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TomTom XL 350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator | 
| Brand: TomTom
Category: CE
List Price: $169.00
Buy New: $106.49
as of 9/5/2010 00:01 CDT details
You Save: $62.51 (37%)
New (11)
Seller: TLinc
Rating:  12 reviews
Sales Rank: 16347
Media: Electronics
Edition: 350
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 0.9 x 4.7 x 3.2
MPN: 1ET0.019.01
Model: 1ET0.019.01
UPC: 636926039833
EAN: 0636926039833
ASIN: B003FSTAFK
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada, and Mexico, complete with Map Share technology for easy modification and updates | | • | More than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories--gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more | | • | IQ Routes Technology calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day, saving you time, fuel and money | | • | Advanced Lane Guidance indicates exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently | | • | Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
XL 350 4.3" Auto GPS Navigation UnitThe TomTom XL 350 is complete widescreen navigation--and, since TomTom has the industry's most accurate and dependable maps, you'll have access to one million more miles of roads than you would using other GPS brands. Navigate to any location in the US, Canada or Mexico--or directly to one of 7 million preloaded points of interest. Finding your way has never been easier, using TomTom's new EasyMenu and spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names. Maps of US, Canada & Mexico
TomTom is known the world over for the accuracy and extensive coverage of its maps. TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of road than other GPS brands and have been rated highest in terms of quality and reliability. EasyMenu
Easily access all of TomTom's powerful features through its simple and intuitive two-button menu. Just a tap gets you started, and easy-to-follow commands and recognizable icons lead you through a quick start-up process to get you on the road in no time. 7 million Points of Interest
Comes preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own favorites. IQ Routes*
Despite posted speed limits, traffic traveling along a road at 8 a.m. moves at a different pace than it does at 2 p.m. Actual traffic speed is affected by rush hour, traffic light changes, pedestrian traffic, day of the week, and more. Only TomTom offers exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of the day. Advanced Lane Guidance**
TomTom provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss you
Amazon.com Product Description
The TomTom XL 350 is complete widescreen navigation--and, since TomTom has the industry's most accurate and dependable maps, you'll have access to one million more miles of roads than you would using other GPS brands. Navigate to any location in the US, Canada or Mexico--or directly to one of 7 million preloaded points of interest. Finding your way has never been easier, using TomTom's new EasyMenu and spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names.  Complete widescreen navigation. |  Expand your horizons with a 4.3-inch extra-wide touchscreen. |  The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds into the back of the device for maximum portability. | Only TomTom has IQ Routes*. This exclusive technology evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of day. You'll always be directed to the quickest, most efficient route. Advanced Lane Guidance** provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use. Eighteen percent of the nation's road information changes every year. With TomTom's exclusive Map Share On-Demand Updates, you have the ability to update your own map instantly or download verified updates from other drivers. Update your TomTom daily or whenever you wish. The "Help Me!" menu lets you travel with peace of mind. It provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations, and hospitals. The "Where Am I?" feature pinpoints your exact location so you can accurately communicate it to emergency resources. The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. Maps of US, Canada & Mexico
TomTom is known the world over for the accuracy and extensive coverage of its maps. TomTom maps include 1 million more miles of road than other GPS brands and have been rated highest in terms of quality and reliability. EasyMenu
Easily access all of TomTom's powerful features through its simple and intuitive two-button menu. Just a tap gets you started, and easy-to-follow commands and recognizable icons lead you through a quick start-up process to get you on the road in no time. 7 million Points of Interest
Comes preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own favorites. IQ Routes*
Despite posted speed limits, traffic traveling along a road at 8 a.m. moves at a different pace than it does at 2 p.m. Actual traffic speed is affected by rush hour, traffic light changes, pedestrian traffic, day of the week, and more. Only TomTom offers exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than posted speed limits, and will recommend the fastest route for the time of the day. Advanced Lane Guidance**
TomTom provides extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use. Announces Street Names
Keep your eyes on the road while your TomTom announces turn-by-turn directions, including street and place names. 4.3-Inch Touchscreen
Expand your horizons with a 4.3-inch extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation. Fold & Go EasyPort Mount
The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. It folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag and can be taken with you wherever you travel. Traffic Update Service* (Optional)
Outsmart traffic. Optional traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic conditions to minimize potential delays. Based on incoming traffic information, your TomTom will recalculate travel time and suggest alternate routes. Traffic updates available in the US and Canada. *Feature available in the US and Canada only
**Feature available in the US only All TomToms Feature  Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.
 30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.
 TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.
 Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.
 TomTom HOME--Always up to date.
 Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.
What's in the BoxXL 350 GPS device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guide
About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services. TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing. We have our own mapping company!
Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy. Why TomTom?
At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 12
 easy and useful August 27, 2010
Konrad Baumeister
The new Tom Tom model is simple and intuitive to use, relatively quick to get up and running, and flexible in its application. Addresses are easy to punch in; 2D and 3D viewpoints are both useful; and the navigator is loaded with bells and whistles such as points of interest, hotels, airports, coffee shops, you name it. There are a wealth of aftermarket options available as well in online, some free (some not), that can enhance the device's use. Finally, the thing is relatively thin allowing for easy packing into your briefcase when not in use.
Decent product, weird flaws August 26, 2010
Griswel (Rochester, NY)
I've used a few Garmin GPSs before I got this TomTom (don't leave your GPS visible in the car). At first it seemed fantastic, with some better features than the Garmin. After a period of use, however, I have to say that it's only so-so.
On the plus side, as you approach a highway intersection, the 3D view often gives you an excellent "you should be in this lane" view, with green arrows clearly marking the right path. This is a great feature. It's clearer than the Garmins I've used in the spoken directions as well in terms of lanes.
Also, the display shows how many miles to go and how long that is expected to take, in addition to the normal ETA. The TomTom was generally more verbose than the Garmin, in telling you the name of the road, which is a good thing. It displays the legal speed, but I've seen this wrong so it's tough to rely on. Generally, on a trip to Washington DC, with multiple trips around town, the TomTom did what a GPS is supposed to do.
However, there are oddities. One thing, as anyone who's used a Garmin knows, "recalculating" is the GPS's way of saying you missed a turn, moron, and need to learn to follow directions. Well, the TomTom doesn't say that. As a result, if you're traveling solo, or your co-pilot misses the brief recalculating message, you won't be told that you're now on a new path, which is kind of important.
The TomTom requires you to manually switch from night to day, which I got used to the Garmin doing automatically, and you have to manually turn it on and off, which the Garmin did when you started the car and turned it off (it gave you 30 seconds to override the shut down). The connection to the windshield is odd, a disk which opens like a woman's compact case. As a result, the GPS does not turn well side to side. It works, though, the Garmins will fall off (on the other hand, the TomTom hasn't dealt with the northern winters the Garmins did, which is probably why the rubber fails).
Also, the TomTom relies a good deal on "County Road" numbers for local traffic. I don't know about you, but few of my local roads, those which aren't state roads, have any displays showing road number. It gives the road name, but what you hear most clearly is "County Road 101", and I've driven Britton road 35 years and never knew it was county road 101. On the other hand, TomTom understands the function of silent "e", which the Garmin hilariously did not ("Lackville, Backerdale"...). The TomTom does not pronounce your destination names, simply saying we've arrived at our destination. Also, when you arrive at an intermediate destination (the Ihop on the way back to the hotel), it just plain doesn't tell you, treating it as a thing to pass by and give the GPS less freedom to choose the path, rather than a place you wanted to go.
Finally, some of the directions were just bad. I was told to get off the expressway, wander a suburban office district, and then get back on the same expressway going the same way. When I didn't do that the next day, somehow I still got where I was going, and faster. Some of the "keep left/right" directions are bizarre, including once when I was told not to take a 90-degree left hand turn, and a dozen times I was told "keep left" on the expressway, meaning 'don't exit'. Do I need to be told that every mile?
The TomTom will get you where you're going, and I use it, but the quirks leave it falling short of a true recommendation.
TomTom XL 350 vs Garmin Nuvi 255W August 25, 2010
Conrad Alan (San Francisco, CA)
This is a personal opinion of the TomTom XL 350 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator.
As a stand-alone GPS navigator, this unit is decent and informative, and the front-end conclusion is that it works. For my purposes, I don't need Bluetooth capability, I don't need to view pictures or play mp3 songs on it, I do not need the elevation feature. I just need it to help me get from A to B. Having had experience with another TomTom GPS unit (XL 340TM) and a Garmin Nuvi 255W, I've made direct comparisons with these units. This review and the comparisons I posted here are, of course, subjective, though I tried to be as objective as possible.
