Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » GPS Tomtom 350 T
| GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197153] |
Sat, 02 February 2013 19:35  |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Our local Office Depot has the Tomtom 350-T on sale for $59.93, $65 after tax.
I have never used a GPS -- still question if I have a need -- but how good is this unit? I would prefer not to open it -- and just return it if it does not have good reviews from our group.
It is the lifetime traffic edition, Canada, USA, Mexico, with a 4.3 touchscreen.
Thank you for all input.
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197160 is a reply to message #197153] |
Sat, 02 February 2013 22:11  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| Dennis S wrote on Sat, 02 February 2013 20:35 |
Our local Office Depot has the Tomtom 350-T on sale for $59.93, $65 after tax.
I have never used a GPS -- still question if I have a need -- but how good is this unit? I would prefer not to open it -- and just return it if it does not have good reviews from our group.
It is the lifetime traffic edition, Canada, USA, Mexico, with a 4.3 touchscreen.
Thank you for all input.
Dennis
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Dennis,
I have never had any Tomtom, but the reviews I have read were not bad, but you will form your own opinions within moments of getting it turned on and locked (knowing where it is).
Do you ever go any place you have never been to before?
These days (the last fifteen years or so), I tend to think of GPS as an essential to travel. (I will always have paper charts, I am a navigator and somewhat paranoid.)
If you decide to keep it, put it in your daily driver and use it. That way you will get accustomed to what it is telling you and how to make it do what you want it to do.
The Tomtom units are OK, none of the maps are completely reliable, so they are now substitute for actually thinking on your own.
60$us is about a third of a tank. It could save you that in missed turns. And, it can take a lot of the pressure off navigation.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197162 is a reply to message #197160] |
Sat, 02 February 2013 22:39 |
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Richard Andis
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2013
Location: HELL Paso, TX
Karma: 0
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I tend to believe the difference between Tom-Tom and Garmin is much like the Ford-Chevy argument. Both of them will get you there. It's just a preference. I don't think either one of them are any better than the other.
More important is which additional features you wish to have. Bluetooth?, quite useful when you don't have a co-driver to answer the phone. Text to Speech?,..this is a hit and miss sometimes, but useful when it works. Road status updates, again, quite useful,....when it works.
I tend to use my GPS to prompt me rather than direct me. I generally ignore it until it gives me a warning that the next turn is coming. I've already mapped my path before I even left the driveway. Don't focus on it. Use it like your rear view mirrors. Just a quick glance every now and then. Don't worry if you miss a turn because most will recompute a new route if you do.
Have fun with it and get familiar with all it's capabilities. I use the internal trip odometer to remind me when I need to fuel up. Just for fun, I have it speak to me in German (the visual prompts are still there). My German is getting much better  BTW, when using a foreign language, text to speech normally doesn't work.
Valhalla - 1978 GMC Royale rear twin [SOLD]
Walküre - 1974 VW Thing (Toad)
[Updated on: Sat, 02 February 2013 22:40] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197164 is a reply to message #197153] |
Sat, 02 February 2013 23:40 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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I've used several GPS units, and prefer the navigation capabilities of my Motorola Droid phone. Just seems easier, cleaner and hey, I've always got it with me. I was going to buy a GPS until I got my Droid, now I'm SO glad I didn't.
I should mention that the rearview mirror-mounted monitor for my rearview camera includes (among many other features) a full-feature GPS. I don't think it's quite as nice as a new stand-alone unit, but it has come in handy, and it was "free".
Either way, I got the navigational capability I needed in something I already had.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197166 is a reply to message #197153] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 07:10 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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I have an older TomTom that did not come with the options to update the maps. When it was brand new I took it on a consulting engagement up to Indy. One Sunday I wanted to go to the racetrack museum and put the address in the GPS.
I knew it was west of me and was surprised when it told me to go east on the interstate. I was just goofing around all day anyway so I decided to see where it took me. After 5 miles, I was directed to exit the interstate, turn left, turn left, and 'get on the motorway'. This proceeded to take me right past where I had been. None of these roads were new so this wasn't an old map problem.
Over the years while still new this happened fairly often. I've been directed up dead end roads, taken to the middle of nowhere, told to drive into lakes and corn fields, all of these were on roads which predated the TomTom.
On the recent trip to LazyDays Rally, we decided to leave the strawberry shortcake place and go to the Plant City WallyWorld. Got the address from our phone and entered it in. TomTom took up right past the road in total silence. Four miles later, we were way east of the city and I knew it was wrong. Mapped the address and realized we were way past the turn. As we got close the second time, TomTom spoke up and told us to turn. Plant City apparently has a stupid sign ordinance because everything was really poorly marked and evidently they can't count either because most of the builds did not have street numbers. Anyway, we kept driving and TomTom eventually told us we had 'reached our destination'...the middle of a strawberry field a mile out of town.
