TomTom XXL 540T 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic Edition) Review.
"Very Easy to Use" 2010-06-24
By Tom from Colorado (Loveland, CO)
I glanced at the small insturction manual that came with the device for maybe 5 minutes. I then turned it on and it is so intuitive (and I'm no GPS guru or anything), that I was programming some routes within minutes. I like the fact that the device has a nice large screen and yet is very thin. I know some people have complained about where the connection is at the bottom of the device...that is really my only complaint. I even downloaded the lastest maps on the computer and then to the device. It does take awhile, but how often will the average person be doing that? Very nice display, turn by turn spoken directions are clear, and the screen adjusts for night driving. This is my first TomTom, after having a Magellan, and this is by far easier and has more features. I would recommend this device to anyone.
"LOVE IT!!!" 2010-07-07
By sandy (New Jersey)
This is the best GPS I have ever owned. It tells you if there is traffic ahead and how long the delays will be. Lets you get around delays. Gives you different viewing options and is a nice wide screen. It quickly picks up the satellite signal, unlike my other GPS that took forever to get a signal. I am very pleased with this GPS and highly recommend it!
"Excellent GPS -- Love the Traffic Function" 2010-08-09
By Michael Strom (Chicago, IL USA)
My main motivation for picking up this GPS was the promise of "lifetime traffic." I have always been leery of subscribing to a monthly or annual service, especially since I am not a daily automobile commuter. But like everyone else who occasionally travels in and around the city, that traffic service sure sounded like a handy thing to have. In my previous experience with Garmin and TomTom products, I frankly favored the Garmins. I must say that this unit indicates that the two are no worse than even.
I'll start with the traffic function, since to me that was the distinguishing feature here. On my very first significant travel (from Chicago to a central Illinois town), the TomTom alerted me to time-saving detours both coming and going -- neither were detours that would've occurred to me. As long as the DC wire connection was plugged in, alerts of traffic problems and potential detours were pretty much automatic, easy to obtain, and productive to follow. Heaven only knows what "lifetime traffic" really means -- GPS companies seem fairly relentless in attempts to turn one-time purchases into continuing cash flow. But hope springs eternal that "lifetime" will hew closer to the life expectancy of a human then to a fruit fly, because so far the traffic function seems really sweet.
As for the other typical functions of a GPS, the graphics of both Garmin and Tom-Tom units are crisp, clear and attractive. The 5 inch screen size really makes a difference, if (like me) you have mostly used smaller units. The routing and directions were better than some units I've used in the past (Eclipse has its strong points, but it gets pretty stubborn about some crappy routes), and certainly on par with Garmin. The interface is quite user-friendly.
Some of the hardware took a bit of getting used to. The mount designed for either windshield or dashboard use takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it really seems to make a more reliable seal with a windshield. I have not had problems with bumpy roads or sudden maneuvers hurling the GPS into my lap. As touted by TomTom, the mount folds down to a much flatter and more convenient profile for carrying around or simply sticking in the glove box.
My main hardware complaint would be that the mini USB connection into the GPS seems a lot trickier than it needs to be. I need to remember that once I have mounted the GPS onto the windshield, I will never really be able to get USB connection into it -- that connection needs to be made before you mount the GPS. But I have found a certain knack that gets easier with time, and this is really no more than a minor quibble.
Overall, I'm very happy with the unit and hopeful that "lifetime traffic" is not measured in dog years.
"Comparison to Garmin nuvi 265w" 2010-08-26
By ut158 (USA)
I already own a Garmin nuvi 265w that we use in my wife's car. I wanted to get a GPS for my car because I'm so good at getting lost. Having used both quite a bit now, I thought I'd compare the two.
Things I like better about the TomTom
1) the TomTom has a bigger screen by about 1 inch (measured diagonally). This is a feature I would have thought would make a big difference, but in everyday use, I didn't really notice much difference. Overall, yes, it is a positive feature, but it just doesn't carry as much weight as I would have guessed.
