Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I got TomTom550TM about two weeks ago. It replaced my TomTom Go 730 with 4.3" screen.
This will be my 5th GPS device so far. I consider TomTom Go 730 a pretty modern GPS with a lot of good features, so I will review TomTom 550TM in comparison to that one.
Let me start with the cons:
- No Bluetooth hands-free, FM transmitter, SD reader, etc. But, I disabled the BT and FM in my Go anyway and I do not miss them at all.
- Fewer menu options; mostly due to missing extra functionality, and some regarding what is displayed on screen. I find displaying the current speed and the speed limit on the screen redundant, it would have been nice to have the choice to display perhaps the compass instead.
And the pros:
- Simple menu! Who cares about 8 things when you are trying to just enter a new address?
- Large screen is a relief to your eyes. Driving in summer is enough strain on the eyes.
- Clever interface. The lanes are clearly displayed on the screen at critical times.
- Reads names of streets just like the Go does (though this is a standard feature now).
- Last but not the least lifetime traffic and map updates. Traffic updates are a nice to have, though I never was in a situation that they were critical with my older TomTom GPS. However, map updates are a must. I found myself looking for non-existent ramps and exits more often in the last year, so 550TM with its lifetime map updates will hopefully get rid of such annoyances.
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TomTom XXL 550M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition)Outsmart road changes with the TomTom XXL 550·M--complete 5-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates*. On average, 18% of road information changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With Lifetime Map Updates, start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year. Since TomTom has the industry's most accurate and dependable maps you'll have access to one million more miles of roads than you would using other GPS brands. Navigate to any location in the US, Canada or Mexico--or directly to one of 7 million preloaded points of interest. Finding your way has never been easier, using TomTom's new EasyMenu and spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names.
Only TomTom has IQ Routes*. This exclusive technology evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of day. You'll always be directed to the quickest, most efficient route. Advanced Lane Guidance** provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.
With TomTom's exclusive Map Share On-Demand Updates, you have the ability to update your own map instantly or download verified updates from other drivers. Update your TomTom daily or whenever you wish.
The "Help Me!" menu lets you travel with peace of mind. It provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations, and hospitals. The "Where Am I?" feature pinpoints your exact location so you can accurately communicate it to emergency resources.
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag.
Maps of US, Canada & Mexico with Lifetime Map Updates TomTom is known the world over for the accuracy and extensive coverage of its maps. TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of road than other GPS brands and have been rated highest in terms of quality and reliability.
Roads change, but with Lifetime Map Updates your map will always be up to date. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year.
Note: You receive up to four non-transferable map data updates per year until the product's useful life expires or TomTom no longer receives map updates from its suppliers, whichever is shorter. Details and terms at www.tomtom.com/legal.
EasyMenu Easily access all of TomTom's powerful features through its simple and intuitive two-button menu. Just a tap gets you started, and easy-to-follow commands and recognizable icons lead you through a quick start-up process to get you on the road in no time.
7 million Points of Interest Comes preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own favorites.
IQ Routes* Despite posted speed limits, traffic traveling along a road at 8 a.m. moves at a different pace than it does at 2 p.m. Actual traffic speed is affected by rush hour, traffic light changes, pedestrian traffic, day of the week, and more. Only TomTom offers exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of the day.
Advanced Lane Guidance** TomTom provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.
Announces Street Names Keep your eyes on the road while your TomTom announces turn-by-turn directions, including street and place names.
5-Inch Touchscreen Expand your horizons with a 5-inch extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.
Fold & Go EasyPort Mount The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. It folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag and can be taken with you wherever you travel.
Traffic Update Service* (Optional) Outsmart traffic. Optional traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic conditions to minimize potential delays. Based on incoming traffic information, your TomTom will recalculate travel time and suggest alternate routes. Traffic updates available in the US and Canada.
*Feature available in the US and Canada only **Feature available in the US only
All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.
30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.
TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.
Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.
TomTom HOME--Always up to date.
Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.
What's in the Box TomTom XXL 540M device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guide and lifetime maps voucher
About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.
We have our own mapping company! Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.
Why TomTom? At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
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