Help needed deciding which upgrade

[cbb77]

I would like to upgrade my wifes TomTom One to a newer wide screen unit. I've been away from this for some time now and have noticed there are tons of different models now. Use to be only a handful when I first picked up the One. Looked over the units on TomTom site and read some different reviews on units but am totally confused as just too many options and contradicting reviews. Am hoping you guys can provide some advise. Was originally looking at the following models but am really open to suggestions. Models I am reviewing are: GO 730 / 630 (close in price), XL 350, 340S, 335S. My requirements are as follows:

1. Widescreen unit. I think 4.3" is probably plenty. Haven't seen the 5" but am initially thinking it may be too big.

2. Good battery life. Battery on the One stinks. Under 2 hrs use.

3. Fast Processing Comparing this to my OEM GPS in my Jeep. I find it a bit faster than the One.

4. Spoken Street Names

5. Allow Customization Not sure if all still retain the ability to customize the Car, POI and menus

6. Price $200 or less.

7. Traffic updates are nice if I don't have to pay subscription fee.

Again, any assistance would be appreciated. Hoping to pick one up this weekend if possible.

Thanks

 

[dhn]

The 630 and 730 have a sdhc slot for additional storage (up to a 32 gig sdhc card) the 3x series do not.

The 730 also has a built in mp3 player (the 630 does not).

Both have the capacity for some Voice Recognition, the 3 series does not.

Both the 630 and 730 have bluetooth, the 3 series do not.

The 350 comes with a 'simplified menu' which significantly reduces user configuration/control. The 350 also does not show pois in driving view. The 340 has a full menu structure.

The 335 is like the 340 but without a Mexico map.

The 3 series has the option for 'T' or 'M' or 'TM' meaning you can buy a package with lifetime traffic or maps or both. Neither the 630 or 730 are sold that way.

One you didn't mention is the 540 series. It has a 5" screen and my personal opinion is that it is a nice size for a screen. Easier to see and to type on.

 

[bugeyed1]

Ditto on dhn info.
I have the XXL 540 & do like the size. Depending on how far it is mounted & your vision, 5" can make a big difference over 4.3". I have read several new owners complaining about the "version 2" simplified (read reduced functionality) menus, so I would stay away from those models. I think you are doing the right thing but staying with TomTom, as my experience with Garmin routing was a disappointment. At least IQRoutes offers hope that, in the event that you do encounter odd routing, the unit can get smarter & better reflect the actual travel times. Garmin has had some issues of late & it appears that they do not perceive a problem. That means that it is not likely to be fixed. There are many things to like about Garmin, but TOMTOM seems to have many things right, maybe with the exception of their confusing model mix & new de-contented version 2 offerings. You may look at the units that offer lifetime maps & traffic. The lifetime maps is a good value at least.
Good luck & enjoy the new unit. It's quite a nice package of technology for little $$.
Cheers,
kev

 

[canderson]

There are still 730s around, and they're a heck of a bargain.

NO TT model is going to be great with regard to battery life, so plan to use the car adapter.

 

[cbb77]

Thanks guys. I pulled the trigger and picked up the 730 at Best Buy. They had it on sale plus I had a coupon for an additional 12% off for reward members. Thus final price after tax was $163. Funny this is about half the price of what I paid for the One 3 years ago. Probably by the time I upgrade again they will be giving them away

 

[smr1968]

The 730 is definitely a good model, and that's not a bad price either. The current tomtom gps product line is pretty good, and their certainly on a par with the best of the Garmin models.

I don't think you can go wrong with the 730