2) The TomTom does a much better job of acquiring satellites than the Garmin does. Not only is it able to determine my position when I'm in my house (most parts of it, anyway) which is something that the Garmin has never been able to do, but it acquires satellites much faster than the Garmin does when I'm outside. This is a huge plus!
When you first power up the TomTom, it walks you through some quick tutorials so you can quickly familiarize yourself with its features.
3) When you are on the highway and you come to an interchange, you get guidance on which lane you should be in, and many times even get a generated picture complete with green and white signs showing you what the interchange should look like. In all cases that I've seen, it was 100% correct about all the important things--number of lanes, which were going to exit, and even correctly denoted the HOV lane. I was very impressed.
4) The TomTom allows you to go in and edit the maps. You can set/change the speed limit, mark roads as impassible either temporarily or permanently, etc. You can then opt to share these changes with other TomTom users. TomTom verifies these changes (not sure how--I'm guessing they just wait until a designated number of people all make the same change) and then lets other users download the changes, if they want. I found changing the speed limit a little challenging because you have to mark the section of road that the speed applies to and once you start marking, scrolling around and zooming in/out was not very easy (maybe I was just missing something). Marking a road as inaccessible was very simple.
5) Both the Garmin and the TomTom allow you to specify if you want to avoid toll roads, ferries, etc., but the Garmin only allows you to set "avoid" or "don't avoid" whereas the TomTom allows adds another option for each avoidance category, "ask me every time". This makes an awful lot of sense for carpool lanes because sometimes you have someone else in the car and sometimes you don't; I want the GPS to ask me which it is if a carpool lane exit on the freeway, for example, would save me some time.
6) If you get the "TM" version, the TomTom will provide free map updates and traffic data for life (T=traffic, M=maps). I haven't found much use for traffic, but the maps are great because buying maps for GPS units is expensive. I recommend the TM version for this reason.
7) There is one (and only one that I've found) place where the Garmin tells me to turn where there wasn't a road. The TomTom has never done this (even in the same place).
Things I like better about the Garmin
1) You can change the voices on the TomTom, but if you want it to read street names, you really only have 1 choice and it doesn't sound as natural as the Garmin does. Also, the Garmin does a better job in general at pronouncing street names. With very few exceptions, the Garmin gets the pronunciation just right just about every time. Also, like I said, the Garmin sounds more natural--like a human speaking to you instead of a computer. The TomTom sounds more "computerish" in many cases.
2) I prefer the timing of when I get directions from the Garmin over the TomTom. They both give verbal directions at about the same time, but I find the Garmin does a better job at telling me what I want to know when I want to know it. I think this is just a personal preference, though, and others may disagree. Related to this, the TomTom tends to give 2 or 3 steps in a row when they are close while the Garmin tends to do 1 at a time (example "turn left on A Street, then turn left on B Street then you have arrived" from the TomTom vs. "Turn left on A Street" from the Garmin. Both will then tell you to turn left on B Street as you approach it). The Garmin will do 2 instructions at a time if necessary (like if you are getting off the freeway and you need to be in the correct lane--both will say something like "Take exit 100 on right, then keep left") but the TomTom does it more and I prefer the Garmin approach. I also prefer Garmin's way of telling me what to do at a round-about.
3) Sending locations to my GPS via a service like Google Maps is easy on both units, but easier on the Garmin than the TomTom. I also don't like that once you install the TomTom software, it always runs on your computer. As far as I'm aware, the Garmin software is nothing more than an Active X plug-in. This is actually why the transfer is easier--with the TomTom, you are sending data to the stand-alone application whereas with the Garmin, it's just a browser plug-in.
