TomTom Rider 2 GPS Navigator for Motorcycles and Scooters Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I received this unit for Christmas primarily for my bike, but once I purchase the car mount adapter it will be used in the car as well.
This is an excellent unit, to say the least. One reviewer mentioned that it's too difficult to turn the unit on- I say "hogwash". The pushbutton is stiff, yes, but that's done to keep the unit from turning on accidentally while in your jacket pocket or carry bag (and with a touch screen, you can well imagine how much mischief one could accidentally create if it turned on without your knowledge). Ditto with the Scala Rider headset- you don't want the thing accidentally turning on, running the battery down, do you?
Another reviewer mentioned that it doesn't have a "speedometer" or trip meter function- it most certainly does have a speedometer, and what I assume is the "trip meter"- but since TomTom set the unit from the factory to eliminate as much extraneous information as possible, you have to activate it in the menus. Once that has been activated, it'll be there until you turn that feature off. In fact, there are a great number of features you can turn on and off in the menus.
I found the documentation to be adequate, and to the point. The printed documentation is to get you up to speed until you charge the units and turn them on- it's easy sailing after that. The unit is very easy to use, and it has tutorials right on the unit, so in my opinion further paper documentation is rather redundant- actually, I think it's pretty smart on TomTom's part to include tutorials on the unit itself rather than supply a printed book- that way I don't have to carry around the book, as all of the information is already on the unit! They really don't say much about the bike power cable, but I can certainly understand why- it's not possible to provide information about every bike out there, and if you aren't familiar enough with your bike, or can't figure out how to install it, it's probably best to get someone who is (like your bike dealer) to do the installation.
I've got a Motorolla Razr phone, and the TomTom easily hooked up to my phone via Bluetooth, and it painlessly downloaded all of my phone numbers I have stored on the phone (thank you for providing this helpful feature!).
I do wish that it gave the street name when it gives you instructions to turn, but I soon got used to how it works- not only does the display give you very clear instructions on where to turn, it also gives you the street name. Once you get used to it, it's easy. But I would like the option of hearing the street name (my PDA does, but the map display isn't as easy to see as the TomTom). While playing with the unit as my father-in-law drove the car, I discovered one potential issue with having the street name spoken to you- what happens when the street name is changed, but your maps haven't been updated? If you rely on the spoken street name, you might miss it- it's best to take a glance at the screen to make sure you're taking the correct turn (I found one such road- the name has recently been changed, but the map showed the old name instead). Still, I'd prefer to have it spoken, and visually double-check the map.
Overall, I give the TomTom an A-. TomTom, if you're reading this, I'll give you an A+ if you guys update the software so that it'll give you the street name by voice- then you'll have the best bike GPS available! However, I'd still buy the unit as is. It would just increase the functionality by including this feature.

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Developed for bikers by bikers, TomTom RIDER is one of the smartest navigation solutions for motorcycles. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just mount the unit on your bike, and you're ready to hit the open road. Turn-by-turn spoken directions guide you safely door-to-door to any address in the United States or Canada.

Rugged waterproof device, anti-glare screen, integrated sun visor, and gloves-on operation give bikers just what they need while riding. Navigation instructions are spoken via in-helmet Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset for great audio quality, external noise cancellation, and added safety and convenience. Itinerary planning helps riders to make the most of their time on the road. And with a choice of routes--including shortest, fastest, non-toll roads, and avoiding highways--you can explore the world your own way.
TomTom RIDER can even be used for safe hands-free calling with your Bluetooth-enabled phone.
TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you instantly can modify street names, street direction, points of interest, and more on your own device.
Included universal RAM mounting kit securely fits most bikes. Optional car mount kit accessory makes it easy to transfer from bike to car.
The TomTom RIDER is the ultimate in smart and easy bike navigation.
RIDER Features
Maps of United States and Canada with TomTom Map Share
Spoken Instructions
Glove-friendly Touchscreen
Waterproof
Cardo scala-rider Bluetooth headset
Universal RAM Mount
Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling
3.5-inch Touchscreen
Car Mount Kit--Optional Accessory

All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.
Preloaded Points of Interest--Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more on your route.
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.
Traffic Ready--Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.
Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.
Why TomTom? TomTom believes that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. TomTom develops smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
Easy to Use
Award-winning navigation software
Plug & go

Best Maps
30-Day Latest Map Guarantee
Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share

Best Routing
QuickGPSfix
Traffic ready

Leader in Safety
Help Me! emergency resources menu
Safety preferences menu

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 a leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further its commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so that the company can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.
TomTom has its 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.
What's in the Box TomTom RIDER, Memory card (SD card) with software and maps, USB cable, High quality Cardo scala-rider wireless Bluetooth headset for in-helmet spoken instructions, RAM Mounting kit

