- 5-inch touchscreen GPS with premium maps of the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe--over 1 million more miles of mapped roads in the US
- Drive safely with Bluetooth hands-free calling/voice recognition; find services and more with over 9 million Points of Interest
- Outsmart traffic with Free Lifetime Traffic Updates; Stay up-to-date on road changes with Free Lifetime Map Updates
- Spoken street names and turn-by-turn directions; Advanced Lane Guidance; IQ Routes for finding the fastest route
- 8 GB internal flash memory, no SD card slot
I'll start with the positive:
1. The windshield mount is very nice. The twist/click suction cup works great and the magnetic dock is super simple to use.
2. The screen is nice and big. The graphics display nicely and are clear and easy to understand in a glance.
3. It gives directions. That IS why you want a GPS system, after all, isn't it? ;)
4. Unlike some other reviewers, mine finds its signal extremely quickly. It is ready to go long before I am (having to connect it to the dock and power cord, start car, check mirrors, etc).
5. It seems to do everything quickly. It recalculates my route within a few feet if I choose not to take its suggested turns. Scrolling through menus is quick as the page refresh is very fast.
Sorry, that's all I've got for pros. So far, I Just. Don't. Like. It.
Here's why:
1. The browser-based interface is glitchy. Sometimes it connects to my device right away. Sometimes I have to plug and unplug it a few times to get it to show up. Sometimes it goes right to the overview page (which contains only paragraphs about all the fabulous features which TomTom will release eventually but don't actually work yet and a link to non-existent accessories); sometimes my only option is to change my email address and password. I have to close and reopen my browser until it offers the full list of choices.
2. Unavailable features:
a. TomTom claims the voices read street names. While it's technically true that the DEFAULT voice reads street names, it is the only one. Spoken address recognition is only available with this voice as well (per the manual). You better hope you like Samantha.
b. Add-on voices don't work. They don't actually tell you this until after you've paid for them and call to ask why you can't get them to download onto your device. Then they "helpfully" offer to "try to refund" your money. Which will take 7-10 business days.
c. Home software. One of the advertised features is the ability to manage your device from your desktop. Then you call TomTom support because the software can't see your device and they tell you "never mind. You can't do that." No estimate on when any of these features will become available.
3. As other reviewers have mentioned, the button for voice control is VERY tiny. Almost impossible to hit accurately while driving without taking your eyes off the road while you do it, which defeats the purpose of voice control. A double-tap of the screen or larger button would have been a much better choice.
4. Menus could be condensed and reorganized for ease of use. Some of the options don't seem to make sense where they are.
5. Worst of all for me: Customer Support. TomTom thinks it's perfectly acceptable to advertise a product can do things it can't and charge people full price while they wait around for features that might work someday. I was told flat-out by a tech "TomTom releases a new device every 3 or 4 months. You can't expect all of the features to work on all of them before we release them." Yes. That's a direct quote. And yes TomTom, that's EXACTLY what I and the rest of your customers expect. If it doesn't work, don't take people's money for it. Period.
With business practices and products like this, I am appalled that TomTom is still in business. If you MUST buy a TomTom for some reason, you might want to consider a model that's been around awhile. Maybe they've gotten around to making it work by now.
Update 5/6/2011: After only owning this device a week and using it a handful of times, my unit died. I dropped it into the windshield mount and hit the power button while I buckled and backed out of the driveway and when by the end of my street (3 blocks) it was still on the start-up image, I was perplexed. I turned it off and back on with the same result. I left it on, thinking perhaps it was updating some database or something and would eventually move on, but when I arrived at my destination 20 minutes later, it was still displaying the startup image. A Google search of reset instructions led me to hold the power button down for an extended period, which according to TomTom's service instructions, should have initiated a soft reset. Instead, it powered down completely and I have not been able to power it back on since. TomTom tech support confirms that there is clearly something wrong with this unit and have issued an RMA with a promise of a replacement unit. I will update my review after receiving the replacement to indicate how the RMA process went. Have I mentioned that I'm underwhelmed here?
Update 6/16/2011: As promised, here is my update on the RMA process. Turnaround time was quick. I received my shipping notice about a day and a half after TT received my defective unit. Yesterday, I received a brand-new unit, complete with accessories. I was pleasantly surprised, as I had expected (although would have been unhappy with) a reconditioned unit. So far, so good on the replacement. We'll see if this one fares better than the last. If did have to download a significant amount of updates, so hopefully this was a firmware bug that is now remedied. Only time will tell.
