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TomTom has come a long way in bringing out unique navigation systems that are both stylish and user friendly. TomTom Go 500 is an all-in-one car GPS system that runs with V 5.0 navigator software unlike other models using Tele Atlas Maps.
This portable unit comes with 3.5 inch transflective display screen providing visible images in any light conditions. With intuitive touch screen, route planning is just a few taps away. TomTom Go 500 GPS system features advanced navigation with improved data entry systems and revised menu systems for quick and accurate access. There are number of additional menu options added for features such as setting destinations, changing the screen colours from day to night time and much more. The keys in this unit are quite bigger, thus easier to use on the move.
Memory
This unit comes with an internal memory with a capacity of 32MB. The memory of the unit can be expanded using SD memory card.
TomTom GO 500 features pre-installed maps of Europe. Going door-to-door across the country is not a problem with these maps, since it has all the major roads (trunk roads and motorways). TomTom’s top down viewing facility and 3D viewing adds to your navigational experience.
Points of Interest and Turn-by-Turn Voice Directions
TomTom GO 500 Sat Nav System has integrated speakers with CD quality volume. This provides clarity audio for hearing turn-by-turn voice directions. This unit has thousands of points of interest.
Bluetooth
This sat nav unit comes with voice communication capabilities that allows using it hands free. When the driver’s phone is connected via Bluetooth wireless technology, the driver can easily make and attend calls during navigation just at the tap of the GO screen. This functionality works even when your phone is in your pocket or bag. The microphone and integrated speakers with professional quality helps to enjoy blue tooth feature to the maximum. Accessing your mobile phonebook is also possible with this unit.
TomTom PLUS Services
This unit is TomTom PLUS services ready, offering information on congestion charge areas, extra downloads for maps, voices, points of interest and weather conditions.
Ready to Install
You do not require any technical knowledge to install this GPS device. It fits perfectly in to the car mounting kit provided. You can just mount it in your car dashboard or windshield.
Battery
TomTom GO 500 use Lithium-ion battery, which lasts for 5 hours on a single charge.
Comparison
If you want an efficient model without handsfree, you can try TomTom Go 300.
As a navigation device, TomTom GO 500 comes with comprehensive features for all your routing needs and worthier enough for the money spent.
| General Information |
| Brand |
TomTom |
| Model |
TomTom GO 500 |
| Maps included (Countries) |
Great Britain |
| Mapping display (2D/3D) |
2D / 3D |
| Screen size in diagonal inches |
3.5 inches |
Memory
Total Capacity
Free Space
Internal Type
Expansion Type |
32GB
-
Yes
SD Memory Card |
| Battery Type |
Lithium-ion battery |
| Battery life |
5 hours |
| Weight |
1.8Kg (boxed) |
| Dimensions (L x H x D) cm |
11.4 (W) x 5.8 (D) x 9.1 (H) cm |
| Portable or fixed |
Portable |
| Warranty |
12 months |
| Additional Features |
| Touch screen |
Yes |
| Searchable postcode digits |
Yes |
| Spoken audio directions |
Yes |
| Dynamic routing |
Yes |
| Points of interest (POI) |
Yes |
| Live traffic information |
Yes |
| SiRFStar III GPS Chipset facility |
No |
| Software Included |
TomTom GO Great Britain |
| Bluetooth |
Yes |
| Multimedia Features |
| Music |
No |
| Photos |
No |
| Video |
No |
| FM Transmitter |
No |
| iPOD |
No |
| Accessories |
| PC Cable |
Yes |
| Car Power Adapter |
Yes |
| Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
| Carrying Case |
Yes |
| AC Power Adaptor |
Yes |
Navigation is made efficient and easy with Garmin’s StreetPilot ‘C’ range of satellite navigation systems. Garmin StreetPilot C330 is an in-car satellite navigation system boasting distinctive design and specialized features.
Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS system is designed to be light with 9.45 ounces weight and dimensions of 4.4 W x 3.2 H x 2.8 D. The centre piece of the unit comes with a 3.5 inch display screen with 16 bit colours that offers clarity navigation. The white LED backlight and touch screen feature makes navigation simple than ever. It also comes with built-in patch antenna and a MCX-type connector facilitating external GPS antenna connection. This GPS system features integrated speakers providing high quality voice prompts. It has a suction mount cradle that allows fastening to the windshield and enables easy portability as well. You can even customize the unit’s outer look with coloured face plates, which are sold separately. Controls include rotary volume knob and on or off switch.
Features
Garmin StreetPilot C330 sports an internal memory capacity of 2GB and it offers an option for additional memory storage with 128MB SD card compatibility. This unit comes with pre-loaded maps of Europe and it includes MapSource City Select Europe NT software for transferring data from a PC using a USB connection. You can have a three dimensional navigational view (3D) or traditional 2D view. This GPS system is WAAS-enabled and features 12 parallel channel GPS.
