TM World Traveler Edition--complete, 5-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 540TM World Traveler Edition, you'll always stay current.
Five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe.


Expand your horizons with a 5-inch extra-wide touchscreen.


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


Switch on and it's ready to go right out of the box. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions, including street names, will guide you to any address in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe--including more than 7 million pre-loaded points of interest. The TomTom XXL 540TM World Traveler Edition 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 the 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 and Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take with you from car to car.


Maps of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe
Pre-loaded with maps of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe. 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, as well as receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe, worry-free.


Lifetime Traffic and 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
Pre-loaded 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.


5-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 5-inch extra-wide touchscreen. A widescreen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.


Fold and Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold and 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 makes your device even more portable so you can take it with you wherever you travel.

*Feature only available in the U.S. and Canada
**Feature available in the U.S. only
***Lifetime Traffic and Maps: You receive non-transferable traffic data and up to four non-transferable map data updates per year until the product's useful life expires or TomTom no longer receives map or traffic updates from its suppliers--whichever is shorter. Lifetime Maps available for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico only. Lifetime Traffic available in the U.S. and Canada. Details and terms at www.tomtom.com/legal.

All TomToms Feature


Plug and 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 other users' 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's guide with 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 and innovations to make life easy.



Buy Now

Want to read more honest consumer review about TomTom XXL 540TM World Traveler 5 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic and Maps Edition) now ?

2/16/2011

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

TomTom XXL 540T 5 inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
They do not tell you that you need to purchase the optional RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver to be able to use the traffic update function. Otherwise Tom-Tom's are great GPS. I had a Magellan and it was so hard to update. You had to download a file and then use a DOS program to update it. With Tom-Tom, you just plug in the USB plug, start the HOME program and it updates all the maps.

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

Product Description:
Outsmart traffic with the TomTom XXL 540·T. With complete, five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Traffic Updates you'll always stay informed and minimize delays. Based on up-to-date traffic information, your device will recalculate travel time and suggest alternate routes. 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.
Five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Traffic 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.


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 Updates
Outsmart traffic and avoid delays for life with real-time information via your TomTom. Every three minutes, your TomTom will automatically update with the latest traffic information, recalculate your trip time and suggest alternate routes.


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

What's in the Box
XXL 540T GPS navigator, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger w/ integrated traffic, and user guide

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.

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.



Buy Now

Want to read more honest consumer review about TomTom XXL 540T 5 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic Edition) now ?

2/02/2011

TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator Review

TomTom  XXL 540S 5 inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought the TomTom XXL 540S a few weeks ago. This gps is the big brother to the TomTom XL 340S. This gps just has the bigger and brighter 5" screen.

I have very mixed feelings about the gps. There are many things that I like about it, but there are also so many small details and functions that are lacking on it that TomTom either decided not to work on or decided to exclude. These little things that are missing drive me absolutely crazy at times and I don't know if I can stand them or not. I may consider returning this gps and getting either a Garmin or Magellan instead. I don't know yet. I really hope TomTom starts addressing some of these issues.

Some of my pros vs cons are below which I hope will help others who are trying to decide on a gps.

Pros:

+ IQ Routes (TomTom uses historical speed data for roads based on the time of day and day of the week, so that it can give you the best possible route)
+ Big 5" Screen, which is easy to see.
+ Very loud speaker. (Option in Volume Preferences to link the volume to your cars speed if you want)
+ Satellite acquition is fast (less than 10 sec for me). Shows usually around 9 satellites.
+ Map Color can be changed.
+ Can change the color of the car symbol in 3D mode
+ Auto Day/Night mode changes the brightness and color.
+ Ability to prepare a route with any Depart and Destination coordinates.

+ Shows the current street that your on at the bottom of the screen and the next street to turn on in the top right corner.

+ Advanced Lane Guidance on the highway is displayed really nicely. Shows an arrow with the lane that you need to be in and also sometimes shows a 3D sign for your exit. It is nice and big and it stays on the screen long enough to be viewed so that its clear to see where you need to go.

+ Status bar can be customized to how you like it. It can be displayed either horizontally or vertically. Can show the remaining time, remaining distance, current time, arrival time, your speed and the speed limit, distance to your next turn, compass, ect.