Update 2/7/2012: I've been using the replacement unit for over 6 months now so I thought it time for an update. The new unit has definitely fared better than the original, but only marginally so. While it has continued to work without the complete mental breakdown my first device suffered, it does reboot itself for no reason about once every 10 uses or so. Firmware updates have not addressed any of my other complaints either, such as lack of functioning downloads, ability to control the device from your computer, or the impossibly small voice control button (among others). I forgot to mention in previous updates, because I hadn't had a lot of experience with the unit at that point, that the "traffic" is abysmal (at least in the Detroit area). After approximately 7 months of semi-regular use (I use it a lot mostly for the Bluetooth function), I have not once seen any of the traffic events reported by TomTom. It will indicate an accident or road construction or other such delay along my route and I will smirk as I drive past the supposed event with no sign of anything out of the ordinary. Alternately, it has yet to save me a single instance of being caught in a traffic event. Imagine my disgust when on 3 separate occasions I have been stuck in traffic jams in excess of 30 minutes that were never reported at all by TomTom. Add to this the fact that at least once a week it never syncs up to the traffic service at all and you'll understand why I continue to stand by my original assessment of this unit.UPDATE: I am on my second device and the battery has stopped holding a charge. This and the first one lasted for a few months and then started to no longer hold charge until the unit would not work without being plugged in. I also had a large issue where I was trying to update the device on my MacBook Pro and when I unplugged the cable from the device (still plugged into the computer), the device cut off and the computer cut off. The computer would not come back on and supposedly the logic board is fried, and I am waiting for the MacBook to be repaired by Apple. I called TomTom and let them know, but they say it could not have caused the problem (I would not think it could, but I now have a dead laptop, so...). They said they are unable to replace the TomTom since it is out of warranty, but they do have good customer support and tried to help. I now am too afraid to ever plug it in to a computer, so I will not update it again (the GPS still works, only when it is plugged in). There are numerous factors that could have caused my problem, but I wanted to let you know so if you have a similar problem we can see a pattern or you can try to avoid the steps I took and hopefully not have a problem like this!
Here is my original review, it is still a good device, just when plugged up (not on battery and I am afraid to ever try to plug it into a computer again).
This device is amazing! It offers so many features in such a compact device! The first thing to focus on is the beautiful 5" screen, which is showcased when you turn the device on and see the beautiful TomTom logo with the car in the city, the screen is large enough where you can easily see everything you need on the screen, but not too large, where it gets in the way.
This device's best feature (other then lifetime traffic and maps) is the voice recognition. I tried out a few phrases (using different wording) and it worked every time. -If you have a problem wording commands it comes with a command list and you can view the commands within the device. There is an easy to use quick access button on the home screen that activates voice recognition, for example I said "Navigate to the nearest Hospital" and it found the nearest Hospital/clinic and spoke the time and distance it takes. You can also use simple commands like Cancel Route to stop and clear routes!
The device comes with the ability to connect to a cell phone and make calls using Bluetooth, and allows you to use voice recognition to active calls! --However, my vehicle already has Bluetooth, so I do not plan to use this feature, but if your car does not, then this is perfect since many states are moving to hands free only calling.
What makes this device stand out is the "Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition" stated on the front of the box! When you open the box you have a voucher for Lifetime Maps, that you can use on the MyTomTom webpage/software, which if you have had a GPS in the past, you know that roads change way too often and maps are expensive. The power adapter (which is not standard USB, so no option of using other cables) has a receive built on it to enable live traffic updates, which means you have to have your TomTom plugged into the vehicle power adapter to utilize this feature -no battery power.
The device has a redesigned user interface, which I like. It allows you to create 'shortcuts' (like to voice recognition, or parking garages and others [you are limited to what you can add, but it still is neat]) and has new graphics and alerts to help you stay safe and get to your destination fast!
The device is easy to setup and install in your car, use the windshield mount and turn the knob, also, this unit has an easier to use mount, the knob locks into place and is wider, making turning it easier, if you have had past TomTom units you will note they have a very small slippery lock to windshield mechanism.
After reading some other reviews, I wanted to explain some other features:
When I get in the car, it takes roughly 5 to 20 seconds to get a GPS signal, which is fine with me and seems normal (to me)...
I find the button to access the voice recognition adequate. It is on the driver side, it is not large, but if you placed a super large button on the screen it would block the map.
