Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico with Lifetime Map 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, so you can go confidently
This review is from: TomTom XXL 540TM 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition)History with GPS Navigation:I've used built-in Honda (Alpine), standalone Garmin, and Ford 'Sync' audio GPS navigation devices.I loved the Honda navi for its size, and I hated it because updates were sparse and expensive.I loved the Garmin for being up-to-date but I hated it because it always seemed to change its mind a lot, or direct me into strange areas.I didn't really care for the Ford Sync navigation, as it wasn't a visual navi. Included for free with the car, but I choose not to use it. Maybe only good as a 'back-up' in case the TomTom fails-- though I don't think it ever will.I sold my Honda and needed a new navigation system.I bought the XXL 540TM for...1) Screen size2) Frequent map updates (4x a year + Map Share)3) Ability to customize it (lots of settings to play with)4) Well Known & Quality (I've always heard 'Garmin' is the best, but when I've tried Garmin, I didn't like it!)5) Lane Guidance6) IQ Routes (figuring out which roads were best to use)By the way, in case you were wondering the "TM" stands for "Traffic" and "Maps", indicating there are free traffic and map updates. I had NO problems entering the "Lifetime Maps & Traffic" code provided.What's in the box:- GPS device itself- Window mount (with suction cup)- Dashboard 'sticky' pad- USB cable (to connect to PC)- Car Power adapter- Set Up Guide- Slip of paper with 1 code, valid for Lifetime Map/Traffic updatesThe first thing I did was hook it up to my PC and run all the updates. (A newer map was available + GPSFix + Map Share.) It took about 1.5 hours to update all of it. After it was done, it took up about 96% of the 2GB built-in memory. (I didn't check how much it used before updating.) Not a lot of 'wiggle room' to add more features. No built-in SD slot to add memory, either.One major downside is that I don't like how easily the device 'pops off' the windshield mount. (See further explanation under "The BAD" below.) I am considering getting a (non-adhesive) weighted/padded mount to put on the dashboard.The GOOD:+ Screen size met my expectations. Easy to see everything on the screen+ Startup time (including time to lock onto satellites) seemed fairly quick+ Roads were up-to-date and labeled properly. Didn't find any errors+ Allowed me to customize just about everything I wanted to.+ It functioned perfectly as a Navigation device. This is where I felt Garmin was lacking. With all the features a Garmin has, it never seemed to 'navigate' the way I liked. Of all the features, the 'Navigation' is the most important, and TomTom does it well from what I've seen.+ It pronounced some 'hard to say' roads perfectly! I'm sure I'll find some that are not right, but Garmin/Sync had a hard time saying road names.The "OK":+- Traffic is only updated by RDS (sent by local FM radio stations). This is what I paid for. RDS updated only major roadways (Interstates) and marked some accidents / road construction / road closures. It only worked when the power cord was plugged into the accessory power port on the car (as the cord functions as the antenna.) I would have preferred TomTom's GO/Live line of products which has a built-in 'cell phone' to grab more detailed and current traffic information. But, these were out of my price range. The XXL 540TM does "just enough" traffic to make it useful.+- It takes some time to calculate a long distance route. But, I also know that it is using IQ Routes to choose the best roads. It seemed 1 or 2 seconds longer than it needed to be, but certainly not a huge problem.The BAD:- Internal memory not expandable. 96% used up without any 'extras' installed? Hope I don't need more...- When browsing maps (dragging my finger) it is a bit 'laggy'. I don't expect perfection, but it seemed sluggish. Fortunately, I don't plan to browse maps often, so I'll deal with it. I tried turning off Points Of Interest (POIs), and turning off 3D maps (using 2D maps instead), and it really didn't seem to make a difference. I'm impressed with the detail it showed, but wasn't thrilled about waiting 10 seconds for the entire screen to finish 'drawing'.- Windshield mount seemed to 'pop off' too easily. When suctioned to the windshield, I have to use 2 hands to 'hold' the GPS and keep it attached to the mount while I adjust. I suppose it is useful...
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