TomTom XXL 540S Review

TomTom is one of the manufacturers that have made a huge contribution in the GPS industry and achieved global recognition because of its GPS devices since they were introduced back in mid 2004. They started off having a screen size of 3.5" when measured diagonally and already had useful features such as Bluetooth and SD and MMC card support. More devices continued to be released under the GO, ONE, and XL names with many of them having larger 4.3" displays and faster processing power. Recently, TomTom unveiled two devices each with screens measuring 5 inches diagonally and belong to the new XXL lineup. These devices are the TomTom XXL 540S and XXL 530S. The 540S costs a little bit more than the 530S, but it also contains some map additions.

TomTom XXL 540S GPS Navigator

Design

The TomTom XXL 540S is basically a larger version of the other XL devices with the design elements still the same and the familiar curved top. Although this makes it the largest TomTom device in the lineup, it still weights only 7 ounces for easy portability.

Interface

Users of previous TomTom models shouldn't expect many changes from the user interface as it sticks to the standard 6 icon approach for navigating the menus. This is a good thing because it makes it easy for entry-level users to plan their routes with ease. Like other GPS models, the XXL 540S is completely touchscreen powered so getting to the desired option is as simple as touching the icon on the screen. Because of the larger screen display, icons look bigger thus easier to make selections. It shows the current street that you're on at the bottom of the screen and the next street to turn in the top right corner.

The Status bar can be displayed either horizontally or vertically. Customize it to show the remaining time, remaining distance, current time, arrival time, your speed and the speed limit, distance to your next turn, compass, and many other selections.

A small annoyance we found is that the 'Change Preferences' screen is 6 pages deep and only has a button to advance foward to the next page. There is no back button. So if you accidently go past the screen you wanted to be on you then have to press the foward button 5 more times just to get back to that page.

Navigation

The most common used item for navigation is the "Navigate to..." option which is the first icon on the upper left. This option leads to additional options letting you choose what type of destination you wish to go. There are quick navigation presets like "Home", recent destinations or any of the 7 million points of interests preloaded in the device. Favorites can be set for quicker address along with other options to make navigation very flexible.

Once everything is set, the view is switched to the map view where the position is constantly being updated during travel. You get better visuals due to the larger screen size and the 3-D graphics look amazing. The device can also talk to you by saying the street name when a turn is required using text-to-speech technology. This helps keep your eyes on the road making the trip a lot safer and convenient at the same time.

On the highway or major intersections, the 3-D map responds accordingly by displaying large arrows on the screen showing which lane you need to be on. This feature is called "Advanced Lane Guidance" and it eliminates the frustrating scenario of missing a turn just because you are in the wrong lane. It shows an arrow with the lane that you need to be on really clearly. It also shows a 3D sign for your exit. It is nice and big and it stays on the screen long enough to be viewed so that it is clear to see where you need to go.

Routes are calculated using the IQ Routes technology by using historical speed data for roads based on the time of day and day of the week so that it can give you the best possible route.

The features mentioned above are also present in the TomTom XXL 530S, but the TomTom 540S is superior in preloaded content. In addition to the full US and Canada maps, the 540S also includes Mexico maps leading to even more points of interest totaling above 7 million. Newer points of interest may be placed on the map by using the TomTom Map Share technology by acquiring data from other TomTom users for accurate map updating. More points can be added as well by simply adding a new point of interest from the interface which can then be shared to others via Map Share.

Actual user review:
• "This Tom Tom XXL 540S has It all, easy to interchange on your computer with current map down loading free for 30 days, the Tom Tom home page is a lot of fun - GPS is well made very sturdy easy to input directions and the lane guidance feature is great. The only problem was the holder that came with the XXL 540S I have trouble keeping the part that snaps on the speaker in the back of the unit to stay put, Tom Tom tech support was very helpful and friendly and US speaking people." - M.J.S. (CA,USA); Amazon Verified Purchase

Extras

Like the previous devices, the TomTom 540S comes with an EasyPort mount kit which makes it easy to mount the device onto the windshield. It also comes with some time saving features including traffic receiving capabilities if the RDS-TMC receiver is installed. The TomTom HOME desktop software makes sure the device is updated and allows drivers to take advantage of the TomTom service subscriptions to make driving even more convenient.

Memory space is pretty tight with only 2GB of internal flash memory with NO provision for expansion.

Although the 540S is the leading XXL model in features, it is priced below $300. This is considerably less expensive than other emerging 5" models. With all the basic navigation features and some convenient extras being bundled into the device, the XXL 540S is a good recommendation even for drivers that have never used a GPS device before.

Summary of Product Features

TomTom GPS navigation with a 5-inch, full-color, TFT LCD widescreen touch display
Preloaded maps of U.S., Canada & Mexico with TomTom Map Share, Advanced Lane Guidance and 7 Million POIs
IQ Routes Technology gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip
With TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on your own device
Award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount, folds flat against the device, making it easy for users to transport

More user reviews:

• "I really like the annoucement of the street names on this upgraded model. It makes it easier to focus on the busy freeways and exits. I also like the ability to have an alert for school zones. And most of all, I like to be able to SEE the huge 5" screen! The upgrade from the ONE 125 was well worth the price." - Linda K (TX,USA); Amazon Verified Purchase

• "I had owned a Tom Tom before and was satisified but wanted an updated version and also one that spoke the street names. It is everything I had hoped for. I also wanted a larger screen and purchased the 5" screen and it really makes the difference. I also liked the Lane Change feature. I will be honest that the instructions that comes with the unit are not very good but I went on line and got the information I needed. It is an awesome unit and I would recommend it to everyone. I purchased this through Amazon and it was really quick service. I paid the extra $10 bucks to get it quicker and had it in exactly 2 days. My first shopping through Amazon but was extremely satisfied with the service." - A.Montalvo (TX,USA); Amazon Verified Purchase

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