The GPS does not (to my knowledge, maybe there is a setting) have auto turn on. However, regardless, I drive a Ford, and Ford's power adapters do not power off when the car is turned off, they run all the time. Because of this I have to cut it off and on myself, which is not the devices issue, but I wanted to let everyone know all that I know about the device.
Like others have mentioned other device voices (non standard or computer), will not read street names. However, this is in all devices (TomTom devices).
I wanted to let you all know, just in case you have two TomTom devices, this was my second TomTom, and my first TomTom (which I am using in my other car) was registered to my email address, and when I uninstalled TomTom Home (which is not used by this device, follow the instructions on the Lifetime Map insert about MyTomTom) I registered my new TomTom (GO 2535TM) and it asked if I wanted to link to my account. I said YES, and activated the Lifetime Map access code. However, (I am starting to get off topic) when I installed TomTom HOME for my older device on another computer, I was told if I register my old device with my TomTom account (same email as I used for the new device), the old one will be removed, and I may not be able to go back to my Lifetime Maps. To remedy this I created a new account with a new email for TomTom, one for each device.
My only flaw is the new MyTomTom software (this device does not use TomTom Home), the software installs in Windows (or Macintosh), but uses your web browser to download items and alter your device. I like the TomTom Home better, but maybe they will improve the site and make it better than TomTom Home! If you are having problems getting the web page to connect to the device, try looking in your System Tray or Notification Tray (Next to clock in Windows) for the MyTomTom icon and check and see if it has found your device. If not try disconnecting, if you still have problems try using a different default web browser (I used Google Chrome and had no problems). Also, I feel that the website has a few glitches (it is new after all), if you only see an option for Account Details, try clicking on a different part of the site (Shop, Support...) and then check in the MyTomTom drop down menu, this sometimes (at least for me) got other options (like Activate Code) on the site.
If I find an issue with the device, I will be sure to let you all know, but so far I love it! Like today, "Navigate to nearest Publix), and it found my local Publix perfectly!!! -Which, in my opinion, is awesome!!!
In all, this device does everything you could want from a GPS, and with the lifetime map updates you never have to worry about driving on out dated maps, I highly recommend this unit, and plan to get many years of great life out of it!
UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know that the MyTomTom website is working better. The website is now allowing map updates and software patches and updates. So if you have not plugged in recently, you should update via MyTomTom. The update is pretty large and takes a few hours (I have DSL) -FYI. Also the problem of the options disappearing (on certain pages) seem to have ceased. I use Google Chrome and it works perfectly with the update process.
UPDATE: I live in South Georgia, and have found that the heat causes the Window Arm, to make the GPS look down, instead of straight. I leave the device in the window, and whenever I drive or just have it sitting their it will slowly start to tilt the face of the GPS toward the dash and no longer at me. This is an issue with the arm, and I guess the weight of the unit and the heat where I live (around 95 to 110 degrees, on some of the hotter days). This is just an FYI, as it is not an issue with the unit itself, but it can get annoying after a while.I am writing this review in the hopes that it might save others some of the difficulty I've had setting up this GPS Navigator. There are many great features inherent in the 2535 TM WTE, which are discussed in these reviews and which I won't repeat. That does not imply that I dislike or prefer another unit. My issue has been associated with the update function of "MyTomTom" software. The original unit I purchased from Amazon.com and the subsequent replacement unit both failed after connecting and completing an update through MyTomTom on my home computer as the instructions directed. (not that it is part of the issue, but for reference, I am using a Mac running Mac OS X ver-10.6.7). On both occasions after the update completed there were no longer maps found on the 2535, and map updates are not yet available for this unit online. I spoke to TomTom tech support who tried their best to deal with the problem, but could only offer to replace the units. Today, with the second replacement unit, I contacted TomTom support prior to running an update to make sure I should be doing this. Fortunately the tech support person told me they are having problems with updates through MyTomTom and these units and suggested I not complete an update until the updating software is fully functional. He mentioned they have been experiencing the same problems I've described. I think the 2535TM WTE is a great unit with many excellent features and hopefully will be more functional once the online software is fully developed. It's regrettable that it is not at this point, but again, others have voiced their opinions in that regards. I will say that the TomTom support people tried very hard to fix the issues I was having. I've concluded they only became aware of the root of the problem recently.