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TomTom EASE 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Red) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a couple of different GPS units - an off-road/hiking model, and a higher-end Garmin for my auto - cost more than twice what this Tom Tom sells for. My expectations for the Ease were not that high - I figured it would be a basic, no-frills unit. In part, it is. It does not have BlueTooth (My Garmin does, but I have never used it) and has a smaller screen and no SD card support. The smaller real-estate means that the informational displays need to be smaller, and less of the surrounding area displays. I expected this to be a headache, but it really was not.
I opened the box in my car, popped out the GPS, suctioned it to the windshield (using a unique twist lock, not the typical lever type), and turned it on. After entering some basic information (home, time, etc.) it was ready to go. It locked on to the satellites really fast - far quicker than my Garmin. I drove around for an hour, hitting my usual stops. The maps are incredibly accurate - the unit defaults to 3D, but switching between 3D and 2D is one touch away. I kept it in 3D.
One point I really, REALLY liked was the accurate street names. For example, I live near 95th Street. Everyone calls it 95th St. My Garmin calls it "Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Highway" - nobody I know calls it that - or even knew it was named that. The Tom Tom calls it 95th St. The Tom Tom also displays the correct street names - AND - the alternate numbers, with the appropriate symbol. So 95th Street displays all three "official" names/numbers. Imagine how much LESS confusing this is driving in an area you are not familiar with. I can't count the times I've been on a highway and wondered "is this 90/94/41/53" because the display on my Garmin shows one thing, and the signs another. Why? The highway has two designations (sometimes three or four!), and what the GPS shows may not match what the road-side signs display.
I'm taking the Tom Tom with me to Wisconsin this weekend to see how it compares side by side (literally) with my Garmin.
In the box: the GPS, manual, car charger and USB cable. Thanks for the right angle connectors - Keeps the unit's profile / clutter down. Also has a dash board pad - adhesive one side, smooth plastic on the other. This way the GPS can be suctioned to the dash.
After the initial use (did I mention it was fully charged in the box?) I hooked it up to my computer (Windows 7.) The software installed automatically from the GPS. After installation, it went to the Tom Tom website and checked for updates (the basemap was current) and offered additional installs/downloads. Mostly FREE installs. A "safety Camera" database (like I said - FREE!), new voice (Dave), and map share application. Map Share is a user updated database - if users find mistakes in the maps, they can submit them to Tom Tom - these corrections can then be used in your device (you can turn this feature on or off) - but I think it's a really cool feature.
You can also purchase optional featured downloads from this screen - When I visited it was a Homer Simpson voice pack and fuel price addon. After installing stuff from the web, you'll see the Tom Tom home screen for your device. Here you can download more maps (for a price). One thing I did not like was that there was a newer map available - but I had to purchase it. With my Garmin the first update was free. But overall the Tom Tom updates are less expensive. $50 for a year with Tom Tom vs $90 with Garmin.
You can also download other voices from the home screen - there are two categories: Computer and Recorded. Recorded include Burt Reynolds, Dennis Hopper, Dr. Felix (A German shrink), John Cleese, Mr. T., Snoop Dog, and others supplied by Tom Tom users. Some are free, many are not. All the computer voices are free.
Also available for download are POI sets (points of interest) - Most are free and look like they are supplied by outside parties. For example, 7-11 locations, AAA offices, Ace Hardware locations. Mostly useless stuff.
What else can one download? Color schemes (all free), car symbols, plus start up and shut down images (you can customize the image displayed when the unit turns on and off.)
There are also help sections, including creating your own content: voices, symbols, images, POI's and more. A huge cool factor! Try doing that with a Garmin.
I read the other reviews on the Ease and can honestly say I had none of the issues others complain about. Online registration was seamless and error free. There were automatic updates / add-ins downloaded with the click on one button. Voices - I found them all to be easy to understand, the spoken more-so than than the computer.
For the price, this is one great GPS.
Update - 4-2011: I have found that the unit has some "holes" in the data - For example the VFW hall at 10 W. Higgins, Park Ridge, IL can't be located. It's a major intersection - but it can't even come close.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom EASE 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Red)

TomTom's EASE is an entry-level car navigation solution that's easy to use, ultra-portable, and packed with the latest technologies. This is an affordable GPS unit that lives up to its name, providing intelligent navigation for anyone--switch on and go, right out of the box.


EasyMenu TomTom's two-button EasyMenu makes getting on the road faster and easier. With just a few taps of the screen you'll be on your way to any destination in the U.S. Just enter the address on the touchscreen and your TomTom EASE guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions including street names. 3D graphics help guide you to your destination.

Portable and Easy to Use The EASE features a sleek, lightweight design and integrated EasyPort mount, making it the most compact TomTom device available yet. Drivers can easily fit the entire device and attached mount into a pocket, purse or small glove compartment.

Tele Atlas Maps The EASE is preloaded with maps from Tele Atlas, covering more than 6.5 million miles of roadways in the US. Mmillions of points of interest enhance your traveling experience--easily find your favorite gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and more.

IQ Routes TomTom IQ Routes Technology shaves time off even the shortest trip. IQ Routes calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day, so you'll always travel the smartest route.

MapShare TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom MapShare technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, points of interest, and more on your own device. And with the "Help Me!" menu, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.

