TomTom ONE 125 3.5-Inch Portable GPS NavigatorThe TomTom One 125 - Great Starter GPS, Easily Updated Software, Some Missing Features
The TomTom ONE 125 3.5-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with U.S. Maps is one of many new updated GPS units available this fall. It is compact and well designed. And for those with more extensive foreign language needs than the standard "English or Spanish" options included with most beginner units, the two dozen included screen languages and even more spoken languages will blow you away. Perhaps the overall best feature is the "map-share" updates that allow users to alert when a route has been closed or changed due to construction. Instead of having to pay and wait for next years update, if you subscribe to this you get it for free! Additionally, the TomTom's safety features are also head and shoulders above the competition. The included menu allows you be alerted with speed warnings, traffic cameras, and even directions to emergency services via the one touch "Help Me!" menu. However, there are some basic features missing, including an SD memory card and text to speech directions. While I do not intend to outline all the features of competing products, I am going to compare this product where relevant to show users where they might need to consider other options. I personally have owned many Garmin models, one Magellan Maestro and a starter Navigon unit. There are even many more options on the market today, but I believe most users should be choosing from these four brands for a starter unit. PROS: + Great compact starter GPS unit with convenient all-in-one form factor + The "map-share" updates are the killer app of the TomTom GPS line; bad routes are corrected by users like you, and you can get the updates with the application + Comes with a GPS, USB PC syncing cable, car power adapter and mounting disk + The included integrated mount is more convenient, though it mounts closer to the window than I would like + An updated map is provided free of charge if they come out within 30 days of purchase + Add-on applications and updates are not all free but still priced better than Garmin's + AWESOME safety feature extras to alert for driving breaks, speed limits and thresholds + Also warns you by default to remove the unit when you reach your destination + Cool safety camera alerts give you audio and video of cameras on your route + "Help Me!" emergency menu directs you to emergency services with one click + Status bar preferences also allow extra features (compass, next street, etc.) + Many more included car symbols than Garmin or Magellin + Includes a pedestrian mode comparable to Garmin's under "planning preferences" + Interface Includes icons to alert you when you are nearing POIs + Does seem to update route changes faster than other models + Gives you the option to automatically avoid delays with traffic updates (though receiver is sold separately and it's not clear if and where one can be connected to this model) + The TomTom Home application makes it VERY EASY to update settings and download software extras + Still displays info even without a connection, unlike the Garmin models which sometimes *hide maps* till they find the signal again + While it is equally poor at acquiring signals as other models, it does seem to hold signals better than others + Incredible spoken and display language options give you almost 25 language options!!! CONS: - No SD memory card slot!!! That means internal memory is your absolute limit; new maps may replace old ones, and you will have to update for each new map with a computer when travelling, while with the Garmin you could simply bring all your maps on cards - The power / USB connection port is recessed into the bottom of the unit; this may make it hard to use some standard USB cables to connect to your computer in a pinch - The standard USB connection cable has a connector that is at a right angle, which keeps it out of the way but also makes it harder to remove - Dashboard mount disk must be stuck with adhesive to your dash; Garmin friction mount is better, though they do sell alternative mounts that are comparable for the TomTom - Need an additional attachment for traffic service (though not great in all areas) - Must hold on/off button for a long time when turning on - Did not come pre-charged, like my Garmin did - Software interface is not as slick as others like the Garmin and the Navigon - Neither the 2D nor the 3D views are as attractive as any of the other brands - Not the least expensive starter unit on the market - Does not include text to speech to give you spoken street names - No included Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your smart phone for hands free operation - Traffic receiver is sold separately and it's not clear if and where one can be connected to this model - Won't alert you to missed turns and will automatically recalculate, which may not always be ideal - Equally poor at acquiring signals as other models - Without a signal, the screen gives you much less device information (such as battery life) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The product description notes this unit as "widescreen." It is not really widescreen. This is the standard 3.5 inch size that all starter units come in. In fact, though the body seems slightly more narrow than the Garmin 200 series, the screen is exactly the same size. The Garmin simply has a larger border area around the screen. It's adequate for me, but those with weak eyes often prefer the 4.3 inch widescreen models. The description seems to indicate that this unit includes Bluetooth, which it doesn't as far as I can tell. Bluetooth has become an almost standard feature for GPS unit. If I can find a way to pair my BT phone with it, I will update this. But this seems like a typo to me. FEATURES VERSUS THE COMPETITION Garmin has been feverishly updating their lineup, and the entry level unit that compares most closely with the TTO125 is the Garmin nüvi 205 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator. It is one of several updated models in the 200 series. Like this unit, it has a similar size and form factor. The Navigon 2200T 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator includes the additional