On another note, I can't speak highly enough about the service and support Amazon.com have provided regarding this purchase. Their concern for these problems was genuine and without question they went above and beyond the normal response to remedy them. This, in part, is why I am writing this review. In the hopes that, not only will I save other customers the hassels I've dealt with, but to prevent inconveniences and needless returns on the part of Amazon. In my opinion, Amazon provides excellent service.First things first. I've been a Garmin guy since 2000 and have owned several Garmins. So I base my review on my comparison of features against Garmins. I've also used this unit for the past month in the US for a trip from Dayton, Ohio to St. Louis, Missouri and also in Europe so I've put it through it's paces.
PROS:
Lifetime Traffic and Maps (No lifetime maps for Europe though). Don't understand why not, but that's the deal.
IQ routes...money and a common sense feature
Quick startup; gets right to business and GPS acquisition is pretty quick
Traffic feature is accurate and detailed (shows animated/colored traffic congestion on maps). You can set it to recalculate route automatically if TomTom determines the route you're on, with the delays included, is too long. Nice feature. It will even tell you verbally whether or not you're still on the fastest route in case you weren't sure.
Seems to have everything I can search for in it's list of POIs. Much better than Garmin's in this area and much more relevant.
POIs show up on map as you drive, i.e. no wondering if there's a gas station along your route because you can see the icon miles ahead before you reach it. You can even tell it to alert you within so many yards with customizable alerts.
Tons of customization options. Everything maps color prefs, warning sounds to safety settings. If you're techy, and you like to dig through each option available, it will probably take a good 20 min to get a good grip on all that features.
Speed warning. I've seen GPS that put the speed info on their units, but this shows max speed compared with yours and ties it in to a warning sound that's customizable. Window where speed is displayed goes red too if you go over 3mph over the limit. Good if you have a wife with a lead foot. ;) If the sound annoys you, you can choose not to have it.
The status bar on the bottom of the GPS is customizable and you can choose what features you want on it from the list of choices available.
Magnetic mount is AWESOME!! Clearly above Garmin and past TomTom models. It clicks in place easily and is solidly locked in until you pull it off. The power cord itself it also magnetic in how it interfaces the unit.
Beautiful 5 inch screen. Thought it would be too big since I've always had 4x3 GPS', but it's great.
CONS:
Maps on the TomTom aren't as accurate as Garmin's, but you can correct the maps. You can change POI locations, speeds/directions of the roads and the list goes on....AWESOME feature!! If you go to a POI and it's not there or moved, change it. You're not stuck with it. You can also get other users updates to your TomTom aside from the company's changes.
Compared to the Garmins, Favorites aren't the same. On a Garmin you can have an unlimited amount of Favorites and you can change the name, icon, phone number and category. On this TomTom, there can be only ~90 Favorites...ever!! And of those, you can edit the name and place into groups...and that's about it. No phone number?? No custom icon? Why? TomTom instead uses POIs like Garmin uses it's Favorites in that you can have an unlimited amount of POIs, but the same limitations of icons/phones/etc still exist. Bummer. In addition, the POIs while very extensive aren't grouped like Garmin. For example, want Chinese food? On a Garmin, you look under Restaurants/Chinese/search. On TomTom, Restaurants/search. Big pain because unless you recognize the name, you won't know if you're getting restaurant type you're looking for. Dumb not to have them categorized.
On a Garmin you can simply select the car on the map to save the current lat/long as a Fav. On a TomTom, it's a couple of layers into the menu before you can do it. Bit of a pain. I also noticed that it didn't want to save a location if I was off a road. Got the error message, poor satellite reception even though I was in a parking lot?? On a main road, no prob.
MyTomTom is VERY limiting. You can upload the latest maps/updates, but at the time of this review, no ability to add additional car icons, no ability to add additional voices, no way to customize startup/shutdown images, no way to customize really much of anything. I was able to upload some converted Garmin waypoints through the software so that was good. MyTomTom does say it will be adding more capabilities later. Hopefully they follow through.
I was hoping for the ability to point at an upcoming POIs on the map and it would ask if I wanted to route to it, but no go. If you touch the screen, it takes you into the menus. You can get into the menus and do just what I said, but it's deep in the menus and the view is 2D. When you're driving, it's just not safe to mess with the menus to try and get to this feature.
While the unit gets to the main page quick at startup, I've noticed the unit is sluggish right at first and takes a couple of seconds to go from one thing to another. Compared to a Garmin, the TomTom is slower. However, the TomTom does calculate routes very quickly with a great summary of the route before it starts routing.
When you miss a turn, you don't hear anything. It just reroutes. I personally like to know I hosed up the turn, but that's me. The reroute is very quick though.
Was hoping that with Bluetooth, I would be able to sync POIs with other TomToms, but so far I have yet to see that option.
