GPS, TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition: perfect for that dude you're jealous of
By Darren Murph 
posted November 25th 2009 10:47AM
posted November 25th 2009 10:47AM
We know, our GPS gift guide has already been erected, but if you're in the unfortunate position of needing a high-end gift for someone who'll actually be in San Juan del Sur over the holidays, there's hardly a better option than this. The TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition is exactly what you think it is: it's an XXL 540S, but with maps for the United States, Canada and Europe (what -- no Central America?). The 5-inch touchscreen is still there, as is the company's IQ Routes, 'Help Me!,' an increased 4GB of storage, advanced lane guidance and 7 million points of interest. It's expected to hit retail shelves in both the US and Canada early next month for $349.95 (US) / $399.95 (CAD).
@myzter or you could take the TomtomRider (but it's way overpriced)
Going World Map is about the only saving grace for dedicated GPS units now. That is the only thing that keeps Google off of the dashboard - roaming data charges when travelling!
With the Canadian dollar trading at 95 cents US, pricing it as if it was 85 cents is boolshiete.
Fortunately standalone GPS units are in their final throws...
@(Unverified) why does everyone keep saying this? Cell phones have had cameras for over 7 years now; yet point and shoot digital cameras still sell like crazy. What makes everyone so sure it will be different for GPS. It's nice to have a camera and GPS and all that other stuff in the swiss army knife of a device we call the cell phone, but none of those will ever beat a standalone unit. Swiss army knives haven't put cork-screw companies out of business.
@(Unverified) cellphone cameras aren't anywhere on par with digital cameras...
But navigation wise, Google Maps Navigation is well ahead no?
I remember reading last year from several sources that the GPS satellites may fall into disrepair in the general time range of 2010.
Is this still the opinion, or am I misinformed in the first place?
@
Once the built-in camera in cell-phones can compete the quality of dedicated cameras in terms of photo quality, it will sure take over the market without question. This can also be applied to cellphone gps if you watched how google navigation works.
I actually will be in San Juan del Sur over the holidays. Care to send me a review unit?
I bet the maps are still 30 years out of date.
There are more countries in the world than North America and Europe.
If it is going to be called a 'World Traveler' edition, I would expect it to have all the roads that Google Earth has. Then again, I'm waiting for the Google Earth model that has a 128GB (256?, 512GB?) SSD hard drive built in. I would also like it to include pedestrian routes and public transport maps and locations in major cities. I would buy that.
Any clue why the 5" series are not available in Europe ?
So..."world" travelers don't go to South America, Africa, Asia, or Australia?