TomTom’s new range – But Which ONE?

Posted on 05. Sep, 2006 by Joanna in Reviews, Sat-nav & GPS, TomTom

Old vs New - the TomTom ONE
Old vs New – the TomTom ONE

TomTom have launched a new entry-level sat-nav to replace the best-selling TomTom ONE – the ONE version 2. But does this new challenger stand a chance in the GPS featherweight division?

Well it may look prettier, but then again, the old TomTom ONE was never going to win a bonny baby contest. But it’s not just in looks that Version 2 (v.2) poses a challenge to its predecessor, it’s shed a few pounds and it’s gained a few features:

ONE – 110 x 89 x 34 mm – 260g
ONE v.2 – 96 x 82 x 25 mm – 174 g

V.2 still features the high sensitivity SirfStarIII chipset GPS receiver with 20channels, and 32MB RAM. V.2 keeps the 3.5″ screen of its predecessor, and doesn’t move up to the widescreen of the new GOs. Confusingly v.2 actually has a smaller processor, 266MHz, compared to the 380MHz of the original. Since I haven’t had one to test yet I can’t confirm if this will slow the re-routing process, but it’s certainly an unexpected choice by TomTom.

So bar some nice new packaging what does it have to offer? Well, it comes in two versions – regional (e.g. UK), and European with door-to-door across Western Europe. It has Bluetooth connectivity so you can use it as a handsfree kit, and it comes with the HOME software like the new GOs for easy synchronisation with your home PC (for map and software updates etc.). It also has the Buddy system to allow you to instantly message your friends and share locations and points of interest (as long as they have TomTom of course).

So is it worth the upgrade? The jump from the original ONE to the European v.2 is a big one, and well worth the investment, but the Regional ONE v.2 is more of an alternative than an upgrade from the original. If you are looking for an entry level GPS system then the new ONE is for you, but if you have the old ONE and you are looking for a new ONE (why couldn’t they give it a new name?!) the European is a fitting upgrade that won’t break the bank.

When I get one to test I’ll tell you if they pair are as good on paper as they are in practice, but til then, if you’ve any comments, post and let me know…

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