Tomtom xl sat nav.

[Z Victor 1]

I've got an old one of these, looking to up date it, but I'm wondering if it's worth it and what it costs. It does most of what I want, but of course where there's a new road etc it can be a problem. Anybody updated theirs?

 

[Pingu]

I used to have stand-alone TomTom units, but I haven't used mine (for driving) for many years now. I still use it for planning, as it's very easy to select waypoints. I store the ITN file, then load it to my phone, which is easier to use for driving.

My phone is a better sat nav than a stand-alone unit.

Google Maps (free) is superb, especially if you download maps before going somewhere out of cellphone signal. I navigated out of the Serengeti when our guide got us lost. He was gob-smacked when I was took him down a track he had never used, and I said "just round this next bend", then straight in front of us was the back gate to the "hotel".

Waze (free) is the best if you just want to go to a single location. Post code in, route found, traffic avoidance happens automatically, hazard alerts are really good. I've never beaten Waze on route decisions.

TomTom (£20 per year) is quite good if you want to do itineries and route planning. Lots of online software can produce ITN or GPX files (but I still use my out-of-date TomTomXL), and these can be loaded into TomTom. I don't like it for anything else than planning, but I will use it if I have to. I buy it when I need it, then let it expire.

 

[Z Victor 1]

Thanks for the info.

 

[NeRo]

The windscreen suction cup on mine needed replaced and I found a replacement on OnBuy.com (search for "tomtom suction cup" and select your model)

I have updated the software and maps, but watch you have to use the original USB cable and no adapters ~ it wouldn't connect with them on
(I didn't have to pay, can't remember if it is a lifetime update)

I do use it because I'm used to it ~ I have tried Google Maps and Waze, but I find Tom Tom gives me the routes I like?

 

[Jam03]

I stopped using my tom tom about 10 years ago. I got tired of its bulk and the need to plug it in and keep it updated. There were many times where it got caught out by new road layouts and not adapting the route to traffic conditions. I tend to use Waze and Google maps and sometimes have both running at the same time. I only ever missed the tom tom once when I got a bit lost near a remote beach in Cornwall when there was no mobile signal.

 

[Grumps]

I have an HGV one for work and another for the zed.
I update them both monthly, it speeds them up aswell as give you new roads etc
It should connect to your WiFi then just go to settings, updates, install updates and let it do it's thing. Really easy and free to do.
You don't need to replace unless it's knackered or you have been notified by TomTom they no longer support the device because it's to old.
I wouldn't be without them, so much easier to follow than built in sat navs or google maps especially if you set it to constant North.

 

[Nodzed]

Still use the Tom Tom for the Zed as I can send routes created in MyRoutes app directly to the satnav, useful for euro trips and longer UK trips, that said the Google maps in the Volvo is a far better system. I never could work out how to plan routes with waypoints on Google maps though, once I do, and stop being lazy, the Tom Tom will be retired and the phone will replace it.

 

[Stevo7682]

I still use my tom tom as well as niall has said my updates are free
Use my route to make my routes up for Scottish runs then issue the link and folks use the gpx file to upload onto thier sat navs.
Stephen

 

[Gatsoburner]

Google maps on the phones' my go too in the car, easy to use, updates as you travel, zero necessity to touch it all. Good you can add waypoints, great for day trip drives on the roads you want.

I've got Waze too but not used it yet, only want that as it alerts to speed cameras ahead.

Garmin is good on the bike, just pick a route same as Google maps with way points and load it up, does what I need.

I've 3 Tom Tom's in a box somewhere, too bulky, outdated screen and infos too old so not much use !

 

[Mint]

I still use my Tom, generate a specific route on the PC then send it to Tom. Free updates and traffic but when that expires don't know what to do