TomTom XL 325 Review

TomTom is hard at work in making all kinds of different GPS solutions to reach out to all markets. With their TomTom GO devices promising breakthrough technologies in positioning and navigating, consumers are convinced that GPS devices can make travelling safer and easier providing that they afford heavy price tag. However, there are others that are simply not interested in the whole idea of GPS simply because they do not know how to use the device and are not willing to pay just to find out how easy it really is to use. With the TomTom ONE products, their needs are covered with some of the most affordable products that can handle basic navigation at the cost of a reduced screen size. Those that want a bigger, yet still affordable GPS solution should turn to the newly introduced TomTom XL 325 instead.

TomTom XL 325 GPS Navigator

Design

Unlike other common GPS devices by TomTom and other manufacturers, the TomTom XL 325 has a silver frame and a large 4.3" colored widescreen display. This allows important data to be shown on the bottom of the map and the 3-D view for more detailed areas. It is portable like the rest of the car navigation devices weighing just 7 ounces when the mount is attached. A noticeable design feature can be found on the back of the device where a large speaker is placed to give clear audio directions.

Interface

The TomTom XL 325 has the least number of features found in the family of XL ONE devices, but that can be good for first time users that do not want to sift through many menus. The more advanced devices maintain a good interface as well and the XL 325 carries that simplicity by using large icons that can be touched to activate the different functions of the device such as POI searching and route planning.

Actual user review:
• "The TomTom XL 325 is relatively inexpensive, comes pre-charged and is supremely easy to use, STRAIGHT OUT of the box, (which is impressive!): you just follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the device for the first time, as well as to find local points of interest (restaurants, gas stations) or plug in directions of where you are going, and off you go! I particularly found it awesome that in the initial setup, you can choose not only the language, but also what language/voice to have it speak to you in. I set mine to the British woman, as I love British accents, and I find it hilarious & awesome: love it!

My only and biggest complaint about this GPS device is that the spoken directions ONLY say things like 'turn left in 700 feet', 'turn left'...and I would like it to tell me 'turn left on main street'...while it speaks 'turn left' across the bottom of the screen is the street you are supposed to turn onto, but for the sake of safety in driving, I don't think it's smart to look away too much while driving, so I would MUCH prefer it would speak that out loud!

Other than my comment above, I absolutely love this GPS device! It is easy-to-use, easy to carry with (and not leave in the car), the satellite seems to work well everywhere I go (finding my location quickly): with full spoken aloud directions it would receive 5 stars, without it, only 4 stars, but I must say, I really love it!!" - Randomartco (Greater Washington D.C. area,USA)

Navigation Features

Right after purchasing the TomTom XL 325 and taking it out of the box, the device is ready to use as it has USA (including Alaska and Hawaii), and Puerto Rico maps preloaded along with millions of points of interests covering major landmarks, restaurants, banks, and other places that are visited frequently while driving on the road.

The maps boast higher accuracy than other GPS devices with maps because TomTom connects TomTom users together offering the option to make corrections or updates to any of the maps and then share them to other TomTom users. These users can make their own corrections until the maps are fully updated. This is known as the TomTom Map Share technology and maps can be shared without any extra charges. Updated maps can also be downloaded from TomTom HOME. The TomTom HOME desktop software also doubles as a software updater tool to keep the device updated and includes the QuickGPSfix technology to transmit any free updates through the GPS connection.

On the navigational end, the TomTom XL 325 performs exceptionally with routes easy to plan by using the touchscreen and routes to be recalculated quickly if the travelling suddenly goes off course. The large speaker is put to good use when giving prompt instructions on when to make a turn although XL 325 lacks a text-to-speech functionality (included in the TomTom XL 325-S). Advanced safety features are absent, but the XL 325 manages to include a special "Help Me!" menu which gives the opportunity for people to ask for help showing vital information that points to roadside assistance services, hospitals, and other emergency services.

Extras

The TomTom XL 325 can be used with the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver to make it possible to view any incoming traffic so route planning can be done in advance. It also comes with an EasyPort mount for standard mounting on the windshield and can fold for minimal space consumption when carrying the device.

The features of the TomTom XL 325 are nowhere near the other devices, but the real highlight is that it costs less than $150 which is excellent for a large screen device. Navigation is accurate too making it a reliable device for regular drivers that want to get around or other travelers that want to plan lengthy, yet simple route.

Summary of Product Features

• 30 Day Latest Map Guarantee: if a new map is released within 30 days of purchase, download it for free from TomTom HOME
• TomTom Map Share: instantly modify street names, street direction, road speeds, turn restrictions and POIs on your own device and benefit from others' corrections
• Help Me! Emergency Menu: easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals
• TomTom HOME: ensure that your TomTom is always up-to-date and access additional features with this free software application

More user reviews:

• "This is my first GPS navigator experience and I only just got it today but I LOVE this thing!! It's so easy to use and even arrived charged and ready to go. You don't need any extra software or a service subscription. Just pull it out of the box and it's ready to use immediately. There's not much of a manual but you really don't need one. There's plenty of "tours" the TomTom offers to help you learn the ropes, and I would recommend taking the tours it offers but even if you don't, you will still be able to figure it out easily enough. (I love the touch screen though I think I may start using the stylus from my Nintendo DS; it's hard being super-accurate with the pad of my finger and didn't always push hard enough on the first try.) I also like how easy it is to get off the windshield so I can drop it in my purse and take it inside with me so it doesn't get stolen or freeze/melt in the car.

The driving experience was surprisingly smooth. I liked that I was able to choose the voice - there are several different male and female voices to choose from as well as different accents (American, British, Irish, and others available with a download)! The voice would let me know that I needed to turn after a 1/4 mile more of driving, and then at just the right time it would remind me again to turn.

The on screen display offers so much information without being too obtrusive or distracting. During my drive, I noticed that it was keeping track of my speed compared to the speed limit, how many miles I'd driven, how many more to the destination, etc. It even shows your exact latitude and longitude and how many satellites the GPS is getting info from.

I like adding "Favorite" destinations to make map requests quicker. I can't wait till I get it all filled up with destinations and setting all my preferences. This thing is going to be SO helpful!" - S.Levi (Chicago,USA)

Average User Rating :

List Price : $149.99

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