Solid helpers ... but no longer

Expectations of navigation devices are due to the personal needs quite different. Nevertheless I try a general statement: A recent electronic traffic controller should have a good and understandable route guidance from A through B to C with current traffic information and reliable standard POIs (parking, petrol stations and banks). Voice commands would actually contemporary. And of course, the software should ensure stable operation.

After gaining experience with navigation devices from different manufacturers, I am cured of high expectations. Unfortunately also provides the in June 2013 releaste TomTom Go500 by a total of almost 17TKM a mixed picture:

HARDWARE (++)
The capacitive (plastic) screen responds well, the magnetic active mounting examined in my opinion is still second to none.

COMMISSIONING (++)
The Erstinitalisierung the device on MyTomTom succeeded straightaway in Windows 7, which was in the recent past not always so. This first contact with TomTom is the use of HD Traffic required and automatically launches the 3-month trial subscription of Blitzer.

SOFTWARE (-)
The menu of the device is quasi facelifted and reduced. Acclimatization period but please take into account, especially when the old models are still used. Addressing about postal code was missing, for example, inexplicably in the delivery month (June 13). Compared to the "old" series offers 500 but a more contemporary route display with 3D representation of the map and building presentation (at the expense of the overview).

VOICE COMMANDS (0)
The lack of opportunity to work with voice commands, and thus to keep hands on the wheel while driving, I miss it very much. It depends entirely while driving before that a rescheduling must be made. Since the lack of this feature was known in advance, however, there is a neutral rating. The speakerphone is also missing to get over due to fixed installation.

As far as the optics. Unfortunately, "shines" by the 1000 series also Go500 at publication with a poorly conceived software. So were in June 2013 for the new GOs, unlike the Altserien, no cards. TomTom Customer: ". The new map for the latest generation of TomTom devices to which you will go 500 belongs, published late July" Also no manual input of coordinates for navigation was possible, but this was now also made good by Software Update. The very useful "Where am I" feature is also no longer available. Notice of a support employee in August 2013, ie just three months after purchase: "Due to the many customer feedback we have already received, we plan by the end of several major updates." Stand January 2014 TomTom has responded in fact partially to be desired. Only the expressed desires to a large extent be attributed to the reduced software and were already present in Altserien in the majority of cases. Here then is where my criticism. I pay immediately after publication a high price and but expect it Please also an efficient and above all stable system. Immediately and not months later. The early TomTom customer as a beta tester?

TOMTOM TRAFFIC (++)
The excellent LifeTime- (TomTom) Traffic requires only a small amount of data (as occurs, for example when using Google Maps depending on the setting a lot more traffic) when paired with the mobile phone. The required Bluetooth connection to the iPhone 4s works well after some initial difficulties. Disconnections while driving I have not had. So far, I could not detect any significant increase in the volume of data of my mobile contract despite frequent use of the Service. So far so good. In charging cable a TMC receiver is also integrated, so that a permanent Internet connection is not required, however. This allows you to avoid potentially high roaming costs abroad. Competitor Garmin calls for its Live services incidentally a unique Obulus amounting to around 20 EUR.

ITINERARY (+)
The satellite Fix succeed even without Internet at blazing speed (and for the first time even in the house). The route guidance is used to good, in the 1000 series are not always consistent positioning appears every now and then, however, yet to be subject. Apart from local rare, inner-city common in 3D. Estimated between 20-30m (unfortunately even after device replacement). At motorway exits, the TomTom seems to be expected from another fixed point. Unfamiliar not unusual when moving from a competitor for TomTom customers. In the 1000 series, the problem was fixed much later by a software update. The hope remains in the new series.

Intermediate stops can be by activating on the map pretty easy plan. The Go 500 shows during the trip in the bottom of the screen and the default (red) to the actual speed. Lane guidance has also been revised and now provides better information, although me the inherited from Navigon, animated lane guidance of the new Garmin series like better. But is a matter of taste.

Routing (+)
Verbal route guidance dispensed (TomTom typical) Article and is overall not as clear as that of competitor Garmin. The navigation, and thus the essence was superior to the traffic of me stretches the same time used Garmin 3597. The routes of both units differ in the same settings often. In previously known routes I could find that the Garmin often does not choose the optimal routes in cities and prone to unnecessary detours. Even the place of residence of the route guidance from TomTom mentioned reason is better. Unfortunately, an alternate route planning (eg to avoid sections) Immo is not directly possible. The part of TomTom often given notice, add locations via Tap & Go for route planning and so to calculate an alternative route, is nothing more than a crutch. First, I expect from an alternative calculation also information on travel distance and time that will allow me in the first place need to balance this. Secondly, I am faced with an unexpected barrier and am unable to do this the device of course.

POIs (-)
POIs can use the search even during an active route are activated. But which unfortunately is very cumbersome. Here shows the competition how to do it better. The POIs are available on the 500 content and especially logically great need of improvement. Custom POIs can not be added since detachment of MyTomTom by MYDRIVE, at least for now. Not traceable.

CONCLUSION:
A new but in many ways this does not automatically good device. The Go500 scores with its quality unique live service and its good and comprehensible navigation. However, it annoys with its reduced and immature software. So no "high-flyer" but rather a solid, unfortunately (currently) not always reliable helper with room for improvement.
Positive determine is that TomTom has responded to the recent updates partially on the user requirements. Unfortunately, however, the positioning problems continue to exist, resulting depending on the situation, particularly in cities in missed cross roads etc.. The service information to factory settings reset, the problem is not down, but put out my favorites. A side note: The inaccurate positioning was also present on a briefly tested 6000 with built-in SIM card.

For once I feel close to 200 the total package as too expensive. But if I see that the Go 500 currently has warehouse "like new" for approx. Is to receive 135 EUR, there is for the Go 500, despite its limitations mentioned in the sum not equal opponent. In the regular> = 175 EUR there for me are alternatives like the Garmin nüvi 2597LMT or appliances from the house.