[Ctowner]

Originally Posted by TigerMike

I believe TOMTOM is reducing prices on the ONE because of the rumored new ONE XL coming soon. Supposedly a widescreen version of the regular ONE model, with possibly more features. Not a lot is known about the XL just yet, as most of the known details leaked from the FCC. And, I'll bet they will add greater functionality to the rest of the Tomtom models, which is why they are reducing those prices.

So far, in the tons of reviews I've read through, it seems the ONE is nearly the perfect unit, except for the TeleAtlas mapping data. Although, I hear TA is looking to make strong updates to their maps very soon, which could make the product as good or better than the NAVTEQ competitor, which Garmin uses currently.

Interesting news about the TomTom XL I’ll have to look into that further. Since you are looking for a GPS unit and you have no desire for Bluetooth and MP3 player, The TomTom ONE will be perfect for you. Obviously from all the reviews you read you know it is a quality unit and the price right now is almost too good to be true.

You shouldn't be concerned with Tele Atlas maps because they already had their MAJOR update. This past December they corrected their maps for North America. I'm sure that TA will be updating them again soon but this past update was important. IMHO their maps are now just as good if not better than Navteq

BlackElantraGT
Both type of GPS has their strengths and weaknesses. For most people, I would say a portable unit is better. But if you want the best navigation possible and you don't care about portability from one car to another, then a built in nav system will be better because not only will you have the most amount of POIs stored in the database, it will also be completely integrated. Who wouldn't want to have one system that completely controls their nav, radio, sat, and iPod in one?

I agree with your point about the POIs but in terms of integration there are portable GPS units that can connect your phone, iPod, and to your unit. Also some portable units like the GO 910 have an FM transmitter to so you can play your MP3s saved on your GPS unit on your car stereo. Point is I still think that portable units have a fair amount of integration.

BlackElantraGT
I believe in the future, cell phone GPS might get a lot more popular because I've read they're developing technology where the GPS units communicate with one another. And being that your cell phone is always with you while you're driving, it can provide instant traffic updates by talking to other cell phone GPS units and so all the combined GPS units talking to one another will have more accurate info than what the current TMC Traffic or XMTraffic can provide. Of course for this to work you'd have to have an established user base.

Wow this is great! One of the big reasons I go online and chat on message boards is learn the latest technological advances and this traffic update scenario is absolutely fascinating! And I think that a 'user base' would could easily be created there are more than enough GPS junkies out there (such as myself)!