TomTom is Goodgood and at this time a good buy(12/07)

My wife got me this GPS for Christmas from QVC. It came with extras like a carrying case and AC adapter - a QVC today's special value. We have previously tried one of the Cobra gps systems that QVC offered (we returned it for several reasons) and we also have a software computer gps program from DeLorme which we wouldn't recommend. We have not tried a Garmin, so I can't comment on that brand.

I really like the TomTom One XL and would absolutely recommend it. We have used it in and out of town and have found it to be extremely accurate. We've found that we don't need the text to speech feature, so it's absence is not an issue. ( A TomTom xl-s that has this is $399.) The TomTom tells you about a quarter mile before your turn about the turn then it will tell you to "turn right" or other commands about 50 feet before you have to turn. The screen is large enough to see the street names listed so we really don't need to hear the street names read to us. The arrow on the screen which shows your position is "spot on" accurate and colored bold green on the screen for turns so you know when to turn. The machine recovers well to get you back on track, if you take a turn it did not recommend.

Some of the other systems we tried didn't have long standing points of interests (POI's) listed. This one does. We live in an area with a major medical center and the Cobra didn't have it listed at all. It's been here since the 1960's , so that was inexcusable. The TomTom software is accurately up to date. and even listed newer businesses that we weren't aware existed! It is easy to add POIs and these can be shared on line with other TomTom owners.

We drive a Honda Accord and have placed the TomTom in two locations, on the windshield and in the console under the dash. It works perfectly well in both positions. When it is positioned on the console, it really does look like it's part of the car and not an "add on". And, you can't beat the price. My wife got it for $199 from QVC so it also has a 30 day return feature unlike Bestbuys 14 day return policy.

I think this TomTom is an older model ( 4 or 5 months)so good deals can be had if you look around. It does have bluetooth and some subscription services like traffic alerts are available. You also have up to 30 days after you buy it to update maps free of charge.