For all intents and purpose, the TomTom 340 and 350 are almost identical in design and function, with some minor differences. Tracking the satellite signal at startup, the 340 picked up signal faster than the 350, the time difference varied from a few seconds to half a minute lag for the 350. When I plan the same destination for both units, the 350 took longer to route, taking from a few seconds to half a minute longer. When I drove around with both the 340 and the 350 side-by-side, they gave the exact same directions and the audio prompts were nearly identical (there were some 1 second lags between the two units, but mostly the same). When I deviated from the planned route, the reroute calculation took almost the exact same time, though the 350 lagged by at least a second (or more) 85% of the time. The 350 has a 2D/3D toggle button, which allows you to switch the map view. However, the 2D view only shows a North-up map and does not give you an option of having the map rotate/orient to the direction of the car.
The routing gives you the primary route, and then an alternate route. That's it. I was hoping for a third option (shortest route), but not with this unit. Not a big deal, but can be an issue if that is a required/requested feature for a prospective buyer.
If the nomenclature is supposed to follow tradition, I would expect the 350 to be the newer and "better" unit. I will have to disagree with this. About 80% of the functionality is similar to the 340, but a few of the differences make the 350 inferior to the 340.
The bottom line is that if I had no prior experience with a GPS navigation device, I would say the TomTom 350 would be a very good/excellent device. It gets you from point A to point B with minimal frills (no Bluetooth capability, no pictures, cannot play mp3 music, no traffic updates). Therefore, it is a decent stand-alone GPS navigation unit. However, having made a direct comparison with other devices, I cannot say this device will be my top choice.
Other features are described below:
The input is easy (qwerty keyboard), and the touch screen is sensitive enough that I don't need to press into the unit. The mount is easy to put on the bottom left corner of the windshield, and the unit is also easy to put on the mount.
Direct Comparison: TomTom 350 vs Garmin Nuvi 255W
Note: After doing a side-by-side comparison of the TomTom 340TM vs TomTom 350, I am comfortable making the statement that the two are 95% identical in function (mapping, routing, POIs). Because the 340TM has lifetime map upgrades AND a traffic receiver, I will give an additional edge to the 340TM over the 350. For the rest of the review (comparison against the Nuvi 255), I will say that the 340 and the 350 are identical.
When compared to a Garmin Nuvi 255W, there are a few noticeable features that either excel or lack. On the TomTom XL 350, I like that all the information is on the screen (map, current speed AND posted speed limit, current time, time of arrival, distance left to destination, distance to next turn, and traffic along current path). The device also warns me if I have exceded the posted speed limit by making the speed limit RED. These may either make or break the deal, since these are purely subjective features. The TomTom features are similar to what is available to the Toyota cars with built-in GPS. For the interface layout, I will give TomTom the edge. (TomTom up one)
I followed the same routes that I used for the "TomTom 340 vs Garmin Nuvi 255W" challenge in the streets of San Francisco (which I posted on the TomTom 340TM product review). I started in the South of Market area (near downtown) and put in a destination way across the city (Ocean Beach). The way is pretty straightforward, since there were two main streets available to me. The two units were nearly identical in calculating the course. So far, TIED (TomTom still up by one).
I further tested the units by making some unplanned turns along the route. When I deviated from the course, here is where there were some obvious differences. The Garmin Nuvi recognized the turn slightly faster than the TomTom 350 (only by a few seconds), and the recalculation time was also significantly faster for the Garmin Nuvi, averaging 15 seconds faster. This may be due to at least two factors: 1) the TomTom 350 is slower in processing speed, or 2) the satellite technology for TomTom (Tele Atlas) is generally (and subjectively) regarded by various online forums to be inferior to Garmin's (Navteq), though this latter factor can be a very hot debate topic. So, Garmin wins this first functionality test. (TIED)
Next, I tested the units by starting and ending in places that are not so easy to plot. I started in Diamond Heights neighborhood (Upper Market area, very hilly and the streets are not straightforward) and ended up across into Crissy Fields and planning on going through the Presidio. Neither units plotted the route I planned on taking, so this is the perfect test. Once again, the Garmin was able to recalculate sooner and faster than the TomTom 350. However, both units got me to the same place in the end, and as much as I would like to give it a TIE verdict, I may have to give this test to Garmin as the winner. (Garmin up by one).
Now we will get to expandability. TomTom 350 has 1GB built-in memory, 95% of which is used out-of-the-box. I was hoping that the map update would be as easy as the TomTom 340. Updating the 350 was not as easy. At first, I could not perform an update (I had to buy the update), so I decided to just use the 350 with out-of-the-box functionality. The Garmin Nuvi 255W has 2GB built-in memory PLUS an SD slot for map expandability, so upgrading the map did not require further modification of the memory. The edge goes to Garmin (Garmin up by two).
