Wifi Revolution

 

TomTom One is a new portable GPS navigation unit launched for the North American market. It fits in your shirt pocket, making it easily transportable from car-to-car and to take on business and vacation trips.

 

The TomTom ONE utilizes the Version 5 Navigator software, not TomTom Navigator 6, which apparently is exclusive to the Treo smartphones at the moment.  It also features Bluetooth support for TomTom's PLUS Services.

I'm a huge fan of TomTom products. 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.

 
TomTom One with a cellphone and keys to demonstrate scale

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.

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

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 also 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 points of interest—including safety cameras and speed traps.

The bottom of the ONE features a variety of connectivity and memory options, including an SD card slot, Mini-USB, reset button, and power connection.

 

Interestingly enough, there is also a headphone port. I suppose that might be useful if you are blasting music and want to be sure to hear the navigation instructions. (Although I know of no one who drives with headphones on.) I suppose you could connect the headphone jack to some car stereos and have the navigation instructions piped into your car speakers.

The TomTom ONE is a better choice than 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.

The new TomTom ONE will be available at major retailers across the United States starting in late August, 2006.

 

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