Tom Tom One v4 Review

Good Points
small and light
New windscreen mount is a big improvement

Bad Points
Poor planning software
lack of memory - cant accomodate W European map upgrade
Route planning delay
Very poor product compred with earlier Tom Tom Ones

General Comments
Having used the first and second versions of the TomTom One as no frills sat navs, I had no hesitation in replacing my old failing v1 with the new Tom Tom One (Version 4).

It is a total failure in many areas compared with the previous models:

- The lack of memory expansion precludes update to a western European map if ever required. This lack of expansion is a serious failing and limits the future usability. To supply a paltry 512mb internal memory in these days of increasingly cheap memory is inexcusable.

- Planning software is incredibly poor compared with the earlier versions. Planning the route takes considerably longer and then it returns a route selection that is so obviously the least effective that it beggars belief! This has failed me on every route I have planned since buying the device 2 weeks ago. Even using the "find alternative route" command doesn't return an acceptable route only an increasingly bizarre selection. The previous versions planned the most effective route first time and considerably quicker.

- Useful menu options have been removed. It is no longer possible to browse the selected route which is a very useful feature. All the more necessary now to check that a half decent route has been selected by the new software. Surprisingly this menu option is still there but hidden from view - it can be found by selecting "Avoid part of the route"!

- Response time is pitifully slow compared with the old model. I have taken numerous wrong exits already because the device is 50m late!

- It's not possible to turn off those very annoying Tom Tom tips as was possible on earlier models.

All in all I am considering selling this on e-bay and either buying and earlier version TT One with expansion slot of changing to a Garmin. I would recommend anybody considering the purchase of one of these to avoid it.

Hope somebody finds this useful feedback.