4) The suction cup on the Garmin is easier to use--it operates with a lever while the TomTom has a little knob or dial that you have to turn and it's a little awkward. I've also never had the Garmin fall once it was mounted, but the TomTom has fallen off once or twice. Also, the Garmin swivels better once it is mounted than the TomTom does. Finally, the USB plug is easier to plug in on the Garmin than on the TomTom. None of these are huge deals, but worth noting. On the other hand, the cigarette lighter power adapter for the TomTom fits more snuggly than the Garmin. In one of my cars, the socket is a little loose and the Garmin plug frequently loses its connection, but I haven't had that happen with the TomTom's yet.
Notes about both
Both my Garmin and my TomTom come with lifetime traffic updates. I have never seen any benefit to this on either unit, so I wouldn't get too excited about this feature.
Both GPS units are easy to navigate and intuitive to use. They are different from each other, but I found both pretty easy to use.
So which is better? Gee, that's a hard one; I love them both. They both have strengths and weaknesses. I think the TomTom has more/better bells and whistles but the Garmin is better at the basic GPS functions with one blaring exception--the TomTom acquires the satellites better/faster and that's important. I think if I was forced to choose between the 2, I'd go with the Garmin, but if the Garmin suddenly disappeared and was replaced with another TomTom, I wouldn't be too upset; both are great units!
"Great GPS! You do NOT need another antenna to receive Traffic Updates" 2010-06-30
By K. McAllister (Tehachapi, CA USA)
When I purchased this GPS, one reviewer had written that you needed to purchase an additional antenna to receive the Traffic service--but you don't. I purchased the additional antenna here on Amazon, but there is no place to plug it in...so I was SO confused. Turns out that if you plug it in and THEN turn it on, the Traffic portion works--but if you turn it on and THEN plug it in, it doesn't work...so be aware. You must have it plugged in prior to turning it on to make it work (and keep it plugged in while using it).
This has gotten me to where I'm going with no issues--sometimes it seems to take us over the hill and through the woods, but it keeps us off of busy-overpopulated streets and gets us to our destination(s) with no issues (so far).
The screen is nice and big, but not TOO big. I plan on using it on my motorcycle, so any bigger would be rediculous, but it's just big enough to allow for clear view of all of the info. The speaker is nice and loud, and voices clear.
I am glad I made this purchase!
By Tom from Colorado (Loveland, CO)
I glanced at the small insturction manual that came with the device for maybe 5 minutes. I then turned it on and it is so intuitive (and I'm no GPS guru or anything), that I was programming some routes within minutes. I like the fact that the device has a nice large screen and yet is very thin. I know some people have complained about where the connection is at the bottom of the device...that is really my only complaint. I even downloaded the lastest maps on the computer and then to the device. It does take awhile, but how often will the average person be doing that? Very nice display, turn by turn spoken directions are clear, and the screen adjusts for night driving. This is my first TomTom, after having a Magellan, and this is by far easier and has more features. I would recommend this device to anyone.
By sandy (New Jersey)
This is the best GPS I have ever owned. It tells you if there is traffic ahead and how long the delays will be. Lets you get around delays. Gives you different viewing options and is a nice wide screen. It quickly picks up the satellite signal, unlike my other GPS that took forever to get a signal. I am very pleased with this GPS and highly recommend it!
By Michael Strom (Chicago, IL USA)
My main motivation for picking up this GPS was the promise of "lifetime traffic." I have always been leery of subscribing to a monthly or annual service, especially since I am not a daily automobile commuter. But like everyone else who occasionally travels in and around the city, that traffic service sure sounded like a handy thing to have. In my previous experience with Garmin and TomTom products, I frankly favored the Garmins. I must say that this unit indicates that the two are no worse than even.
I'll start with the traffic function, since to me that was the distinguishing feature here. On my very first significant travel (from Chicago to a central Illinois town), the TomTom alerted me to time-saving detours both coming and going -- neither were detours that would've occurred to me. As long as the DC wire connection was plugged in, alerts of traffic problems and potential detours were pretty much automatic, easy to obtain, and productive to follow. Heaven only knows what "lifetime traffic" really means -- GPS companies seem fairly relentless in attempts to turn one-time purchases into continuing cash flow. But hope springs eternal that "lifetime" will hew closer to the life expectancy of a human then to a fruit fly, because so far the traffic function seems really sweet.
