 Wonderful Value / Very functional |
| Review Date: June 2, 2008 |
| Reviewer: JeffrySG, New York, NY United States |
I haven't used many GPS systems before so this is more of a review of this individual system as it stands on its own and not comparing it to other systems. Living in a large city, I don't own a car, but recently I needed to make a trip that entailed visiting 7 or 8 locations all within a few hours of each other (in a rental car). I knew that I might have to change the order of when I would get to each location or possibly not go to them all. Not being very familiar with the area I figured that it might be a good idea to get a GPS. This unit worked perfectly for the whole trip. I programed in each address before leaving and saved it as a favorite location which made picking a new destination really easy while driving. All of the directions accurate, and the computer voice was easy to understand (and you have a choice of a few voices as well). I'm not sure how many 'favorite' locations you can put in but I had in over 10 so you can enter at least that many.
Here's a list of other features that I liked:
- It came with a lighter/power cord for the car.
- Came with a USB cable to charge on the computer.
- You can update maps on the computer and backup your maps/info.
- It actually came with Macintosh software!! (as well as Windows of course)
- It came with a very useful suction cup holder to attach to the front windshield (it worked very well and never came off)
- This is a refurbished unit but it looked brand new. I didn't even see a small scratch on the unit.
- I liked the night mode that had darker colors.
- There is an option to have the volume adjust based on your car speed.
- It is small enough to put into a pocket or bag when you leave the car.
- I didn't use them but it has a bicycle mode and a walking mode.
- You can buy updates to maps or other map locations online.
Some features that you may not like:
- It doesn't say the name of the street you need to turn onto. (I didn't really mind that, though)
- The screen is pretty small. I actually liked it this way though, as I didn't want it to take up too much of my view out the front window. But if you have trouble reading small text it might be hard to see what the exit is, etc. Some elements, like your speed or arrival time are pretty small.
- When you first turn it on it can take 4 or 5 minutes to locate the GPS satellites. (not sure how this compares to other units)
- It would probably be hard to enter a new address while you're driving as the screen is pretty small. That's why I pre-entered them before hand.
- You have to go through a few menus to change the volume. Not too bad if your parked but if you're driving it can be a little tricky. (Don't crash)
I think that's about it. Again, I'm not sure how this compared to other portable units or other built in units but for what I wanted this was perfect, especially for the price and as of this writing there is a rebate as well. |
It's a Keeper!
|
| Review Date: September 6, 2008 |
| Reviewer: J. Strohn, Tucson, Arizona |
I purchased this refurbished TomTom specifically for a trip from Arizona to Colorado. My intention was to sell it after I returned home.
The TomTom looked like a complete package when it arrived, including flyers with a code to download the most recent map. However, when I tried to install the map I was advised the coupon was no longer valid.
I called TomTom with some trepidation as some others had mentioned Customer Service was not that great. My experience was good. It took two phone calls. In the first, I was asked to fax or email in my receipt. Then, after waiting a few minutes, I called back and was advised the latest was ready to download. Installation went smoothly but I did make sure I did a backup before downloading the new map. Then, after it was installed, I did a backup. (I'm a customer service rep so I KNOW the benefit of backups!)
I downloaded some voices and extra points of interest from the TomTom site. I also did an Internet search and found some sites that had additional downloads, some free, some pay. (Some of the pay items were available from free sites so check carefully!) I found the KitKar sound as well as Yoda and enjoy both.
My initial test was in my home city. I had to go to our local convention center four days in a row so added it as a favorite. I deliberately tried to confuse the system and was sometimes successful. For the most part, the TomTom was great. I even found some different, faster routes then my usual.
My trip route took me on what was supposedly the fastest but not what I wanted on one segment. I chose to add stops along the way as favorites, including a town that would force my shortcut.
It was great! I ran into some heavy rain through some cities where there were lots of curves and construction. If I had not had TomTom I definitely wouldn't have been in the right lanes at times. Especially in the rain where I could barely see 100 yards ahead it was wonderful to see if the road curved.
When I reached my destination, it provided lots of fun for my three-year-old grandson. As I traveled in my family's car, he delighted in hearing Yoda's voice and the various point of interest sounds I'd selected. I was able to easily add some destinations in their city. I told my grandson, "it's impossible to get lost with TomTom."
Suffice to say, I'm not about to sell it, even though a neighbor asked if she could buy it!
I brought a Bracketon Nav-Mat and strongly recommend it. I placed the TomTom to my left, on my dash mat. Although not recommended, I could reach out and change the screen when driving.
The only negative is that in strong sun it can be hard to read the screen as it is washed out. The voice commands help to counter that. Lots of advance warning of turns.
I recommend reading the other reviews on the TomTom (non-refurbished) for more information. For me, this was a great purchase. While I don't use it every day, I keep it in a pocket in my purse, always ready to use when it's needed.
FOLLOW UP - OCTOBER 12, 2008
The day after I posted this review I turned on my TomTom and had an orange X. It didn't work. I went to the site, checked the resource on the problem, and did everything requested. Still the X. Emailed support saying I had done everything and wanted to know my next step. The reply didn't indicate a human had actually read what I wrote ... it simply referred me to the article I'd already followed.
