TomTom XL 350TM Review

The competition in the car GPS device category continues as manufacturers try to squeeze as many features as possible to give drivers the best experience on the road. Some manufacturers including TomTom even raise the bar by making their GPS devices bigger. However, many other people that never used a GPS device before is looking for simplicity not only because it makes them more affordable, but also much easier to use. Making the device too simple cuts out some essential features, but the TomTom XL 350TM executes just right.

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TomTom XL 350TM GPS Navigator

Design

The design of the TomTom XL 350TM shows its simplicity with a 4.3-inch display that should be enough to show details in both 2-D and 3-D map views. The bezel has a small upward curve to make it stand out a bit and it still remains small enough to carry for making short walks.

Interface

Existing and new TomTom XL users should not have any problems with the interface because both the icons and text are large and easy to touch. In fact, the XL 350TM is better than its predecessors because it adds a whole new interface called EasyMenu. EasyMenu is a simple touchscreen menu that brings up a number of iconized search tools to make it easier for people to reach their destinations in a quicker fashion.

Navigation

Out of the four XL 350 models, the TomTom XL 350TM has the most features. All XL 350 devices have the newest 2010 US, Canada, and Mexico maps complete with detailed roads and over 7 million points of interest. Categorized in over 60 different groups, drivers can easily find their destination without being overwhelmed with POIs.

The added "TM" suffix also adds lifetime map updates to the package so drivers no longer need to buy newer GPS devices just to have the latest maps. TomTom releases 4 map updates a year. It also adds lifetime traffic updates to add a whole new dynamic level of route planning. Devices without this feature can effectively plan a good route by covering the shortest distance possible. Any traffic in that area can affect the trip so the TomTom XL 350TM fixes that problem by acquiring the traffic updates and analyzing it ahead of time so it can better calculate a route. The IQ routes feature is implemented to make the best possible routes based on the traffic for that specific time. No subscription is required and it works effectively as long as the driver lives in the US or Canada areas.

The TomTom XL 350TM also comes with Advanced Lane Guidance which simplifies some of the complicated areas that drivers encounter - junctions and lanes. These areas require snappy decisions which is why the display changes to a photorealistic 3-D view that graphically represents the lane and shows arrows to correct lane that the driver needs to be in. Some important signs may also be shown above for additional guidance. If the route requires lots of turns to be made, the text-to-speech feature can come in handy since it announces the name or place. This helps drivers pay more attention on the road.

Extras

Fold & Go EasyPort Mount

If there are no map updates available from TomTom, users can manually customize their map by adding POIs to areas that are not yet marked. Users can then share these maps with other TomTom users using the Map Share On-Demand so they can benefit from the additions. The opposite can be done as well where drivers can download from other people.

For emergency situations, the "Help Me!" menu can be accessed to get a local listing of hospitals, police stations, and fire stations along with their important contact data. The "Where am I?" feature should be used immediately afterwards to give drivers all the information they need to tell these services their current locations.

Car GPS devices always come with a mount, but the XL 350TM comes with a more special Fold & Go EasyPort Mount that makes it travel-friendly because it folds for easy packing.

Conclusion

The TomTom XL 350TM is the priciest device of the XL 350 family, but it contains a nice set of features and is virtually future proof because of the lifetime map and traffic updates.

Summary of Product Features

• Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada, and Mexico, with Lifetime Map Updates (new editions four times a year)
• 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 : $229.95

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