Showing posts with label tomtom xl 330. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tomtom xl 330. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

TomTom XL 330S 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Review

TomTom XL 330S 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this unit refurbished as indicated. I was worried about the possibility of it not coming with the most recent map updates (see the reviews for the TomTom ONE XL-S refurbished unit), but I went ahead and bought it anyway since I was being frugal. The GPS came packaged nicely and did not have any blemishes or anything on it. I used it for the first time on a several day trip to Phoenix, where I really got to experience the functionality of the device.
Some good points:
-- the 4.3" screen is nice, and I would recommend this screen size over the 3.5" models.
-- the set-up is relatively easy (which was great since the instruction manual is a joke!).
-- TomTom has a pretty cool website (TomTom HOME) for you to use to get necessary updates your GPS, download accessories, etc.Some bad points"
-- the instruction manual is a joke. Thankfully, I had a vague sense of what to do because I'd used a GPS once before.
-- the car adapter plugs in to the bottom of the unit in a way that is a bit unwieldy and awkward.
-- you can only get the street names spoken with the computer-generated voice. If you chose any of the more human-sounding voices, the street name function will not work.
-- whenever you download a new map or map update, you lose your saved favorites. You have to manually re-enter them or save the file from before you updated.
-- it took forever for me to figure out how to cancel a destination once I was already en-route. Since there is no help in the instruction manual, I just had to start pressing areas of the screen to get the device to take me to the right menu screen!
-- AND VERY IMPORTANTLY: The unit I received came with a map that was 4 quarters (i.e., one year) old. This was a risk based on some other reviews, even though the product description said the device comes with the most updated map or comes with the latest map guarantee. So, I read up on the other TomTom refurb units that Amazon sells, and people were saying that it was relatively easy to get TomTom to give you an updated map. So, I called the customer service line and talked to a rep. He said that I needed the map guarantee certificate that came in the box, but I did not receive one. (FYI: some reviewers of the refurbished TomTom ONE XL-S unit said they got this in the box along with their GPS). Since I didn't have a certificate, the rep said it was unlikely I would get a new map. However, I was determined to get my update, so I pressed a bit further. The rep said maybe I could just send in my proof of purchase (Amazon receipt) and we'll see what happens. (You can fax it or send it as an attachment through a website.) I did that, and lo and behold, I got an email message the NEXT DAY saying that my map update had been uploaded to my TomTom HOME account. I downloaded it the next day without any problems. So, despite the reluctance of the customer service rep, I got my new map!
Overall, the unit works well, though the spoken street names can be bit hard to understand at times. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XL 330S 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

Boasting a 4.3-inch widescreen LCD for easier viewing in the car, the TomTom XL 330 and XL 330S features the plug and play ease of use, rock-solid navigation, and sleek design we've come to expect from TomTom. Both models come pre-loaded with highly accurate maps for the United States and Canada, with TomTom Map Share technology that enables you to instantly modify street names, street direction, and POIs on your own device.
Both models share the same navigation and user interface features. Howerver, the XL 330S adds text-to-speech, which means instead of hearing "turn right in 50 feet," you'll hear "turn right in 50 feet at Ohio Street."

Key Features and Benefits
Easy to Use right out of the box (Learn more)
Clear Directions from the sensitive touchscreen display with turn-by-turn spoken directions
TomTom Map Share lets you instantly modify street names, street direction, and POIs on your own device and benefit from others' corrections (Learn more)
"Help Me!" Emergency Menu gives one-touch access to local emergency providers, such as police, fire stations, and hospitals
Preloaded Complete Maps of the United States and Canada with TeleAtlas data
EasyPort mount is foldable and slim for easy portability
POI icons easily find gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more along your route. Customize by adding your own points of interest
QuickGPSfix speeds up the time it takes to fix your GPS position to help you drive off more quickly.
Traffic-Capable with optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays
Daily Fuel Prices, available as an optional service, finds the lowest priced gas on your route

Specifications
Display: 4.3-inch TFT color LCD touchscreen (480 x 272 pixels, 64,000 colors)
Connectivity: USB port for charging and downloading maps and updates
Power: Internal Lithium-Ion battery for up to 3 hours of operation
Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 6.6 ounces

What's in the Box TomTom XL 330S navigation device, EasyPort windshield mount, car charger, USB cable, dashboard mounting disk, printed documentation
Learn More
Easy To Use
New -- Small Mount, Big Speaker
TomTom MapShare -- Maps Served Fresh Daily
New -- Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest

Important Product Information This is a refurbished GPS. Refurbished generally means that the unit has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the navigator back to like-new conditions. Some refurbished GPS devices might contain cosmetic blemishes. There is a six-month guarantee on parts and labor on TomTom refurbished products.

QuickGPSfix
Starting up can seem like a slow business, particularly if you're in a hurry, because the GPS receiver needs to know exactly where each GPS satellite is to calculate your location. But satellites only broadcast their positions once every 30 seconds. So if any of their signals are interrupted--for example, by passing high buildings--the whole position-fixing process has to repeat itself again and again until the perfect fix is achieved. QuickGPSfix takes a smarter approach.

QuickGPSfix can speed up the time it takes to fix your GPS position by downloading the latest satellite data via an Internet connection. Just connect your TomTom device to your computer, and TomTom HOME automatically downloads "QuickGPSfix"--a special GPS data file that helps your TomTom fix your position quicker, even when the GPS signal is weak or partially blocked.