+ TTS (text to speech) instructions are very helpful in letting you know where to turn and also preparing you for your next turn as well. For instance it will say something like "After one qurter mile turn right". Then as you get closer to the street it will say "Turn right Main St. Then take the second left"Cons:

- POI (Points of Interest) Map Screen shows the POI name, street and cross street, phone, city, and state. But it gives NO street addresses! So you don't know the address or what side of the street the POI is on, unless you call the place ahead of time and ask. All you get is a checkered flag shown in the middle of the street with TomTom saying "you have reached your final destination". On the Go model the POI Map Screen has a "Details" button that shows the street address, zip code, and food cuisine type for instance. Why TomTom decided to remove this on this model I have no idea.

- No AutoZoom enable/disable option (like on the Go model). You can manually zoom in or out on the map, but about 5 sec later AutoZoom will kick in and take you right back to what TomTom wants you to see. Its very frustrating because I like to zoom in and out sometimes so that I can see more map detail, but TomTom won't allow me to for anymore then about 5 sec. When I turn on the gps the zoom level that TomTom has picked is so bad that most all of the street outlines around me have completely vanished from the screen. All that I see are a bunch of street names just floating around on the map with no streets being shown.

- Doesn't speak which side of the street your destination is on. (If you enter a street address for a destination however it does show a little arrow on the map pointing to the left or right hand side of the street when you are approaching your destination. Along with a little checkered flag on the side of the street your destination is on.)

- Change Preferences screen is 6 pages deep and only has a button to advance foward to the next page. There is no back button. So if you say accidently go past the screen you wanted to be on you have to then press the foward button 5 more times just to get back to that page.

- No simple way to get into the Browse as Text turn lists display from the main screen.

- Browse as Text route instructions, the text and arrows for the turn list is just way to small. Also there is no Auto Scroll function. To view the next page of new upcoming turns you have to scroll down the list manually yourself.

- POI Map Screen in Night mode shows the cross street text in black, which is extremely difficult to see unless you get very close to the screen.

- 3D mode during the day the maps background brightness isn't consistent across the whole screen. There are noticable lines across the screen where you can see the various brightness stages. Towards the bottom of the map its the brightest and then as you pan up the screen it gets slightly darker.

- Can't enter the street name untill after you have entered the city. Its bad news if you know the street but unsure of the city. You should be able to search for the street in any city near you or near the city that you entered (if it was incorrect).

- TTS (text to speech) of multiword street names sounds sometimes garbled.
- TTS pronounces some words and streets pretty poorly.
- Can't change the color of the car symbol in 2D mode.
- Can't search restaurants by cuisine type.
- No MicroSD memory card slot for expansion. Room is pretty tight with only 2GB of internal flash memory. After removing all of the voices except for computer voice Susan and removing most of the car symbols. I still only have 105mb of space free remaining.
- Only supports USB 1.1 transfers. So when you install maps or performing backups its very slow.Miscellaneous info: gps chipset on mine was a GL2 BCM4750 (Global Locate 2), The CPU speed is 266MHZ. 64MB of RAM.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XXL 540S 5 Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

Product Description:
The TomTom XXL 540S is complete navigation in a XXL widescreen device. Switch on and it's ready right out of the box. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions, including street names, will guide you to any address in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico--including more than 7 million pre-loaded points of interest.
Complete navigation in a XXL widescreen device. Click to enlarge.


EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of your device. Click to enlarge.


Advanced Lane Guidance uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits. Click to enlarge.

Complete XXL Widescreen Navigation and Spoken Street Names


IQ Routes
IQ Routes technology* gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip rather than only posted speed limits, so you'll always travel the smartest route.


Advanced Lane Guidance
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.


5-Inch Touchscreen
An extra-wide 5-inch touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free.


TomTom Map Share
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.


Get Help
With the "Help Me!" menu, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers.


EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take with you from car to car.


The XXL 540S is complete, widescreen navigation.


*Feature only available in the U.S. and Canada
**Feature available in the U.S. only

What's in the Box

TomTom XL 540S device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user's guide.

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