We were in the Toad with no maps and had about decided the heck with it but were looking at street numbers when we spotted the older WalMart way back off the road with a small sign covered by trees. Again, the store, road, and no doubt street numbers were considerably older than my TomTom.
One the way home from Panama City on the same trip, TomTom took us about 30 miles out of the way. Not being familiar with the area, I didn't realize we were taking a not-so-scenic route until we were down the path a ways. I just turned it off.
I'm not sure if the problem is TomTom as a brand, my particular unit, or GPSes in general. I don't trust it much....especially in something as unmaneuverable as a motor home with a toad.
I do enjoy the accurate speedometer.
I have a Droid phone and have considered using it's GPS but, and please educate me if I'm wrong, I think in order to use the GPS you have to turn location services on. Once you do that, people can search and see where you are. My phone number is 'out there' because of my business and I'd just as soon not have people know I'm not at home.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
[Updated on: Sun, 03 February 2013 07:17] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197168 is a reply to message #197166] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 07:57 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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We have owned several TomToms, from my very first model GO700, which I bought on sale for a mere $500. Without free maps!
We have much newer TomToms in our motor vehicles. They work fine. My favorite feature is how far away are we? I use this for judging fuel stops.
We have also owned a Garmin, which I hated because of the difficulty of entering addresses, and the very tiny screen. We no longer use this one. It also did not include map updates.
For the GMC, I have a Magellan model 9... ( forget rest of numbers). Very nice 7" screen in the GMC. No strain to see it. Bluetooth,etc. it has a A/V input for a back-up camera making one less item to clutter up the dash, and compete for the one 12v outlet.
All GPS will occasionally lead you astray. Updated maps are a necessary item. There are only two companies that do the actual mapping.
A fellow GMCer uses MS Streets & Trips with a laptop for his GPS system. The only difficulty in the poor visibility of the screen in direct sunlight. Most laptops available do not have a very bright screen, due to the power consumption and battery life issues
I think the future will be an iOS or Android tablet sized device with a daylight readable screen. Could also be Linux, or Google. chrome O'S. Most GPS are actually dedicated Linux boxes.
To actually answer your question, for the price, that is a nice entry level, get your feet wet device. Not so expensive, that you will regret the purchase.
Tom, MS II
387 miles to Dothan.
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197169 is a reply to message #197164] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 08:35 |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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| habbyguy wrote on Sat, 02 February 2013 23:40 |
I've used several GPS units, and prefer the navigation capabilities of my Motorola Droid phone. Just seems easier, cleaner and hey, I've always got it with me. I was going to buy a GPS until I got my Droid, now I'm SO glad I didn't.
I should mention that the rearview mirror-mounted monitor for my rearview camera includes (among many other features) a full-feature GPS. I don't think it's quite as nice as a new stand-alone unit, but it has come in handy, and it was "free".
Either way, I got the navigational capability I needed in something I already had.
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Mark, which unit do you have, mirror with backup/gps? I been looking at a couple. Not so much interested in gps but the rear view camera is what I would like to see operate.
Dennis, you stole the GPS. While I hate the Tom Tom I have you should unbox the thing and get used to it, for that price. I spend 60 bux just throwing cash away most weeks. It is whatever we get used to. I have one in every vehicle. I like the Lowrance because it has altitude and I can put the speed in large numbers, anywhere on the screen that I want. I have used Lowrance units since 05 so that is why I like them. They no longer make GPS for vehicles so I may need to get used to something else. If I can find one with altitude and a large speed reading I will be happy.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197171 is a reply to message #197169] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 09:19 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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| WD0AFQ wrote on Sun, 03 February 2013 07:35 |
Mark, which unit do you have, mirror with backup/gps? I been looking at a couple. Not so much interested in gps but the rear view camera is what I would like to see operate.
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Here's the unit I bought...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-3-Bluetooth-Rearview-Mirror-GPS-Navigation-AV-4G-Card-Wireless-Rear-Camera-/120885056984?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:MOTORS:3160
I've been very happy with it. It's not perfect - the mount to the mirror is a little rube goldbergian, but it works. It's set up for a cigarette lighter plug power, but I just soldered onto the plug and wired it in directly to the power that supplies my cockpit lights. It also requires drilling a hole big enough to get the connector through the body (I hid mine under the license plate, and used the existing screws in the license plate light mount to secure it, and happily the holes lined up). But all in all, the thing has a HUGE number of features, and has worked just fine so far. I suppose that the maps loaded will eventually drift out of date, but given the unit's features, I should be able to load new maps (haven't looked into it, but since it's got a 4gb chip and a Windows CE interface, I can't see why not).
I just tried to upload some photos, but it didn't work... I'll try to do that later so you can see what it looks like hanging on my rearview mirror (and under my license plate light).
