TomTom One XL-S - Features
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Bluetooth
The TomTom XL-S is Bluetooth compatible, but it will only work if you have a compatible cell phone with a data plan. If you meet those requirements, the XL-S can be paired with your cell phone to get weather information, safety camera locations, fuel price service, download maps/voices/POIs/etc., and TomTom traffic service. Keep in mind that some of these features do require an additional fee that is paid to TomTom before you can use it, such as the traffic service, which is currently $59 per year. Visit the TomTom website for more information about fees and additional charges to use these features.
I was disappointed with the fact that this GPS device doesn't allow for hands-free cell phone calls via Bluetooth, but at this price point, it isn't that big of a deal. You'd typically have to spend a bit more money to get this feature along with all of the other features that this device already has.
Text-to-Speech
I already mentioned this feature earlier in the review, but it's so great that I wanted to touch on it again. Text-to-speech functionality allows for safer driving, as well as easier navigating. It lets you know exactly on which streets to turn, and that's very helpful information when you're in unfamiliar areas.
Built-in Traffic Information
The XL-S features a built-in traffic receiver that will warn you of traffic jams/accidents up ahead and then give you an option to reroute if you should choose to do so. This is a great feature if you live in a busy city. The traffic information service will cost you an additional annual fee to use (currently $59/year). For your information, other, newer GPS devices offer this service for free, such as all Navigon units, and all of the new Garmin Nuvi devices.
Maps
Since I live in the good ol' USA, my TomTom came preloaded with maps of the United States and Guam. Other maps can be purchased from TomTom somewhere in the $50 to $100 range. Maps are viewable in 2D or 3D mode, and you can choose which POIs are viewable on the map (if any). The integrated SD card slot can add lots of memory to your device if you need to add additional maps.
TomTom Home Software
This software is downloaded from the TomTom website, and each time you connect you TomTom device to your computer, it will automatically download the most recent map updates to your device. It also allows you to add voices to your device, including celebrity voices (for an additional fee), and other voices for free, such as Darth Vader, Yoda, Hannibal Lecter, and others. There's also various imagery, color schemes, and icons you can add to your device free of charge. This software is very useful and easy to use.Navigation Features
I like the selection of choices available in this device when it comes to navigating. You can choose to take the fastest route, shortest route, avoid freeways, avoid toll roads, walking routes, bicycling routes, and more. You can navigate to an address, POI, a favorite (saved location), recent destinations, home, latitude/longitude, a point on the map, and more.
The "Help Me" button will guide you to the nearest police station, hospital, fire department, and so on. It also includes a "First Aid Guide" that will walk you through on-screen instructions of how to perform CPR for instance. These are great safety features that could be very helpful in an emergency.
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