The GPS maps functionality on the iPhone 3G and 3GS is decent -- it gets you from point A to point B, is free, and comes bundled with the device. But for those hungry for more features, Apple has finally released the $119.99 TomTom iPhone Car Kit that accompanies the $99 iPhone app.
The TomTom iPhone app was one of the most anticipated apps revealed during June's WWDC keynote. Tom Murray, vice president of market development for TomTom, spoke to MacWorld and said that the app, in combination with the newly released Car Kit, provided an experience much like a standalone GPS unit. But is it worth dropping $220 on this combination kit? Here are some pros and cons.
To be clear, this is not a review of the iPhone app or the hardware. This is simply an overview of software and hardware's pros and cons.
Pros
- Convenience -- Why lug around a GPS unit when everything you need is on your iPhone? The convenience of the TomTom package cannot be beat, and further goes to show that the iPhone does, indeed, do almost everything you could want it to.
- TomTom IQ Routes -- TomTom's IQ routes are based on the experiences of millions of users. It calculates trip duration based on actual speed limits on roads, lending users the most efficient route. Other GPS apps do not have this feature.
- Powerful GPS -- The Car Kit has a GPS receiver built in that is better than the iPhone's. According to Murray, the Car Kit's receiver is "closer to what you'd find in a dedicated GPS unit." (But pay attention to wording: he said closer.)
- Built-in Speaker -- The iPhone's speaker is tinny and faint; the Car Kit's speaker boasts more powerful, audible sound so you can actually make out where your next turn is supposed to be.
- Charges -- The iPhone's battery is inadequate for its powerful capabilities. Luckily, the Car Kit charges your iPhone, so you won't be stuck with a dead iPhone in the middle of a 3000-mile road trip.
Cons
- GPS Reception -- As said before, the GPS reception isn't quite what you'd find in a standalone unit. In fact, the iPhone will have more problems with tunnels and faint signals than other units.
- Small screen -- Most GPS units sport a 4.3-inch screen; the iPhone's screen is only 3.5 inches. While it might not make a huge difference, the smaller the picture, the harder it will be to concentrate on where you're at without plowing into a telephone pole.
- Price -- Yes, it's very expensive. For $120 or less you can get a standalone TomTom GPS unit, but if you choose the Apple route, all you'll get for that price is the Car Kit. Don't forget there are other turn-by-turn GPS apps available, such as CoPilot Live, which costs only $35.
- Interruptions -- Plan on receiving a call during a trip? Think again. The iPhone does not allow
Comments
I received the latest release of the TomTom One '09 to replace my TomTom One '07 for my birthday. It's very valuable to me because I travel a lot for work therefore I only take it with me when I know I'll be needing it.
When the TomTom iPhone App was released I thought it would be beneficial for me to have in case I don't have my TomTom and suddenly need directions. When reviewing what's offered with the TomTom App I learned that the car kit isn't included and would set me back an additional $40. I don't remember where I saw that price. I watched quite a few YouTube demos and read a lot of articles and I know I saw that price from more than just one source.
In Sept. my TomTom One was stolen out of my car. The following week I had to be in Beaufort, SC. GPS reception was quite shotty and heaven forbid I get a phone call!!! I ended up having to call a colleague to navigate me by phone. I really wasn't worried about the TomTom getting stolen until this day. As soon as I got to my hotel I got online and found the latest release of the TomTom one- the same one I had stolen from me- for a little over $76 including shipping!!! And it doesn't need to have the spotty 3G coverage that the iPhone has. It comes with a mount so I'm not trying to kill myself fumbling over my iphone and steering wheel. I'm not worried that a cop is going to see me messing with my phone while driving and pull me over for doing something that resembles "texting while driving".
I called TomTom this morning to complain about the extra $120 I'm going to have to shell out just so that I can get my moneys worth on the $100 "liability app". The gentleman, studdering and stammering over his words, informed me that the "Car Kit" has a charger with it (like I wouldn't already have a car charger for my iPhone?). He also told me that it enhances the GPS reception. Really? After being a loyal customer to TomTom for over 3 years and of Apple for nearly 7 years, I really feel as though they conspired to pull the rug out from under me.
Basically, for approximately $76 I can have the TomTom One that works where ever I need it to work, I have a larger screen, and I can still receive phone calls on my phone while navigating (unrelated, I know) OR for $220 (nearly THREE TIMES AS MUCH!!!!) I can have a TomTom with my iPhone that might be CLOSE as far as GPS reception as my $76 TomTom One and I cannot receive phone calls while navigating without the app quitting on me.
All in all, I wouldn't wipe my butt with this app.
I received the latest release of the TomTom One '09 to replace my TomTom One '07 for my birthday. It's very valuable to me because I travel a lot for work therefore I only take it with me when I know I'll be needing it.
When the TomTom iPhone App was released I thought it would be beneficial for me to have in case I don't have my TomTom and suddenly need directions. When reviewing what's offered with the TomTom App I learned that the car kit isn't included and would set me back an additional $40. I don't remember where I saw that price. I watched quite a few YouTube demos and read a lot of articles and I know I saw that price from more than just one source.
In Sept. my TomTom One was stolen out of my car. The following week I had to be in Beaufort, SC. GPS reception was quite shotty and heaven forbid I get a phone call!!! I ended up having to call a colleague to navigate me by phone. I really wasn't worried about the TomTom getting stolen until this day. As soon as I got to my hotel I got online and found the latest release of the TomTom one- the same one I had stolen from me- for a little over $76 including shipping!!! And it doesn't need to have the spotty 3G coverage that the iPhone has. It comes with a mount so I'm not trying to kill myself fumbling over my iphone and steering wheel. I'm not worried that a cop is going to see me messing with my phone while driving and pull me over for doing something that resembles "texting while driving".
I called TomTom this morning to complain about the extra $120 I'm going to have to shell out just so that I can get my moneys worth on the $100 "liability app". The gentleman, studdering and stammering over his words, informed me that the "Car Kit" has a charger with it (like I wouldn't already have a car charger for my iPhone?). He also told me that it enhances the GPS reception. Really? After being a loyal customer to TomTom for over 3 years and of Apple for nearly 7 years, I really feel as though they conspired to pull the rug out from under me.
Basically, for approximately $76 I can have the TomTom One that works where ever I need it to work, I have a larger screen, and I can still receive phone calls on my phone while navigating (unrelated, I know) OR for $220 (nearly THREE TIMES AS MUCH!!!!) I can have a TomTom with my iPhone that might be CLOSE as far as GPS reception as my $76 TomTom One and I cannot receive phone calls while navigating without the app quitting on me.
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