TomTom has enviable brand name recognition for GPS navigation devices and being the premium model in its automotive navigation range, much is expected of the GO 510.
Some of the standout features of the GO510 are:
- SiRFstar III GPS chipset and 400MHz processor
- Extensive map coverage including US and Canada (TeleAtlas map database)
- Wider than most competition four inch widescreen WVGA (480 by 272 pixels) display
- Hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth
- Excellent language support
- Four hour life lithium ion battery
SiRF Star III GPS Processor
The TomTom GO 510’s GPS functionality is provided by a SiRF Star III chipset. The SiRF Star III family has proved a watershed innovation GPS chip architecture by offering impressive performance improvements to the GPS receiver manufacturing industry. They have also been adopted by other major GPS manufacturers including Garmin and Magellan. The SiRF Star III offers faster fix times, higher signal locking, higher tracking sensitivity and lower power requirements.
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cellular phones can be combined with the GO 510 for safer hands-free phone operation. There are both internal and external microphones (included). As with other systems, any other audio is automatically muted during phone calls. A handy convenience is being able to access phone numbers associated with the POI making it simple to call ahead.
The Bluetooth interface can also be used to connect with Bluetooth enabled external speakers.
Operation
Maps of the USA and Canada pre-installed on the 1 Gb SD card so the unit is ready for use out of the box. TomTom recommends that owners create an account on the TomTom Web site so that they can be notified to download map updates.
An interesting display option with the GO510 is the ability to have satellite images as map backgrounds like the hybrid mode of Google Maps.
The TomTom GO 510 has a touch screen interface and TomTom have made maximum use of it with the only button being for power and all other functions controlled through the touch screen menus.
Entertainment System
If you have an iPod, its possible to connect it to the GO510 and operate it using the touchscreen display. iPod generation 3 and higher are supported (not the iPod Shuffle).
Docking Station
Many digital cameras have a docking station accessory and the GO510 has one also. Besides recharging, the docking station allows USB connection with a PC for backing up from the GO 510’s memory, updating software or updating maps. The USB connection can also be used to transferring files. The GO 510 shows up as an extra drive in Windows explorer for drag-an-drop file transfers. However, to make things simpler TomTom supply the “HOME interface†software for data synchronization and file management. You can even plan routes on your PC.
Buddies
Buddies is free TomTom PLUS service (just requires registration) worth noting. It is a service which brings instant messaging and navigation together. It only takes a short time to think how useful combining your messages with your location could be. How many times have you organized for a group of friends to meet at a particular location and then spent time locating each other? With buddies you could park next to each other with a minimum of fuss.
Key features of Buddies are:
- Invite your friends to become your TomTom Buddies.
- Send text messages and locations to each other.
- Show your buddies on the map.
- Navigate to your friends easily and quickly, wherever they are.
Accessories
The TomTom GO 510 comes with a generous range of included accessories including; the mentioned docking station, remote control and external microphone as well as a carrying case, USB cable, AC adapter, car charger, windshield mount, audio cables for car stereo connection and reference manuals.
Traffic Not Available
If you’re a serious traveler then one service that is likely to be valued is real-time traffic reports. They allow you to plan alternative routes around traffic jams and avoid dangerous traffic conditions. The service requires a traffic receiver which is unfortunately not included and not available as yet as an accessory for the GO510.
Comparing the GO510 and the GO910
The TomTom GO 510 has a higher specification sibling model, the GO 910, which has the following hardware/features in addition to those of the GO 510;
- European maps
- Integrated MP3 player
- 20GB hard drive
- Text-to-speech functionality – recorded voice instead
- Slide show function
- Remote control
User Reviews and Price Comparisons
TomTom GO 510 4-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
TomTom GO 510 4.0″ Automotive Smartest Portable Car Navigator
Further Reading
GPS Technology Reviews has recently reviewed the multi-capable Mio A701 GPS Phone.
GPS Technology Reviews has recently reviewed the Lowrance iWay 600c GPS Automotive and Marine Navigator Review.
GPS For Dummies
Outdoor Navigation with GPS
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS Locator [DVD]
TomTom GO 510 Specification
- 4.0″ widescreen WQVGA screen (480×272 pixels, 64,000 colors)
- CPU 400 MHz
- RAM 64MB
- Lithium-Ion battery (four hours of operation)
- 1Gb SD Card
- Highly sensitive SirfIII GPS chipset
- Dimensions: 4.2″ x 3.1″ x 2.5″
- Weight: 10.5 oz.
TomTom GO 510 Features
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Easy to use:
- External microphone: To optimize the quality of your voice when you use your TomTom GO for hands-free calling.
- Automatic pick-up: Can automatically answer your phone calls, for improved safety and comfort.
- Home dock: Our easy-to-use home dock is the smart way to download from your PC or Mac, upgrade your GO, and manage your files, all while automatically charging your device.
- TomTom HOME: Use TomTom HOME software in combination with the home dock to manage the files on your device (songs, photos, maps, etc), get new updates, plan and schedule journeys on your pc or Mac in advance, and much more.
