TomTom One Review - 3rd Edition
The new TomTom ONE is being promoted as the ultimate in low cost GPS. Well I’ve taken a look, and I’m inclined to agree - you get a lot for your money, and I don’t think you’ll find a smaller GPS with as many functions. Designed to be simple to use, with quality navigation and unique technology at an affordable price, the latest GPS from TomTom builds on its predecessors and debuts some new features.
Before I get carried away on what’s new, I’ll start my review of the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition (V3) at the beginning, with the opening of the box. With the full European edition, you get everything you need for TomTom’s patented ‘plug&go‘ action. The GPS is ready to use straight out of the box, complete with windscreen holder, USB cable for easy PC connection and in-car charger.
What’s New
Although the dimensions and weight are identical on the two models, the TomTom ONE V3 upgrades from the TomTom ONE V2 both aesthetically and physically. Both offer the same 3.5″ colour LCD touchscreen, but while the V2 had a black band of plastic around the screen, TomTom have opted for a more attractive silver surround on the V3. Apart from this small change, they look identical. It’s on the inside that things look different.
Software and Maps
Starting with the software: the V2 Europe came with the same country maps as the V3 Europe does, but they were provided on an SD card. The V3 stores the maps in internal memory (an impressive 1GB), leaving the SD slot empty for other uses. The V3’s maps are also more up to date, although the older version can be upgraded on the TomTom website. The V3 has a jack to support the FM traffic receiver (sold separately) while the V2 did not support this addition.
Map ShareTM
Together with users of the New TomTom GO range, users of the TomTom ONE V3 can now easily improve and update their own maps with TomTom Map ShareTM. Map ShareTM, allows users to upload changes to maps, and for other users to accept the update, once TomTom has verified the change of course. TomTom has the world’s largest satellite navigation community with over 10 million users, making the maps available through this system the most up to date available.
In light of this new technology on the TomTom ONE, one strange omission in the V3 is the lack of Bluetooth for PC data transfer, a feature its predecessor included. This connection can, however, be made by the USB cable, which over all is faster than Bluetooth would have been.
Safety Camera Alerts
TomTom ONE V3 comes with alerts for fixed safety cameras to alert drivers of accident blackspots in advance. The device also features direct access to extensive safety and roadside assistance information wherever they go. The extensive ‘Help Me!’ menu includes information such as the way to the nearest hospital, car maintenance information and even first aid instructions. This feature first introduced on the TomTom GO 720 is a welcome addition to this little device and goes a long way in setting it apart from the competitors
Conclusion
Full of great features: high spec GPS, the latest maps with easy instant updates, brand new safety features, flawless touchscreen and more - the TomTom ONE 3rd Edition is definitely a welcome addition to the TomTom range. Perhaps the greatest feature, however, is the price. With so many of TomTom’s brilliant standard characteristics, like the text and voice guided turn-by-turn instructions, the price tag is incredibly low for a very high spec device.
