TomTom ONE LE Car GPS Receiver

:: INTRO :::::::::::
This is my first GPS navigation device, and I did some heavy research before purchasing. Even though this is one of the cheapest units available, it still provides about 80% of the features found in devices that are $500+ Furthermore, the double-threat combo of simplicity & tiny size for this device cannot be beaten by anything else on the market.

:: DESIGN & STARTUP ::::::::::::::::
As mentioned in other reviews, this device is up & running in less than a couple minutes. Expertly-designed packaging made it easy to pull everything out and put together quickly--without an abundance of useless documentation. Upon turning on the TomTom for the first time, an adorable little drumbeat plays (tomtoms) right before setting up the time, your preferred VOICE, and optionally your HOME location. After these few setup options were completed, my device was already communicating with 4 satellites and in full working order. The included suction-cup mount works better than anyone could ever expect, the power connection is obvious and very accessible (on the bottom middle of the device) My UNITED STATES v4 TomTom One actually came with the maps preloaded..however, most of these things come with it all on a little SD card that you can keep in a safe place. In either case, the complexity and confusion of all the map information is totally hidden from the user...and really there's just a few taps of the touchscreen that are required to do anything at any given time. The simplicity of the TomTom One interface is definitely on the level with the Apple iPod. In fact, the only physical button on the whole device is to turn it on/off.

:: FEATURES :::::::::::::::
In the last year or two, the innovation of 3D maps are now common even in the cheapest GPS devices. That's probably what opted me to purchase--and it's worth it. The realistic 3D perspective, combined with the crystal-clear colors and minimalist map design make reading the small screen very easy. It's also obvious that the engineers at TomTom did alot of testing to figure out exactly what features needed to be accessed easily--choosing a new destination and asking for a route to one's HOME destination are literally one tap away at any given time. Most other common actions are also very near to the most common buttons: choosing alternate routes, choosing multiple destinations, and preferences for NIGHT COLOR schemes and sound levels. Advanced options for real-time traffic updates, weather, and custom route forming are also easy to find...if one were inclined to look for them. Unlike the TomTom, many fancier devices have all the advanced and simple options & actions slopped together...making on-the-road selection harry (and dangerous).
Now I'll take a moment to try and illustrate just how many extra features the TomTom One has! First, TomTom-PLUS is a paid subscription that the user may purchase (to receive real-time traffic updates, safety camera notifications, and a couple smaller luxuries). This is done by communicating with a blue-tooth enabled phone! Keep in mind, the TomTom is only about the size of a small paperweight--and it definitely weighs less. In addition to the bluetooth connectivity, safety options and manual modification of every detail can be done from the home PC...with the included TomTom-HOME software. The software even has a YOUR-ONE mode, that actually simulates your Tom-Tom's screen on your PC (while you charge it). For long roadtrips, this is definitely the ideal way to plot out a few destinations and tweak your routes to your liking. NOTE that the pc-usb sync cable also charges your TomTom (and much faster than the car charger I might add). My only complaint about the charging is that the small green LED on top of the TomTom only shines when it is charged. Indication of full charge, power, etc, has to be guessed or discovered with a few clever taps of the touchscreen. I forgave this after about 5 minutes of using the device though.

:: IN-CAR USE ::::::::::::::::
I've raved at least twice about the simple & intuitive interface, so here are some other minor miracles that make the TomTom-ONE rise above the other inexpensive GPS devices:
1) Despite the tiny size & thickness of the TomTom...the speaker seems to shoot out the voices with sharp clarity and volume--regardless of the loudness you prefer.
2) A couple taps to change into the NIGHT COLOR SCHEME also reduces the brightness of the whole screen...which is a nice touch that will end up allowing you to use your TomTom much, much more often.
3) In case you haven't seen just how small this device is...you don't have to just mount it on the windshield. I bought a floor mount for mine so it snakes up from the passenger floor (out of view from thieves). I'm not the outdoorsy type--but I might become one only to experiment walking around with this micro-powerhouse in my front pocket.
4) I've used many touchscreen devices, and this one seems like it has a tad extra sensitivity...which is brilliant because of it's tiny size and crammed features. At no point have I ever felt it's been hard to type anything in to it; But I could imagine it would be handy to buy one of the little TomTom stylus pens that are all over ebay and other specialty accessory sites nowadays.

:: CONCLUSION :::::::::::::
I found this little guy for $249 here in San Diego...and I shelled-out an extra $25 on ebay for the floormount. It's actually given me more confidence in my driving! This is because I can relax & listen to the voice guide, rather than look at the screen frequently (or bring along paper printed-out directions) This device pays for itself in the power it provides for you to travel absolutely anywhere at the drop of a hat. Select which Points-of-Interest you'd like it to display and you'll know where gas stations, restaraunts, or any of 10 million locations are...just when you drive by them. Highly recommended to anyone who likes to GO PLACES. Level of technical affluence is completely irrelevant--I made my parents set a destination and refused to help them in any way. I think I'll go for a drive now, good luck with your decision!