Review: TomTom Navigator USA Bluetooth GPS
Feb. 27, 2004 -- The TomTom Navigator USA Bluetooth GPS is, by far, the best in-car, turn-by-turn navigational system for handheld devices we've seen.
Excellent maps, 3D views, and an intuitive, well-designed interface make this product a pleasure to use.
The package includes the compact Bluetooth GPS receiver, a cradle, power cables and a car mounting kit, as well as the navigation software and maps on CDs. We tested the system on an HP iPAQ Pocket PC h2215 (a Palm version also is available for $349.99 direct).
It's the interface that really makes this product stand out. The screens are focused, omitting any extraneous details; whether a navigation map or application screen, everything is legible — an often overlooked necessity for PDA navigation. And rather than having to use a stylus or small drop-down menu, TomTom provides large on-screen buttons that can easily be selected with a finger.
The most visually impressive feature about the TomTom PDA software is its 3D mapping. Most in-car GPS systems display the current location as a small moving dot on a flat map, but TomTom's software provides a 3D view of the street. A conventional map view lets the driver zoom in or out and provides overviews that range from the entire state down to street level.
Simple Setup and Use
Unlike other companies that produce handheld GPS products, TomTom treats the PC solely as a conduit for setup, installation and transferring of maps to your Pocket PC. You don't preview or edit maps on the PC before transferring them to the handheld. Instead TomTom provides a collection of more than 180 predetermined state and regional maps (produced by Tele Atlas) on CD ready for download.
These map files range in size from 2MB for the state of Rhode Island to 33MB for New York City and 60MB for California. Regional selections can increase the state map requirements to 160MB. That said, you'll need a 128MB or 256MB MMC or SD card if you plan on taking maps of large states or multiple states with you on your Pocket PC.
The largely automated five-screen installation routine is extremely straightforward. Once installation is complete, you use the same install CD to access the main interface, make changes to the main application, begin the map selection process, and view the manual.
Setting up the hardware was equally simple, though be sure to select the correct GPS receiver from the list during setup — we didn't at first. Once we did, our Bluetooth device worked exceptionally well, providing us with a full day of navigation on a single charge. When mounted on the dashboard with a clear view of the sky, the receiver acquired a signal within minutes and was ready to begin navigating.
Planning a trip is a pleasure as well. TomTom lets you navigate to a saved "favorite" point of interest in the database, or an address of your choice. When you type in your city or street names, the application lists possible matches from the database — a great time-saver. When selecting the destination house number, TomTom actually provides a list with cross streets, a feature that came in handy more than once; the cross-street list is especially useful if you are not sure about the exact address.
Summary
We were very impressed with the TomTom system and can only hope its ease-of-use features rub off on other in-car navigation systems.
Pros: Best in-car, turn-by-turn navigational system for handheldsCons: NoneBottom Line: TomTom sets the standard for PDA-based in-car GPS products with turn-by-turn navigation.
Company: TomTom, www.tomtom.comPrice: $449.95 directSpec Data: Door-to-door navigation, voice-guided routing instructions, 2D or 3D navigational views, finger-touch on-screen icons and keyboard, more than 4 million points of interest, wireless Bluetooth GPS receiver