New TomTom One GPS

August 17, 2006
TomTom One is a new portable GPS navigation unit launched for the North American market, that fits in your shirt pocket, making it easily transportable from car-to-car and to take on business and vacation trips. I got my hands on a TomTon One unit to review, but haven't fully tested all the features yet. Here's my analysis so far... The TomTom ONE utilizes the Version 5 Navigator software, not TomTom Navigator 6, which apparently is exclusive to the Treo smartphones at the moment.  The one also features Bluetooth support for TomTom's PLUS Services.

Tom Tom One
I'm a huge fan of TomTom products and have always been impressed when I review their latest stuff. I've used TomTom Navigator 5 on a PocketPC for quite some time and they have one of the slickest looking interfaces of any GPS product.

TomTom ONE combines a color touch-screen, lightweight (only 5.6 ounces) and slim design (3.8 inches x 3.2 inches x 1.0 inch) with TomTom’s popular GPS software. At just $499, this is price-point that is lower than most portable GPS solutions. 

In addition, users will have access to all TomTom PLUS services including real-time traffic and weather reports and updates on road conditions. Users can also take advantage of TomTom HOME, the software package that efficiently manages content between one’s PC or MAC and TomTom device. Via TomTom HOME users can easily plan routes, download voices and install maps to keep their TomTom up to date anytime. The only thing I wish TomTom's GPS software did better was a "pedestrian mode" for hiking, walking cities, and topographical information.

TomTom One Beauty eh?
TomTom One with a cellphone and keys to demonstrate scale

The new TomTom ONE provides is essentially an entry-level option to TomTom’s comprehensive product offering, which now includes:

· TomTom GO 910: pre-installed maps of the US, Canada and Europe; optimized screen size, text-to-speech technology, hands-free calling via Bluetooth-enabled phones, and a 20GB hard drive enabling drivers to play music and view image
· TomTom GO 510: pre-installed maps of the US and Canada on an SD card, optimized screen size, and hands-free calling via Bluetooth-enabled phones
· TomTom ONE: TomTom’s newest entry level all-in-one portable navigation device
· TomTom RIDER: the portable all-in-one navigation solution designed specifically for motorcycles and scooters
· TomTom NAVIGATOR: navigation software for PDAs

The ONE is similar to the TomTom GO product, but differs in a few ways. First, the TomTom ONE uses the newer SiRFStarIII GPS chipset which is more sensitive than the earlier chipset used in the TomTom GO. Second, the ONE is much thinner and less bulky than the TomTom GO. The TomTom ONE has a smaller internal battery than the GO, thus the GO units offer about 5 hrs of battery life vs. 2 hrs on the TomTom ONE. For me, that's not a big deal, since in most cases the TomTom ONE will be connected to the car's accessory power outlet. Similar to the TomTom GO, the TomTom ONE has full support for .ov2 format POI's (points of interest) including safety cameras, speed traps, etc.

The bottom of the ONE features all the connectivity and memory options, including an SD card slot, Mini-USB, reset button, and the power connection. Interestingly enough there is a headphone port. I suppose that might be useful if you are blasting music and want to be sure to hear the navigation instructions. Though I know of no one that drives with headphones on. Actually you could connect the headphone jack to some car stereos and have the navigation instructions piped into your car speakers.

Specs:
Processor:      380MHz ARM920T
Screen:     3.5" 320x240 colour TFT LCD
Memory:     32mb RAM
Battery:     Internal Li-Ion
Memory Card:     SD including software and maps
GPS Receiver:     Built-In SiRFStarIII
Sound:     Internal loud speaker
Power Supply :     Cigarette lighter socket (included) or Universal Mains Adapter (optional accessory)
PC Connection:     Via mini-USB cable

The TomTom ONE is a better choice when compared with the TomTom GO 300 if you plan on taking the GPS unit with you wherever you go, since it fits right in your pocket. They run the exact same navigation software, so they are equivalent there. The TomTom GO's screen is slightly larger, but not by much. Price-wise the TomTom ONE is cheaper. So, the TomTom ONE is more portable, same features, and less money - sounds like a no-brainer to me. So TomTom ONE vs. TomTom GO 300 is no comparison at all - the TomTom One is the clear winner.

I hope this mini review was helpful and keep your eye out for a more detailed review in the near future.

