Built in SIM cards

[BLARGHBLARGH]

It technically says "lifetime" traffic subscription, which they are still providing - that doesn't mean the SIM. I still think it is dubious though seeing as it definitely says on the package that you can plug in and go and get live traffic - you can no longer do that as you also need the extra step of connecting to something else to get those updates.

Seriously, where did you see or write that the SIM card is for life?

 

[ts857]

Seriously, where did you see or write that the SIM card is for life?

i believe the box stated lifetime trafic

 

[Willy875]

i believe the box stated lifetime trafic

Even with the SIM card disabled, traffic is still for life.

 

[Non-Tecky]

I would like to buy a Tom Tom Truck Sat Nav Go Professional, not because I'm a truck driver but because I need live traffic updates (I get lost very easily and can't cope when there are roadworks and such). I do not have a smart/mobile phone but I have been told that I do not need mobile phone because this model has built-in WiFi. (I don't know how that works either). Is this correct?

 

[canderson]

I would like to buy a Tom Tom Truck Sat Nav Go Professional, not because I'm a truck driver but because I need live traffic updates (I get lost very easily and can't cope when there are roadworks and such). I do not have a smart/mobile phone but I have been told that I do not need mobile phone because this model has built-in WiFi. (I don't know how that works either). Is this correct?

First: If the model you're looking at has the ability to get traffic via WiFi, what were you going to use to obtain traffic data while you drive if you don't have a smart phone available to make the WiFi connection? There are some gadgets you can buy to create WiFi hotspots, but wondering if you aware of the issue I'm discussing?

Next: You don't need a "Professional" version. All TomTom models support traffic. But again, what were you planning to use to make the continuing WiFi data connection while you drive, regardless of what model you choose???

Last: Under your avatar, we already see "TomTom Truck Go Professional 5" "
Do you already own this???

 

[ts857]

shurly it cant be to hard to offer replacement sim cards that are capable of recieving 5g. or are they attempting to cut down on there mobile charges i assume they do have to pay for transmiting data

 

[Willy875]

shurly it cant be to hard to offer replacement sim cards that are capable of recieving 5g. or are they attempting to cut down on there mobile charges i assume they do have to pay for transmiting data

These are the GPS that are not compatible with 5G SIM cards

 

[Non-Tecky]

Sorry, I meant to say that I have a, at least, 5 year old Tom Tom. No idea what model.
I haven't a clue about technology, no idea how the new one gets its info. I've just been told, by Amazon and others, that I don't need a smart phone because it has its own WiFi. All I know is that if my usual route is blocked by something or other, I need a Sat Nav that KNOWS this and will take me via a different direction.
I have no sense of direction and before sat nav was invented I went nowhere. Sat Nav changed my life but it needs to be very current.
Here's a suggestion -- could you, in VERY simple terms, explain to me how the Tom Tom Go etc. works?! It would be of enormous help. Many thanks.

 

[canderson]

shurly it cant be to hard to offer replacement sim cards that are capable of recieving 5g. or are they attempting to cut down on there mobile charges i assume they do have to pay for transmiting data

For the 1000th time, it is NOT the SIM card that decides whether a device also contains a 'radio' (model/RF parts) that can operate on 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G.

There is nothing that magic about a SIM card. They are really only little memory cards whose larger purpose is to identify themselves as belonging to a particular carrier.

You can't take an AM radio, stuff a different memory card into it, and suddenly be listening to Rob Ellis on Capital FM. That would be about the equivalent of trying to do the same with a SIM card on a phone.

 

[canderson]

Sorry, I meant to say that I have a, at least, 5 year old Tom Tom. No idea what model.
I haven't a clue about technology, no idea how the new one gets its info. I've just been told, by Amazon and others, that I don't need a smart phone because it has its own WiFi. All I know is that if my usual route is blocked by something or other, I need a Sat Nav that KNOWS this and will take me via a different direction.
I have no sense of direction and before sat nav was invented I went nowhere. Sat Nav changed my life but it needs to be very current.
Here's a suggestion -- could you, in VERY simple terms, explain to me how the Tom Tom Go etc. works?! It would be of enormous help. Many thanks.

I'll give it my best shot. I'm afraid someone is giving you some very bad advice, or at best, only half the story.

The TomTom handles navigation - routing, streets, etc. - all by itself very nicely. There are even special versions with maps with additional information about trucks (weight and height limits, for example). However, what the device also needs to know are current conditions on the ground between you and your objective so that the best route can be chosen among many. Road conditions such as traffic, accidents, road works, etc., need to be taken into account.

