TomTom ONE 130, 130S, XL 330, 330S
Update: We have now posted our review of the TomTom ONE 130s.
TomTom has just released four new products in the lower end of their product range. Available almost immediately from now, the new models will feature a new slim design, a louder speaker, optional traffic connectivity, and many of the other features from the older ONE and ONE XL ranges. Perhaps of even bigger note to some people, the new ONE range features a redesigned mount that is designed to be easier to use and more secure. Called “EasyPort”, it allows you to remove the mount from the windshield, and fold it up into the back of the GPS so you can still slip the GPS and the mount into your pocket.
The TomTom EasyPort™ mount has a unique, flexible design, allowing the user to affix their TomTom device securely to the desired position on the windshield, using the mechanical locking system. Once at their destination, the user can then remove it quickly and easily, with one twist, when leaving their vehicle. The clever design allows the driver to fold away the mount neatly onto the TomTom device – and remove the entire unit, without having to worry about stowing the mount separately.
In keeping up with current trends, these new models also bring text-to-speech further down the product line.
TomTom ONE 130: $199.95
TomTom ONE 130S: $249.95 (includes text-to-speech)
TomTom XL 330: $249.95
TomTom XL 330S: $299.95 (includes text-to-speech)
And a quick update with a few more tidbits… These models will not feature the new IQ Routes feature found on the new GO series devices. The ONE models will not have Itinerary Planning nor custom POI database items as was the case on the ONE 3rd Edition. The XL 330 and XL 330s will have Itinerary Planning and custom POI databases though.
I suspected they might be moving more towards the Garmin model of having a general model line, with several flavors, generally separated by only one or two features. In the long run, it does give buyers more flexibility in buying only the features they need.
Actually, they have said that these four devices will supersede the rest of the ONE and ONE XL models rather than being offered in addition to the rest of the ONE lineup.
From their press release:
What does it mean to NOT have a custom POI database? This seems like such a basic feature that it seems like a major step backward to not have it.
The ONE 3rd Edition doesn’t allow custom POI databases either (built on the device). It is a function very few people use, so I’m not totally surprised it was left out.
Any idea when TomTom is going to get a manual out for these new models, also when a review will be forcoming.
I imagine a manual will be out at or shortly after they start shipping. We will certainly have a review ASAP.
Tim - Like JeepLover, I still don’t understand what it means that it doesn’t allow custom POI databases. Is that for things like downloading all the Starbucks in the area? Will I be able to add my own POIs on the unit (such as “Work,” “Family” etc) or would the XL 330 be required to make my own POI categories etc?
So they won’t be selling these in states where it’s illegal to mount things on the windshield?
@Jessee - Correct, you can’t add custom POI categories and manually add POIs to that category from the device. You can, however, still store “favorites” and setup a “home” location, etc.
@IsLNdbOi04 - You can flip it over and use the adhesive disc, so it isn’t any different than the current shipping models that come with a windshield mount plus an adhesive disc.
One thing that I see as a potential disadvantage is the apparent inability to do a vent mount. I have a vent mount for my TomTom One from Mount Guys that is great but the mount they have for my Navigon is terrible because it can’t utilize the built-in mounting slot and has to have an exterior grip mount which I hate. I don’t see an easy way to connect a vent mount to these units.
JeepLover,
I think the Mount Guys probably could come up with some kind of a slotted adapter to the existing TT1 vent mount, with a flat or contoured surface on one side that the suction cup can attach to, the way the gps is normally mounted on the windshield. This adapter is even simpler than the current TT1 adapter, since it doesn’t have to have slots exactly matching to the grooves on the old TT1s.
Just wanted to report TomTom one 130 S, last 2 days drove from Myrtle Beach SC to Portland, Maine and it worked flawlessly, spoken instructions were great. I bought in Myrtle Beach SC before they said it was relased from [snip, see comment policy].
Just waiting for Tom Tom to produce a manual,so I can see what I am missing.
Will the XL 330S mount attach to the windshield with a suction cup? I would like to use the unit in multiple cars. I also didn’t see anything on Tom Tom’s webpage that indicated that the XL 330S has Itinerary Planning. Is this a hidden feature? If neither of these is available, can you recommend any Garmin unit that has Itinerary Planning? I don’t mind using the Garmin bean bag as I have a Steetpilot III.
Dave, yes, the XL 330s will attach to the windshield with a suction cup. TomTom reps have told me that the XL series will have Itinerary Planning.