Points of Interest
The database of this GPS system features six million points of interest including ATMs, hotels, petrol stations and plenty of attractions. You have the option to include more points of interest with Garmin’s POI Loader software that comes for free. You have an optional proximity alert feature that informs the upcoming points of interest.
Easy Routing and Turn-by-Turn Voice Prompts
Garmin StreetPilot C330 sat nav system features automatic route calculation and takes you quickly to your destination. This helps to avoid crowded roads or when the road is packed with high traffic. The turn-by-turn voice prompts in this unit guides with audible instructions and warning.
Battery
This satellite navigation has an internal lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to 4 hours per charge.
Quick Battery Saving Tip: In order to enjoy maximum battery life, you should avoid exposing the unit to extreme heat such as the car’s trunk. Make sure you keep it away from direct sunlight.
Safe Mode
This feature offers ultimate safety for the drivers. When driving, safe mode disables the functions, which require driver’s attention and distracts them.
Verdict
Garmin StreetPilot C330 is a great road companion for novice users. Though this unit doesn’t come with extra multimedia features including mp3 and Bluetooth, it is a low cost satellite navigation unit with all basic navigational features.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Downloadable POIs
- Pre-loaded maps of Europe and includes MapSource City Select Europe NT software
Cons
- Good maps, but not up-to-date
- Lack of more pre-loaded POIs
Compare Garmin Streetpilot C330 Sat Nav Systems, read the specifications below.
| General Information |
| Brand |
Garmin |
| Model |
StreetPilot C330 |
| Maps included |
Europe |
| Mapping display |
2D / 3D map perspective |
| Screen size in diagonal inches |
3.5 inches |
Memory
Total Capacity
Free Space
Internal Type
Expansion Type |
2GB
-
Yes
128MB SD Card |
| Battery Type |
Lithium Ion |
| Battery life |
4 hours |
| Weight |
1.4Kg (boxed)/ 9.45 ounces |
| Dimensions (L x H x D) cm |
4.4 W x 3.2 H x 2.8 D |
| Portable or fixed |
Portable |
| Warranty |
1 Year |
| Additional Features |
| Touch screen |
Yes |
| Searchable postcode digits |
No |
| Spoken audio directions |
Yes |
| Dynamic routing |
Yes |
| Points of interest (POI) |
Yes |
| Live traffic information |
No |
| SiRFStar III GPS Chipset facility |
No |
| Software Included |
MapSource City Select Europe NT |
| Multimedia Features |
| Music |
No |
| Photos |
No |
| Video |
No |
| FM Transmitter |
No |
| iPOD |
No |
| Accessories |
| Faceplate 5-Pack |
Yes |
| Carry Case |
Yes |
| Suction Cup Mount with Cigarette Lighter Adapter |
Yes |
| Dash Mount with Cigarette Lighter Adapter |
Yes |
Buying a GPS unit can be easier if you know the various features that GPS receivers come with. When your needs and the features match accurately, then you need to look at the price and customer support given by GPS makers.
Your needs are generally based on what purpose you want to use a GPS. Just fascinated by features of GPS, if you decide to buy one for your car or a hand-held for boating or hiking, the entry-level models are ideal as they will also suit your budget.
If you look for a GPS for your car, you can either go for in-built GPs or portable GPS but you need to look at the supporting features like map, display etc and choose the best car navigation system for your car. Hand-held GPS receivers come in numerous models and with different features and prices. They can be used wherever you like. GPS for boating is another widespread use of GPS and there are lots of models that you can find in the market and you can choose the best GSP.
In-built GPS receivers and Hand-held GPS receivers
GPS receivers are either designed as hand-held or portable models and in-built models.
In-built GPS: This design is mostly used in vehicle navigation system like cars, trucks, motor cycles, boats and airplanes. Since it is installed at a fixed place in your vehicle, so you do not need to fit it in your vehicle every time. These receivers are ideal for users who want to use a dedicated navigation system for their vehicles. In-built navigation systems are more expensive than portable models. They are difficult to detach from car so you cannot use them in another car or bike or boat.
Hand-held GPS: Hand-held models can be taken to anywhere you like. They are ideal when you move around on feet as the whole kit just weighs about 3 or 4 ounces and are capable of doing basic as well as special functions. Hand-held models can also be used in traffic navigation system.
Three main uses of GPS
Based on the functions of GPS, we can classify GPS models into three categories
GPS receivers for basic needs
GPS is a navigation tool that helps you to find a location based on information received from various sources like satellites, maps from hard drives etc. Most hand-held models are quite able to cater your basic navigation requirements and provide good accompaniment while hiking or biking. Easy to carry and install, affordable prices and versatile uses are some advantages that a hand held GPS enjoys over fixed GPS units. However, reading details and maps can be a little harder due to relatively smaller screens in hand held GPS units.
The entry-level GPS units usually come with less detailed map and inadequate memory, but you will find them sufficient if you do not expect much out of them. However, when you go for advanced GPS units, they provide you voice-enabled directions to assist your navigation.
