TomTom Debuts Their Software in the iTunes Store

[Jeff Campbell]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/17/tomtom_for_apple_iphone_released_in_u_s_app_store_for_99.html' target='_blank'>http://www.appleinsider.com/article...ore_for_99.html</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"A day after the TomTom navigation software saw an overseas roll out, the iPhone application hit North America and Europe and is now available for download in the App Store."</em></p><p><em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1250550942.usr105634.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></em></p><p>Yesterday it was finally available in the US iTunes store having previously been released in Australia and New Zealand among other places. The US and Canada version goes for $99.99 USD, whereas Australia is $79.99 USD and New Zealand is $94.99 USD. If you plan on travel to Western Europe, that version goes for $139.99 USD. These will work in either the 3G and 3GS since they have built in GPS, however once the combo hardware kit comes out, this will work in the 1st gen iPhone and iPod touch since the combo unit has it's own GPS. No price yet on the combo kit.&nbsp;</p>

[ptyork]

This app is another exemplar of why multi-tasking (and appropriate pricing) is so important. I haven't read any detailed reviews of the app, but the little I've read points out the MAJOR limitation--that a phone call disrupts navigation. Sure, it resumes when the call is over, but you are completely without any form of navigational prompts during the conversation.

On to pricing, since a dedicated Tom-Tom (or Garmin for a little more) device can be had for around $70 everyday, I really don't see how this is going to compete. It is a convenience to have a single device, but given it's limitations (and the relative weakness of the GPS hardware), I just don't see a calling. For $29, maybe. But not at this price point. Hey, throw on the mounting/GPS hardware for, what, another $139 (?), and you do away with the poor GPS hardware performance. OR, again, get a single $70 device with car mount included and do away with all of the limitations. You may lose some of the potential benefits of being "connected," but man, a mostly better experience for far less money seems to be a no-brainer.

I'll be interested to see if others come to the same conclusions.

[Jeff Campbell]

Saw an article on wired (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/tomtom-gps-kit/) and they had info on combo kit price of about $200 based on what they say a UK based company has set for the pre-sale price. Might as well just get an all in one unit really. I would pay maybe 50 bucks for the combo unit but I wont pay 200 for it. I like the fact the combo unit can be used as charger and from my understanding, can also use it as hands free device for phone calls. 200 is quite steep though for me.

[Sven Johannsen]

Might be better to consider the hardware part of the combo kit around $70-$100, considering that the software is $100-$130. If it really does add a better GPS receiver, charging capability and BT handsfree, you are starting to get to a convenience factor that may justify the price, over a dedicated Nav unit. The phone is coming anyway, so do I add a Nav, +BT, + GPS cradle, +charger for the phone and the GPS, or just carry one other all-in-one unit for travel?