I went through the steps again (a fairly lengthly process and not for anyone not familiar with computers, formatting external disks, etc. Still the X even though everything appeared to be loaded correctly. I finally found the time to call. The support person was very professional and quickly agreed that I'd done everything they would recommend. She issued a RMA and transferred me to the RMA department.
I had to pay to have the TomTom sent back ($10 for UPS ... postal service not recommended). A bit over a week later I received a new TomTom (different serial number). It's worked well so far.
I still recommend this! |
COORDINATES
|
| Review Date: July 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: L. Casas, |
First of all: Buying Refurbished rules. You get a like-new product that has already been tested so there is no new-product-surprises; You can be sure it is working perfectly. AND is cheaper.
The Amazon shipping was superb. I purchased it on July 22nd. Was estimated for August 4th - 8th; Arrived July 25th.
TOMTOTM ONE 3RD edition HIGHLIGHTS:
-Everything you need is on the box.
-WILL GIVE YOU YOUR COORDINATES VERY easily and you can even configure the units.
-HAS WALKING MODE (I love to walk, and the GPS will take in account that I don't need to follow car's restrictions.)
-Will charge from the USB port. (Very important if you walk)
-MULTI LANGUAGE
-TOMTOM HOME is a very good computer application that lets you update backup and even operate the GPS from the PC. You can even browse the contents of the GPS memory.
Coordinates people, COORDINATES!
Most people don't care about this. But they usually wont dislike having the information available just in case. Some GPS units won't give you your coordinates, and if you are a Map fan like me, or you live in a country where the maps are not good or not even available, you would probably REALLY appreciate to just know your coordinates, is really all you need!
Even more: If you are a Private pilot, or undergoing training to obtain your license, you off course know that an airplane GPS is REALLY expensive.
Since this beauty will give you your coordinates, you can use it to check where are you flying if you get lost, and all you need is your Sectional.
Coming back to all the people that does not walk or fly (or do biking, because this baby has a bicycle mode also):
It does EVERYTHING you need in a Automobile's GPS: As most GPS units has points of interest, let you store favorite locations, has configurable color schemes (including night colors), you can switch the display between 3D and 2D.
As not all GPS units, it will let you CORRECT something in the map that could be mistaken. The TOMTOM HOME, and web site support the "MapShare" system that will update your maps according to corrections other people had been doing. Is a community sharing thing so is free :)
You can select among many voices (you can download and there are plenty that are downloadable at no cost) and there are voices in many languages. And likewise you can download icons sounds and a lot of updates.
You can even upload text files to your Tomtom... In case you want to read something... Is like a PDA.
I said the box has everything you need. Well maybe something is missing: The TOMTOM home application is not in the box, because there is no CD in the package. But you can download it from the website (as well as the complete manual).
The unit itself could be plugged to a traffic wireless system (that can be your cellphone if you have the service). Has the on/off button, a reset button and the USB cable connection.
No memory flash slot for this one so no memory expansion.
Total memory is about 1GB and is pretty much full. Around 100 MB are free, which is more than enough for voices, maps updates an other stuff.
If you need to have more than one major map file. You can store them in your PC and upload the one you need to your Tomtom ONE without loosing anything.
This is a very good product; although I cannot speak about durability for myself (I just received it today). Right now I cannot think of something else that I would like it to do, and for the price I don't really want it to do anything more. |
Excellent product at a very reasonalble price
|
| Review Date: June 13, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. WHITE, milwaukee |
| We do a lot of driving on family vacations and weekend trips in general. We purchased this to avoid some the hassles of getting lost in new areas. I've used it on one long distance and several short distance trips. It has been a great help. I certainly can get myself from one city to the next without a problem, but the Tom Tom system was a major help driving to various tourist attractions in a new city. The only problem I found so far, was on a trip to Chicago (which I know very well). It tried to direct us onto an expressway that runs through downtown when it was much less trouble and shorter distance to stay on the expressway that skirts the outside of the city. It does offer a couple different ways to plan routes so perhaps the route I drove was an option had I played with the Tom Tom more. |
Good product; Great value
|
| Review Date: November 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Computer Geek, Ann Arbor, MI |
This is my first GPS and I found it very easy to use. The software that came with it to download the latest maps didn't work but I knew from the reviews that if I called during the first month that I could download the current maps for free. I thought it was broken at first because it doesn't get a signal inside my house but it works fine in the car. It can take a few minute to get a signal when you first turn it on.
I use it with daytime colors and I put it on the windshield in the line of sight. I particularly like the facts that it continually predicts when you are going to arrive at your destination and if you find your route blocked by a closed exit or you miss a turn, it quickly recalculates your route. My wife likes the fact that you can set it to alert you when you are going over the speed limit.
I had mixed results with sticking the suction cup mount to my window (which is admittedly not the cleanest). Sometimes it would fall off after an hour and sometimes it would stay on for a couple of days. I bought a new mount on ebay that has a lever to provide extra suction and that works well. |
|
No video reviews found for this product.
Leave a Reply