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
Click here for more information about TomTom EASE 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Red)