I just bought a TT 130 from the local [snip, see comment policy] because of an upcoming cost to coast move. Every functionality works reasonably well so far. The new mount is actually an advantage in my car (ford focus) since it can be tucked inside a small change pocket in the dash which makes the unit much more accessible compared to a windshield mount one. I have one HUGE gripe though. The speaker is simply pathetic. I can’t hear it over the relatively quite factory stereo (4/30 volume, 60 mph at highway). The nuvi 200 I looked at the store was much louder with better response speed to map redraws and more attractive looking , clear maps.
Guclu - Something is strange there. I have a TomTom 130 and a Garmin Nuvi 200 with me right now, with a microphone connected to each to measure the speaker volume. With both set at 100% volume, the TomTom 130 is 22% louder than the Nuvi 200. The map refresh rate is also clearly faster on the TomTom 130. The 130’s map refreshes about four to five times per second while the Nuvi 200 refreshes about twice per second. Something doesn’t sound right with the 130 you looked at.
Tim, you were right. I went back to the retail store and compared the speaker volumes of the nuvi 200 and TT 130 again. The TT 130 they had on display was significantly lauder/better sounding then mine, which is weird because the one that they had on display yesterday (if it was a different unit) sounded just like mine (bad). We fiddled with both mine and the display unit and mine kept sounding bad and that one sounded just fine (even with full resets on both). Not to make the story any longer , I have a new TT 130 now and I think there might be a systemic defect with some units.
Re: Map refresh rate; I was trying to refer to the refresh rate while browsing the map by dragging, which I still think that nuvi has an edge but TT 130 is in no way bad.
Right, the Nuvi is a bit faster at panning the map than the 130 series.
We have now posted our review of the TomTom ONE 130s
Any ideas why the 130 and 130s don’t show up on the tomtom U.S. website? It appears to be orderable in U.S. markets (comments above and at online retailers) but I’m a little confused why these guys aren’t even on the official website. But maybe I’m missing something.
Dan, the 130 and 130S were on the TomTom site a couple of days ago. Interestingly, they were removed in the past couple of days. Not sure why as I downloaded the Manual for the 130S and that is still available. I read a couple of reviews that said they could barely hear the TomTom 130S even with radio off and windows up, but a couple other reviews claimed that the 130S was >20% louder than other GPS units. I wonder if there was a problem with the speakers and TomTom decided to pull them until fixed, but as you said they are still being sold out there. Curious. Don’t want to spread any false rumors so hope TomTom responds.
BTW, a very nice review just came out here:
http://www.gpsreview.net/tomtom-130s/
I just bought a TT 130S, and the speaker quality is horrible. I simply cannot hear it at 50mph. I have been directly comparing with a ONE 3rd, and the volume is 50% lower. Based on your comments, I will try to change my unit.
Ricard,
I think you have the same issue that I had. I tried 3 different units, two of them had bad speakers and the others reception died within a day. I’d check the replacement at the store just to make sure.
Guclu.
Interesting. Thanks for the tip, Guclu. Sounds like QC on this unit is a bit off. BTW, the 130 and 130S are back on the TomTom website.
Any word on when the 330 version will be available? I need/want to be able to add custom POI categories as they provide a better solution for what I need than favorites would and the 130 (which I have yet to see anywhere in Canada never mind the 330 that I need/want).
330 is expected to start shipping in the next couple of weeks.
Tim , you mentioned you downloaded a manual for the 130S from the U.S.site.PLEASE tell us the website address. I need to read how best to use my unit. The User Guide that came with it is way to basic.
manual.
My wife just purchased the tt one 130s, we are used to using the Garmin 320c. We are not happy so far, why? I can not find how you type in a place you want to go, like in the Garmin it says “Spell Word”, we type in “Hilton” and it shows us all the Hilton’s in the area, closest first. This is the most used feature on our old Garmin, and we cannot find this feature on the Tom Tom? If it does not have this feature, which I cannot believe, then we will return it. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You.
Richard: Menu -> Navigate to -> Point of Interest -> POI Near You -> Search -> “hilton”.
Thank You so much, my wife tried it and of course you were right! I think it should include “Spell Word” in the menu as I figured POI were for sight seeing. Not the end of the world, Thanks again.
We live in south metro Atlanta. We were taking a trip (about 75 miles) up to the outlet malls on the other side of the city. When I typed in the exact name of the outlets “North Georgia Premium Outlets” under the POI area, it said it couldn’t find anything. However, once we were about 6 miles away and I used the POI function to find something close, I typed in “outlet” and the exact place “North Georgia Premium Outlets” came up as a selection. Why, if the exact place for which I was looking is loaded in the POI somewhere, it didn’t find it when we started. I could understand if it was a chain and there wouldn’ve been 300+ entries over the 75 mile trip, that it would reduce it to the closest several, but that is the only place with that name (probably the only one in the country!)
