User Reviews

1. Review Date: 2009-11-15

   I have used many GPS devices such as Garmin, TomTom, Navigon, etc.. And in the end the TomTom products always seem to be superior. Every time I buy a new GPS, I sit in my driveway and do a few simple tests. The first is how fast is it ready to navigate. I don't think anyone will ever be faster than TomTom. Second, how easy is it for me to find a local store I shop at every week... for example the local Kroger's grocery store that's close to my house. Again, TomTom can help me route to this very quickly and with minimal amounts of button pushing. To be fair, other devices may be able to find the same place, but not without having to scroll through 1000 POI's, or without having to push 50 buttons... Third, I need weather and traffic, and as much information as I can get about where I am, where I am going, and what's in between.. the more information the better as far as I am concerned. TomTom again is excellent in this area and now with a built in data connection provided by a cell signal, I can have all the information that I want, anywhere and anytime. I have tried the FM traffic version of this, and the MSN version of this, but MSN is going to stop offering this service next year (2010), so don't waste your time getting a device that you plan to use MSN on, and the FM signal range and quality of data has left me a bit underwhelmed. Once again the TomToms "Live" feature has found a great way to provide real-time information to me regardless of where I am. Yes, this feature is free for the first three months, and then runs about $10 a month. If you buy this GPS, try the Live feature out for a week or so and if you don't see the value, then go back to buying printed maps, because you are not ready for the future of GPS devices. One of the interesting features of the Live service is the ability to use Google search right from the device. At first I was not sure what use this would be, then I found myself in a situation where a location I thought should be a POI was not found on the device, or perhaps I was not looking in the right place, or had the category wrong... who knows.. But I went to the Google search feature, and told it what I was looking for, and Google pulled up some listings just like it does on your computer, and I selected what I wanted, and the device created the route from that. So for some reason if the GPS device can't understand or find what you are looking for, then Google is there to fill in the gap. Another great feature of the Live service is the location of cheap gas! Yes, that's right, the Live service can tell you all about the gas prices around you, and help you get to the cheapest. Who couldn't benefit from that? Additionally, the "TomTom At Home" software that you install on your computer does a great job of updating the device, make changes to it or even plan routes or travel from it. Lots of GPS's lets you update the device from the web, but none allow as much interaction with the device outside of basic map updates then the "At Home" software. If being able to interact with the GPS device using your computer is important to you, then I would suggest getting a TomTom for now. For me, this device has all you can ask for in a car GPS (PND for you tech geeks), and the price is right. The device is advanced, yet easy to interact with, so I feel even for a first time GPS user, or non-tech type of person, you would still be very happy. I have spent a long time on my quest for a great GPS device, and I hope this little bit of information will be helpful to you on yours.
   
   User: SS2008
   Rating:
   Summary: The search for the best GPS
   Helpful Votes: 2
   Total Votes: 3
   

Editorial Reviews

TomTom XL 340-S LIVE is navigation and so much more. Real-time information saves you time, money, and stress. GO LIVE automatically accesses traffic feeds, updated fuel prices, Local Search powered by Google, and Weather--so you can stay in the know on the go. Real-time services work right out of the box via a built-in wireless data connection. Three months of service included.

GO LIVE automatically accesses traffic feeds, updated fuel prices, Local Search powered by Google, and Weather. Click to enlarge.

Advanced Lane Guidance brings clarity to complex multi-lane exits. Click to enlarge.

The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device. Click to enlarge.

TomTom's award-winning software means the ultimate driving experience. Click to enlarge.

Widescreen Connected Navigation and Advanced Routing

Award-Winning Navigation
TomTom's award-winning software means the ultimate driving experience. Switch on and go right out of the box. Just enter your destination on the touchscreen and start driving anywhere in the US, Canada and Mexico. TomTom XL 340-S LIVE guides you door to door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions, including street names and more than 7 million points of interest.

LIVE Services

• TomTom Traffic
• Fuel Prices
• Local Search powered by Google
• Weather and more

Real-time services work right out of the box via a built-in wireless data connection. Three months of service included.

IQ Routes
The XL 340-S LIVE features IQ Routes Technology which gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip time rather than posted speed limits. You'll always travel the smartest route.

Real-time connection to LIVE Traffic
LIVE Traffic keeps you up-to-date on Traffic events to minimize potential delays.

Fast Route Recalculation
Instant route re-calculation if you deviate from the planned route.

RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver-Ready
This TomTom device is compatible with the optional RDS-TMC receiver, so your routing is optimized for the traffic ahead.

Advanced Lane Guidance
Advanced Lane Guidance uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.

4.3-Inch Touchscreen
An extra-wide 4.3-inch touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free.

TomTom Map Share
TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device.

Get Help
With the "Help Me!" menu, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers.

EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.

The TomTom XL 340-S LIVE is the ultimate connected car navigator.

What's in the Box
TomTom XXL 340-S 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator, Easyport Mount, USB Car Charger and USB Cable, Documentation

Product Details

1. 4.3-inch full-color TFT LCD touchscreen with WQVGA (480 x 272 pixels) resolution
2. Maps of the United States, Canada, and Mexico with TomTom Map Share, Advanced Lane Guidance, and 7 Million POIs
3. GO LIVE automatically accesses traffic feeds; updated fuel prices; and Local Search powered by Google, Weather, and more
4. IQ Routes Technology gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip
5. With TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on your own device