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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.Read full review
I would rate the TomTom "Excedllent" if it weren't for the fact it will not utilize freeways, bypasses, or interstate highways when planning a route. If there is a direct route via an interstate highway between two cities, the TomTom will avoid that interstate and route via secondary roads, regardless how convoluted that route may be. Support only suggests the "avoid interstates" feature is turned on (or whatever the correct name is for that), but that isn't the case. I can't find a fix, and I've looked into everything, believe me. The unit actually functions flawlessly and very accurately as far as navigation goes (clearly a very complete database), but it will not use the most obvious and direct route available (even though they're displayed), no matter what. Even with this problem, it still is a very good product for my purposes and I'm satisfied with the purchase.Read full review
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
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
The mapping that Tomtom and even Garmin use for that matter are only about 80% accurate. This can get you in to some trouble if you are not paying attention. Even on an updated map they are full of errors - sending you up one way streets the wrong way, missing streets, final destinations off by up to a half mile.. etc etc... If you throw in a factor like avoid toll roads you may find yourself being directed down alleys and driveways... wierd but as I mentioned this happens with Garmin too. The thing good about Tomtom is that is comes with Canada already loaded on most models. Well, it is usually better than nothing.
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