I forgot to mention I have the TomTom 130S. Also, I had heard on multiple GPS review/blog sites that the RDS-TMC traffic receiver for TomTom hasn’t worked in Atlanta for about a year and that everyone who spent the $100+ to purchase it here (and several other cities) are pursuing whatever business and legal means they can to get their money refunded. Does anyone know if they got the traffic receiver working in Atlanta?
GPS devices just are not nearly powerful enough to search the entire country though every POI by name. When you do a POI search it asks you ‘near you’ or ‘in city’. If you selected ‘near you’ then it didn’t find it because that POI isn’t (relatively) near you. If you searched ‘in city’ you should have found it.
I bought an xl 330 the other day. works well and the slim mount suction cup for window is nice. It also has a bad that you stick (permanetly) to you dash that the suction cup and stick to. I do have a few complaints though.
The power cable is a pain to put in, its made so you can’t accidently break it, great, bu tI have issues just getting it to sit right, to go along with that I bought the traffic reciever. The power plugs into the traffic reciever (which is required) easy enough, but then plugging the traffic reciever into the unit is sort of a pain. mostly because since you have to suction cup the traffic reviever to the window, their isn’t much slack to plug it into the xl 330.
Also I would like to have a top level map view and have the map refresh. Currently if you in a top level map view, as your car drives off the screen thats it, the map never adjusts.
Other than those minor things I love it and would suggest getting one, the S is a nice feature, but I didn’t have time to shop around and didn’t want to pay the extra $$$ for it, if you can shop around I found the two models with as little as $1 difference.
The POI are good, but I wish I could edit the existing, I wanted to add a golf course, I don’t want to have the default and then golf course2 or something, just let me add mine to the list.
Menu -> Change Preferences -> Turn on 2D display. That will enable a “top level map” that will pan along with you.
i just got the 330 xl and it worked until i tried to update it by connecting it to the computer. Now it won’t turn back on. it just shows a computer and a blinking x. I’m so frustrated. can anyone help me plz?
oh by the way i’ve never owned a GPS before.
Yasemin - Use TomTom HOME to remove, then reinstall the application. That will fix the blinking X. When you are done with the install, make sure you use the software disconnect on your computer before disconnecting the USB cable. That is the likely cause of the error you see.
Only 1GB Memory! US&CAN map 900mb, TTS 50mb + etc… (without adding anything) only 10mb left. For another buck or two put 2GB Memory in there for pete’s sake!
I took out a few of the extra POI databases I didn’t need, and have about 45 MB of free space on my 130s.
I just purchased the TomTom XL330 and I was told it has text to speech. I have tried it out and it doesn’t say the names of the streets. Does this model have text to speech????
The TomTom XL 330 does not have text to speech. The TomTom XL 330s does. If you have the 330s you can see our tutorial on how to Enable Text-to-Speech.
why does my tom want to take me i a different direction?? i know the way but it doesnt. tnx
I just got my first GPS, the XL 330S. The roads are very accurate, but some of the POI’s are anywhere from 300 to 800 yards off. It’s not a big deal now, as I’m putting in places I already know the location of, but if I was traveling and looking for a POI, it would be be very frustrating if the place I’m looking for is block away from where the GPS says it is. Is this normal for GPS units? Do I have to purchase a Map update for a unit I just bought or would that even help.
That is pretty normal, a map update wouldn’t likely help much.
Are there any other brands out there that are more accurate or are the TomTom maps about the same as the others? Thanks.
You will find people who prefer one or the other– but overall they will contain similar amounts of errors.
would 130S or 330S be still usable in Australia if bought from the US?
Yes, although you would need to purchase an Australia map.
I am looking at the Go 720 and the XL 330s, which would you recommend for traveling. I cannot use hands free on 720 as I have Verizon and rarely go through heavy traffic areas to need those extras. But would like ease of use and points of interest as we are retired. Any help choosing by comparison appreciated as I cannot find them by googling as comparables.
The 720 has a faster processor, more POIs, and the ability to record your own voices. It is also compatible with (but does not come with) the new TomTom IQ Routes feature.
Similarly, I’m comparing the XL 340S to the GO 720. The 340s says that it has the IQ routes. My phone isn’t on TTs Bluetooth compatable list, so that probably won’t work. The ipod features on the 720 look handy, but it sounds like the 720 has mixed reviews after the firmware update. My research indicates that the 720 is about $50 more expensive. Worth the cost?
I’d go with the XL 340s over the 720.
Thanks so much! Very helpful! Great site!
What are the differences between the TomTom 130-S and 330 xl - s? I want to get my husband a GPS for Christmas. We are not technologically savvy.
I just read Cathy’s question. I too would like to know the major differnce between the tomtom 130s and the 330 xls. (Besides the price) Is there that much difference for the price? Anyone let me know soon. Thanks!
Cathy and Kristin, the XL 330s has Itinerary Planning and a Widescreen.
Ahhhh! Maybe someone can help me out here…I have a TomTom ONE 130, and 7 out of 10 it will NOT find a desired POI. At first I thought that the business was unlisted or something of that sort, but it won’t even find simple listings like “Stop&Shop” (I mean comon’ its Stop&Shop!) Also, the last time I had a hotel reservation, the TomTom didn’t find that either; It was a well known and reputable hotel. Note: I have updated the maps and software mutliple times. Any suggestions??? I am about to return this thing…
Lauri, unlike the road database, GPS devices don’t contain every known POI. Most GPS devices contain only about 5-20% of all known POIs. So if you are finding 30%, you are doing quite good.
You can add more for specific types of locations (free) through the TomTom HOME application.
SO THE TOMTOM 125 WILL NOT GIVE YOU STREET NAMES? WILL THE TOMTOM XL 330S?
the 125 does have voice prompts, it does not have text to speech.
Does the 330s POI list restaurants by category?
Blain, no.
I just got the XL330*S for Christmas, I am having problems with accuracy. I’ll be in one town and the unit will say I am in another town, the correct street and location but the wrong town all together. Is this common (I live in the center of my own home town and it says I’m in a town 10 miles away), do I need to spend the $50.00 for the maps at tomtom/home? Also finding POI’s to be .25 miles from correct. kinda frustrated here, any help would be kool.
We would need to know the nearest intersection and town where you were, and what town the GPS said you were in to research the issue. As to POIs, it is not uncommon for them to be that far away. That will happen with any GPS.
Stu - the TomTom Latest Map Guarantee is free for 30 days to update your TomTom to the latest map. Yes, town names can be a little confusing, but the general rule of thumb is that if you use the “largest” town in your area, it will have all the addresses for the surrounding ones (or at least from what I’ve seen).
I have recently purchased an XL330 while I was in the states and am wondering if I can update the maps for Australia where I live???
Yes, you can. You should be able to use this link:
http://www.tomtom.com/products/maps/select.php
There will not be enough room in the internal memory for both maps, so you will have to backup the existing maps if you want to use them again. You can do that with the TomTom HOME program. (And it is even easier to purchase the maps from within that application.)
Hi Tim
Thanks for your advise!!
I have another, when trying work out what model I have so I can download the australia maps I found that the Tomtom does not have the model on it anywhere and I threw the box away when I was in the states. Is there a way of finding out the model??
Thanks
Shane
Shane, I think I just answered your same question in the forums.
I’ve been a lucky girl this holiday, receiving my fair share of GPS units. I hadn’t even thought of getting one so I am not hip to the research.
In one hand, someone gave me the tomtom XL 330. My other hand is holding a gift of the Garmin 250.
The internet first told me Garmin is by far the best, especially in the US with more solid maps. Deeper in, I’m finding it’s more basic than the tomtom330.
Any thoughts, you guys? I can’t keep two. I’m not even sure I can return either since they are both unwrapped.
I would not say that Garmin is by far the best, nor would I say they have more solid maps. Of the two devices you have, the XL 330s does offer more features such as a widescreen, multi destination routing, and the ability to connect a traffic receiver, none of which are offered on the 250. The advantage of the 250 would just be simplicity.
Bought a Tom Tom XL330. Got to say, the suction cup installation/release has me baffled. I haven’t yet installed the “sticky” disc that the unit attaches to, but I rotated the disc attached to the suction cup (has the padlock open and close symbols) and nothing happens even though I’m pulling on the rubbery pad/disc that’s on the quick mount to see if it or something will disconnect/let loose when I have the padlock symbol in the open position. I feel like a monkey trying to get at a banana behind a piece of glass.
You don’t need to use the sticky disk if you don’t want to– you can just attach the mount directly to the windshield. The open/close rotation (barely) adjusts the “curve” of the suction cup to get it to stick a bit more.
Just bought a 130. Is there a way to do a straight line route? (point A to B as the crow flies) I thought the walking route was what I wanted but it just tells you to walk via the same streets as the driving directions. Not what I was looking for…
Thanks!
The pedestrian mode is similar, but a bit different than the road mode. Pedestrian mode will do things like allow you to make a right “turn” where there might be a turn restriction, go backwards on one way streets, and avoid major highways. But no, there is not an “offroad” mode that will route in a straight line.
Is there a Tomtom model that has an off road mode? I am looking for the more inexpensive if there is more than one.
Bri
No, they are street navigators only.
I have had a Tom Tom One 130 for 2 months and had no complaints with the device itself. However, last night the Tom Tom was sitting on the desk when I heard a popping noise and looked and underneath the screen had cracked without anything even touching it. Tom Tom has refused to honor the warranty even though they could not tell me why it was void. Buy at your own risk. If nothing breaks, it is great, but not worth the risk for me. I will never buy one again.
I am looking at the TomTom XL 330S. Does it have a SD slot?
No, they have moved everything to the internal memory on the XL 330s.
Looking at the TomTom 130 (not the 130S) vs Mio Moov 200c
Your opinion please.
I live in Canada, I will travel sometimes to the US.
I want fairly current maps, I would like to know how much it costs to get updated maps if necessary.
It is my understanding that neither of these units are approriate for Geocaching, but i would like to know if there is any other inexpensive road GPS, that could also be used for some very entry level Geocaching with my kids.
Thanks, Brad
P.S. to above
After I posted the post, I looked into the Garmin Nuvi 750 & 760 ($300) the 760 is exactly twice the price of the TomTom 130, 760 has text to speech WITH street names, and a built in receiver for tmc traffic receiver. Do you know how useful that really is in Canada? Is the infastructure there to send the current traffic congestion updates? Are they talking traffic jams that happen & clear up in a period of an hour or so?, or are we talking road construction that has been noted for a day/week etc. Is the 750 or 760 any better for the entry level Geocaching, or am I still better to buy the less expensive TomTom or Mio Moov 200C ($130-$150) & buck up for a Garmin 60CX ($370)
Oh yes, I am a newbie if you hadn’t figued that out already
Thanks again, Brad
I am shopping for a Mother’s Day gift and had originally been researching only Garmins after many friends suggested Garmins were more user-friendly. However, my mom told me she thinks she wants a TomTom (after reading that their map updates are less expensive that Garmins?) so I’m back to square one. Please help! She wants a 4.3 wide screen and text-to-speech. She will only be driving in the U.S. (mostly OK/TX) so I’m guessing the SD slot won’t be a necessity. She really needs something that is simple to operate-that’s why I was most attracted to the buzz around the Garmins. If possible, I’m looking for a price range near $160 and refurbished ones will work.
Hi Keri, The TomTom devices might not be quite as easy to use as a Garmin– but they are still pretty easy to use. We have a page with a chart about GPS Map Update Costs you can check out. While about $50 more than you want to spend, the TomTom XL 340S is a fantastic device. The TomTom XL 330s is at your price range, but I’d go for the newer model if you can swing it.
Thanks for the speedy reply! If I understand correctly, the XLs updated to the XL330s which is now updated to the XL340s? I can’t even find any of these listed on the TomTom web site. The Garmin site allowed me to choose the features I want and narrowed down the options. Is there a comparable Garmin to the two TT’s you listed above?
As far as the updates, I can see my mom using her GPS for years to come.
I just bought the TomTom 130. For the life of me I can not get it to stick to the windshield…or anything for that matter. I tried the disc or the windshield. I feel like a child. Any ideas what I can do? The suction doesn’t seem to want to stick to anything!
Mel, see this : How to make GPS Suction Cup Mounts Stick
Salesperson at store told me tom tom has daily free map updates, FREE so no need to pay for annual map updates. Tht was one reason why he recommended tom tom 330S over Garmin 255w…That does not seem to be indicated in the comments above re: updates. Did I misunderstand salesperson??
Jill, the salesperson was incorrect. While you can get daily map updates from TomTom, those updates are limited to changes suggested by other TomTom users for the particular map version you are using. Official (and much more complete) map updates from their mapping company are charged for just like Garmin. You don’t need to purchase map updates from either company, but they both charge for official map updates.
I have the TomTom XL330S. Is it possible (I don’t care if the company approves of the procedure; I’m asking if it’s possible.) to replace the 1GB card with a 2GB card?
George, yes it is possible, and you can even do it with the TomTom HOME software
I’m confused on that part. What do you have to do with the software? Are you just speaking of backing up the contents or ?
You would copy whatever it is you want to run from the existing card to your computer, then from your computer to the new card.