This unique, free service--which comes as standard with the GO (920/720/520/910/710/510) and ONE (XL/New Edition)--helps you fix your position and get navigating faster than ever.

On the road or no access to TomTom HOME? Get the same "QuickGPSfix" data by simply connecting to any TomTom PLUS service, using a wireless data connection (GO 920/720/520/910/710/510 and ONE XL/3RD EDITION and 2nd Edition). As soon as a connection is established, the "QuickGPSfix" data is automatically updated.

Note: QuickGPSfix data has limited validity. So to keep on getting a faster position-fix, re-connect your device at least once a week.

To minimize the amount of data sent over your wireless data connection, this automatic update is only carried out if the data on your device is over 5 days old. The associated data usage of this service is less than 10 Kb per connection. Please contact your mobile service provider to determine the exact costs. To disable this automatic update, just select \'Disable Auto QuickGPSfix' on your TomTom device.

Fun Extras to Personalize Your TomTom
TomTom Traffic Supported Languages
About TomTom TomTom NV is the world's largest navigation solution provider, developing products with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use, and value. TomTom's products include all-in-one navigation devices that enable customers to navigate right out of the box, including the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom ONE range, and the TomTom RIDER (for motorcycles). TomTom also provides navigation software products that integrate with third-party devices, the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDAs, and smartphones. TomTom WORK combines industry-leading communication and smart-navigation technology with leading-edge tracking and tracing expertise. TomTom's products are sold through a network of leading retailers in 25 countries and online. TomTom was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific.

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Click here for more information about TomTom XL 330S 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)

Monday, March 28, 2011

TomTom XL 330 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator Review

TomTom XL 330 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This product is extremely easy to use - I only found one or two of the very extensive options to be a little unintuitive, but after less than a couple hours of poking around the features you really get a glimpse of the depth of the product. It may not have a few of the features that the $400+ models carry, but for my needs it far meets and exceeds. I was a little disappointed when it wouldn't find a numbered address on a highway ( such as when a smaller state highway runs through a city street ), but the database of points of interest had my destination on file.
I was somewhat concerned about the voice volume issue that I'd read about in a few of these reviews ( after already having put my purchase order in ), but I'd have to say any units with poor volume have to be from a bad batch - even at the default 70% volume it was clearly audible with music playing and a window open at highway speeds. At max volume you really can't miss it unless you have difficulty hearing in general, though I found a few of the default voices were softer than others. Since it seems possible to create your own voice sets, and some voice sets are louder than others, I would assume one could edit a copy of the default voice and increase the gain / volume and reinstall, but there are a number of built in voices that are wholly satisfactory in the volume department.
If I had to list any cons, it would be that base package voices still show up in the menu even if you remove them from the TomTom with the manager software. The inability to find an address on a highway might be a weakness of all navigators for all I know, as I've not had much experience with any others.
If you buy this, definitely spend some time with the management software. There is a goodly amount of user supplied content ( maps, points of interest databases, and even voices ) that are free, as well as the normal software updates.
When I left the store with it the most difficult part of setting it up was getting it out of the evil tough plastic packaging that most of us are familiar with. A car charger was included, so I plugged it in, answered a few basic questions, did a short tour and was on my way to my next destination within only a few minutes. Normally I can't find my way out of a paper bag, even if I'm still outside of the bag, so this is probably the best $200 I've ever spent. A separate data cable is also included for connecting to your home PC ( which will be required to update the software and add new features to the device ).
There is an optional attachment and service you can purchase that will give you real time weather and traffic data. I understand that there is a monthly fee for this additional service, but I've not yet bought the extra receiver so I can't comment on its performance or cost.
In short - if you want a very well rounded GPS navigator for an excellent price, you can't go wrong with the XL 330. I know what a few friends and family are getting for the holidays this year.


Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XL 330 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

The TomTom XL 330 is easy-to-use widescreen navigation. TomTom's award-winning software means effortless navigation from point A to point B. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just enter the address on the touchscreen and start driving anywhere in the United States or Canada. TomTom guides you door-to-door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions. And 3D graphics help guide you to your destination.


An extra-wide touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free.

The XL 330 is preloaded with millions of points of interest to enhance your traveling experience--easily find your favorite gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and more.

TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you instantly can modify street names, street direction, points of interest, and more on your own device.

And with the "Help Me!" menu, added safety features enable you to easily access local emergency providers, such as police, fire stations, and hospitals.

The Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.

Go confidently.

XL 330 Features
Maps of US & with TomTom Map Share
Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
Spoken Instructions
4.3-inch Touchscreen

All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.

Preloaded Points of Interest--Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more on your route.

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.

Traffic Ready--Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.

Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

Why TomTom? TomTom believes that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. TomTom develops smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
Easy to Use

Award-winning navigation software
Plug & go

Best Maps

30-Day Latest Map Guarantee
Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share

Best Routing

QuickGPSfix
Traffic ready

Leader in Safety

Help Me! emergency resources menu
Safety preferences menu

What's in the Box XL 330 GPS device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guide
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 a leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further its commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so that the company can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

TomTom has its 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.


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Click here for more information about TomTom XL 330 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator