TomTom GO 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, I have to admit really falling in love with this device over the last week. The reason I bought it is actually because of third-party software package provided by a company called Equinux that makes the TomTom Go Mac OSX compatible. This software is not included, but it's easy to find on the web.
It's this software packages, callled Tam Tam, that makes the TomTom Go, to my knowledge, the first, truly MAC OSX compatible car GPS. Which in my humble opinion is a far better solution than jury-rigged coding for extreme hackers who try and force Garmin or Magellan to work with the Mac operating system machinse or the truly sad compromise of using Virtual PC, which, as far as I understand, makes your mac vulnerable to all those nasty virus and techno-terrors aimed at PC/Intel boxes.

In deference to the review guidelines, I won't put the Equinux URL here, but it's easy enough to find them on the web. The main reason I bring Equinux up at all is because if it wasn't for their Tam Tam Mac OSX software, I never would have bought my TomTom Go and, Man, I would have missed out on a wonderful device.
Anyway, the device, TOMTOM GO, is fantastic! The 3D map views are clear and easily read and once you switch to a map section that applies to where you are the TomTom has no problem getting a GPS connection - I'm making this assumption because I live and work in the hills of Tennessee, North Carolina Virginia and if it can get GPS reception here than that's really saying something.
Also, I splurged for the pre-loaded version, and I think I made the right call, just because I didn't want to take too many chances considering the, at the time, compatibility concerns, concerns which have since been fully addressed.
There is one down side, because the US map is sectioned into 6 or 7 maps, even if the maps are all loaded you can't go from a specific address in one section to a specific address in another section. This is a bit of a bummer, but once you get a hang of using the Major US Roads maps, which lack most specific addresses, and see how easy it is to switch maps as you go along, this is soon resolved. It's this flaw and the rather lousy mount that are the only reasons this is a four, and not a five, star review.
On the case of the mount, it too is a problem that is easliy rectified with one of those jell sticky, easy-to-peal off pads you can use on your dash. Better that than the permanted adhessive disc TomTom provides if your planning to attach their mount to your dash instead of your window.
Anyway, aside from the address to address multiple map problem and the dashboard mount problem, this device is great and if, like me, you are a Mac enthusiast who has been waiting for years for a Car GPS complete unit (not just a receiver) that's truly Mac OSX compatible, than it is here... after a fashion.
All in all, the TomTom GO with Equinux Tam Tam software is probably the best investment I made all year!


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Getting directions has never been so stress-free. The TomTom Go meets all your GPS navigation needs and more, offering a standalone, portable, easy-to-use car navigation device that incorporates navigation software, maps, and a GPS receiver in a single device. The TomTom Go also comes preloaded with state and regional maps of the entire U.S. and country-wide and regional maps of Canada, with maps of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam available on CD-ROM. The TomTom Go is easy to mount on any dashboard or windshield and easy to remove if you want to place it in another vehicle. This unit runs primarily off a cigarette-lighter power cable, but includes a long-life rechargeable battery for portable use as well. The TomTom Go offers a vivid 3-D navigation view, which allows you to grasp your current position intuitively in the same manner in which you deal with the real world, which is particularly helpful when navigating junctions and roundabouts. You can also set the touch-sensitive LCD screen to a more simple 2-D display mode that increases the amount of text direction you can have on screen. Both views have day and night variations for easy viewing regardless of the lighting conditions. The modern and sleek design of the TomTom Go assures that it will fit in style with any vehicle, while its many features ensure it will guide you accurately and easily through any situation. This system doesn't require any subscription or start-up fees; you can simply take it out of the box, plug it in to your car, and start driving. The TomTom Go includes thousands of points of interest (POIs) in its maps, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and more. And to help make sure you get where you are trying to go, the TomTom Go provides clear spoken directions in any of its 11 included languages. The TomTom Go comes with everything you need to be up and running in no time. The package includes a convenient carrying case to protect your GPS unit during travel, an easy-to-follow installation poster, all the necessary power and connecting cables, and an installation CD containing PC connection software and extra maps. Simple and convenient for the modern traveler, the TomTom Go will help ensure you always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going--and, most importantly, the way back home. What's in the Box TomTom Go GPS receiver, Secure Digital memory card with preloaded U.S. maps, TomTom software CD-ROM with Canada maps, universal mains power adapter, 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, mini-USB cable, and user's manual.

