Gps For Hiking: TomTom XXL 550T 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I like this product.My basis of comparison is my old $600 Magellan GPS, which has died a long, slow, and infuriating (for me) death.I took a gamble buying this new Tom Tom without any user reviews to go on.It has nice looking graphics, starts up very quickly, and is light and thin, with a nicely sized display.It is able to pick up a traffic signal in locations where my Magellan didn't, indicating a superior traffic receiver operating successfully in weak signal areas.The graphics used to show traffic problems along your route seems very nice.When the car is changing heading, the map slews around quickly.

Connecting the device to my computer using the included UBS cable, I was able to ascertain available updates to the program and the map data (kind of odd for these to exist so soon since the product has just now been released), and get them downloaded and installed successfully, although the process online is not especially intuitive.The online system also has a very nice backup feature, that can hold an image of your entire system for you, but it takes a very long time, seemingly an hour or more (I didn't time it) to complete.

I'm red-green color blind and have a lot of trouble with existing color schemes in all kind of systems that can't be customized (somehow everyone thinks it's okay to discriminate against color blind people while going to great lengths and expense to accommodate people with physical limitations).Tom Tom has a process that allows users to contribute their own color schemes for the graphics,and I have found some that I can see better.I like this very much.

Some limitations:

The user interface is not especially intuitive and takes some experience to get used to.
When you enter an address on the onscreen keyboard, there is no audible feedback that you have entered each keystroke, only visual on the screen.
When I first got the device, after turning it on for the first time and viewing the canned intro presentation, for several subsequent uses (turned off power, turned it back on again) the device spontaneously put me back into sections of the intro presentation, making me get ready to take it back for a refund.Something made me hold the power button in while powering it down, then powered it back up, and the problem disappeared.
The graphics are a little hard to read in strong direct sunlight, but not terribly bad.
The POI data base is missing some establishments that it really should know about, and has at least one location nearby (a gas station) that has been out of business for at least five years.
When you complete a trip and the system acknowledges that you have reached your destination, it doesn't nullify the trip automatically like my Magellan did, but retains it until you do so yourself manually.If you start out again, retracing your path, it will still show that path as a route, with (now) backward-facing arrows.This goes away when you cancel the route.
Points of Interest icons on the map do not allow you to tap them to get information on their identity, address, and phone numbers, like my Magellan had.I miss this feature.
Although the product has been released for sale, they haven't posted the user's manual online yet, according to the technical advisor I was able to reach.I liked that I was able to get someone on the phone, though, fairly quickly, when I called, he spoke good English with an American accent, didn't mumble or scoff at my questions, but did seem kind of impatient.

These are just my initial impressions, having used the system for only a few days.

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Product Description:
Outsmart traffic with the TomTom XXL 550·T. With complete 5-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Traffic Updates* you'll always outsmart traffic and avoid delays with real-time information via your TomTom. TomTom automatically updates you with the latest traffic information, recalculates your trip time, and suggests alternate routes. 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 5-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Traffic Updates.

Expand your horizons with a 5-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.

Eighteen percent of the nation's road information changes every year. 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
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.

Lifetime Traffic Updates*
Always outsmart traffic and avoid delays. View live, real-time traffic information on your TomTom. You receive non-transferable traffic data until the product's useful life expires or TomTom no longer receives traffic 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.

5-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 5-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.

*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

TomTom XXL 550T device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger with integrated traffic, and user guide

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.