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TomTom Bluetooth GPS with Palm Zire 72
This was a hassle to get working initially. There was an issue with the file structure on my Palm so I had to copy the maps onto my desktop (using Missing Sync on a Mac), format the SD card and then copy the files back into a folder called Palm. Once I did that everything worked, almost, perfectly. Also, I cannot for the life of me find a sucker holder for a Palm Zire!Once installed properly on the SD card (it is a known issue and TomTom were relatively helpful in resolving it...) the system connects to the GPS pretty well, though I haven't managed to get it to turn the GPS on automatically. You do have to be outside for it to work as it just cannot get a fix on a satellite. Once running the system is very fast, very quick to work out routes and I found it to be extremely accurate - pinpoint accurate. The instructions are clear and come out of the Palm's speaker very clearly. The 3D map is excellent and very detailed with extensive points of interest and you can navigate to a point on a map, a street, a point of interest or a postcode. I couldn't get it to navigate to addresses in my address book though... The GPS unit uses little power, but the 3D mapping and voice commands HAMMER your Palm to death so make sure you have a car charger for both units or you might end up powerless for one or both devices - or use just voice prompts. Oh, and I drive a VW Golf and found that the cup holders perfectly support the Palm!
2nd review after a few months usage - Still impressed
Still very impressed with the product overall, as are friends travelling with me. Used extensively now for several months across UK & Belgium (with added map set). Have travelled across country on unfamiliar roads & GPS has taken me direct to my destination without error - provided I carefully programmed in the destination correctly in the first place! Bought a 1Gb SD card to store full UK & many European country maps. Have downloaded many POIs & built databases of my own with map icons taken from the internet (& edited in Microsoft Paint). Bluetooth connects effortlessly each time provided I use Palm's Bluetooth screen to point to Trusted Device GPS receiver, else Palm defaults to my Nokia phone & Tom Tom sits 'waiting for a valid GPS signal'. Have to re-establish GPS bluetooth link if Palm is switched off on route (eg at Motorway services). It is wise to exit Tom Tom before swithing off Palm otherwise if Palm accidentally switches on in your pocket, it will stay on & run down the battery - normal time out does not operate. Palm screen is faint in strong sunlight. Maps 95% accurate. Often roundabout exit instructions are erroneous (ie no of exits incorrect) but pictures displayed are accurate. Tom Tom receiver also works with my Fugawi OS 1:50000 digital mapset & GPS software. Can't wait for new version 5 with ability to save frequently used routes, waypoints (v4 software only allows one via), full post code searching & cycle / on foot option.
No more excuses
I have had this piece of kit for about 5 months and dont know how I got around London without it. The voice instructions are clear and in plenty of time. Even when I know where I am going I will still use it just to know how far I am from my destination and my ETA. The reason I have given it 4 stars and not 5 is because I have twice been directed down a dead end street (as opposed to the 1000 times I would have done it with out my palm). I have even used it when walking around London, great for finding bank machines, pubs and so on.
not as good as expected
I was quite dissapointed with this product to be honest.the bluetooth reciever is useless.it took me half an hour to connect to the satellite system(thank god i had a road map to guide me!)once it connected the voice quality was poor.the only saving grace was that it was quite accurate in its guidance.I was so disgusted with it that i returned it within 4 days of purchasing it! i would not recommend it to anyone!
TomTom Bluetooth GPS for Palm Tungsten T3
Bought GPS & new Palm T3 & 512SD card at same time. Downloaded T3 landscape screen software direct from Tom Tom. Some problems loading maps (desktop software would not work) but managed to install direct from CD via SD card writer. Once loaded, software is great & maps pretty accurate (tho it prompted me to use an illegal exit/entry service road on the M25 & a few map errors showed me driving across water on the coastal road of the Isle of Wight). Address search dialogue could be better eg finds several 'High Streets' for neighbouring towns once city name entered - can only then distinguish by start of postcode (if known). Bluetooth works fine but can be slow to discover each other - suspect Palm is confused by Bluetooth phone. A quick Bluetooth on/off usually fixes the problem. Would not even consider wired version - receiver is small, neat, pocketable & has long 5-6 hour battery life - great for navigating around London on foot. Satellite lock is very quick but can be confused/slower when already in motion. Sadly my old Palm m515 Tom Tom City Maps are not compatible so I have now just rebought the Europe set (again). Car kit very flexible & neat design. All in all it performs well & is a good value combination with all the additional functionality the Palm provides.
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