In order for the TomTom to get access to that data, it needs some kind of data connection. Over the years, TomTom has used a couple of different means to make that connection. Since it turns out that you already have the device, what we want to do is figure out what it is and what it needs for communication.

If you will look on the bottom of your device, you'll find a tiny sticker somewhere down there. You may need a magnifying glass, but please identify the 12 character serial number. It might look something like A12463G00042 or similar. We're really interested in the first 2 characters since that will help us identify your unit.

 

[Non-Tecky]

Sorry to cause confusion -- my current Tom Tom I will be getting rid of. The one I am thinking of buying is the Tom Tom Truck Sat Nav Go Professional 2nd. Generation 5" . It is on Amazon Europe. I don't know if the same things appear on Amazon where you are.

 

[canderson]

Sorry to cause confusion -- my current Tom Tom I will be getting rid of. The one I am thinking of buying is the Tom Tom Truck Sat Nav Go Professional 2nd. Generation 5" . It is on Amazon Europe. I don't know if the same things appear on Amazon where you are.

Alas - no. TomTom has given up on the Americas altogether.

What you're about to purchase isn't any different than what you own when it comes to obtaining traffic. Buying a new GPS isn't going to solve your problem. Both require a phone or dedicated WiFi hotspot in order to get traffic and other data to your device from the TomTom servers. It doesn't matter if it's a car, camper or truck version, all of the current offerings will have this same requirement. Most of us use our phones to connect our TomToms to the internet either using Bluetooth or WiFi. A rare few folks use dedicated WiFi 'hot spots' which serve the same purpose (example: https://www.amazon.co.uk/GlocalMe-Roaming-free-countries-Contract-free-preloaded/dp/B08C7CRXMM/ )

So please don't waste your money on the assumption that there's anything magic about a new device. If I understand the device you have now (just based upon the name), that already has the same WiFi and Bluetooth capability as any current model you may be investigating.

What are the first two characters of the serial number of the device you already own?

 

[Non-Tecky]

I have looked at my current sat nav and can find no numbers on it. It is irrelevant anyway as I shall be replacing it one way or the other.
Meanwhile, is it necessary to have a mobile phone with me at all times while using the sat nav, or can information be transferred to the sat nav before I leave to go somewhere. I ask this because I understood that the reason for this fancy trucker's sat nav was to stop truckers referring to their mobile phones while driving, every time they encounter a traffic incident or want warnings of roadworks, else what is the point of the sat nav if they can use their mobile phones to navigate and have updates?

 

[canderson]

Meanwhile, is it necessary to have a mobile phone with me at all times while using the sat nav, or can information be transferred to the sat nav before I leave to go somewhere.

You can certainly 'pre-load' information, but you can bet that as soon as you do so, it will become 'stale', and the device won't retain information that it thinks even could be stale due to age. So for all practical purposes, no.

I ask this because I understood that the reason for this fancy trucker's sat nav was to stop truckers referring to their mobile phones while driving, every time they encounter a traffic incident or want warnings of roadworks, else what is the point of the sat nav if they can use their mobile phones to navigate and have updates?

You've missed the point entirely. Once connected, you can keep the phone in your pocket, powered up in your center console, or wherever .... You do NOT need to even see to the phone once the connection is made.

Your phone's only function in all of this is to provide the traffic data TO the satnav wirelessly (that's where the WiFi comes in), and you see it there on the screen of your satnav, not on your phone. This is true for all of TomTom's current models whether set up for automotive, or trucks, or caravans, or ... they all work the same way.

Again, your existing satnav can already do this.

 

[Non-Tecky]

What does 'enable push notifications' mean?

 

[Non-Tecky]

Well, I DO call myself 'Non-Tecky' after all, but I think I have finally got it! My downfall is that I do not own a smartphone and can not cope with it. I have a laptop, a landline and a pay-as-you-go phone for emergencies only, when I am travelling. It might surprise you to know that worldwide 99% of people own a smartphone, 1% do not -- I am one of the 1%! It occurs to me that if someone else is travelling with me who owns a smart phone, then I presume I would receive traffic updates via their phone. Anyway, huge thank you for your help!!

 

[canderson]

It occurs to me that if someone else is travelling with me who owns a smart phone, then I presume I would receive traffic updates via their phone. Anyway, huge thank you for your help!!

Yes, if a rider were willing to set up their phone to allow you to connect to it, their phone could indeed supply your TomTom with data for traffic for the trip.

 

[Non-Tecky]

Brilliant, thank you!
Over and out.

 

[timbo222]

Please don’t waste money on a Trucker version. They cost way more than standard sat nav’s and have no additional features that you will need.

 

[Non-Tecky]

Thank you!