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Wednesday, 18 August 2010

TomTom XL 250 review

TomTom XL 250 review

The new TomTom XL 250 is the manufacturer’s latest entry-level windscreen GPS unit and is most notable for its simplified interface.

Externally, it looks similar to previous XL models, thanks to the basic styling and 4.3-inch resistive touchscreen. But once you start using the device, the difference becomes obvious, thanks to the new, simpler interface.

When you fire it up, two large icons appear on the screen: Plan Route and Browse Map. You can then use the device’s QWERTY keyboard to input information. There are also smaller buttons for functions such as adjusting the volume, accessing options and so on. Unfortunately, options to customise the unit aren’t as comprehensive as those for previous XL models.

Because the XL 250 is an entry-level model, don’t expect the most comprehensive features list around, but it does have text-to-speech (with your choice of a male or female voice), plus speed and red-light camera alerts (but not school zones). It comes loaded with the latest version of Whereis maps, and users can fix any map errors then share them with the community online using the MapShare service.

What you’ll find missing is those features that are nice to have, but not essential - MP3 playback, an FM transmitter and Bluetooth, to name a few.

The TomTom XL 250 is available for $249.

Buy a cheap TomTom GPS on sale in Australia

By Caroline Warnes

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Posted by Caroline Warnes

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  • Glenwoodtony
    Another update on the missing suburbs on the tom tom.
    For Mount Druitt you need to type in DRUITT and for St Ives type in IVES
    really odd.
  • Glenwoodtony
    A few days ago I purchased a Garmin Nuvi 1350 for a comparison test with the tomtom.
    So far the tomtom is streets ahead. The Garmin does have a sharper clearer map display but is not as user friendly. One feature it does have which is mildly interesting is a height above or below sea level.
    The tomtom has a far better choice of voices already loaded.
  • Glenwoodtony
    I have discovered a trick with the gps, regardless of what suburbyou want just select Sydney then the street name, helpful if you cannot
    remember the exact suburb, should also work with other cities.
  • Rick
    It would be nice if it had map move like the old tom tom one v3, pointer always pointed up the screen and the map moved.
  • Glenwoodtony
    To change volume.
    Tap on bottom left of screen a volume slide control will now be displayed tap where you want volume level to be.
    To change voice selection.
    Tap on main part of screen.
    A task bar will be displayed at bottom of screen click on options then a choice of options will be displayed.
  • Adele_s2
    I have this particular Tom Tom I was wondering how do you change the voice volume ?
  • Glenwoodtony
    Have you worked out how to change the volume?
    email me and I will run through it for you.
    glenwoodtony@live.com.au
  • Kevinf
    Just bought this unit and found that during a journey it doesn't indicate the name of the next street to turn onto (no name displays on the screen). The voice does say the name of the next turn but that is just about one second before you actually make the turn....which is a little tooo late. mmmm I wonder why this is. Does anyone know???
  • Glenwoodtony
    My unit gives plenty of warning when to make a turn both on the display and voice direction.
  • Ina
    just bought one and am disappointed to find it does not support planning by co-ordinates
  • Tony O
    Update on the missing suburbs. If they are entered as a postcode, no problem.
    Some reviewers have complained about an AC charger not being included.
    I feel it keeps the price down if it is an optional extra as not everyone wants or needs one.
  • Tony O
    I have just purchased one of these, overall I am impressed with the easy operation, but several Sydney suburbs are missing. St Ives, West Pennant Hills, North Sydney, Mount Druitt. If you drive through these areas they come up on the screen but are not in the index/menu.
    A plus for me as a truck driver it will operate on 12 or 24 volt systems.
    Maybe other brands do as well. I paid $189 from Bing Lee.
  • Ajd4096
    After updating the application to 9.051, several features present on the device are REMOVED.
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