After unpacking I have once connected the device to the map update to the computer. The software for the Mac could be easily downloaded and installed under 10.7 and use. Both are unfortunately not self-evident at Tomtom.
The map download takes an eternity, then it takes quite a while until the card is transmitted to the device. After about an hour we go: USB cable with TMC receiver to the Navi and the car cigarette lighter plug and switch. First of all ask the Navi after the current location (Germany), then you have to accept the license terms and rubber-stamp the security notice. The latter two questions keep coming, when turning on the device and not only wakes up from standby. Pretty annoying.
Satellites are found after a cold start in a few minutes, then in about 10 seconds. The search for a route is quick (less than one minute for about 100 km). Both are much faster than the old Go. The reception of traffic data is much faster, as I know that by permanently installed navigation systems.
The screen is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. Operation is intuitive and easy to understand even without a manual. The announcements are precise and arrive on time.
Unfortunately, the sound quality is pathetic. In 60% of the maximum volume marked distortions can be heard, at 80% (default setting) is the voice so tinny that one I barely understand. Evil.
Some details nervous. Some Examples:
- If you turn off the ignition (eg at traffic lights), also the Navi turns off (unless you press a button on the screen in time). When you switch the navigation does not start automatically, you have to press again. Here Tomtom provides a setting to make turned the Navi.
- If a new route is offered (eg due to traffic data) has to be chosen and then confirmed this only. Both require that you take your eyes off the road.
- Driving the car on the screen up or down, it moves often so far on the screen that the turning direction is not to be recognized. Also requires an accurate look.
- For Tomtom there a view in which only the direction of the next turn and the distance is displayed - to be perfect not distracted by the traffic. In the Garmin I could not find such a thing.
Toll on this unit can I find the completely stress-free connection to your Mac, the display, the GPS and TMC receiver and the good service (despite small weaknesses, but the Tomtom also has).
Correct annoying is the permanent shutdown and the high level of attention that you have to devote to the Navi (instead of on the road to pay attention).
However, an exclusion criterion is the speaker: at higher volumes, as is sometimes necessary in the car, distorted beyond recognition voices I find unreasonable.
Overall, the 2445 seems to me as an immature product that was carelessly thrown on the market. Too bad, because in outdoor GPS receivers Garmin provides significantly better.
