TomTom XXL 540T Review

GPS devices have finally made their way to the consumers not only because of their full color readability, but also because of their larger screen sizes that allow maps to be more detailed and easier to read. A 3.5" display was already considered a huge improvement over the early GPS devices for explorers that had to make use of a small monochrome display.

TomTom even released larger models forming the XL lineup where the devices have 4.3" displays along with faster processing. Recently, the XXL series thrilled consumers by boasting a massive 5" display. The TomTom XXL 540 is one of these models and will undergo a revision leading to the TomTom XXL 540T which adds "Lifetime Traffic Updates".

Latest Update: The TomTom XXL 540T is Now on Sale at Amazon.com

TomTom XXL 540T GPS Navigator

Design

Other than the size increase, the TomTom XXL 540T remains the same in build quality and rounded aesthetics. What is nice about the design is that not much weight has been added to it.

Interface

The home menu still presents 6 icons which look a little bit bigger in the 5" display. This also allows easier usage of the touchscreen interface when there is a need to make selections. Maps display wonderfully and can be zoomed out to get a better idea of the surrounding area.

Navigation

Navigation continues to be newbie friendly, thanks to the "Navigate to..." option which speaks for itself and is visibly found on the upper left. Choosing that option leads to more options where a destination can be inputted. There are a few presets to minimize interaction such as the "Home" preset which generates a quick path to go back home. As the device continues to get used for navigation, users can easily backtrack to any of these recent destinations in case there is a need to go to these spots quickly. It is also possible to set a direction to any of the 7 million points of interests. Destinations may be bookmarked for quicker access too.

The real-time performance of the XXL 540T is good with fast satellite reception where the position is updated frequently. Signs are less likely to be missed now, thanks to the bigger display. A Text-to-Speech feature is also implemented for safer driving by letting the ears follow the directions. It had no problems with hard to pronounce road names. Listening to the voices can be fun especially when the celebrity voice packs are installed. But these also take up 30 to 40MB of internal memory which is not expandable.

The Text-to-Speech feature was previously exclusive to "S" devices, but the "T" devices have been announced to add the "Lifetime Traffic Updates". This means that you can now get real-time insight into current traffic conditions to help you avoid delays. It responds accordingly by coming up with the best possible route with those parameters in mind.

Other familiar features like the "Advanced Lane Guidance" feature (available only in the US and Canada) are still around and continue to serve their purpose by making sure that the driver stays in the correct lane in the highway so turns won't be missed. Together with the "IQ Routes" feature you will get to your destination with minimum fuss. "IQ Routes" works by evaluating routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of the day.

The TomTom XXL 540T is filled with preloaded content, covering all of North America including detailed US, Canada, and Mexico maps as well. The number of points of interest totals well over 7 million and allows custom points to be created as well. Through the TomTom Map Share feature, custom maps created by other TomTom users can be downloaded so that the data stays fresh. The same feature can be used to share maps with others as well.

Extras

Fold & Go EasyPort Mount

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.

You can opt to have Lifetime Map updates for $30 more with the XXL 540TM.

Conclusion

The TomTom XXL 540T still stands as one of the few 5" models out on the market with strong features and a low price tag. This is a great device for first time GPS users and existing TomTom users that want to benefit from the larger screen and Lifetime Traffic Updates.

Summary of Product Features

• Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico, complete with Map Share technology for easy modification and updates
• 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
• Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names

List Price : $229.95

Click Here for Latest Offer on TomTom XXL 540T
Enjoy Free Shipping & Secure Shopping