By Chris Scott Barr
I’ve tested and used several different GPS units, and found my favorites to be from TomTom. The software on the two that I’ve used have seemed to be a little more intuitive than some of the others. Needless to say, I was happy to see the company finally release a GPS app for the iPhone. Of course it only took a few seconds to realize that I would never in my right mind buy it.
Why would I take such a firm stance without even digging into the details? Because I only needed to see the $99 price to realize that they were out of their minds. I have a TomTom One Third that I paid around $120 for earlier this year, and over at Best Buy I could get a brand new TomTom One 125 for $100. The software might have a few niceties to it, but why would someone pay that much just so they can drain their iPhone battery faster? Oh, and don’t forget that you’ll need to buy a kit to mount your phone in the car, adding even more to the cost (which TomTom is happy to sell you). Sorry TomTom (and the other equally expensive GPS app makers), it’s just not worth it.
Very good article, nice piece of information. Thank you for sharing.
I'm amazed how many bloggers got this wrong. The $99 Tomtom includes a windshield mount and charges your iPhone, it doesn't drain the battery. It's not cheap, but it's not that expensive considering it includes a windshield mount that contains a powered speaker and charger.
I just have to say that my biggest pet peeve with GPS systems is that they charge the same amount for updating your maps as buying a new GPS system. I would like to know if this GPS comes with updated maps otherwise, I say it has the same flaws as most GPS systems out there.
*cough* Blackberry maps is free *cough*
There is no mention anywhere that TomTom is actually going to give you the windshield mount for free if you purchase the app. If you go to their site, it simply says that you need two things to add their navigation to the iPhone; the app and the kit. It is possible that they will offer the two as a bundle at some point, but for now, only the app is available by itself on the App Store. As such, you will have to make an extra purchase to prevent the inevitable draining of your phone's battery.
Yes, as is Google Maps for the iPhone. However, neither is the sort of robust application that can replace a standard GPS unit.
I understand your confusion as they both contain the word “Maps” in their title, but I assure you the Black Berry Maps should not be so quickly dismissed. It has many, if not all the features you would need in GPS software. It wins over google maps as it can give directions as normal GPS sw can, such a by shortest time, avoiding highways, etc… It also shows you what speed you are currently traveling at. Google maps is really for show & uses a lot of data. The only drawback is that it is limited to the boundaries of your data plan, such as mine will only work in Can/Us, anywhere else my carrier will charge an arm & a leg for use.
Yes, as is Google Maps for the iPhone. However, neither is the sort of robust application that can replace a standard GPS unit.
I understand your confusion as they both contain the word “Maps” in their title, but I assure you the Black Berry Maps should not be so quickly dismissed. It has many, if not all the features you would need in GPS software. It wins over google maps as it can give directions as normal GPS sw can, such a by shortest time, avoiding highways, etc… It also shows you what speed you are currently traveling at. Google maps is really for show & uses a lot of data. The only drawback is that it is limited to the boundaries of your data plan, such as mine will only work in Can/Us, anywhere else my carrier will charge an arm & a leg for use.