Gps For Hiking: TomTom XL 350M 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had a TomTom 330S, but it was 3 years old and the map was old and it seemed a good idea to just get a brand new one with lifetime maps.I am SO sad and disappointed.

My old 330S is such a nicer unit .. the new map was nice though, so I will pay $100 for the new map now. Ready for my list .. this is what they TOOK AWAY.

- No auto-dimming.
- No auto power off option (when you turn your car off)
- No POI features .. they give you tons but you cannot add your own or even set up POI to alert you (handy for doing your own speed camera file).
- No screen or menu customization .. the display is the display, so for instance 2D-3D toggle is dead centre and I endlessly would keep flipping between the two by accident -- would be nice optionally not have it on the MAIN screen.
- Numbers are itty bitty now and you are forced to have information you may or may not find useful. for instance counting down the time to arrival, I just need the estimated time of arrival .. too much information takes my eyes onger to find what I need (which is a MAJOR factor and pest when driving).
- no map "log a point" feature anymore, so harder to fix errors (granted the map probably has way fewer errors to worry about).
- the map .. it take a good hour to download and install.it was nice, but was wondering if I was up to doing that every 3 months.
- only one additional dash sticky disk (the idea being they gave you two in case you had a couple cars, or change the vehicle you had.Just seemed cheap.

I am pretty certain that these new units are designed to have no customization, and any "feature" has to be turned on and controlled by TomTom -- ie. subscription to say a unique POI warning.

On a good note, the speaker seemed better .. a tad deeper and that gave it a quality sound more.

I have been buying TomTom (they would have been the 5th) because like just flipping over my speed camera, school zones, tim horton, bank POI file (and setting the speed camera up with an alert).I bought one for my niece and dad and I would just give them my file to drop in.With these new restrictions -- it is VERY likely I will look at other brands very carefully as there is no reason for me to stick to this "format" anymore.If this is your first GPS and are happy signing up to their subscriptions etc .. you probably will find it is just fine as you essentially have nothing better to compare it too.

Very disappointed .. let down I guess.

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Product Description:
Outsmart road changes with the TomTom XL 350·M--complete widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates*. On average, 18% of road information changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With Lifetime Map Updates, start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year. Since TomTom has the industry's most accurate and dependable maps you'll have access to one million more miles of roads than you would using other GPS brands. Navigate to any location in the US, Canada or Mexico--or directly to one of 7 million preloaded points of interest. Finding your way has never been easier, using TomTom's new EasyMenu and spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names.

Complete widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates.
Expand your horizons with a 4.3-inch extra-wide touchscreen.
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability.
Only TomTom has IQ Routes*. This exclusive technology evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of day. You'll always be directed to the quickest, most efficient route. Advanced Lane Guidance** provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.
With TomTom's exclusive Map Share On-Demand Updates, you have the ability to update your own map instantly or download verified updates from other drivers. Update your TomTom daily or whenever you wish.
The "Help Me!" menu lets you travel with peace of mind. It provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations, and hospitals. The "Where Am I?" feature pinpoints your exact location so you can accurately communicate it to emergency resources.
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag.
Maps of US, Canada & Mexico with Lifetime Map Updates
TomTom is known the world over for the accuracy and extensive coverage of its maps. TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of road than other GPS brands and have been rated highest in terms of quality and reliability.
Roads change, but with Lifetime Map Updates your map will always be up to date. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate map. New editions are issued four times per year.
Note: You receive up to four non-transferable map data updates per year until the product's useful life expires or TomTom no longer receives map updates from its suppliers, whichever is shorter. Details and terms at www.tomtom.com/legal.
EasyMenu
Easily access all of TomTom's powerful features through its simple and intuitive two-button menu. Just a tap gets you started, and easy-to-follow commands and recognizable icons lead you through a quick start-up process to get you on the road in no time.
7 million Points of Interest
Comes preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own favorites.
IQ Routes*
Despite posted speed limits, traffic traveling along a road at 8 a.m. moves at a different pace than it does at 2 p.m. Actual traffic speed is affected by rush hour, traffic light changes, pedestrian traffic, day of the week, and more. Only TomTom offers exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of the day.
Advanced Lane Guidance**
TomTom provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use.
Announces Street Names
Keep your eyes on the road while your TomTom announces turn-by-turn directions, including street and place names.
4.3-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 4.3-inch extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.
Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. It folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag and can be taken with you wherever you travel.
Traffic Update Service* (Optional)
Outsmart traffic. Optional traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic conditions to minimize potential delays. Based on incoming traffic information, your TomTom will recalculate travel time and suggest alternate routes. Traffic updates available in the US and Canada.
*Feature available in the US and Canada only
**Feature available in the US only

All TomToms Feature

Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.
30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.
TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.
Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.
TomTom HOME--Always up to date.
Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

What's in the Box

XL 350M GPS device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guide + LT maps voucher

About TomTom

Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.
We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.
Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.