The new TomTom ONE will be available at major retailers across the United States starting in late August 2006. Amazon usually has the best price - here's a direct link to the Amazon TomTom One page

See Also:
TomTom Supports MapQuest
TomTom Tracks other GPS users
TomTom Maps Update

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Comments to New TomTom One GPS


  1. isulong seoph :

    wowowee gps! how i wish we had one here in the philippines. so far, gps is still a luxury here, or some kinda obsolete.tongue

    believe me, people here are amazed and uses wikimapia in locating landmarks and places. that's the only site that matters (and it's dirt cheap coz you simply must have an internet access to use it) for now.


  1. Randy Savicky :

    That's good to know.


  1. arcelyn dela cruz :

    where can i contac the distributor of tom tom g 910 i want to buy 6 pieces of this product... please email me asap or contack me at my cell phone number +639218388113.. or email me on lil_heaven_above_143@yahoo.com thanks very much hope u response as soon as possible


    arcelyn dela cruz


  1. Dhilan Shah :

    1. is my phone supported by tom tom one bluetooth ?

    1. is my phone supported by tom tom 700 bluetooth ?

    Samsung
    SCH-a950


    Dhilan77@gmail.com


  1. Rob Brown :

    Tom,
    Stumbled across your blog while reading TomTom stuff.
    Please allow me to add a few comments to your initial review.
    I bought a TomTom One while on vacation in the UK.
    I had a lot of travelling to do and the 150 pounds spent(300 USD) was worth the layout in prevented arguments alone.

    It took me door to door on half a dozen previously unsuffered journeys, coming to terms with the long and winding roads around Birmingham - this maze has been known to make professional drivers hang up their keys for good.

    The first time we used it we ended up in a blind alleyway and I began cursing the worthless contraption. It was only when we parked across the street that we realised TomTom had taken us right underneath the sign for the hotel we were looking for.

    Voices and instructions are excellent, with clear commands easily heard above the road, wind and radio noise.

    I think I'd prefer a small widebased, rubber footed tripod for on top of the dash, rather than the fall off the window 3 times a day lack-of-suction cup.

    in 1 month I had 3 map problems, where roundabouts had disappeared and been replaced by Traffic lights, but I guessed right (correct!) on all.

    I would like to have seen a couple of options though.

    1 A speed alarm that tells you when you exceed the defined limit. At present the speed flashes red, but a beep beep option would be a boon.

    2 An option to avoid certain points on the route that Tom gives you.
    I had a 300 mile trip planned and just followed Toms advice. Took me straight through a particularly dubious sector of a particulary dubious Town.
    We could have done without that at 2:30 am.

    I can wholeheartedly recommend this economy SatNav system.
    My wife, who christened it out the box (we shall name this toy "150 quid down the drain") is now a convert and we are only disappointed that more maps are not available for it.
    We live in Bahrain and a map Manama would make life here so much better.

    Cheers

    Rob Brown
    Bahrain


  1. Therese :

    I am tossed between the Tomtom One and Garmin c330. Both seem to rate the same. Only differences are size (Garmin is not a flat screen) and the Tomtom has a shorter battery time (2 hours inbetween charging vs. Garmin has an 8 hour). My husband doesn't think that the battery life span would make a difference since he view it as always being plugged in to the car. Anyone have thoughts/problems with the short 2 hour term?


  1. bangus :

    i am trying out a tomtom go 700 gps nav unit here in the philippines. it gets gps signals but its useless without a map. where can i get manila/philippine maps that are compatible with the tomtom go 700? how will i load it to the unit?


  1. Albert W. :

    I just purchased a Tom Tom One New Edition and I was trying out the Tom Tom Plus but my unit says that my cellular phone does not have the feature. I use an LG CU500, is this phone compatible with my Tom Tom One?


  1. mark :

    That looks pretty nice. I got a Garmin one and like it too.


  1. Kyles' Review Blog :

    Very nice article man! Very informational. I did a personal review on the TomTom ONE GPS myself. Check it out if you want.


  1. Steve :

    I want to give my (adopted) son a GPS phone so my wife and I can monitor his whereabous. He is only 15 and we want to keep an eye on him still, but without him knowing it.
    We are in Cavite. Can anyone email me with a few low cost phone possibilities and some GPS tracker software/company to suscribe to. SHall we use GLOBE? or SMART? or TM ? SIM card/Plan.....?
    I appreciate any assistance you can give me.
    God Bless.

    Steve
    oceansideinbc-@-yahoo.com (no hypens)


  1. SS :

    For GPS speedtraps, you can also check out Trapster mobile application with voice guidance

    http://thinkabdul.com/2008/01/01/trapster-mobile-voice-activated-gpswifi-based-live-police-speed-trap-locator-alert-service/


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