XXL540S
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MapQuest iPhone gets free voice navigation; TomTom lifetime map and traffic PNDs now available (update: Navigon MobileNavigator 1.5 too)
Chalk up another two wins for cheap consumer GPS. Like Google Maps Navigation before it, the MapQuest 4 Mobile iPhone app has just now added gratis turn-by-turn voice directions... and ahead of schedule, TomTom has begun bundling its new 2010 Personal Navigation Devices, including the XL 340S and the XXL 540S -- with lifetime traffic and maps subscriptions. The latter are now available on Amazon for a $30-per-lifetime-subscription premium in a variety of increasingly feature-filled flavors, with helpful T (traffic), M (maps) and TM (traffic and maps) suffixes so you know which TomTom is which. If you prefer buying from brick and mortar, TomTom expects retail availability beginning in April. Full list of supported TomTom models and expected MSRP after the break. Update: The 1.5.0 iPhone update to MobileNavigator from Navigon that includes MyRoutes, Facebook and Twitter integration, and Panorama View 3D is finally up on iTunes as well.
TomTom XXL 540S World Traveler Edition: perfect for that dude you're jealous of
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).
TomTom intros 5-inch XXL 530S and XXL 540S navigators
TomTom felt the need to out its new GO lineup at IFA earlier this month, but evidently these critters didn't quite make the cut. The new XXL range is comprised of the XXL 530S and XXL 540S (shown above), both of which pack 5-inch touchscreens and the outfit's own IQ Routes technology (which surveys a variety of factors in order to get you from point A to point B in the quickest fashion). Both units also include full maps of the US and Canada, Map Share, a 'Fold and Go' EasyPort mount and a refreshed user menu that we've been badly longing for. The 540S ups the ante with advanced lane guidance, maps of Mexico, a sleeker design and seven million POIs. Both PNDs should splash down next month in the US and Canada for $279.95 and $299.95, respectively.
