Showing posts with label easy to use. Show all posts
Showing posts with label easy to use. Show all posts

TomTom GO 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

TomTom GO 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Well, I have to admit really falling in love with this device over the last week. The reason I bought it is actually because of third-party software package provided by a company called Equinux that makes the TomTom Go Mac OSX compatible. This software is not included, but it's easy to find on the web.
It's this software packages, callled Tam Tam, that makes the TomTom Go, to my knowledge, the first, truly MAC OSX compatible car GPS. Which in my humble opinion is a far better solution than jury-rigged coding for extreme hackers who try and force Garmin or Magellan to work with the Mac operating system machinse or the truly sad compromise of using Virtual PC, which, as far as I understand, makes your mac vulnerable to all those nasty virus and techno-terrors aimed at PC/Intel boxes.

In deference to the review guidelines, I won't put the Equinux URL here, but it's easy enough to find them on the web. The main reason I bring Equinux up at all is because if it wasn't for their Tam Tam Mac OSX software, I never would have bought my TomTom Go and, Man, I would have missed out on a wonderful device.
Anyway, the device, TOMTOM GO, is fantastic! The 3D map views are clear and easily read and once you switch to a map section that applies to where you are the TomTom has no problem getting a GPS connection - I'm making this assumption because I live and work in the hills of Tennessee, North Carolina Virginia and if it can get GPS reception here than that's really saying something.
Also, I splurged for the pre-loaded version, and I think I made the right call, just because I didn't want to take too many chances considering the, at the time, compatibility concerns, concerns which have since been fully addressed.
There is one down side, because the US map is sectioned into 6 or 7 maps, even if the maps are all loaded you can't go from a specific address in one section to a specific address in another section. This is a bit of a bummer, but once you get a hang of using the Major US Roads maps, which lack most specific addresses, and see how easy it is to switch maps as you go along, this is soon resolved. It's this flaw and the rather lousy mount that are the only reasons this is a four, and not a five, star review.
On the case of the mount, it too is a problem that is easliy rectified with one of those jell sticky, easy-to-peal off pads you can use on your dash. Better that than the permanted adhessive disc TomTom provides if your planning to attach their mount to your dash instead of your window.
Anyway, aside from the address to address multiple map problem and the dashboard mount problem, this device is great and if, like me, you are a Mac enthusiast who has been waiting for years for a Car GPS complete unit (not just a receiver) that's truly Mac OSX compatible, than it is here... after a fashion.
All in all, the TomTom GO with Equinux Tam Tam software is probably the best investment I made all year!


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Getting directions has never been so stress-free. The TomTom Go meets all your GPS navigation needs and more, offering a standalone, portable, easy-to-use car navigation device that incorporates navigation software, maps, and a GPS receiver in a single device. The TomTom Go also comes preloaded with state and regional maps of the entire U.S. and country-wide and regional maps of Canada, with maps of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam available on CD-ROM. The TomTom Go is easy to mount on any dashboard or windshield and easy to remove if you want to place it in another vehicle. This unit runs primarily off a cigarette-lighter power cable, but includes a long-life rechargeable battery for portable use as well. The TomTom Go offers a vivid 3-D navigation view, which allows you to grasp your current position intuitively in the same manner in which you deal with the real world, which is particularly helpful when navigating junctions and roundabouts. You can also set the touch-sensitive LCD screen to a more simple 2-D display mode that increases the amount of text direction you can have on screen. Both views have day and night variations for easy viewing regardless of the lighting conditions. The modern and sleek design of the TomTom Go assures that it will fit in style with any vehicle, while its many features ensure it will guide you accurately and easily through any situation. This system doesn't require any subscription or start-up fees; you can simply take it out of the box, plug it in to your car, and start driving. The TomTom Go includes thousands of points of interest (POIs) in its maps, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and more. And to help make sure you get where you are trying to go, the TomTom Go provides clear spoken directions in any of its 11 included languages. The TomTom Go comes with everything you need to be up and running in no time. The package includes a convenient carrying case to protect your GPS unit during travel, an easy-to-follow installation poster, all the necessary power and connecting cables, and an installation CD containing PC connection software and extra maps. Simple and convenient for the modern traveler, the TomTom Go will help ensure you always know where you are, where you have been, and where you are going--and, most importantly, the way back home. What's in the Box TomTom Go GPS receiver, Secure Digital memory card with preloaded U.S. maps, TomTom software CD-ROM with Canada maps, universal mains power adapter, 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter, mini-USB cable, and user's manual.