features of text-to-speech (for street names) and free traffic alerts. It's also much slicker and has a 3D reality view that is best among all manufacturers. Similarly the Magellan Maestro 3250 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator adds a host of features, though the improved looks are still a notch below Navigon. It also includes maps of all of North America and Mexico standard. However, neither Magellan's nor Navigon's data updates are as good as TomTom's. Still, given all the extras, they are both strong competitors as well. Some of the higher-end 4.3 inch wide Garmin versions like the Garmin Nuvi 205W and Garmin Nuvi 255W offer more features and a bigger screen. Learning where to go in the menu to change settings also seemed less intuitive than the Garmin. One thing I may have to wait a year to learn is whether they are going to spam me with *map update* sales pitches like the Garmin does. Like all GPS units, this one also has the dreaded delay in finding satellites, particularly when indoors. However, once you do find a satellite this unit seems to hold the signal well. While satellite acquisition seems about the same on all my units, holding the signal was better on the TomTom. CONCLUSION This is a GPS unit that covers the basics very well and has many more software options than entry level models from the competition. Thanks to map-share and TomTom Home, the data seems to be updated better than units from Garmin, Navigon or Magellan. So if you need a starter GPS, this gives the Garmin a run for its money. But the included features, even for base models, are not nearly equivalent to competing units. The look and feel is also not nearly as slick, though that should matter less than features and functions to most people. But of course, value is a concern. For the price of Garmin's maps, they have guaranteed I will probably never buy an update from them. With the TomTom, investing in extra apps or updates might actually be a little easier to swallow. But the prevailing prices for the Garmin units themselves, including the 205, 255, and 255W, make most of them a better value. The 205 sells for about 20% less than this model, and the wider screened 205W goes for around the same price. Even a few 600 and 700 series models are not too far off in price. And many models from Garmin, Navigon and Magellin also include Bluetooth connectivity and free traffic updates. If you need the frequent updates and extra choices in languages, the TomTom One 125 wins hands down. Similarly, the safety features are really tops in this product category. Some may just want the TomTom because they prefer the simpler looking interface. But considering the greater number of features and lower costs of most comparable Garmins, many will opt for one of those models instead. Enjoy.
A Solid Option for Those Looking for a Navigation System (4+ stars)
With the acquisition of the TomTom One, I now have GPS navigation systems from all three major companies. The TomTom One stands up to both the Garmin Nuvi and the Magellan Maestro, although its pros and cons are quite different. I like that you merely have to tap the screen anywhere to get the menu. This unit has a wealth of options, including several voices and languages for spoken directions and route types, including limited speed and bicycle routes. You can use "map correction" for quick GPS pick-up if it shows you in the wrong location (good for when you've been in motion without using it.) You can select from several different "cars" to show your location and different map colors. The available options are too numerous to list here, but they exceed both the Garmin nüvi 650 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator and the Magellan Maestro 3100 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator. But how does the TomTom navigate? The mapping software is much better than the Maestro and equal, maybe even slightly better, than the Garmin. However, its user interface isn't always the best. For example, to cancel a route, you have to go to the second page of options. If you miss a turn, it doesn't tell you (both Magellan and Garmin give a "recalculating" message), giving you a chance to turn around, and instead moves silently to the next version of the route. Pros: -- Spoken directions in advance. For example, "Take left ahead, then in a half a mile, turn right." The others only give you both turns if they will occur within a few seconds of each. You don't have to remember both directions because it will still say "Turn left" when it's time to make the route change. -- Reliable mapping software. It was the only one of the three to recognize that I wanted to take a certain road when I made a turn. The others tried to get me back to the predetermined route. Equivalent or better than the Garmin. Much better than the Magellan. -- Fold up stand that can stick to a windshield (if legal in your state) or to a mounted disk. When the stand is folded up against the body, it can be easily slipped into a purse or crowded glove box. -- Lots of options to personalize the unit. -- The set up is more compatible than the other two for removing this from your car and using it as a walking or biking GPS. -- No annoying "recalculating" messages when you decide on a different route. (See Cons.) Cons -- The points-of-interest are woefully inadequate. If you want to find a specific store or restaurant, you may need the address. -- Satellite pick-up can be slow, about the speed of the Garmin, but not nearly as fast as the Magellan. If you are sitting in the driveway, this isn't a problem; however, it can be if you're already driving in an unfamiliar area. -- The unit must be manually turned on and off. Both Garmin and Magellan ask if you want to continue on battery power. The TomTom assumes that you do, thus draining the battery if you forget to turn it off. -- It does not tell you if you've missed a turn. My ideal GPS unit would be to take the TomTom mapping, the Garmin user interface, and the Magellan satellite pick-up, but alas, customers will have to choose. Because all three do the job, I recommend identifying the options most important to you and then comparing prices. -- Debbie Lee Wesselmann
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