Tom Tom has released its new middle-priced GPS navigation system, XL 340S. It is packed with innovative and exciting features. First of all, for only 13 dollars one can change the default voice to that of a celebrity such as Mr. T (imagine being told in Mr. T’s inimitable voice: “I pity the fool who doesn’t take the next right on the road”). The downs-side is that by switching to a celebrity voice, one loses the text-to-speech capability. For some users this may not be a major loss.
To prevent the vexing uncertainty of in which lane to be on a highway, Tom Tom developed Advanced Lane Guidance. This feature notifies the driver well ahead of time about the lane to occupy in order to be ready for the next step in the driving itinerary.
Another new addition is the modified route planning feature, IQ Routes. Most route planners when calculating the fastest route only take the road’s speed limit into account. IQ Routes also takes traffic conditions into consideration. This helps prevent the driver ending up on a highway that is inflicted with bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The 340S has its own software, facilitating the connection to the car’s already existing GPS. This allows for adding maps, planning routes, updating the GPS and installing new voices.
One truly useful feature, “Help Me!” quickly locates nearby emergency service.
All these extra goodies add up to a satisfying product for which its price tag of $250 price tag is quite digestible.
The launch of this new product marks a further positive step in the development of affordable, but sophisticated GPS navigation systems for the average consumer.
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_tomtom_xl340s
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