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Thule Transporter Combination Hitch Cargo Carrier Review

Thule Transporter Combination Hitch Cargo Carrier
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This Thule hitch-mount "hard-shell" cargo carrier I envisioned as just what was needed to double the effective size of my 2007 Toyota Corolla's trunk. It has worked out exactly as expected. It's 13 cu. ft. of space doubles the a little more than 13 cu. ft. space of the trunk.
Everything was in the box (for both 1 1/4" and 2" hitch receivers), shipping was free (and pretty quick) in addition to $40 or so off the list price by buying from Amazon, assembly and installation was a snap (I already had a 1 1/4" receiver mounted on my Corolla along with the flat plug type wiring necessary for the included lights), and it has done just what I needed on a 3000 mile trip in the West in May - haul my camping equipment while still having the car trunk available for everything else I needed.
Only "issue" is just what I expected from putting such a contrapation on the back of my relatively low slung Corolla, i.e., it will occasionally drag when going up or down a sharp incline. However, this is usually quite avoidable by paying attention by going slowly up and down such inclines (like pulling into or out of a gas station or convenience store) and taking such inclines at an angle (i.e., not perpendicular to the street).
A major upside of these type carriers is that one gets less wind drag and better mileage from such this configuration versus the high wind drag of roof mounted carriers. Evidence? I got over 41 mpg on my noted 3000 mile trip! I also does not obstruct the view out the back window at all essentially.
Tickled in Oregon

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The Thule Transporter Combination Hitch Cargo Carrier attaches to your vehicle's hitch to store up to 150 pounds of extra camping and climbing gear for you next major road trip.Product Features
Material: plastic
Dimensions: 50.5 x 24.3 x 23.5 in
Volume: 13 cu ft
Opening: [rear]
Compatibility: hitch
Locks Included: yes
Weight: 55 lb
Recommended Use: cargo carrying, storage
Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime


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Softride 26321 Acess Dura Assist 4 Bike Rack Review

Softride 26321 Acess Dura Assist 4 Bike Rack
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I just received this rack, unpacked it and assembled. The assembly was easy requiring only 4 bolts. I mounted the rack on the car's 2 inch receiver hitch using 1 additional bolt supplied with the rack. This bolt takes all of the slop out from between the rack and the car. The assembly is rock solid on the car and does not vibrate around like many other racks. The rack and car act as one unit and this keeps the motion of the rack and bikes to a minimum. The rack tips back and my van's back door opens with lots of extra space. I mounted 3 bikes and all fit well from a 48cm to a 61cm. The assist part works well and the weight of 3 carbon road bikes holds it in the down position and it is easy to lift up. There is a feature to disable the assist when no bikes are on the rack. This allows the bike rack to be in the down position with no weight on the rack. All in all this is a well engineered rack that is well built and very strong. I will be adding some lube at the main hinge points as it is a bit stiff right out of the box but I am sure it will remain solid for years to come.

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Softride Dura Assist 4-Bike Rack features a powder-coated steel construction for the best in strength and corrosion resistance. A unique hydraulicly assisted parallelogram design operated by a spring loaded pull pin release allows for easy up and down maneuverability and superior rear vehicle access. QuietRide lockingtightening anti-rattle technology and padded anti-sway cradles with rubber straps keeps your bicycles solidly and quietly mounted to your vehicle. Safety features include end-of-arm safety reflectors for nighttime visibility, cable lock, and a super reinforced top plate. This rack is outfitted with a 2 inch and 1.25-inch universal hitch bar to accomodate all receiver sizes.

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