If I’m not using Google Maps to get around, I use my TomTom 820 Go Live, which I reviewed here. I received the newer TomTom Go 400 for review, and decided to pass it to gadget freak Alexia Beswick who claims to have an innate sense of direction, and who has never used a GPS device before (wow!). I’m featuring GPSes on this site because I think they are useful for moms (I don’t think I need to explain further), and because it’s a lot safer than holding your phone while driving using a mobile GPS app.
What they say: the specs (scroll down if these don’t interest you)
Touchscreen (with pinch to zoom technology)
Smartphone connectivity
3D Maps including a full map of Africa for cross continent road trips
TomTom Traffic
My thoughts
Until I opened the TomTom Go 400 box I’d never really had any sort of car navigation experience. Sure, I’d played passenger enough times to know what a GPS was, but I’d never held one in my hands. It’s not that I’m tech shy but rather that I’ve always relied on my ‘internal compass’ and ‘unbelievable sense of direction’ (terms I’d stowed upon myself) to get where I need to be. I don’t use navigation apps on my iPhone either, I just feel my way to places. Yes, it sounds ridiculous but it’s always worked for me.
For someone who had never used any sort of GPS navigation experience, the TomTom Go 400 did not disappoint. Our first road trip experience together was a bit bumpy. Turns out it was me, not Tom. I couldn’t understand why he kept on taking me the “long route” to a location I knew a shorter way to get to. Turns out he had accounted for the traffic along the way. Tom 1, Lexie 0. This became my favorite feature – it’s ability to remember the regular places I visit and then help get me there faster taking into account current traffic conditions. Genius!
After all our travels together, I’m definitely on the road to becoming a GPS convert.
The fab
- TomTom Traffic – precise, real-time traffic information
The good
- The TomTom Go touchscreen technology experience was good, similar to that of an iPhone and iPad
- The building & landmark 3D feature
The downer
- The price – For someone who wasn’t already a diehard navigation system fan, the thought of forking out R2 599.00 for a piece of technology I never though I previously needed was steep.
Quick notes
Best suited for: That family member who is perpetually lost, your friend who is always late and the tech tyrant in your life.
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I buy it for myself? After our review session was over, I was sad to say goodbye. It’s made it’s way onto my gadget/appliance wishlist, but it’s not at the top, just yet.
Value-to-my-life rating: 7 out of 10
Price: R2 599