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197172 is a reply to message #197153] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 09:46 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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| Dennis S wrote on Sat, 02 February 2013 19:35 |
Our local Office Depot has the Tomtom 350-T on sale for $59.93, $65 after tax.
I have never used a GPS -- still question if I have a need -- but how good is this unit? I would prefer not to open it -- and just return it if it does not have good reviews from our group.
It is the lifetime traffic edition, Canada, USA, Mexico, with a 4.3 touchscreen.
Thank you for all input.
Dennis
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Don't confuse lifetime traffic updates with lifetime map updates. If it doesn't have lifetime map updates, walk away.
I have a TomTom that is only a couple years old. I found myself on a road that is not in its map database. When I went to the website to update the map, they wanted half of what I paid for the GPS to update the map. Lifetime updates was about what I paid for the GPS.
Get a good deal on one that includes lifetime map updates. You're not saving anything on one without that, even if they give you the GPS unit for free.
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197173 is a reply to message #197166] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 10:16 |
Mike Teets
Messages: 299
Registered: January 2004
Location: Dublin, OH
Karma: 0
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| Quote: |
I have a Droid phone and have considered using it's GPS but, and please educate me if I'm wrong, I think in order to use the GPS you have to turn location services on. Once you do that, people can search and see where you are. My phone number is 'out there' because of my business and I'd just as soon not have people know I'm not at home.
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Kerry, turning on location services in your droid will not let the general population know where you are and only gives the cell provider a little better idea of where you are which they already know anyway. It does not give anyone the ability to see where a cell phone is by number. In Android, you must also authorize each application separately to use the location data.
You could be at risk if you had rooted your phone, and downloaded an app from a private app store... But the odds that you were doing that is probably slim.
In general, most fears about individual privacy in the cell location environment are unfounded. Even if there were no security on our location data and anyone could get at it, you would still be virtually un-findable because of the sheer amount of data someone would need to process from the 1 billion smart phones all moving constantly. And if anyone had the technical capability to do this, they certainly wouldn't risk being caught by using it to steel our stuff when we are not home 
Mike, GMCing since 2002
77 Palm Beach, 260, 403
Dublin, OH
http://teamteets.com/gmc/
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197174 is a reply to message #197173] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 11:47 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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i use my droid daily for its internal gps as I do field service work.very useful to warn on up coming turns and etc.
I use the car dock app every now and then in my cars and gmc to check speedo reading against it. verified my gmc speedo is fairly accurate.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197179 is a reply to message #197153] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 13:37 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Dan, the only thing you might not like about the unit I bought is that the mirror isn't "dimmable". I don't find that to be a problem in the GMC, since it's looking through a hallway, then a window far, far away. And the fact the mirror on the display is only about 60% as big as the original doesn't matter either (since it's still much wider than it would have to be to see the entire width of the hallway). In a car, it might (or might not) be kind of annoying. But still, it's an amazing system for peanuts, IMHO.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197224 is a reply to message #197210] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 18:09 |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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For traffic aware navigation, I like Waze, but I don't know about oversized
vehicle navigation (like no propane tunnels).
Any ideas about that for android?
Ron
On Feb 3, 2013 2:44 PM, "Robert Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
>
>
> Dennis,
>
> I have a Tom Tom XL-330 that I purchased from Sam's Club for $125.00 with
> Lifetime Maps. I don't know what Lifetime Traffic is.
>
> Here in Australia I have a Garmin 3790T also with Lifetime maps.
>
> Personally I would not buy a GPS without lifetime maps. The update costs
> are ridiculous when compared to the cost of Lifetime Maps.
>
> I recently got a Samsung Galaxy S-2 that has a GPS function. I haven't
> checked to see if it gets positioning data from satellites or cell phone
> towers. If it's satellites I'll sell both GPS's and use the phone!
>
>
> --
> Rob Mueller
> Sydney, Australia
> '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197225 is a reply to message #197224] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 18:13 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Ron,
Sorry, I only got the Samsung last week and my message to Dennis is all I know at the moment.
Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
-----Original Message-----
From: Ronald Pottol
For traffic aware navigation, I like Waze, but I don't know about oversized
vehicle navigation (like no propane tunnels).
Any ideas about that for android?
Ron
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: GPS Tomtom 350 T [message #197235 is a reply to message #197153] |
Sun, 03 February 2013 20:19 |
Dennis S
Messages: 3046
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Many thanks for all the input on the Tomtom 350.
To some of the points/questions..
-- we rarely go anywhere we have not been -- but hope to change that and begin some traveling in the GMC. Having read about GPS so often I thought this might be an inexpensive way to try it
-- The point on lifetime maps is well taken -- I have looked at the Tomtom site and find a sale on a 5 inch screen with lifetime maps, $109, for the "Start 55M"
-- I have an iphone and find the maps useful for what I have needed
I really value all the thoughts.
Regards,
Dennis
Dennis S
73 Painted Desert 230
Memphis TN Metro
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