Before I bought a Garmin StreetPilot C320, I tried Garmin StreetPilot i3, which had a 2.2-inch monochrome display. While its route finding performance was as good as C320, the tiny display without touch- screen sensors posed problems. While driving, not only it was hard to see the map from the driver’s seat, operating a button and/or a wheel required significant effort and attention, which translated to a higher risk of accidents. So I returned it and got a C320. What a difference! This GPS navigator is easy to use, accurate, and reliable. Since many reviewers reported so many good things already, I will list a few inconvenient things that I have found out so far:

(1) Occasionally, map data loading from the SD memory card fails. When it happens, ejecting and re-inserting the memory card solves the problem, but it makes me worry about the long-term reliability of the unit.

(2) To save current locations, you first choose “My Locations” category from the main menu screen then choose “SAVE” on the bottom menu bar. This is not really intuitive. Without consulting the manual, it took me a while to figure that out because I assumed “My Locations” category should contain only a pool of saved locations. It would be better if “Save Locations” category exists separately on the main menu screen.

(3) More than once, the GPS instructed me to drive over a cliff. It seems that this problem occurs when a seemingly connected route on the two dimensional map actually has a disconnection (cliff) in 3-D space. Since C320 does not provide “detour-by-road” function, once you have this problem, the GPS persistently guides you to the dead-end place again and again. It is hard to escape from this trap if you are new to the area hence do not know a “right” waypoint to go first.

(4) Often times, it is necessary to change the sound level of the GPS depending on the outside noise, radio/CD playing, conversation, etc. However, adjusting volume is quite tricky on this GPS because the volume-control dial gets very sensitive near and above the “normal” loudness level. Without a precise setting, it becomes either too loud or too quiet. I think that this problem could be fixed by using a linear-tapered or reverse audio-tapered volume pot instead of the current one (I assume that it is an audio-tapered type).

The TomTom ONE’s 3D driving view offers a clear picture of the road and maneuvers ahead. See the ONE in detail.

The device’s icon-driven menu system makes using the ONE a snap.

Emergency menu gives you fast direct access to emergency numbers and direction to the nearest assistance.

Voice instructions are available in over 30 languages. Tom Tom even has comedy and celebrity voices available.

MapShare lets you add your own map corrections and POIs, then share them with the entire TomTom user community via the TomTom HOME website.

Even though the ONE, 3rd Edition is TomTom’s entry-level portable GPS vehicle navigation device, it remains a complete solution with an incredible range of features.

Tiny, but Tough
A sleek design and a sharp display combine to make the TomTom ONE a vital companion on the road. THe ONE, 3rd edition comes pre-loaded with complete maps for the United States and Canada.

Weighing less than 10 ounces and measuring 4.33 x 3.5 x 1.34 inches, the TomTom ONE can be easily installed in any vehicle. An included windshield suction mount holds it in place. Plus, with an operating temperature range of an icy -10 degrees to a sweltering 55 degrees Celsius (14 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit), the navigator is durable enough for New England winters or Arizona summers. The TomTom ONE is powered by an internal lithium ion battery that can be charged from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter with the included 12-24V adapter.

Easy To Use
The user-friendly design also puts it a step above other navigation systems. The crystal-clear multicolor display makes for exceptionally easy viewing of maps, routes, driving directions, and other traveling information, such as mileage and distance. Measuring 3.5 inches, the TFT display offers a resolution of 320 x 240 to provide brilliant two- and three-dimensional graphics. The device also features 32 MB RAM and 380 MHz CPU, making it responsive and zippy. Using the USB port and the provided cable, you can use your PC to add your own points of interest.

With its touch-sensitive screen, the TomTom ONE puts programming and operation literally at your fingertips to make sophisticated technology simple. The built-in database offers millions of points of interest for you to use as destinations or reference points as you plan your trip. ONE will also provide a selection of available routes, giving you the option of avoiding toll roads or choosing between the quickest or the most scenic routes. The database includes zip codes to simplify your route selection, and for extra convenience, the TomTom ONE lets you save the addresses of frequent destinations, making route planning easier and faster than ever. Other display features include a compass mode to assist you with directional orientation, and an anti-glare screen for optimal viewing even in direct sunlight.

