How Does It Do It?

[BeeJ]

Looking at buying a Tomtom. Have older models from the other guys that just do not do the job. Looking at the 1535TM. Recommendations please! What is the difference between the 1535, 1535M, 1535T & 1535TM website has no comparison that I can find.
Also, is there a comparison site for the different Tomtom models?

1) how are maps updated(hook to PC to transfuse?) ? and how much detail do they have? i.e. terrain?
how often do maps get updated?

2) how is traffic updated? where does the traffic info come from? how often is it updated? are there areas where it does not work? e.g. I am in the mountains and want to see if any of the routes home are congested, will I get an answer?

3) how does the IQ routing work? is it based on actual street info like the number of street lights and stop signs and also traffic?
My current units always give me the worst possible route: shortest distance but with many more lights and stop signs. Trying to reroute myself, the units give me that condescending "rerouting" voice.

 

[dhn]

Welcome to TTF.

The 1535 comes in many flavours:

1. The 1535 M model comes with lifetime map updates. When you buy the model, there is a card in the package with an activation code that must be registered against the model. In theory, the code can be entered online but most find success by calling CS at 866-486-6866 and letting them do it.
2. The T model comes with a combo rds-tmc antenna/car charger which allows for traffic info via fm radio signal. Again, this functionality is free and it's good for life. No activation code is necessary.
3. The TM model comes with both lifetime maps and lifetime fm traffic.

The fm traffic info is refreshed every 15 minutes and covers highways only. The 1535 LIVE model comes with 1 year of included LIVE services including traffic. The coverage is not only for highways but main and side roads as well. After a year, the cost to renew is $60/year. The coverage for the fm traffic is NOT everywhere. See here:
http://totaltraffic.com/CoverageAreas/

Maps are updated 4 times a year (the latest -- 895 -- came out a week or so ago). The terrain, as such, is not really covered in the maps. TomTom maps are geared to on road navigation.

IQ routing refers to historical data gathered by drivers actually driving routes and providing information such as speed they travelled and time of day they did the route. This info is inbedded in the maps for more 'intelligent' routing when the driver selects the 'fastest' route. Helps provide better routing and a more accurate ETA.

 

[canderson]

As to #2.. it makes a BIG difference which 1535 model we're talking about. There's a GO1535 and a VIA1535. The former is a "Live" unit whose traffic is more detailed and more frequently updated. It also provides other services.

To the OP ... which of the two 1535 models are you considering? GO or VIA?

 

[daveoftruro]

When my wife recently wanted to purchase a TT, I was surprised at the maze of different models without any description on their website of what they all meant.

This looks a clear case of a company with excellent technical staff who develop good products, but with sales staff who are just not up to the job. Fine if they were selling different coloured balls, and they could explain why red ones were better than green ones. But they clearly don't understand what they are selling, and consequently make the purchase of the right product incredibly confusing for us poor customers.

In the end, we went to a few shops, and read the display material, which still failed to explain the different models, and pointed at one to the assistant, who also had little clue, and bought it.

 

[- et -]

When my wife recently wanted to purchase a TT, I was surprised at the maze of different models without any description on their website of what they all meant.

This looks a clear case of a company with excellent technical staff who develop good products, but with sales staff who are just not up to the job. Fine if they were selling different coloured balls, and they could explain why red ones were better than green ones. But they clearly don't understand what they are selling, and consequently make the purchase of the right product incredibly confusing for us poor customers.

In the end, we went to a few shops, and read the display material, which still failed to explain the different models, and pointed at one to the assistant, who also had little clue, and bought it.

And to compound the confusion, TomTom often gives the same device different names in different countries.

- Tom -