The TomTom can be customized by the user with corrections and updates (new/closed roads, new traffic lights, POIs, etc). This is done and verified online, and is not available to the Garmin 255W. Edge to TomTom (Garmin still up by one).
There are other features I can review, but I think what I listed above should be enough for 98% of those looking for a decent GPS navigator. I've had the Garmin Nuvi 255W for a little over a year now, and I have had the TomTom XL 350 for a month. I've been driving everywhere with these units, and I have to say that though I initially favored the Garmin over the TomTom, the TomTom 340 made me reconsider using a TomTom device, but the 350 made me take a step back. If I stopped with the 340, I may have considered using the TomTom 340TM exclusively over the Garmin. Suffice it to say, I will be giving this 350 unit to my sister.
The bottom line is that there are some features on this TomTom unit that are superior to those in an equally priced Garmin Nuvi 255W, and there are some features that are inferior. In the end of my brief comparison, both are decent stand-alone GPS navigators. The TomTom XL 350 works, it can get you from point A to point B, and has a few extra features that users can either ignore or take advantage of. It's not the best, but not the worst, and it works (which is why I gave it three stars). Overall, I can recommend the TomTom XL 350 as a stand-alone navigator.
Comparable to Garmin August 22, 2010
J. Finkel (Hoboken, NJ)
I have been very happy with my Garmin GPS's and was surprised how well the TomTom XL 350 compares. Here is a brief comparison based on my use of Garmin Nuvi 680, 350, 205, and 255w:
TomTom 350 XL Pros
+ TomTom's predictive/suggested names appear as you type (below where you type so not intrusive) for much quicker and easier entry of destination
+ Offered in T/M/TM versions which include lifetime Traffic and/or Map updates at extremely reasonable prices.
+ Intuitive menu with many selections to help you find what you need without resorting to instructions or trial and error
+ Ability to correct maps and download community corrections
+ Ultra simple setup and very easy to use
TomTom Cons
- Garmin presents a more polished main screen with much less clutter
- Garmin units offer more settings (i.e. GPS will use speeds you enter for different types of roads)
- TomTom is a little slower, but not to the point where it would matter to most people
- I couldn't find the volume control except to mute the TomTom
- Most new Garmins display speed limit for most roads.
- Included windshield mount is harder to use than Garmin's; unit detaches easily from mount while you are trying to adjust it.
Overall, I feel both companies make excellent GPS devices that are offered at competitive prices. The 350 XL is not as polished in some areas as the Garmin devices I've owned. It also lacks some settings that could be important to you. However, the TomTom excels at ease of use and could be the better choice if you are looking to avoid instructions.
Not the best GPS, but not the worst. August 19, 2010
J. Kollasch (Vadnais Heights, MN)
I travel a lot for my career and had been getting by with printing out maps from the internet and reading them as I drove. It got me from point A to point B (most of the time) but didn't leave me with much room for error and often times I was getting lost in random residential neighborhoods. I, being unwilling to shell out money for something I didn't really need was reluctant to buy a GPS. Now I'm pretty glad I did and even though this model doesn't have all of the fancy bells and whistles of a much more expensive unit it gets the job done and that was really all I was looking for.
The unit is so easy to program and get started using that I had it up and running in my car in under five minutes. You can program your home address into it upon start-up so as to use it as a reference point when needing directions. I had fun playing with the different features that allow you to customize your own GPS to have different color schemes and icons. One of the most important things though was it was able to get me from home to work without any direction related mishaps. One of the annoying things that I remember from my in-laws GPS is that it would ask you to turn around when you veer off from its directions. This was not the case with the TomTom, it just re-routes you using its magical powers of direction. The screen is the perfect size for me to be able to read and it isn't so big that I feel like I'm staring at a small television.
The one main thing that I don't like about the unit was the mounting kit included. At first it seemed pretty sturdy but a few days after installation it fell off of my windshield, turned on my hazards and set my car alarm off, all at four in the morning. I've since then adapted it with some double sided tape and a stick of gum. Problem fixed but now I am really reluctant to use it in any of our other vehicles since it would be a pain to re-mount it. I also think that the volume could be a little bit louder so I could enjoy a little bit of music in the background for longer road trips and with the windows down it gets to be a little bit hard to hear.
Overall I would say that I'm quite satisfied with this GPS. Part of me wishes I had gotten a more expensive unit with more features but the other part of me is okay with this less than perfect model with a decent price.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 12
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