Cheap introductory GPS device (TomTom One IQ Routes Edition United Kingdom & Ireland)

Member Name: kei102

Product:	TomTom One IQ Routes Edition United Kingdom & Ireland
Date:	01/11/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Small, portable

Disadvantages: Doesn't always pick up a route even with full reception

Having used TomTom One V2 this is a huge improvement in terms of GPS guidance and overall design of the gadget.

This version has the additional feature of IQ routes. What that means is it'll calculate the shortest routes, taking into account of the "short cuts" based on historical data depending on the time of day and day of the week. The supposed result is a shorter journey time. BUT, this isn't always the case. What I have noticed is that it doesn't always pick up what should be the shortest route - so it isn't always 100% reliable (as with all GPS devices).

The design of the TomTom One IQ routes is very slim and sleek. I love it. It's easily portable and appears a LOT smaller than previous editions, yet the screen size is exactly the same.
The easy port mount now has an improved suction feature over the last model. It has a rotating mechanism that greatly increases the suction power so you don't need to worry about the GPS falling from the windscreen whilst driving. Although it has fallen off on a few occasions, it was down to my fault for placing the mount on a slight curve on the windscreen. Since I've positioned it elsewhere, it hasn't failed me. (It's been 4 months now).

The USB port has now been positioned in the centre bottom of the device which has a little groove so that the wire can be positioned closer to the device.

The power indicator has also moved to the bottom of the device. While this may not seem a big thing - for some it could be one of the greatest improvments. I say this because in the previous model, the green light could be reflected onto the windscreen so you could be constantly distracted by a green light. Now that it's at the bottom, it doesn't get reflected and so there's no distractions = safer driving!

It's not all good points though, one major flaw which I found in this device and not in my older one is that it doesn't always pick a route for a common destination. A recent example was that I programmed it to go to Thorpe Park - which is even in the point of interests. No routes would be picked up even with full reception. I typed in the post code, still nothing. I had to revert to my old model which had no problems planning a route.

Overall, a great introductory GPS device with enough features for even the regular driver. And at just over £100, it is a bargain.

Summary: A good device for even the regular driver