As for the other typical functions of a GPS, the graphics of both Garmin and Tom-Tom units are crisp, clear and attractive. The 5 inch screen size really makes a difference, if (like me) you have mostly used smaller units. The routing and directions were better than some units I've used in the past (Eclipse has its strong points, but it gets pretty stubborn about some crappy routes), and certainly on par with Garmin. The interface is quite user-friendly.
Some of the hardware took a bit of getting used to. The mount designed for either windshield or dashboard use takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it really seems to make a more reliable seal with a windshield. I have not had problems with bumpy roads or sudden maneuvers hurling the GPS into my lap. As touted by TomTom, the mount folds down to a much flatter and more convenient profile for carrying around or simply sticking in the glove box.
My main hardware complaint would be that the mini USB connection into the GPS seems a lot trickier than it needs to be. I need to remember that once I have mounted the GPS onto the windshield, I will never really be able to get USB connection into it -- that connection needs to be made before you mount the GPS. But I have found a certain knack that gets easier with time, and this is really no more than a minor quibble.
Overall, I'm very happy with the unit and hopeful that "lifetime traffic" is not measured in dog years.
By ut158 (USA)
I already own a Garmin nuvi 265w that we use in my wife's car. I wanted to get a GPS for my car because I'm so good at getting lost. Having used both quite a bit now, I thought I'd compare the two.
Things I like better about the TomTom
1) the TomTom has a bigger screen by about 1 inch (measured diagonally). This is a feature I would have thought would make a big difference, but in everyday use, I didn't really notice much difference. Overall, yes, it is a positive feature, but it just doesn't carry as much weight as I would have guessed.
2) The TomTom does a much better job of acquiring satellites than the Garmin does. Not only is it able to determine my position when I'm in my house (most parts of it, anyway) which is something that the Garmin has never been able to do, but it acquires satellites much faster than the Garmin does when I'm outside. This is a huge plus!
When you first power up the TomTom, it walks you through some quick tutorials so you can quickly familiarize yourself with its features.
3) When you are on the highway and you come to an interchange, you get guidance on which lane you should be in, and many times even get a generated picture complete with green and white signs showing you what the interchange should look like. In all cases that I've seen, it was 100% correct about all the important things--number of lanes, which were going to exit, and even correctly denoted the HOV lane. I was very impressed.
4) The TomTom allows you to go in and edit the maps. You can set/change the speed limit, mark roads as impassible either temporarily or permanently, etc. You can then opt to share these changes with other TomTom users. TomTom verifies these changes (not sure how--I'm guessing they just wait until a designated number of people all make the same change) and then lets other users download the changes, if they want. I found changing the speed limit a little challenging because you have to mark the section of road that the speed applies to and once you start marking, scrolling around and zooming in/out was not very easy (maybe I was just missing something). Marking a road as inaccessible was very simple.
5) Both the Garmin and the TomTom allow you to specify if you want to avoid toll roads, ferries, etc., but the Garmin only allows you to set "avoid" or "don't avoid" whereas the TomTom allows adds another option for each avoidance category, "ask me every time". This makes an awful lot of sense for carpool lanes because sometimes you have someone else in the car and sometimes you don't; I want the GPS to ask me which it is if a carpool lane exit on the freeway, for example, would save me some time.
6) If you get the "TM" version, the TomTom will provide free map updates and traffic data for life (T=traffic, M=maps). I haven't found much use for traffic, but the maps are great because buying maps for GPS units is expensive. I recommend the TM version for this reason.
7) There is one (and only one that I've found) place where the Garmin tells me to turn where there wasn't a road. The TomTom has never done this (even in the same place).
