TomTom XL 335T Review

It has been a great 2009 for TomTom as they continue to sell various TomTom XL models that were popular for their large clear displays. Now this year, TomTom goes to work in adding a minor, but significant improvement that will make these models more useful for frequent trips around congested cities.

The new improvement is the "Lifetime Traffic Updates" feature which delivers traffic events to users in real-time to minimize delays. The latest traffic information is received every three minutes so the most efficient alternate route is displayed. With this addition, the model is now called the TomTom XL 335T and the other features remain the same as the original XL335S.

TomTom XL 335T GPS Navigator

Design

The screen size of the TomTom XL 335T measures 4.3 inches diagonally, boasting a 480x272 resolution which is a significant upgrade for people that are used to the smaller 3.5-inch TomTom ONE models. This should result to the text and visuals becoming a bit larger. The overall look resembles typical TomTom devices with the noticeable slight curve on top and sleek design.

Interface

The TomTom XL 335T preserves its interface simply because it works even for the people that are completely new to GPS devices. All that is required is a simple activation process to be followed which then leads to the main menu. The main menu has nicely labeled icons that each lead to all of the main features of the device so people can plan routes and destinations with ease.

Navigation Features

The TomTom XL 335T is a great low-cost alternative to a standard TomTom GO model if core navigation features are needed. It uses a 266 MHz processor which is a bit slower than other GO devices, but the display still manages to update rather quickly compared to similarly priced models. It isn't perfect by any means, but it should reduce the need for U-turning.

For an entry-level GPS device, consider the TomTom XL 335T as one of the advanced models as it uses a 3D view that can be used by beginners to know their direction and get a better idea of their surroundings. The navigation experience is smooth, thanks to the "Advanced Lane Guidance" feature which points the driver to the right lane so that an important turn in the route isn't missed. Relying on this feature heavily should result to shorter travel times which in turn save valuable gasoline. It makes good use of the 3-D graphics to simplify highway junctions and intersections.

Another nice navigational feature is the IQ Routes technology which aims to guide drivers through shorter channels to reach the destination. It relies on the speed data obtained by other TomTom users to generate a more ideal route. It works well with the lifetime traffic updates since it takes traffic into consideration. The time it takes to reach the destination is shown and is quite accurate.

One feature that is lacking is Mexico map, but that can be a good thing if you don't plan on travelling to Mexico and wish to enjoy some savings. There are still 7 million points of interest scattered across US and Canada with the option of adding even more and shared with others using the Map Share technology. This feature can also be used to make sure that the maps always stay up-to-date.

Although the "S" letter has been dropped from this model, the Text-to-Speech features remain which is an essential feature in modern GPS devices today since it helps keep drivers focused on the road rather than reading the displays of the device. It offers the same support for multiple languages and lets users optionally implement celebrity voices to make the GPS fun to use.

Extras

Fold & Go EasyPort Mount

The TomTom XL 335T also includes a "Fold & Go EasyPort Mount" that attaches to the windshield for easy installation. What makes this different from other mounts is that the mount can be folded with ease so it can be placed in a smaller bag.

Also included is the free TomTom HOME application. It is a desktop software that you can install on your computer which makes it easy to manage content on your TomTom device. This really helps to keep your TomTom GPS future-proof by staying up to date with the latest map updates, personalize your TomTom with free content, download free daily map corrections with Map Share™ and even manages data backups of your device.

Summary of Product Features

• Preloaded with maps of the US and Canada, complete with spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics
• Lifetime Traffic Updates included--outsmart traffic and avoid delays for life with real-time information via your TomTom
• Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories - gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more
• IQ Routes Technology calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day, saving you time, fuel and money
• Advanced Lane Guidance indicates exactly which lane to use

List Price :$189.95

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