Upgrading from a TT910 - advice wanted

HappyTrucker

Hi all. I know there's a few threads asking similar questions but they seem to be spread all over the place, so I'm hoping for something all in one place if possible Embarassed

I currently have a 910 that, I think, is starting to show signs of wanting to go to the SatNav graveyard (repeated reboots, battery lasting only an hour or so, freezing and sometimes not charging) so I'm now starting to look at alternatives.

Being an HGV driver I was considering one of the dedicated HGV units but, to be honest, at the moment I don't think they can do any better than a standard unit and a good set of POIs and some common sense.

So, which to go for? 540/740/940? The only differences between the units other than maps seem to be EPT, MP3/audiobook playback and FM transmitter and different sizes of internal memory. I have an iPod so don't really need the MP3 functions. I never go out of the UK, so really only need UK maps, but would maybe find the EPT useful. But are these features worth an extra (on average) £120 over the cost of a 540 with UK & ROI maps? I know there's a thread or two about the EPT but they seem inconclusive as to whether that feature is worth paying considerably more for.

If I were to require a US or Europe map in the future, I see they 'modify' them for the 540 model due its smaller memory. Would buying the unmodified version and putting it on a microSD card still work?

While on the subject, how come TT stopped supplying the remote with any models? Considering how hands-free is such a big thing these days I'd have though if anything they'd make it standard across the range.

The 540 can be had for about £240, less any TT cashback offer which seems reasonable enough but the crux of my question still stands: leaving the maps out of the equation, are the 740 & 940 models worth the extra £100 or so over and above a 540?

Thanks in advance

mikealder · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 5:37 pm Post subject:

EPT is a waste of time in the UK as there are so few tunnels and none that require decisions within the tunnel, I know the Liverpool based tunnels have decision points straight after the exit but this is a rather issolated case and not really worth the price hike. If you are driving a HGV you will know where you are going prior to such a situation presenting itself.

Bear in mind the x40 devices are supplied with a very basic dock that offers power connection only, if you want to use an iPOD or Lne Out connection you need the add on (extra cost) accessory mount to get the connections. If you factor in the extra £30 for the mount that is needed to connect anything to the x40 range then the 540 should be the best bet if you really think you need Live services.

If you don't need Live services then grab a 720 from Here and save a considerable amount of cash. latest application and map for free and it has the FM Tx capability, Line out and full conectivity without spending additional cash on the x40 range which require extra mounts and such like.
Put a decent capacity SDHC card in and it will store music negating the need for the iPOD, although it is capable of controlling one if need be (with the correct cable attached - the x10 iPOD cable will work fine if you already have one, if not try your local Halfords as the cables can be purchased for a little as £3 from the in store bargain buckets). Going for the 720 from the link will bring you up to date for maps and application, but it doesn't offer the Live services, your choice but the cost difference is considerable and the difference between a 720 and 540 isn't really worth the extra cost IMHO - Mike

HappyTrucker · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:27 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the reply Mike. To be completely honest, the MP3/audiobook functions are a waste of time for me. I use the iPod with FM transmitter and usually have (or had when it was working) my TT in the windscreen just doing what it's designed for. I'm a big believer in the thought that my phone should be able make calls and text, and my satnav should give me directions and traffic info. Why do we have to be always messing about with things having functions they don't need? Apart from anything else my collection is mostly AAC and some AAC protected so the built in player would be useless I suppose without the controller cable. I've also read some iffy reports about FM transmitters in the TTs, especially once inside the M25.

It's only the EPT that may have nudged me in the direction of a 940. So you're saying that the feature is really only designed to help you in/after tunnels? Some people seemed to hint that it helps in low signal areas too, where the signal can come and go.

Once it's working better (maybe, as noted in other threads an HD module for earlier versions might help the uptake) I do like the idea of HD traffic, but even so in it's current state it seems to be more reliable than the TMC antenna. So, just one more dilemma then Rolling Eyes

I think I may plump for the 540 (for the Live features) and just hope they improve significantly in the shorter term. Thanks for your advice though. Any and all help welcome.

mikealder · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 8:43 pm Post subject:

You only get FM Tx with the 940 so its going to be costly to stream the iPOD music via the x40 device - the 540 can control the iPOD but has no FM Tx capability - bear this in mind before you decide to purchase a device - Mike

spikeywelsh · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:04 pm Post subject:

how does EPT work

mikealder · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:22 pm Post subject:

When you lose the GPS signal such as underground in a tunnel or under another road then it kicks in automatically, it uses an electronic gyro to work out acceleration and changes in direction to keep the map display updated.
With the efficiancy of the modern GPS receivers they can remain locked to the signal in all but the most demanding conditions, being underground is about the only time EPT will be of much use - Mike

HappyTrucker · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:24 pm Post subject:

HappyTrucker · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:25 pm Post subject:

HappyTrucker · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:45 pm Post subject:

Last thing (I think).

The only thing that still concerns me is the map updates for the smaller units. Both the 540 and 740 when you go to the map shop say that the maps are modified for smaller internal memory units. How can they take data out? What do you lose? Any ideas?

If I bought the maps for the 940 and stuck them on a microSD then surely I'd get the same functionality? They seem to be all the same price so that wouldn't make a difference. Can't see why not, or else in a unit with no MP3 function a slot seems a bit pointless.

spikeywelsh · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:09 pm Post subject:

i am looking at getting a 940, but keep thinking that a newer better version of the tomtom will come out soon

mikealder · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 8:11 am Post subject:

You can put maps on the MicroSD card if you want to, as for whats missing from the slimmer map its the extra detail such as rivers, coastline and other non road related data that gets taken out. You only notice whats missing when you have two different devices next to each other.

Do you control your iPOD from the TomTom? if so then you need to factor in the additional cost of an x40 accessory dock with the iPOD cable connection point built in, the one supplied doesn't have this capability - Mike

TomDavison · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

mikealder · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:07 pm Post subject:

The 920, 930 and 940 are all equipped with the EPT system - Mike

TomDavison · Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:59 pm Post subject:

HappyTrucker · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 2:28 pm Post subject:

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