Things I like better about the Garmin
1) You can change the voices on the TomTom, but if you want it to read street names, you really only have 1 choice and it doesn't sound as natural as the Garmin does. Also, the Garmin does a better job in general at pronouncing street names. With very few exceptions, the Garmin gets the pronunciation just right just about every time. Also, like I said, the Garmin sounds more natural--like a human speaking to you instead of a computer. The TomTom sounds more "computerish" in many cases.
2) I prefer the timing of when I get directions from the Garmin over the TomTom. They both give verbal directions at about the same time, but I find the Garmin does a better job at telling me what I want to know when I want to know it. I think this is just a personal preference, though, and others may disagree. Related to this, the TomTom tends to give 2 or 3 steps in a row when they are close while the Garmin tends to do 1 at a time (example "turn left on A Street, then turn left on B Street then you have arrived" from the TomTom vs. "Turn left on A Street" from the Garmin. Both will then tell you to turn left on B Street as you approach it). The Garmin will do 2 instructions at a time if necessary (like if you are getting off the freeway and you need to be in the correct lane--both will say something like "Take exit 100 on right, then keep left") but the TomTom does it more and I prefer the Garmin approach. I also prefer Garmin's way of telling me what to do at a round-about.
3) Sending locations to my GPS via a service like Google Maps is easy on both units, but easier on the Garmin than the TomTom. I also don't like that once you install the TomTom software, it always runs on your computer. As far as I'm aware, the Garmin software is nothing more than an Active X plug-in. This is actually why the transfer is easier--with the TomTom, you are sending data to the stand-alone application whereas with the Garmin, it's just a browser plug-in.
4) The suction cup on the Garmin is easier to use--it operates with a lever while the TomTom has a little knob or dial that you have to turn and it's a little awkward. I've also never had the Garmin fall once it was mounted, but the TomTom has fallen off once or twice. Also, the Garmin swivels better once it is mounted than the TomTom does. Finally, the USB plug is easier to plug in on the Garmin than on the TomTom. None of these are huge deals, but worth noting. On the other hand, the cigarette lighter power adapter for the TomTom fits more snuggly than the Garmin. In one of my cars, the socket is a little loose and the Garmin plug frequently loses its connection, but I haven't had that happen with the TomTom's yet.
Notes about both
Both my Garmin and my TomTom come with lifetime traffic updates. I have never seen any benefit to this on either unit, so I wouldn't get too excited about this feature.
Both GPS units are easy to navigate and intuitive to use. They are different from each other, but I found both pretty easy to use.
So which is better? Gee, that's a hard one; I love them both. They both have strengths and weaknesses. I think the TomTom has more/better bells and whistles but the Garmin is better at the basic GPS functions with one blaring exception--the TomTom acquires the satellites better/faster and that's important. I think if I was forced to choose between the 2, I'd go with the Garmin, but if the Garmin suddenly disappeared and was replaced with another TomTom, I wouldn't be too upset; both are great units!
By K. McAllister (Tehachapi, CA USA)
When I purchased this GPS, one reviewer had written that you needed to purchase an additional antenna to receive the Traffic service--but you don't. I purchased the additional antenna here on Amazon, but there is no place to plug it in...so I was SO confused. Turns out that if you plug it in and THEN turn it on, the Traffic portion works--but if you turn it on and THEN plug it in, it doesn't work...so be aware. You must have it plugged in prior to turning it on to make it work (and keep it plugged in while using it).
This has gotten me to where I'm going with no issues--sometimes it seems to take us over the hill and through the woods, but it keeps us off of busy-overpopulated streets and gets us to our destination(s) with no issues (so far).
The screen is nice and big, but not TOO big. I plan on using it on my motorcycle, so any bigger would be rediculous, but it's just big enough to allow for clear view of all of the info. The speaker is nice and loud, and voices clear.
I am glad I made this purchase!