Vehicle navigation system
Perhaps, it is one of the most wide-spread applications of GPS. Most GPS units come with pre-loaded maps which are extremely detailed and can show roads, streets and lanes. Some units can give instructions when you drive, like which turn you should take, etc. Newer GPS units have text-to-text speech feature which allows an electronic voice to tell you all instructions while you are driving. You can also select the shortest route or the most scenic route from the map database that a GPS is equipped with. Some GPS units can be linked to local traffic service to get live traffic information and helps you to take an alternative route in case your usual route is blocked.
GPS for marine navigation
These units are specially designed for use in boats and ships. These waterproof GPS units should have large memory to store numerous maps. If you use portable GPS units for your boat, you should have a well-designed mount on the boat to keep the unit at the right position.
Features of GPS
An accurate and sophisticated navigation system depends upon the features which are given below. If you add technologies like DVD, Wi-fi and Bluetooth with GPS, the cost will shoot up, but you will get a highly sophisticated GPS which can make your driving thoroughly enjoyable. Concentrate on the basic features of GPS, if you think otherwise.
Maps
Maps are the information sources that guide you to reach a destination. Most GPS units come already with pre-loaded maps that are often used in your country. However, if you require a map of a foreign city or a specific street, there are many ways to get the maps. Maps are available in CDs and DVD or even in some websites. GPS units come with hard drives (capacity up to 20 GB) where they store the maps. So, by simply connecting your GPS with a PC, you can download the required map through the USB port.
Display
Most GPS units have color LCD display with touch-screen feature. The dimension of the screen ranges between 3 “and 7”. In-built GPs units usually have a relatively larger display, so you can view the details easily. The smaller screens especially in hand-held GPS units can make the details hard to see.
Voice instructions
A good GPS can direct you to your destination with turn-to-turn instructions when you input it. You can find the instructions on the map, but it requires your constant visual attention. Voice guidance is a new feature in car navigation system to keep your eyes more on road than on the GPS screen. The electronic voice will tell you where you are, where you should turn and even the name of the roads and streets. You can also issue voice commands to your GPS.
Wi-fi connectivity
When you go on long business trips, the Wi-fi connectivity available in GPS units can enable you to get in touch with your family and friends. Being an additional feature and costing more, they usually come with in-built GPS.
Bluetooth
If your GPS is enabled with Bluetooth technology, you can make phone calls just by linking your Bluetooth-enabled mobile with your GPS.
Entertainment
Some GPS units can play MP3 and video files or you can even get radio channels using GPS unit.
When you buy a GPS, either hand-held or in-built, check the following features:
Display
When you buy GPS, you should check the display very carefully.
Display should be bright and sufficiently big so that maps can be read easily even in poor light conditions.
As a rule of thumb, colour display is better than monochrome display, as the monochrome screen may falter in poor light conditions.
Also make sure that your GPS display does not reflect in ambient light conditions. Otherwise you will have visibility problems while you drive in bright sunny days.
Since, GPS has LCD display, it can be prone to narrow viewing angles. So check viewing angles of GPS. Since GPS will be mounted a little over your head, it should give acceptable display quality when viewed from low angles.
Maps
When you buy a GPS unit, usually you will get maps for your country as pre-loaded. Check whether maps are as much detailed to suit your requirements. If you require a map for your local place or a specific street but is not provided in the hard drive, you can get it from your vendor or a website.
When you buy a specific brand, you will find the maps provided by the maker cannot be used by other models and vice versa.
Hard drive
New GPS units come with huge memory capacity up to 20 GB to store maps, POI, MP3, videos etc. Determine how much memory you may require before you buy a GPS unit. If you want to store a lot of maps, MP3s or other data, probably you would require a larger hard drive.
A few tips on buying the right kind of Satnav System:
Size of a GPS unit
As a rule of thumb, bigger GPS units with larger screens are generally useful at places where you receive weak signals. Smaller GPS receivers can serve as excellent portable models and they are easy to mount due to their lightweight.
Better reception of signals
It is important that the antennae of your GPS should be adjusted properly to get the maximum signal strength. If you use a portable unit and wish to use it with your bike, car or boat, make sure that it can be removed and installed easily. Also check whether it has come with powerful batteries and antennaes so that you can use it outdoor for a longer time.
GPS software
You can get special software that can convert your PC (mostly laptop) into a GPS receiver however the software is functional only in compatible operating system.
Altimeters
They come with in-built GPS and let you know the altitude so you may find it a useful feature while you are trekking or exploring.
Connectivity
GPS can be connected to a PC or with other GPS if it has connectivity option. It enables the transfer of data and maps between the devices.
Get accessories
When you buy advanced satellite navigation system, it is definitely going to cost you more, however, you will be offered free accessory packs and CDs that contain maps and travel information.
Does your accessory pack include different sets of antennas and booster? Because, your GPS unit may require them for maximum reception of signals.
Protect your GPS units with casing
Hand-held GPS units need to be kept in cases to protect them from water or extreme hot or cold conditions. Casing your GPS unit ensures the long life your GPS.