EasyPort Mount The EASE comes with an integrated Fold & Go EasyPort mount. Permanently attached so you'll never lose it, the mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.

What's in the Box TomTom EASE With Integrated EasyPort Mount, User's Manual

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TomTom XL 330-S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Box Packaging) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)So far I had owned 3 GPS devices: the Tomtom One 3rd edition, the Garmin nuvi 350 and this latest Tomtom 330s model. Before owning, I have used the Garmin Streetpilots given by many car rentals.
By far, this is the best of the three:
Pros:
- Wide screen
- Text to speech
- LOUD speaker (I've read some reviews of a soft speaker - I guess either it was a bad batch of devices, or you didn't read the instructions on how to change the volume. With mine, on 80% it's blasting over the radio AND road noise.)
- Volume adjusts to driving speed
- great GPS reception (even in NYC, although sometimes because of tall buildings can have a little trouble finding current position, but that's the problem with ALL of the GPSs I've had, including the very highly reviewed nuvi 350)
- The new Easyport mount that eliminates the need to carry three things for your trip: the Device, the mount (sometimes more than one part) and the car charger. This new mount is a blessing and a small nuisance at the same time since it makes it slightly more difficult to fit snugly into a pocket or a pouch, but is definitely more of a pro than a con because of its simplicity of use and the eliminated extra plastic thing to carry. This little issue can be solved either by buying the Tomtom carrying case (the one made specifically for the models with the easy mount for an extra ~$28 on Amazon), or simply by detaching it from the back since it is detachable. Though detaching it, some would say, is defying its purpose...
- "Tomtom Home" software is a breeze to use and lets you add user updates to the maps when roads get blocked or other changes take effect to the preinstalled map.
- Device SOFTWARE SOFTWARE SOFTWARE: The best software of a device I've had the pleasure of using. Explanation follows:
The software allows much more intuitive handling of the device than any Garmin I've found.
It's quick, it's easy, and the most important, when you search for a name of a POI, it uses the more modern approach that allows you to type any letter or word no matter where it appears on the name of the POI and it'll show you the results on the list.
There are dozens of advantages in the software over the one of the Garmins I've used but I can't possibly list them all.
Some important features to note are that the actual Navigation Screen View gives you so much more clear information (which one can, of course, tweak to one's liking) such as current time, time of arrival, total trip distance, remaining time to destination, GPS signal strength, next turn's street name, current street name, direction of and distance to next maneuver (which nuvi 350 garmin only tells you which way to go right before the turn), and to that you can add a compass, change the car symbol and even more impressive - the color scheme of the map!
I have to say this is just a SHORT list of software features I absolutely love and think are on a much higher level of sophistication than what I've seen of Garmin.
Cons:
I really have to strain to think of any, but there are some minor ones (after all, nothing's perfect)
- As I said the Easyport mount can be a little problematic when fitted into a pocket, but it CAN be removed from the back (see pros).
- The car charger takes a little practice to insert it easily.
- The "Password" feature when powering on the device seems more fluff than a hindering threat. It doesn't really lock the device if for example you enter the wrong password three consecutive times or so, it just won't let you use the device until the right combination is entered.
- No bluetooth capability. For some it's a con, but for me personally it's a pro (because I don't really need it anyways, and if any corner should be cut to make the product less expensive, this is it!)
- The map isn't as pretty as on the garmins. It has a little more jagged lines but, if visual beauty is important to you in a map representation of a GPS, you're really looking in the wrong direction...
In other words, warmly recommended for the people who are interested in getting the best GPS for their hard-earned dollars.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XL 330-S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Box Packaging)

The TomTom XL 330-S is easy-to-use widescreen navigation. TomTom's award-winning software means effortless navigation from point A to point B. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just enter the address on the touchscreen and start driving anywhere in the United States or Canada. TomTom guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions including street names. And 3D graphics help guide you to your destination.


An extra-wide touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free.

The XL 330-S is preloaded with millions of points of interest to enhance your traveling experience--easily find your favorite gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and more.

TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you instantly can modify street names, street direction, points of interest, and more on your own device. And with the "Help Me!" menu, added safety features enable you to easily access local emergency providers, such as police, fire stations, and hospitals.

The Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.

Go confidently.
How to Update Your Map
XL 330-S Features
Maps of United States and Canada with TomTom Map Share
Spoken Street Names
Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
4.3-inch Touchscreen

All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.

Preloaded Points of Interest--Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more on your route.

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.

Traffic Ready--Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.

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

Why TomTom? TomTom believes that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. TomTom develops smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
Easy to Use

Award-winning navigation software
Plug & go

Best Maps

30-Day Latest Map Guarantee
Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share

Best Routing

QuickGPSfix
Traffic ready

Leader in Safety

Help Me! emergency resources menu
Safety preferences menu

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 a leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further its commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so that the company can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

TomTom has its 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.

What's in the Box TomTom XL 330-S device, Windshield mount, desk dock, car charger, software/manual CD, documentation

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