- Buddies: Find, invite and add friends to your GO. And even send each other text messages while you’re on the road.
- Quick GPS fix: If you use your TomTom GO in combination with TomTom HOME, your GO will download information about where the GPS satellites are going to be for the next seven days. With this information, your GO will be able to find your current position very quickly when it is first switched on.
- Real-time weather reports: A real-time overview of the weather before you leave, including 5-day forecasts for the place you’re going.
- Buddies: Locate your friends. Instant messaging and navigation merge together.
- Pre-installed Safety Cameras database: The most up-to-date available list of safety cameras is pre-installed on your GO.
Hands-Free Calling and Hi-Fi audio:
- Real-time traffic & road condition information: Traffic jam alerts with the best alternative route and road condition warnings that help you put safety first.
- Clear & accurate spoken and visual instructions: Easy to follow, calm instructions given with plenty of notice mean that you can focus on your driving.
- Realistic visual instructions: Visuals on your GO replicate road signs, making them easier to follow.
- TMC support: Access TMC* traffic information via your GO.
- Plug & GO: Works straight out of the box.
- Portable: Easy to take from car to car.
- Touchscreen: Easy to operate. And no awkward buttons!
- Extra wide LCD screen: Four inch, high quality LCD screen with crystal-clear 3D graphics, 480×272 pixels, and 64,000 colors for optimal visibility.
- Intuitive user interface: Combined with the large touchscreen, it gives you the perfect navigation experience.
- Light sensor: Screen adjusts itself to different light circumstances, ensuring maximum visibility, day or night.
- Anti-glare screen: Always gives an optimal view, even in direct sunlight.
- Car speed linked volume: Built-in microphone notes the noise level in the car and adjusts the volume of voice instructions accordingly.
- High quality Li-Ion battery: Long lasting, four hour battery life.
- High quality speaker: Get voice instructions and enjoy songs and hands-free phone calls with remarkable sound quality at the volume you want.
Safety
- TomTom is committed to make driving more safely on the roads. Our navigation systems encourage you to get from A to B as safely as possible:
- Speeding alert: Alerts you that you’re speeding, even if you’re not in navigation mode.
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Hands-Free Calling and Hi-Fi audio: cont…
- High quality connection: Echo cancellation and noise reduction give you excellent sound quality.
- Real-time traffic: Up-to-the-minute traffic information, jam alerts and road condition warnings.
- Safety cameras: Receive and report alerts when there are safety cameras coming up, fixed or mobile. (Europe only)
- Points of Interest: Cafe, parking lot, movie theater or gas station. Millions of pre-installed POI’s. Search by proximity to current location, on your route, near a specific city, etc.
- POI’s: Millions of extra POI’s are downloadable.
- Customizable status bar: Improve readability by customizing your status bar to show only the information you need.
- Tip feature: Discover everything your GO has to offer with useful on-screen tips.
- Start-up configuration: Customize how and where your GO opens up when you turn it on; last location or your preferred chosen menu.
- Extensive preferences: From temperature (C/F) to air pressure (Pascal or Mbar), and more.
Best routes:
- The latest and most complete maps: Detailed maps of the USA and Canada pre-installed on a SD card. Door-to-door navigation across the USA and Canada.
- Route choice: Plan your route to fit your requirements, such as: quickest, shortest, avoiding toll roads and congestion charge areas, by required arrival time, etc.
- View routes: Preview and test your TomTom’s proposed route before you start your trip.
- Itinerary planning: Program in the schedule of places you want to visit before you leave the house.
- Fast re-routing: Miss a turn or instruction and your TomTom instantly recalculates your route from your current location.
- Easy location search and selection: Choose how you want to define your destination: street & house number, postcode (UK & NL only), city center or intersection.
- Easy location search and selection: Choose how you want to define your destination: street & house number, postcode (UK & NL only), contacts, GPS coordinates, city center or intersection.
Clear instructions:
- Huge choice: TomTom GO 510 speaks 36 languages in more than 50 different voices.
- Compass: Displays compass on screen, for even better orientation.
Smart extras:
- I-pod control: Connect your I-pod to your GO* to operate it via your GO 510 touchscreen and enjoy mp3’s or Podcasts through the high quality speaker or via your car stereo. TomTom GO 510 supports the I-pod 3rd and higher generation (except the I-pod Shuffle).
- Speaker options: TomTom GO 510’s speaker is perfect for listening to music or voice instructions. But you can also connect your GO to the car stereo using the audio cable we provide. Or use Bluetooth® technology to connect your GO wirelessly to your car stereo, headphones or external speakers.
TomTom PLUS:
- TomTom GO 510 comes ready for a wide range of TomTom PLUS services and downloads, including:
- Maps : City, national and regional maps. Just download the areas you need.
- Voices: Download funny and famous voices to bring variety and fun to your journey
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Is it possible to backtrack a route previously taken by the TomTom?How to do it — i.e. how to save a route taken and then use it to return over the same route?
Comment by dvk — May 18, 2008 @ 12:53 pm