06-02-2003, 10:00 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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TomTom USA Available for Pre-Order from Mobile Planet
"Uncluttered maps, easy-to-use controls, and crystal clear on-screen directions and verbal instructions allow you to plan trips, read maps and find your way around difficult traffic conditions with ease."
People in Europe have been raving about how excellent TomTom GPS solutions are, so it's exciting to see this solution finally being offered in North America. You can pre-order it from Mobile Planet for $319.95 US. [Affiliate]
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06-02-2003, 10:26 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 44
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TomTom or Mapopolis
I have Mapopolis today and love it, but I am greatly dismayed at the lack of any upgrade option to the newer map version. I feel this is poor support on their part considering the cost of the product.
What are your thoughts on TomTom?
Thanks,
-Drew
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06-02-2003, 10:58 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,264
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I have been field testing this for them for a couple of weeks, and all I can say is it is GREAT!
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06-02-2003, 11:06 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 92
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It seems to require propritary GPS receiver, though? I wonder if they'll be offering software-only version if it works with most other CF/BT GPS receivers? Has any current testers tried it with other GPS devices?
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06-02-2003, 11:07 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 144
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I was chosen to participate in the US Field Test, and I'm under NDA, so I'm not sure how much I can say, but I don't think anyone would mind if I share my opinion that TomTom is a great navigation system for Pocket PC.
The maps are very up-to-date - the only discrepancies I have encountered so far have been very new road revisions - within the last year or so. Every other road I have travelled on has been accurately represented. The POIs are also very recent and very complete.
The software is very easy to use, and very fast and responsive - even route planning. The thing I like most about it is how well adapted for driving the "Navigation" view is. It auto-zooms according to your speed, and the elevation (seen in the screenshot above) makes it very easy to visualize and understand how the roads are laid out ahead of you (much more so than an overhead view). Routes are automatically recalculated if you get off course or decide to go another way.
Voice navigation is clear and easy to understand. Like the auto-zoom feature, the software varies the time before it "warns" you of an upcoming turn, exit, etc. based on your speed (warns at 800 yards at highway speeds, 200 yards around town).
All in all, TomTom Navigator is a very well thought-out and implemented Pocket PC navigation system, with no major flaws that I can think of. It has also been a pleasure working with the TomTom USA staff during the field test.
I know I'm sounding like a TomTom fanboi, but I really think this is a great product, and I tend to "evangelize" products that I really like (do you know how many people I have convinced to buy Pocket PCs?  )
If you have any questions, please feel free to post them, and I'll answer what I can. Again, I'm under NDA, but I'll answer what I can.
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06-02-2003, 11:14 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 144
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by portus
It seems to require propritary GPS receiver, though? I wonder if they'll be offering software-only version if it works with most other CF/BT GPS receivers? Has any current testers tried it with other GPS devices?
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I don't think it requires a propritary GPS, and they do offer a software-only version (check the pre-order details at Mobile Planet). The GPS connection application that comes with it has a list of a couple dozen different GPS receivers, including Bluetooth, sleeves, other manufacturers, and standard NMEA and SIRF GPSRs. I would say it will support just about everything.
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06-02-2003, 11:16 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 92
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Do you mind answering he questions I just posted (right before your post)? Three more questions: (1) Options of male/female voice prompt? (2) What's the average (initial) route calculation time after the GPS gets a fix? (3) Can you compare the "operational smoothness" compared to other competitive products you have used?
Thanks,
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06-02-2003, 11:35 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 144
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by portus
Do you mind answering he questions I just posted (right before your post)? Three more questions: (1) Options of male/female voice prompt? (2) What's the average (initial) route calculation time after the GPS gets a fix? (3) Can you compare the "operational smoothness" compared to other competitive products you have used?
Thanks,
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I think I answered your questions, except that I haven't personally tested any other GPSRs with TomTom, but the support for them appears to be there.
Regarding male/female voice prompts, there are various male and female voices available for their European products, so I would expect the same for the U.S. The version I have has two voices, but I have only used the default. It's just a bunch of .WAV files in a folder, so theoretically, you could even create your own. TomTom has released an SDK (which I haven't looked at yet), so they seem pretty supportive of user add-ons like this.
Regarding the route calculation times, they're very fast. I have never experienced more than 3-4 seconds time to calculate a route, even less around town (2-3 seconds). On a related note, the GPS unit seems to obtain a fix quickly - much faster than my Magellan Meridian Gold.
Operational smoothness is very good. The application is very easy to use, and the "Navigation" mode has large buttons and interface elements designed to be used with your finger (not that any of us would ever use it while driving, right? :wink  . The app feels responsive and the interface and maps look very nice - good colors, fonts, etc. I haven't used any other direct competitors to TomTom Navigator (Mapopolis), but compared to Pocket Streets and PortableInternet's Portable Guide, the interface, smoothness, and overall visual appeal of TomTom are much nicer. This is a very professional looking and feeling application.
As a side note, if anyone from TomTom is reading this, and feels that any of my comments are not in agreement with the U.S. Field Test NDA, please let me know, and I will retract my statements. It has not been my intention to violate the NDA. I'm just very enthusiastic about this app, and since the press release announcing the U.S. release went out today, this might be a good opportunity to answer people's questions, and generate some interest and demand for the product.
Thanks,
JoshB
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06-02-2003, 11:43 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 92
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JoshB,
Thanks about the feedback! Sad to say I wasn't picked as one of the field testers as I was eagerly awaiting to compare TomTom Nav to the leading competitiors Mapopolis and iGuidance (aka intelliNav/Routis/MyNavigator).
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06-03-2003, 01:03 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 137
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Do you order the cable kit extra (for the Axim for instance)? Is it just for power?
What have you been using for mounting the unit? Doe sit use an outside antenna as well?
dart
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Linear Mode
