TomTom XL 350T Review

Since TomTom first introduced their GO devices, TomTom had a huge goal to use their innovative technologies to make GPS devices very easy and safe to use. When they unveiled the large budget XL devices, the company realized that they achieved this goal as there are lots of drivers that rely on their TomTom devices. However competitors are releasing user-friendly products of their own and TomTom needs to respond by adding updates to their successful lineup. This 2010, one of the devices that recently hit the shelves was the TomTom XL 350T.

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TomTom XL 350T GPS Navigator

Design

Compared to older XL models, there are little chances on the outside and that isn't bad because users liked the compact size overall and 4.3-inch screen. It is easily identifiable with the top part of the device that curves upward. Overall, it is a nice device to carry around with and mount to a windshield with ease.

Interface

The TomTom XL 350T user interface is very friendly with rich graphics especially if the 3-D map view is used. Getting to that screen is easy because the main menu is simplified with large icons and text. After the short activation procedure, the device can immediately be used after it is taken out of the box.

Accessing the other features of the XL 350T is easy thanks to the EasyMenu which is a two-button menu that brings up some icons after a single tap. This makes it very easy for people to plan routes or calculate common destinations.

Navigation

The TomTom XL 350T is one of the most accurate budget devices available because it has the latest 2010 maps covering the US, Canada, and Mexico areas. It has more miles of road than other models and even more points of interest totaling over 7 million points. To make it easier to find these POIs, each point is placed in a category. There are over 60 categories available making it easy to find a specific point regardless of location.

The letter "T" at the end of the "350" model indicates that the TomTom XL device is equipped with lifetime traffic updates. Those that frequently rely on their device to get to their destination in the fastest time possible will find this feature very helpful because it allows them to get free traffic updates without requiring a costly subscription. It is only available to people living in US and Canada.

This works well with the IQ routes feature because it quickly analyzes the current traffic conditions and cleverly makes its own route that ensures that no traffic will get in the way. This means that the shortest route will not always be generated in different times of the day since traffic can get in the way thus delaying the time it takes to reach the destination.

Some generated routes can be lengthy and the driver still needs to navigate through each turn. The text-to-speech feature announces the street names and places to minimize glancing on the map just to stay on course. When there are more difficult junctions and lanes encountered, the Advanced Lane Guidance feature can assist drivers in pointing drivers to the right lane to avoid confusion. The green arrows are clear and the graphics is photorealistic to give the drivers the comfort they need.

Extras

Fold & Go EasyPort Mount

The maps can also be customized if there are new places that formed and official downloads aren't available. Users have the choice to add these points of interest themselves or use TomTom's exclusive Map Share On-Demand feature to find custom maps created by other TomTom users. Maps can be shared for other people to try as well.

Another feature comes in the form of a menu called "Help Me!" It is an emergency feature that scans the local area for any police stations, fire stations, and hospitals. Important contact details can be obtained from the database in case problems arise. When contacting any of these places from the menu, users can use the "Where am I?" function to show the user's exact location so these emergency services can track the user.

It comes with a special mount called the Fold & Go EasyPort Mount. This mount can fold to make it easier to carry around for travelling.

The main highlights for the TomTom XL 350T are the new EasyMenu and lifetime traffic updates. With the price of this device going for under $200, this is a great device to get for drivers that need to get around with ease.

Conclusion

The TomTom XL 350T stands out as a well engineered product. It definitely should be on your shortlist if you are looking for an affordable GPS unit.

Summary of Product Features

• Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada, and Mexico, complete with spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics
• 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
• Lifetime Traffic Updates included

List Price : $199.95

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