TomTom XL 325 and XL 325S Auto GPS Navigators Review

TomTom’s XL 325 and XL 325S feature a larger 4.3 inch widescreen for easier viewing of navigation information compared to smaller screen navigators. The touchscreen has a WQVGA (480 x 272 pixels) resolution. The 4.3 inch screen was the largest offered by TomTom till their recent release of the XXL 530S and XXL540S models.

The two models are the same except for the XL325S having text-to-speech capability to announce street names as part of navigation instructions. It gives the driver confirmation that they are on track without taking their eyes from the road – definite safety benefit.

TomTom XL 325

Navigating with the TomTom XL 325 and XL 325S

To select a destination users have options including address typing, favourites, recent destinations, go home, coordinates and browsing for and selecting a map point. One can also select the arrival time if a timely arrival is important. The database total of 7 million POI (Points of Interest) is a comparatively generous one. Like other GPS navigators POI searches can be limited by area (eg. local) or to along your selected route. With route segmenting available, trips can be planned with multiple intermediate waypoints.

Both models have text-to-speech capability so street names are pronounced as part of navigation instructions. It gives the driver confirmation that they are on track without taking their eyes from the road – a definite safety benefit.

Along the bottom of the map screen is a horizontally scrolling text display which can include current speed, distance to next turn, posted speed limit, ETA, remaining distance and direction. What is displayed is customizable.

TomTom QuickGPSfix

QuickGPSfix provides quicker GPS satellite acquisition times through storage of GPS satellite orbit predictions (almanac data). Usually the orbit data is only updated when the TomTom GPS device is connected to a PC or Mac running TomTom’s HOME software. With the XL 325/S data connection updates are more frequent and automatic.

Text-to-Speech (XL 325S)

Text-to-Speech (TTS) is a safety/convenience feature which allows street names to be announced as part of 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.

Help Me!

Help Me! is another safety feature which provides 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 a quick response. There is even a basic first-aid guide for if things are getting really bad!

Maps

The TomTom XL 325 and XL325S come preloaded with maps of the US including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico and more than 7 million Points of Interest including restaurants, gas stations, shopping malls and golf courses.

Map Share

Map Share gives users the ability to personalize their maps and correct and improve available maps. With Map Share TomTom users can; 1) change street names and direction 2) add, remove or rename POIs and 3) (un)block streets on their own device. Using the data connection TomTom XL 325/S users map improvements are shared/available far quicker.

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. GPS quick-fix data can also be updated while online and any Map Share updates shared.