TomTom XL 330S and 330 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator Review

The TomTom XL 330S GPS navigator has the same specification with the addition of text-to-speech technology allowing street names to be announced as part of turn-by-turn navigation directions. Both are widescreen models with 4.3 inch (480 x 272 pixels) touchscreens providing a larger, easier to see navigation interface for drivers. If you find the wait for a GPS satellite fix before you can depart then you will appreciate the rev up from the included QuickGPSfix technology. Both units are traffic-capable with the addition of an optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver. Aside from the navigation features the XL 330 models feature an mp3 music player.

TomTom XL 330S and 330 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

TomTom XL 330S Text-to-Speech

Text-to-Speech (TTS) is a safety/convenience feature of the TomTom XL 330S. TTS allows the GPS to announce street names when giving navigation directions rather than simply stating the turn direction. TTS improves added driving safety by providing confirmation that you are on route without needing to check the map display.

TomTom XL 330 and 330S Maps

The TomTom XL 330 units are preloaded with US and Canadian maps from TeleAtlas as well as a database of millions of Points of Interest (POI) which can be annotated with your own custom POI. A useful feature is being able to get alerts when a particular type of POI (eg. post office) is within range. The POI database is being updated on an ongoing basis and can be downloaded to your GPS navigator using TomTom’s free HOME desktop application.

TomTom’s Map Share software brings the power of an online community to improve map accuracy. Users can correct and improve available maps through being able to; 1) modify street names and direction 2) add, remove or rename POIs and 3) block/unblock streets on their own device. Map corrections are shared with other TomTom users by using TomTom’s free desktop application, HOME.

The TomTom XL330 and XL330S are both covered by TomTom’s Latest Map Guarantee allowing a free map update download if a new map is released within 30 days of purchase.

TomTom HOME

TomTom’s free software HOME allows you to manage, update and personalize your TomTom as well as purchase and install maps, make back-ups and download software updates.

Mounting the TomTom XL 330 Models

TomTom’s latest GPS mount, the EasyPort, can be folded flat on the back of the GPS device for easy transport or shifting it between cars. Attachment is a simple sequence of pushing it against the windscreen and twisting the lock nut as shown in the video below.

Help Me!

Help Me! is a safety feature from TomTom providing information about the nearest car repair service center, police station, or hospital. It also allows users to either locate or call the closest emergency service provider. Apart from allowing users to quickly identify their exact location, Help Me! can also provide this information to emergency service providers for quicker help.