TomTom have just released the latest map updates, version 8.30, for their full range of sat nav products.

Based on the January Tele Atlas release, the new maps reflect numerous updates in the road network, including thousands of kilometers of new roads, cross roads and Points of Interest across Europe and North America.

Given that that an average of 15% of the road network and 20% of the Points of Interest change every year, using the most up to date maps guarantees users an accurate, simple, safe and stress-free navigation experience.

The updated maps can be purchased as a download via TomTom HOME - TomTom’s free software application that enables users to manage, download, store and transfer content from their computer onto their TomTom device - or from the TomTom website via www.tomtom.com.

For users who have recently purchased a new TomTom device, it is also worth checking whether your device is eligible for TomTom’s Latest Map Guarantee by connecting to TomTom HOME. The Latest Map Guarantee entitles you to one free map download via TomTom Home if a newer map becomes available during the first 30 days from when you first start using your device. Simply follow these instructions to check whether your device qualifies for a free map update.

For a limited time only, TotalPDA are proud to offer a free TomTom carry case and strap with the sale of every TomTom ONE XL (UK). Not only do you have the exceptional navigational capabilities of ONE XL, but you can now protect your device in style - all for under £80!

Made from durable Moulded EVA, the free TomTom carry case offers superior protection for your device against those unavoidable bumps and knocks, and even includes a detachable wrist strap so you can carry your device without worrying about dropping it.

Combining a 4.3″ widescreen, Bluetooth connectivity and TomTom Mapshare technology for the latest map updates from the TomTom community, the TomTom ONE XL offers exceptional value for money. Fully refurbished and approved by TomTom, each device ships with a full 12 month TomTom warranty, brand new sealed box and documentation, making it hard to spot the difference between a new and a refurbished model.

The free carry case bundle is in short supply, so hurry on over and take a look to avoid missing this fantastic deal.

Take me to the Free Carry Case Bundle >>

If ‘refurbished’ makes you think ‘used’ or ‘problematic’, think again…

Refurbished, in technology terms simply means a product that has been sold before. Products that are branded “refurbished” are products that have been returned for a variety of reasons but then go through a rigorous manufacturing process to bring them back to their original, good as new operational condition. Here at TotalPDA we stock a wide variety of manufacturer refurbished devices in our In Car Sat Nav, Smartphone and PDA ranges.

Manufacturer Refurbished

Items that are classed as “Manufacturer Refurbished” are products which have been refurbished, or “remanufactured” by their original manufacturer. Despite being sold at a much lower price, these products can be considered to be “as new” as they have been thoroughly checked and tested by the manufacturer to ensure that they are of the same quality as a new item. Manufacturer Refurbished products may include units that have never been used, and while they may be despatched in plain packaging, these products are backed by the manufacturer’s full warranty of up to 12 months, unless otherwise stated. This makes these devices great value for money without compromising on quality.

Where do manufactured refurbished products come from?

Manufactured refurbished products can originate from a variety of sources including:

• Returns and cancellation of orders that leave the warehouse which in turn means they cannot be sold as brand new.
• Training Devices that have been used for internal training purposes

• Factory loaned equipment, which includes products that have been, used for purposes such as trade shows, customer events, or solution centres and have been returned.

Advantages of Refurbished Products

• You can maximise your budget by buying refurbished products, and receive the latest and greatest products whilst benefiting from amazing discounts.
• TotalPDA is the only UK distributor of manufacturer refurbished TomTom, Navman and HP handheld devices, and buying directly from us means you get the best value for your money.
• Environmentally friendly
• Rigorous testing to guarantee quality
• Remanufactured equipment may offer the best price/performance value for training purposes

At TotalPDA our suppliers all offer an excellent returns policy, so sometimes customers return their GPS or PDA’s whether or not a fault has been detected. The factory puts each and every device under rigorous testing. Then they are re-packaged and sealed. They are delivered to our warehouse and come complete with a manufacturer’s warranty, usually for a minimum of 12 months. Although we advertise these devices as refurbished stock, they are in many cases as good as new. The only difference, other than their incredibly low price is that these products have, for one reason or another, left the warehouses and can no longer be sold as brand new products.

With a committed sales and customer service team and next business day delivery, you don’t need to look any further than TotalPDA.

Visit our website to see the fantastic prices on our re manufactured TomTom Go 720 Traffic, HP iPAQ 114, 214, 514 and 614.

The phone world was abuzzing with the news that LG is teaming up with Prada to produce (yet another) designer phone. Gadget Candy has pictures.

Frankly, I’m not impressed. A premium-priced candy bar phone in a leather case with Prada branding? I could probably get a similar case to fit any phone within the next few months (also branded Prada) from a market in China* (of course, this necessitates going to China, but bear with me here). Unless the phone comes with Miuccia’s home phone number on speed dial, I’m not inclined to get too excited about it.

* Kids, design theft is wrong. I am only trying to make a point and do not plan to bring (currently) fictional pirated goods into the UK.

Bling Affair (via Shiny Shiny) will customise your phone, PDA, PSP, headphones, even your earphones, with Swarovski crystals. If any crystals actually fall off, they can fix it or you can buy a Bling Bling repair kit.

Completely unnecessary and so, so, over the top. I’m speechless. Well, I’m not. This is decadence with a capital D.

On a lighter note, the Detroit Free Press has published their short list of how to avoid making gadget gift mistakes this Christmas. My favourite?

You’ll buy just what the high-tech enthusiast in your house wants but pick out the wrong model. Techies are lustful people when it comes to gadgets, and the lust is specific.

My lust is, indeed, specific. And very thinly spread.

I have disabled the requirement that users must register before commenting. I hope that’s a positive development, I know that I personally do not bother to comment on a website if registration is required (too many passwords!).

If you’re really into registrations, however, and collect them as you do stamps and credit cards, our forum is the place to go for if you have questions, pre- and post-sales advice.

I don’t look anything like Jill, but it is cold enough for me to don scarf and gloves.

Hello there! This is Andrea, and I’m a blogger. That’s handy, since this is a blog. I’m taking over the reins here, so it may not be called Jill’s Corner for much longer. The powers that be here at Total PDA will be letting me loose on the gadgets soon (only for completely legitimate review purposes, I won’t be enjoying myself playing with the latest and greatest new PDAs, smartphones, and sat-nav systems at all), so look forward to more first-person experiences (of gadgets, get your mind out of the gutter) and up to date news from the world of mobile technology.

Sorry it’s been so long but I was off on me holidays. But I’m back with lots of new products to test and tell you about including the latest HTC goodies, and an interesting little fella from Packard Bell…