TomTom - One XL Review

In my experience with GPS units, which is rather extensive, I've come across some really good, as well as really bad models. The TomTom OneXL is one that would fit into that beloved grey area.

With its attractive styling and bright, bold screen, the OneXL really stands out among its competitors. The bright 4.3" TFT screen assists its user, making it easier to take a quick glance while driving down the road, instead of squinting at a lesser screen and veering into a ditch, or worse, oncoming traffic. Also, the audible warnings are definitely loud and clear enough to be able to comprehend what is coming without looking at the screen, which happens to be the preferred way to use a GPS while driving. Also, this creation by TomTom is really simple to use. Just touch "navigate to", then touch "address" (or whatever you prefer), enter the address, touch "done" and you're on your way! However, those are the best features of this model. So, for those of us who want a little more spice in our products, you'll be left out to dry on this model.

Its inability to speak street names is a huge miss on this unit. Lets say, just for grins, that you're heading down a busy freeway and your GPS says "right turn ahead". That's fine and dandy if there's only one right turn ahead. However, those of us who understand that the roadway planners weren't always on top of their game when they designed some of these freeway exits, know that you will frequently have more than one exit "right" ahead! So, what do you do? Do you risk getting into a fender-bender with that nice shiny 'Vette in front of you and look at what road your GPS is referring to, or, do you roll the dice and take a right exit? Recently I rolled the dice and ended up adding about 20 minutes to my trip! Text-to-speech is a "must have" on a GPS. TomTom "must have" forgot to include it on their OneXL.

A few other bells and whistles that this one does NOT include are: mp3 or audiobook players, audio out, photo viewer, hand-free calling...just to name a few. Oh, and by-the-way, just because a unit says bluetooth capable does NOT mean that you can use it as a hands-free device! Also, TomTom's customer support is absolutely horrendous. So, if you buy one, I hope it lasts as long as you need it to.

So, my final analysis on this unit is: The TomTom OneXL is equipped with a good screen and easy to use, but lacking a very important features such as Bluetooth without the ability to use hands-free calling and no text-to-speech.