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TomTom GO 2535TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps Review

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(More customer reviews)If TomTom wanted Beta-testers, they would have had no shortage of volunteers. If TomTom had delayed the release of this item until it was fully functional, they would have had a few disappointed pre-order customers but otherwise happy users. However, charging customers the current price for a buggy product which is clearly not ready for sale is unacceptable. Selling this product in its current form is false advertising. Plain and simple.
I'll start with the positive:
1. The windshield mount is very nice. The twist/click suction cup works great and the magnetic dock is super simple to use.
2. The screen is nice and big. The graphics display nicely and are clear and easy to understand in a glance.
3. It gives directions. That IS why you want a GPS system, after all, isn't it? ;)
4. Unlike some other reviewers, mine finds its signal extremely quickly. It is ready to go long before I am (having to connect it to the dock and power cord, start car, check mirrors, etc).
5. It seems to do everything quickly. It recalculates my route within a few feet if I choose not to take its suggested turns. Scrolling through menus is quick as the page refresh is very fast.
Sorry, that's all I've got for pros. So far, I Just. Don't. Like. It.
Here's why:
1. The browser-based interface is glitchy. Sometimes it connects to my device right away. Sometimes I have to plug and unplug it a few times to get it to show up. Sometimes it goes right to the overview page (which contains only paragraphs about all the fabulous features which TomTom will release eventually but don't actually work yet and a link to non-existent accessories), sometimes my only option is to change my email address and password. I have to close and reopen my browser until it offers the full list of choices.
2. Unavailable features:
a. TomTom claims the voices read street names. While it's technically true that the DEFAULT voice reads street names, it is the only one. Spoken address recognition is only available with this voice as well (per the manual). You better hope you like Samantha.
b. Add-on voices don't work. They don't actually tell you this until after you've paid for them and call to ask why you can't get them to download onto your device. Then they "helpfully" offer to "try to refund" your money. Which will take 7-10 business days.
c. Home software. One of the advertised features is the ability to manage your device from your desktop. Then you call TomTom support because the software can't see your device and they tell you "never mind. You can't do that." No estimate on when any of these features will become available.
3. As other reviewers have mentioned, the button for voice control is VERY tiny. Almost impossible to hit accurately while driving without taking your eyes off the road while you do it, which defeats the purpose of voice control. A double-tap of the screen or larger button would have been a much better choice.
4. Menus could be condensed and reorganized for ease of use. Some of the options don't seem to make sense where they are.5. Worst of all for me: Customer Support. TomTom thinks it's perfectly acceptable to advertise a product can do things it can't and charge people full price while they wait around for features that might work someday. I was told flat-out by a tech "TomTom releases a new device every 3 or 4 months. You can't expect all of the features to work on all of them before we release them." Yes. That's a direct quote. And yes TomTom, that's EXACTLY what I and the rest of your customers expect. If it doesn't work, don't take people's money for it. Period.
With business practices and products like this, I am appalled that TomTom is still in business. If you MUST buy a TomTom for some reason, you might want to consider a model that's been around awhile. Maybe they've gotten around to making it work by now.
Update 5/6/2011: After only owning this device a week and using it a handful of times, my unit died. I dropped it into the windshield mount and hit the power button while I buckled and backed out of the driveway and when by the end of my street (3 blocks) it was still on the start-up image, I was perplexed. I turned it off and back on with the same result. I left it on, thinking perhaps it was updating some database or something and would eventually move on, but when I arrived at my destination 20 minutes later, it was still displaying the startup image. A google search of reset instructions led me to hold the power button down for an extended period, which according to TomTom's service instructions, should have initiated a soft reset. Instead, it powered down completely and I have not been able to power it back on since. TomTom tech support confirms that there is clearly something wrong with this unit and have issued an RMA with a promise of a replacement unit. I will update my review after receiving the replacement to indicate how the RMA process went. Have I mentioned that I'm underwhelmed here?

