TomTom is Great BUT...........

The TomTom XL 340S is a Great GPS unit that works extremely well, is easy to use, and has a load of high end features. HOWEVER,through other users, I have learned that there is one glaring defect in design that the manufacturer does not acknowledge, yet knows about. When you get the new unit, you can and should hook it up to your PC to upgrade to the latest maps, free of charge the first time (TomTom charges for later map upgrades, about $12.00 every 3 months, if you choose to do it) BUT, the new map is larger then the one in the unit, too large for the flash memory available, and CRASHES THE UNIT, making it useless unless you send it back to TomTom for reprogramming!
There is an easy and quick solution to this major defect though and here's what it is: When you hook the Tom Tom to your PC, DO NOT upgrade the map yet. Instead, go through the options and erase all but two of the voices that come installed on the unit. There are 9 or 10, you only need 1 or 2, I kept the two English computer voices so the street names can be verbalized. If you choose non computer voices, they are a bit more realistic but can not say the street names.
With these voices erased, there is more then enough memory to hold the new map and there will be no fatal crash when upgraded! Simple and easy! I called Tom Tom and told them about this and they admitted the problem, yet they do not advise you about it on the website before you upgrade the map. Why?, I do not know.
After removing the voices and upgrading the maps, the unit works like a charm. The color touch screen is large and pleasant to look at and the integral windshield mount is very cool but I had to figure out how to use it through trial and error since the instructions give no written directions on using the mount at all. Overall, I am very happy with the TomTom and would have given it a 5 star rating, instead of 4, if they had advised about the memory problems on the map upgrade website in advance.

great product for the price and for my intended use

i like most of the features of it is fairly easy to use but this unit does til you soon enough when to turn and if you go past sometimes it gets confused and mess's up.and on so long streets that run through more than one cities if you go by address it will not be able to find the correct address.it does plot a good accurate route if you do that ahead of time.what i really wanted it for was to be able to see were i was going like a handheld and to be able to use it like a moving map. i don't use the voice much is a distraction and already said it doesn't tell you soon enough about turns. i do know this is a refurbed older model and i am sure tomtom in the new models is excellent because this for what i paid for it was an excellent deal!and will work for what i really wanted it for

Great product, pleased with the features, easy to use, good value.

I had another GPS for a while and was not happy with the display. At a friend's recommendation I bought the TomTom and I am very pleased with this unit. The display is clear, the directions are easy to follow and it has many features. Each time I wonder if there is something to resolve an issue, I find that I can program the unit so it has the feature I need.
It is easy to use even for an older person like me who did not grow up in a world full of technology items.

The unit is certainly worth the asking price.

Reteng

TomTom XL-340S

I initially thought I would go with another brand. I used the Device on a recent trip to the Grand Canyon. Although I was pretty familiar with the route, I used TomTom to see how accurate it was. As we traveled through Denver. It told me to exit the Highway many times that I couldn't justify. However,after leaving the Denver vicinity, the unit got me back on track and stayed on track throughout the rest of the trip. Since that time I have used it to help me navigate through the Chicago area (where I live). I has bee a lifesaver. I know it was an excellent investment. Just a little side note: Do yourself a favor, don't download voices from the internet.They seem cute at first,but eventually will annoy the living daylights out of you.
Chaplain Rob

Great

I bought the TOMTOM GPS system a few days ago. And can I say it was the best purchase I have made. It comes complete with all the maps and all kinds of points of interest that I would need on a trip. I needed to find my way around a new State and it's great.