From the Manufacturer (October 30, 2008)This is a refurbished GPS. Refurbished generally means that the unit has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the navigator back to like new conditions. Some GPS may contain cosmetic blemishes. There is a six month guarantee on parts and labor on TomTom refurbished products. TomTom’s 3rd edition update to the world’s bestselling (as of this writing) portable navigation device features an updated chipset that provides better satellite lock and TomTom’s new MapShare technology that lets you add your own map corrections and points of interest, then upload your corrections to and download other corrections from millions of other TomTom users via the TomTom HOME website.The TomTom ONE’ [Read More...]
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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.
I really like this GPS for the money. Much better than cell Phone navigation. I would have rated it 5 stars if it came with a more current map or included a free map update. Mine shipped with a map that is 3 versions old and the included coupon code for a free map update is “invalid” according to TomTom Home. I’ve already found a few map errors like an interchange between 61 and 78 in PA that was changed well over 2 years ago.
Aside from the old map, routing is very good and I’m impressed by it’s ability to navigate the shortest route through winding backroads when you tell it to avoid major highways due to construction, etc.
After some sub-human life form decided they would like to have my $400 Garmin GPS (along with my Passport 9500 Radar Detector) out of my car, I needed a quick replacement. What a difference a year makes. Just like everything digital the price went down while the features went up. The first thing I noticed out of the box was the Tom Tom Screen. It was very large. Turns out it is also bright and clear. Upon initialization I was greeted by a very lengthy tutorial. Because of my massive intellect and equally impressive experience, I of course chose to skip this part. I am now questioning my intellect. The Tom Tom is not nearly as “out of the box usable” as the Garmin. Most functions are accessible via two touch points at the bottom of the screen. Most of the menu items are fairly deep in the menu tree. I could have used a GPS to guide me through the Tom Tom One Menus. I finally got to the point where I could enter a destination using a tried and true method, I gave it to my wife to figure out. Once the destination was entered I was greeted with a very nice female voice. There are several voices to choose from. This one sounded like Susan McKinnley from my freshman year in college. I really liked her. One of the drawbacks of the Tom Tom One is that the street names are not spoken. You are simply told to turn left or right. This is not a major problem though because the display shows the names in real time. Living near the B.C. border we were able to navigate quite well through the Canadian streets while on a day trip to Vancouver. The database is very large and accurate providing many points of interest such as shopping, museums, restaurants and government buildings. All in all for just over a hundred bucks you can’t really beat this unit. Oh, when the tutorial option comes up, take it.