You Can Hear Me Now
ONE provides clear and accurate turn-by-turn voice instructions, so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road while your vehicle is on the move. Voice instructions are available in over 30 languages. Tom Tom even has comedy and celebrity voices available, some for free, and others for purchase via download at TomTom’s website. One nifty feature is speed-sensitive volume. With this optional feature turned on, your vehicle’s engine becomes louder or quieter as your speed changes, the volume adjusts itself accordingly, guaranteeing clear and easy listening.

TomTom HOME
HOME is TomTom’s free software that enables TomTom users to future proof and personalize their devices. Via easy desktop access, any TomTom customer can update maps, download the latest application, celebrity voices and more. TomTom HOME allows TomTom customers to

• Update their TomTom device with TomTom’s latest software and services automatically and for free
• Easily buy and install the latest maps and European safety cameras
• Download celebrity and character voices
• Pre-plan trip itineraries
• Receive free traffic alerts on their computers

What’s in the Box
TomTom ONE device, suction mount, car charger, USB 2.0 data cable, and installation CD with connection software and manual.

Supported Languages

The user interface/application comes in the following languages: Catalan Latvian Czech Lithuanian Danish Norwegian Dutch Polish Estonian Portuguese Finnish Slovakian Flemish Spanish French Swedish German Turkish Hungarian UK English Italian US English

Spoken navigation instructions come in the following languages: Australian Japanese Brazilian Portuguese Latin American Spanish Bulgarian Latvian Catalan Lithuanian Chinese Mandarin Malaysian Chinese Cantonese Norwegian Croatian Polish Czech Portuguese Danish Romanian Dutch Russian Estonian Serbian Finnish Slovenian Flemish Spanish French Swedish German Thai Greek Turkish Hungarian UK English Italian US English

About TomTom
TomTom NV is the world’s largest navigation solution provider, developing products with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use and value. TomTom’s products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; including the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom ONE range and the TomTom RIDER (for motorcycles). TomTom also provides navigation software products which integrate with third party devices; the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDA’s and smartphones. TomTom WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise. TomTom’s products are sold through a network of leading retailers in 25 countries and online. TomTom was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Customer Review: Great Product at a great price!
Had never used a GPS before, and was delighted with this TOM-TOM. It exceeded all my expectations for a very good price.

Customer Review: TomTom One 3rd Edition
For our trip to Las Vegas we bought this GPS device. We stayed in Henderson and went to various shops and shoppingcenters.

Pro’s: What a fantastic product this is. Just turn it on and you are on your way. Select fastest or shortest route. No difficult setup needed. It does what it is supposed to do: without any problems it brings you perfectly to your desired destination. Great feature is the possibility to prepare routes. Nice voices to select from and different colour schemes. Fast satellite hookup. As a Dutchman I am proud of this Dutch product! Hook it on your computer to update with latest maps via Mapshare. Add hundreds of POI’s to the millions that are already pre-installed, such as Denny’s, Subway’s, you name it. So hesitate no longer. I used Garmin last year and this TomTom One 3rd Edition is definitely the better choice.

Con’s: none discovered.

After we figured out that we needed to get a 2gb MMC card so he could upload the maps (the on-board memory isn’t big enough), he really settled down and started to use it. Now it’s his best friend.

He likes that it’s a Palm based PDA, so there are lots of software available for pretty much anything he needs. He also likes the GPS as you can change the magnification depending on if you need fine detail or are on a long trip and just want to see where the next turn will be. The Garmin GPS is actually better than my Garmin stand-alone.

It may not be the best model out there, but the PDA side has the basics that anyone is going to need (plus you can upload anything else you may want later). The GPS is very impressive as well, although we haven’t tried it on some of the newer areas, so I don’t know how recently the map is updated.

I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for both a PDA and GPS, but may not need all the bells and whistles. I would suggest buying a memory card at the same time though. You will definately need it.

Customer Review: What a great item!
I love my Garmin iQue 3200! It has quickly become known by all who know me as “my friend.” I can now go just about anywhere in this beautiful country without fear of getting lost. My wife and I love to explore, so “my friend” has made that a joy. I love maps and driving around, so this tool is a definite must.

Pros: Easy to use. Quality navigation. Great versatility. Able to use as GPS system and business organizer. Graphics are old, but still show great directions.

Cons: No text-to-speech. Too early for Real-Time traffic updates. Too early for Bluetooth capabilities.

Overall: The Garmin iQue 3200 is a great product and a necessary unit to have, especially when in a new area. Gone is the need for Mapquest print outs and a navigator in shotgun to fight with over missed turns. “My friend” makes traveling fun and enjoyable.