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TomTom VIA 1505M 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps Review

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(More customer reviews)I just got my Tomtom VIA 1505TM yesterday, and having just got off the phone with the (easy to reach & very friendly & helpful) customer service here is what I wish I'd known before I bough this: it's still in Beta and isn't supported by a lot of Tomtom's infrastructure yet. For example, as of today (April 5th 2011) you aren't going to find it on most of the drop down menus on Tomtom's website or as an option on the phone menu when you call customer service. More seriously, it can't connect to Tomtom Home which is the software that allows you to do the fun things Tomtom offer like downloading voices or other doodads to your device. I was really looking forward to customizing my GPS with various voices and I'm sad I can't do that. I am assured that over the course of this year Tomtom will send updates to the VIA GPSes that will eventually allow them to join the party but for now there is very little support for this product. I think it's kind of weird to release a beta that has less functionality than the models it supersedes without clearly warning potential purchasers so I'm writing this review today. I also can't buy a carry case sized just to fit my VIA - which is a different shape to previous models because it attaches to my car using a different system. I'm told its a better system but since this is my first GPS I wouldn't know.
Hopefully by the end of the year (as I said, I'm writing this on April 5th 2011) this review will be obsolete but right now, if you purchase this GPS today, you will not be getting a fully supported device. I'm not happy at having been lured into Beta testing Tomtom's new product line, this is my first GPS and I paid $200 for it, I wanted a great experience right out of the box. As it is I'm just feeling a bit sad about the whole thing, and even the charming customer service hasn't made that go away.
The thing is, this is a really nice piece of engineering. It is super easy to set up and use. It works in a fundamentally different way to previous Tomtoms, and you can use it while it is plugged into your computer. A friend of mine has an earlier Tomtom and I know she gets frustrated at not being able to access her Tomtom while it is attached to her computer so that is a definite plus. I'm not complaining about the device itself, it is very cool. I'm told that this model is the future of Tomtom, and that in time it will do everything the other models do and more, but the fact is that it doesn't do that now, today, April 5th 2011.
So. Early adopters and devoted beta testers rejoice! This is definitely the Tomtom for you. Buy one and enjoy yourselves. But those of you who, like me, just want to get where you are going with a bit of fun along the way, and the least amount of hassle, might want to pick something else.

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TomTom GO 2505TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been using TomTom Car Navigation products for several years now. This is my 4th unit. The last unit I possessed was the 'TomTom GO 740 Live'. So I was excited about the newest offering from this company. Having used this product for a few days, here's my 2 cents.. (please remember, this is being reviewed in relation to other TomTom products. I am not comparing this to units from other manufacturers)
The Good..
** This unit is sleeker and better looking than any of the previous models.
** The 5" screen makes a world of difference compared to the 4.3" inches on most other models. So if you can, opt for the 2505 and not the 2405.
** The screen is brighter than other models. Seems to hold well in bright sunlight.
** Very crisp and pleasing visuals. The text and graphics are sharper and more responsive.
** Extremely quick planning and re-planning of routes - that's the new Turbo Routing feature. Works pretty well.
** The car dock is very innovative. Sturdier and better mechanics. The magnetic process needs a little getting used to, especially when undocking.
** The automatic time zone setting for the Clock is a nice feature.
** Comes with Lifetime Map updates and Traffic.
The Bad...
** There is no docking station! You need to plug the USB cable manually for syncing/charging with the PC.
** For Traffic updates, the unit needs to be plugged into the car charger since the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver is integrated into the car charging cable.
** No LIVE services. So if you need Google service or latest gas prices, you are out of luck.
** No memory card slot. So if you run over the 4GB limit, better start deleting stuff.
** No FM transmitter. No option to play voice through the the radio.
** No music player.
** No compass option.
** Comes preloaded with only 1 English 'Computer' voice - 'Stephanie'. No options to download Voices!! Seriously, TomTom??!! (Update: TomTom says more will be available soon. No timeline yet).

