Buying advice please

[Sir_B]

I've been using my PDA based TT Navigator for a while now, but time has come to move on to a simpler setup. Seperate mount, GPS receiver, fiddling around every time - had enough of that I think.

I'm thinking of TomTom as I've seen a few mates with different Garmin devices, and I was not impressed.

I've tried to understand the various options from TomTom, but I'm a bit lost.

My normal usage is UK/EIRE maps as standard, with the ability to add new maps if required (next month actually, as we are going to Australia for a holiday and we will be driving around there).

And then, we do pop into Europe every now and then.

Live traffic updates would be nice.

And of course, the ability to add on the Speed Camera database.

The new One v4 looks nice, as it has the mount as part of the unit. But what I seem to have understood is that it's not easy to swap/add maps ?

The Go 730 Traffic seems to be a good package, as it has the EU maps, and the traffic module built-in.

But if I buy the cheaper 530 Traffic for now, can I simply add the EU maps later on via the SD card ? Or the Australian for the impending holiday ?

Or the new XL Traffic ? No mention of the ability of changing maps ?

Please help, I'm confused

[mikealder]

As you have worked out the best units in terms of flexibility offer an SD card expansion slot where you can install additional maps and music (when the device supports this)

The Newer One and One XL devices do not have the expansion slot they rely purely on internal memory so this can be restrictive if you ever need a larger map installing, if the map and the application plus other files are too big it simply won't work. You can copy/ remove maps to your PC to free up space but the limit is a physical barrier to installing larger maps and cannot be overcome.

The 730T is probably the best bet, unless you can find a bargain priced 720/ 720T which is the same as the 730 less the IQ routes and lane assist/ reality view. The price difference could well pay for the Aussy map you want/ need.

The Traffic receiver is not an integral device to the models with the T in the model number it is a plug in extra, so it is possible to upgrade a standard unit by purchasing the RDS-TMC receiver separately, this can sometimes also work out cheaper if you shop around. All the T denotes is the RDS-MC receiver is in the box along with the device.

You can run the Speed Camera Database on any of the TomTom product range.

Consider the One XL Euro with Traffic if you don't mind copying files to your PC for the Aussy trip and have no need for Hands free/ mp3 player, Bluetooth etc. If you want the fancy add ons then the 720 or 730 would probably be a better choice - Mike

[Sir_B]

Thanks for the info Mike. It makes things a bit more clear, because the TomTom website is not helpful I think.

I'm not fussed about the extra gadgets honestly, if they are there, they are there, if they are not, then fine. I have a Bluetooth headset anyway for my driving, the car has an MP3 compatible headunit, so again, not fussed.

I'd rather have the the SatNav unit do what it is meant to do - navigation.

What I'd love to know is if I ended up buying the slightly older 520 or 720 units, will I be able to update the TomTom software to the new version ? IF it is worth doing that of course ?

Not even sure what versions there are on these devices...

[GPS_fan]

The 520/720 software will currently update to v7.481 - the version 8 update was recently withdrawn.

520/720 will also update to v720 maps - v8 maps have not yet been released for these devices.

Having said that, the v720 maps are identical data-wise to v805 maps and the feature added to v8 is Advanced Lane Guidance / Reality View.

Advanced Lane Guidance and Reality View images only appear at 1/2 mile before a motorway junction, so if you're not already in the correct lane it may be too late anyway.

The 520/720 should come with Latest Map Guarantee, allowing you to update to the latest v720 maps at no additional charge.

Remember also that the 520 would come with GB & ROI maps, whilst the 720 would come with Western Europe maps so the model you choose might be dependent upon where you're intending to use it.

I hope that helps.
_________________
Andy
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[dhn]

Andy.....I have a 720 with (NA) 7.10 maps and firmware 7.481.

Two nights ago, when updating my unit using Home (yeah, I know ... but I need a laugh now and then seeing how flakey the software is) I was [again] offered 8.010 -- which I didn't take.

As for the laugh....

I was also (apparently) offered map 7.15 (which I'm not entitled to) to download but in the same line of information offering the 7.15 there was the caution in lovely red lettering that this map is not meant for my device (it was not a space issue since I've got a [working] 4-gig sdhc card installed).

Just struck me as funny..."Here's a map upgrade .... but you can't have it!"

[LesP2008]

would that be the Aussie maps then?

[maca2]

I'm using a 760T & used the TT5 on a PDA before that.

I found TT is the only sat nav that allows so many options in the menu system to tweak the unit just how you like it so that is a great feature on it's own. As far as the Advanced Lane Guidance goes, I find it to work very well & in fact used it Wednesday in London coming off the very busy M25 in heavy rain & found it worked perfectly with plenty of notice, it's so simple to use & takes the stress out of what lane to be in.

The TT 760t is a great buy IMO & I am more than happy with it.

[Andy_P]

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