Einsteigernavi with potential for improvement

[Features] (+)
The Go 50 counts, as well as the 60 Go to the entry-level devices of the Dutch navigation specialist TomTom. Although it has as the larger series x00 and x000 about lifetime free map updates and free TomTom Traffic, however, lack the built-in SIM card (x000) and instead of capacitive touchscreen with finger zoom (x00 and x000) there is a resistive design. Unless bad, since a large number of available on the market entry-level and mid-range devices on this type display feature. Unfortunately, this responds here subjectively but comparatively sluggish. The active support is also like to suffer cuts.

The feel is that of the larger series. Whether the same hardware is installed, is beyond my knowledge.

The Go 50 cautions before permanently fixed and mobile speed cameras. However only free in the first three months, after almost 30 EUR. Nice gimmick: Because radar detectors are banned in Switzerland, the function menu does not intervene, when the unit detects that one enters the country.

Updates are using Connect software, which is available only for Windows and MacOS.

[Routing] (+)
The map display is limited to the essentials. The search for points of interest (POIs) worked well mainly thanks to the direct search button at gas stations.

When activated 3D view are also stylized buildings and landmarks shown in large cities in order to facilitate local tourist orientation. However, these objects also the view of underlying roads restrict partially.

When planning the route the TomTom also offers alternative routes under which you can select. Sections with delays raises the device on the map shown in color. The (re) calculation of routes takes place very quickly, as a rule, even though the screen remained dark for a few seconds. Fatal in the urban maze of the Ruhr.

Route guidance worked as usual from TomTom, on main and branch lines also good. Here was a lasting several weeks (and longer) diversion due to construction not known, although the Navi behaviourless calculated an alternative route. The extensive lane departure warning appears only when the 3D map display. In 2D perspective, the device displays only the small Turn Arrow on top of the screen. Speed ​​limits shows the device at the bottom and warns of exceeding. Compared to the same time used (and also not perfect) Garmin unfortunately it was often not on the amount of time. Also already longer existing speed limits were still displayed incorrectly.

[Navigation instructions and voice commands] (o)
The frequency of announcements during the trip I felt subjectively as sufficient, although the TomTom are more talked lazy compared to competitors. Unfortunately the announcements in Greater Ruhr disagreed often consistent with the positioning. Update followed by drumming and later hardware reset brought no significant improvement.

The factory weak voice control, was able to establish with the recent updates, but I do not to be a nuisance. Despite gefühltem High German and only low interior noise in the car is the weak point of the recognition. Street names and house numbers that are actually in the database, are often not recognized. The Garmin have compared via less voice commands, the recognition is better to classes.

[Smartphone Connected] (+)
An essential quality feature of navigation devices is the timeliness of the received traffic information. Here TomTom Traffic is still a class of its own. As with the x00 series, there are those in the x0 series only smartphone Connected ". This means that the real-time traffic information is supplied via an internet connection via an associate smartphone. Without smartphone with mobile data plan ergo remains only moderate standard TMC. The Bluetooth pairing is carried out and worked with an iPhone 5s immediately after Personal Hotspot "was set. The volume of data required is rather negligible (lt. Manufacturer about 10 MB / month with daily use of 30 minutes each). Abroad, of course, additional costs caused by roaming.

Of course, at a lower base price and the odd smear must be made. But if a smartphone has to be already coupled anyway, then why will not miss the device also has a speakerphone? The hardware (microphone and speaker are present in any case) there would be her.

[Conclusion] (+)
TomToms are generally recommended only because of the good navigation and real-time traffic information from TomTom Traffic. The build quality of the Go 50 corresponds to the larger series, the missing functions are for casual users to get over safely. Frequent travelers should mE draw more to the larger models due to the higher value in use. Overall, the sluggish display that hakelige voice control and the lack of hands-free cloud the overall picture.