The Ugly..
** As others have documented, no customization is possible - yet. Cannot update/download Voices, POIs, Maps, Color Schemes etc. You live with what comes pre-loaded. No timeline on when options would be available.
And a couple of irritants:
** The 'next street name' that displays at the top right hand corner is too small to read relative to everything else on the screen.
** When making a phone call using the unit's bluetooth, the call status bar at the top blocks the 'next street name'. And you can't get rid of that status bar until you hang up. That's pretty dumb.
In short, this is not quite a step up from the 740 as I had expected. The focus here seems to have been on the style, not much on the substance. Having used this for a couple of weeks now, I've grown to like it. Extremely efficient and accurate. If you're looking for a product that can accurately and efficiently get you from Point A to Point B, this is the one for you.
This seems like a product that was rushed into the US market without the proper support structure behind it. This is the US version of the TomTom 'Go LIVE 1005' launched recently in Europe. The customer service reps know very little about this product. There are no User Manuals online yet. The PC sync to the web-based MyTomTom is an utter joke.
Bottom line, if I had to do it all over again, I'd stick with the 740 until TomTom gets its act together on this one.



Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom GO 2505TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps

The TomTom GO 2505TM offers Superior Driving Intelligence with Lifetime Traffic & Map UpdatesΔ. Complete with premium maps of the US, Canada & Mexico, you can navigate to virtually any address – including over 7 million points of interest, like gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more. With TomTom maps, you have one million more miles of mapped road in the US than you would using other GPS brands – making TomTom maps the most accurate and dependable in the industry.Sleek New DesignThe GO 2505TM boasts a slim design, crisp, sharp graphics & intuitive user menus. And, using gestures on the 2505TM's sleek 5.0" glass touchscreen, you can easily swipe your finger to move from screen to screen, or pinch-to- zoom, for easy map viewing.Bluetooth and MoreMake and answer calls safely while driving with your compatible Bluetooth mobile phone, on your TomTom GO 2505TM. See incoming call information, make and answer calls and talk hands-free easily through your TomTom. Navigation functions will operate without interruption. And, with Voice Recognition, you can relax and let your hands stay on the wheel – TomTom responds to 130 different verbal commands, making navigation easier and safer than ever.Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates IncludedAlways outsmart delays with Lifetime Traffic. The TomTom 2505TM receives live traffic updates automatically to give you the most up-to-date traffic information available. As soon as a delay is found on your route, TomTom will alert you and, if you choose, will automatically re-route you to an alternative, faster route. And, only TomTom has IQ Routes, an exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than static, posted speed limits; TomTom will recommend the fastest route for the time of day, so you'll always be directed to the quickest, most-efficient route. TomTom is the only GPS with the technology to grow more intelligent each day. While other GPS devices remain static reporters of programmed information, TomTom devices are dynamic and ensure that your maps are always up to date. TomTom's Lifetime Map Updates let you start fresh every few months by downloading our latest full map edition, while TomTom Map Share On-Demand Updates lets you download verified updates from other drivers in between the full map releases, and as often as you wish. You'll never miss your exit with Advanced Lane Guidance; enhanced graphics show you exactly which lane to take in complex multi-lane situations. Secure your GO 2505TM to your windshield or dash, using the click & lock magnetic mount.What's in the BoxGO 2505TM PND with pre-loaded maps, Fold & Go EasyPort mount, USB cable, car charger with integrated traffic, adhesive disk, documentation, and redemption code for Lifetime Maps
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.

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