This piece of kit is a lifesaver. Not only can it help you with directions but I'm sure it will save more marriages than coucilling. No more arguing over poor directions or where to go. All the features of the Standard One but with a Wider Screen.
The system has many useful functions. 1. Basic GPS - To get from A to B. This can be via postcode, location name etc. Generally very good just get to the area you know and let the TomTom take you from their. See downside point 2. 2. Points of interest - Can include anything from restuarants & cinenas to your local funeral dirctor - Many free sites to download from. 3. Speed camera details. 4. Speedo - My 2002 Mondeo underclocks by about 10% and I've only just noticed so I can now get everywhere 10% quicker without worrying about speeding - This is Great news. 5. Updates from TomTom webside including map corections etc. You will need these. 6. Maps for Europe - If you pay the extra cost. If you think you might need them buy a system with this included. Much cheaper than purchasing them afterwards. 7. Many customisation options including various voices etc.
Downsides 1. If you know where you are going don't follow it. It certainly does not always go the fastest route. Get to the area you know then let TomTom do the rest. This will save you hours of stress wondering why you've just driven in a huge circle. 2. The beep to tell you that you are speeding. Yes I know - Turn it off. 3. Being continually told to stay right at every junction on a motorway. Please. You only need to say when to get off. Don't think there is much you can do about this and trust be it really starts to be annoying on a long journey. 4. Battery Life - Not great. Make sure you always carry an in car charge (which is supplied luckily). 5. Not always acurate. I was happily driving on the A1 when all of a sudden accordingy to the TomTom I was doing 70 in a 30 and it went crazy at me. If I had braked at this point I would have caused a huge pile up and certainly would not have been here to write the review. 6. Very tempting to play the game of beat the estimated time of arival - Not good for your licence.
From the above you would probably think I really hate the system - Well I don't. Its one of the most useful things I've ever purchased. No more stopping at the side of a road and picking up a map. Being male I can't ask directions as this would just prove we are the inferior species.
If we are honest I bet the system pays for itself in saved petrol, time and councilling that follows being late for a holiday with the in-laws.
Put me in an area I've never been before and I swear by the system. Its great,
Take it out in your home town and try and use it to work out a quicker route and you'll quickly find yourself stuck in a traffic jam at 7pm. I don't know how but it has happened.
Anyway I hope everyone find this of use and enjoys their purchase whichever model they choose.
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Advantages: fast, upgradeable, reliable, robust, costumisable, portable and much more Disadvantages: confuses speeds at times, battery power loss while switched off
rcandeias 02.12.2008 (12.06.2009)
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Review of TomTom ONE XL Europe
Feb 17th, 2009
not helpful by (100%):
