» TomTom XL 340-S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator >> car gps systems, car navigation systems - Shop Compare and Reviews Store, Buy Cheap Best Prices on sale, review, price

Traffic update worked
The GOOD: I took a 3 hour trip to southern PA at the start of Labor Day weekend. I chose the fastest route but fully expected delays due to traffic and construction. The Tom Tom 340TM rerouted several times during the trip to faster routes. I arrived ahead of schedule.

The BAD: Downloading the new updated software and maps took a very long time (hours). A few times questions popped up on the Tom Tom requiring a yes/know decision, only the question was in a foreign language. I had to do an internet search to find a translation. This happened twice with different languages each time.

The UGLY: The time to reach customer service took a very long time (>1 hour)to reach only to be disconnected, then another hour wait again. I didn't get much help but eventually got the system to begin the download on my own after the foreign language question got answered. I got an email a couple later saying they considered the problem had been resolved??

Despite the long update and lack of timely customer service, the unit did perform well and comes recommended. Side Note, in other posts I learned that the XL340TM is customizable whereas the XL350 is a stripped down simplified version. I chose the XL340TM version for the many customizable features, as well as lifetime map and traffic updates.

Suction Cup + Warranty is the only flaw
I loved my TomTom initially. The problem I encountered was ultimately with the warranty & the suction cup. After a few months, the suction cup failed, the device fell and the screen cracked. The touch-screen no longer worked with a large crack in it, so I called TomTom since I thought it would be under warranty.
Their customer service is poor when it comes to questions regarding warranties. I spoke to a handful of people and they kept repeating the same thing "I can't help you, the screen is not under warranty." It's an awful policy to have the only fragile exterior portion of the device not under warranty. I tried to explain, that my real issue was with the suction cup and the crack in the screen was just a side-effect of a failing suction cup, but they wouldn't help. "I can't help you, the screen is not under warranty" made up 75% of the sentences that they used when talking to me.
I don't know how their competitors are, but if I decide to buy another GPS, I am going to stay away from TomTom. The internal parts are good, but the external hardware is a joke and the fragility of the device, coupled with a poor suction cup, and a warranty that doesn't protect the consumer very well made me want to share my story.

Garmin is sadly better
I was debating on getting this because there are so many options but the reviews led me to tom tom. after using it for a few months the tom tom is nice and easy however searching locations is troublesome. Because the touch screen needs work. It is more like a palm pilot touch screen then an ipod. I used my step dad's garmin nuvi and it was much easier and much better because it searches locations as you write so it is much easier. the touch screen is much more responsive. If you are iffy get Garmin.

Great GPS hampered by TomTom Home software
I bought this GPS (XL340TM Live) for two features:

1) IQ Routes
2) MapShare corrections

The GPS itself is great, but the TomTom Home software was unable to download the Latest Map Guarantee (the GPS was new and not refurbished) and neither was it able to accept and process the lifetime maps activation.

Several calls to TomTom tech support were unable to fix the problems with this unit. The TomTom tech support was polite, responsive but not very useful.

I ended up returning the unit and purchasing an XL350TM for less. That unit was able to get updated maps and lifetime map code also worked.

The LIVE service is SLOW and with the lifetime traffic and my iPhone, it is quite useless.

TomTom no match for Garmin Nuvi
This is my second GPS (third if you include the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor). I compared this review unit with a Garmin nüvi 855 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Speech Recognition that I purchased earlier in the year.

I ran around town with both the TomTom and Garmin giving me maps and directions, and found the TomTom's timing and prompts much less useful than the Garmin's. The maps had much less detail - the Garmin shows bodies of water, side roads, etc., none of which appeared on the TomTom. The icons to locate nearby services were not easily discerned while driving. The menus and functionality were awkward.

I was not able to test the traffic feed, as my city is too small, so will have to post more on that after my son in Los Angeles tests that out later.

For many things, the weaknesses of the TomTom are addressed by the Garmin, but the weaknesses of the Garmin (and there are some) are addressed by the TomTom. But, overall, for maps, POIs, navigation, voice prompt quality, easy of use, total number of features, features of the web site for updates and interface with Google maps, etc., I think one would do better looking at the Garmin line, even with its faults.

Posting some photos comparing the two units.