Overall, solid GPS with tons of features, but not without it's compromises. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fully featured GPS, but if technology is daunting to you and you just want to get from point A to point B choose a Garmin. This TomTom is for the person who not only want to get to a destination, but want's to be "plugged" in to all what's going on and enjoys getting the data that this GPS offers. It's a very good GPS with a great amount of information provided to the user. If that sounds like something you like, this GPS is for you.
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I'm not one to take the time to write a review, but I feel like I need to explain what I went through to find the right GPS for me. I hope someone else can benefit from the time I spent searching and testing different GPS units.My GPS quest started out when my wife asked me to buy her a good GPS. I replied to my wife, "But honey, your phone already has a GPS! See?!??!!!" and I showed her Google maps navigation on her Android phone. She replied about how the screen was small, and it wouldnt help her if she is talking on the phone. Fair point, so I decided to buy a GPS. Secretly, I have wanted to get one for some time. So, I went down to my local electronics retailer and bought a GPS. Very thankful they had a 30 day return policy and no restocking fees. I tried each one out driving to a few common locations I go to and used Google Maps Navigation on my Android phone for comparison. My requirements for a GPS were simple, a 5" screen and lifetime maps.
First model I tried was the TomTom 1535TM. Loved the twist lock mount, but didnt like that it was designed to be a permanent part of the GPS unit. The screen is tough to see in the sunlight. The software was great. It fit well into my car, except for the traffic receiver lump on the power cord. Returned it mainly because it was difficult to see the screen in the morning sunlight.
Second model I bought was a Garmin Nuvi 2460LMT. The screen was much better in the sunlight. The mount was ok, except it didnt fit in my car quite right. The traffic receiver lump on the power cord was more annoying than the TomTom, but then again that may have been my car. My two biggest complaints. #1 ADS with traffic! Garmin, I dont really care that I can get 1000 points at Best Western! You dont need to tell me over and over and over again! The ads are ANNOYING and an insult for the price I paid for this GPS. There is no way around them unless you disable traffic. #2 The Garmin had strange directions. Often it would direct you to exit off a few highway exits early and then travel back roads to your destination because it was 0.2 miles faster. I tried a few of them, usually it was slower because of traffic lights.
I had a MAJOR problem with the Garmin's directions, which ultimately lead to me returning the unit. My wife was part of a team opening a new store location for the company she works for. So, I setup a favorite to a coffee shop chain next door to the new store she was working on opening. This location was about 45 minutes from home. On her first trip out there she was about 5 minutes away from the destination and had a problem. The Garmin decided to reroute her to a different location of this same coffee shop chain in the same town. She called me very frustrated that I programmed the GPS to the wrong location. Assuming she made some sort of wrong turn, I used Google maps to figure out where she was. She started driving in circles, I was telling her one thing and the GPS was telling her something else. After I figured out what was going on, I had her shut off the GPS. I gave her directions the rest of the way. When she arrived back home, I cross checked the favorite I setup, I checked the navigation and it was all set to go to the correct location. I have no clue what happened, but it somehow overrode the favorite and rerouted her to the wrong store location. I returned it shortly after, never want to deal with that (and ads) again. To be fair, I never updated the maps or software.
Third model TomTom Go 2535TM LIVE. Very happy with this GPS. First, this one has a MUCH nicer screen, it has a glass front similar to a modern smart phone. Far better than the previous two although it can have some glare if the sun hits it right. The magnetic cradle and cable are really nice and work well in my car. The cord is USB and has no lump for a traffic receiver!! It came with a car adapter to USB, but I just use my existing 2 port USB car adapter. I can hide the extra cord much better than the others. The GPS is larger and bulkier than the others, probably because it has that traffic receiver and live services built in. The HD traffic seems to work well. It is a 1 year subscription, so I'll have to shell out $40-60 in a year to renew, otherwise it reverts to regular traffic. Seems like a fair price to me and NO ADS! It also has current fuel prices, weather, and a Google search to look up a business name in a city. I like the fuel price search. The software is basically the same as the 1535TM, but seems much more responsive. Directions seem good and accurate. I like how it estimates your travel time, and lets you know if traffic has delayed you. Far more accurate than Google Maps Navigation. The battery seems a bit weak, it lasted for ~1.5 hours of use on a full charge before the low battery warnings. Not a big deal since it usually is plugged in. I registered the lifetime maps and ran the map updates with no problem.
Overall we both have been very happy with the model we ended up with.
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