TomTom ONE V4 Regional

Overview

With a change of job last year, I suddenly found myself travelling to new areas, without a printer to print off AA roadmaps, and I was ‘forced’ to abandon my maps and trust in technology…

I must admit I am on my 2nd Tom-Tom One as the first one ‘died’ when I was updating the maps on the tom-tom website, that being said, this one has been utterly reliable, and I wouldn’t be without it.

The Product ...
...to read 3 and a half inch touch screen, and pre-installed maps for the UK and ROI, this really doesn’t take any setting up… jump in the car, plug in the in-car charger, stick it to your windscreen (only issues here are on very cold days when it slides across your screen til the car warms up) and type in the full postcode, or address.

Within a few seconds, the route is calculated offering an ETA, journey length (useful for those expenses!) ... more

Overview

With a change of job last year, I suddenly found myself travelling to new areas, without a printer to print off AA roadmaps, and I was ‘forced’ to abandon my maps and trust in technology…

I must admit I am on my 2nd Tom-Tom One as the first one ‘died’ when I was updating the maps on the tom-tom website, that being said, this one has been utterly reliable, and I wouldn’t be without it.

The Product Technical’s

With a very clear and easy to read 3 and a half inch touch screen, and pre-installed maps for the UK and ROI, this really doesn’t take any setting up… jump in the car, plug in the in-car charger, stick it to your windscreen (only issues here are on very cold days when it slides across your screen til the car warms up) and type in the full postcode, or address.

Within a few seconds, the route is calculated offering an ETA, journey length (useful for those expenses!) and with the option to avoid toll roads as applicable.

Along the way, you can find really useful points of interest (more of which can be downloaded from their website)… I downloaded supermarket sites, National trust and camp sites for family excursions, although the pre-installed POI are excellent. You can also add your own personal favourites, which is helpful for regular trips.

The screen shows current speed, distance to go, estimated time of arrival and the road speed limit to keep you in check! (An audible beep can be set for if you are exceeding the limit!). There is a again an audible beep option to warn you about speed cameras… if that’s your thing!

I have two small gripes with it though… firstly, (in Manchester!!!), it is determined to send me the wrong way down one-way streets and secondly, it does seem obsessed with trying to send me down toll roads… IS IT ON COMMISSION???

My old version had an attachable suction to stick it to the windscreen, the new model has the sucker built in, and whilst this can be frustrating as it seems to stick to everything going… like your desk, car roof and work surfaces at home, does mean it all comes as one unit, and makes transportation easier.

What I really love is the pedestrian option, so when I have arrived at the relevant nearby car park, I can switch it to walk mode, and follow the directions to the door… really useful in new cities. The only issue I have had with this mode is if the buildings are tall, signal and positioning is hampered.

Summary

This is an inexpensive (approx £ 90 from Tesco), Satellite navigation system, which can be upgraded for Europe, traffic information (subscription applies) etc.

It also has a handy emergency button, which will find you the nearest doctor, police station, hospital if you need help and have no idea where you are!

Overall it is quite basic, slightly customisable, but perfectly adequate for the general user.

Update

Maybe worth not buying one if the satellites aren't going to be replaced or maintained by the US next year... 31 satellites are up, and 24 working ones are needed for GPS to work... I guess we'll have to watch this space and put a map on the Christmas list!
 

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