who buys a compass now? (TomTom One)

Member Name: 1st2thebar

Product:	TomTom One
Date:	15/05/07 (401 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: gets you places

Disadvantages: don't leave in car..theft

**TomTom ONE V2 Regional** >>>AWARD WINNER<<<

By being a gadgetty sort of person, I have been lured into the world of GPS well since the end of last year. The fact that this GPS system can save you time really appealed especially when good time management can make you lifestyle less stressful. It is very true that by having an effective GPS system in your car does all of above.

The TomTom ONE V2 Regional (UK) has been awarded in coolest brands log 2006-2007. Not a big surprise as the Christmas retail price was very well received at £199.99. Along with affordable pricing structure and a excellent selling product, this version is the most sought after Sat Nav system that is appealling and is efficient and graphically delightful. Personally, I will agree with Cool Brands UK decision.

The website link for the awards and product feature is below

http://www.tomtom.com/products/reviews.php?ID=233 &Category=0&Lid=1

There are other versions of the TomTom Sat Nav systems pricing is dependant on your software usage, such as if you want to use it abroad, or want more features. The link above can help you make that vital leap. For me there is nothing like having an award winning item that is so consumer friendly. What I mean is what other product is award winning, can revolutionise the way you drive, make quick decisions, gives you piece of mind, trust, and does not complain. I have found it very difficult to actually see an equal at this point of time.

The Sat Nav revolution has arrived

The TomTom ONE V2 is the only brand worthy Sat Nav system that uses savvy technology with a slick and compact interface that deals with all your landmark requests, roadmaps,voice settings,easy navigation on the 3X3 inch monitor. It comes with car plugs and software accessories. If you said 2 years ago I would have this little bit of Sav Nav revolution in my car I would of laughed. "Mr T, telling me where to go.... your telling a porkie!! " Yeah, the software allows famous voices to tell you where to go. What happened to the good old compass... Dib Dib Dob Dob.

Speed Camera Warnings

The TomTom tells you when there is a speed camera coming up as well. The warning comes up on the monitor in a customary red flash that alerts you... it lets out an alert tone just in case the flashing does not warn you. TomTom tells you in very good time too, about 400 yards, just as if there is a junction ahead or if you need to make a right turn. The TomTom really does take away all the pain and strains of looking at a map and pulling neck muscles trying to see around buses at road signs. The most important thing about this Sat Nav system is to get an update every 3 months as unfortunately the cameras change locations and hide in bushes. That can be expensive.

Landmarks

All landmarks are included in within the GPS updates. It is like Google Earth though obviously the graphics are a little more colourful. I think it adds to the TomTom charm. The next stage is to improve the graphic content so that landmarks actually look like the landmarks themselves. Just so long the TomTom does not crash due to complex graphic data. Visually the night driving mode is very impressive, the monitor is not too bright and is eye friendly. This was one on my worries when buying this product. Have they catered for eye tiredness. I am pleased to say "yes", all angles have been covered.

Location to location.

We all have been in a road block... Well now you are warned.. TomTom alerts you if any hold-ups are ahead and will automatically re-direct you onto an alternative route. The problem is that if everyone else has a TomTom all routes could prove difficult. Having said that, it would not be as bad as it once would of been. You can re-select alternative routes manually. TomTom is a system that allows human intervention... Yeah.. us humans are in total control really... Remember who made you. TomTom is nothing like KIT the car from Knight rider. You will have to download a file till 2009 for a piece of that technology. No, I haven't got the link. When you reach your intended location the Sat Nav will reset itself.

The features

TomTom is the most updated Sat Nav system on the market to date. It does include a mobile bluetooth feature that means you can send messages to it via your mobile... though I'm unaware what for exactly. TomTom has it all in hand, when locations are programmed it works very efficiently. I can see that maybe downloads could be useful via mobile phone but I feel for many of us that particular feature is wasted. What is great is the stopping distances... I didn't realise how it could work until trying out for the first time. It is not just a mandatory command, TomTom gauges the speed your travelling before any alerts are made.

Beware of the speed trap. I have found the TomTom speedometer is 5 MPH slower than the incar speedometer. I'm not sure that is a good thing or not, as it can get confusing. I try and take a means from the two speeds and hopefully I'm within a safe speed limit. Haven't had any problems so far, but it is worth a mention.

Price

I do have an confession that I bought this item at a much lower cost than is advertised at retail. If, you are interested in this product, I'm happy to help. The retail price is now £179.99 and is worth every penny. Have a look at the other Sat Nav versions as the more expensive systems could serve you just as well. The reason why I bought this system was due to the incredibly good write-ups. I can truly understand why it is an award winner.

Hiccup

The only slight hiccup that was not part of the package with TomTom was when trying to purchase the extra add-ons such as the speed camera facility. A fee of £20.00 is charged. I can see why it is charged, and it is up to you if you want to upgrade every 3 months. I think it is worth having, then again it determines how you drive:)

Customer service

The jury is out on this, I have not complained as such yet, though I do believe they claim a 24 hour reply if you have any questions. This is good as most services similar to this it takes 72 hrs. They do not have a helpline. All communications is by email, while dealing with software download enquiries. The site can help with this as stated earlier.

Thank you for reading the TomTom ONE V2 review, if you have any questions I'm happy to help.

Summary: TomTom Sat Nav guide