Tom Tom XL fixed camera updates
Discussion
I've decided to try satnav and, going by the comments on this forum, it seems that the TT XL is a sensible starter.
I went into a local high street motor factors - you'd never guess the name - and looked at the TT XL. It was obviously a 'bring-your 4-year-old to work' day and I asked one of the kids if the camera locations were updatable and he looked totally confused, read a bit of literature and then said that I would need the TMC. Questions of what, who and how much the TMC was were not satisfactorily answered.
So, as a satnav virgin unused to the jargon, can anyone tell me:
can the camera database be updated,
does it cost,
what's a TMC,
should I go for the European maps in the first instance or can I buy the maps later and, most importantly,
why I was stupid enough to expect a sensible answer from the sales representative.
Cheers, guys.
I went into a local high street motor factors - you'd never guess the name - and looked at the TT XL. It was obviously a 'bring-your 4-year-old to work' day and I asked one of the kids if the camera locations were updatable and he looked totally confused, read a bit of literature and then said that I would need the TMC. Questions of what, who and how much the TMC was were not satisfactorily answered.
So, as a satnav virgin unused to the jargon, can anyone tell me:
can the camera database be updated,
does it cost,
what's a TMC,
should I go for the European maps in the first instance or can I buy the maps later and, most importantly,
why I was stupid enough to expect a sensible answer from the sales representative.
Cheers, guys.
TMC is for traffic updates - it (in theory) reroutes you if there are jams - but there are stories of it being crap.
Don't bother with TomTom cameras - just go for the www.pocketgpsworld.com ones.
HTH
Don't bother with TomTom cameras - just go for the www.pocketgpsworld.com ones.
HTH
I've got a One XL Europe.
You cannot update the pre-installed safety camera locations without purchasing a subscrption from TomTom. It costs £20 per year which I've not done yet. I've not had mine long but have yet to come across a camera that is missing.
Why is the Pocket GPS database better?
You cannot update the pre-installed safety camera locations without purchasing a subscrption from TomTom. It costs £20 per year which I've not done yet. I've not had mine long but have yet to come across a camera that is missing.
Why is the Pocket GPS database better?
Derek Smith said:
I've decided to try satnav and, going by the comments on this forum, it seems that the TT XL is a sensible starter.
I went into a local high street motor factors - you'd never guess the name - and looked at the TT XL. It was obviously a 'bring-your 4-year-old to work' day and I asked one of the kids if the camera locations were updatable and he looked totally confused, read a bit of literature and then said that I would need the TMC. Questions of what, who and how much the TMC was were not satisfactorily answered.
So, as a satnav virgin unused to the jargon, can anyone tell me:
can the camera database be updated,
does it cost,
what's a TMC,
should I go for the European maps in the first instance or can I buy the maps later and, most importantly,
why I was stupid enough to expect a sensible answer from the sales representative.
Cheers, guys.
Not everyone that works for that particular company is a moron mind...I went into a local high street motor factors - you'd never guess the name - and looked at the TT XL. It was obviously a 'bring-your 4-year-old to work' day and I asked one of the kids if the camera locations were updatable and he looked totally confused, read a bit of literature and then said that I would need the TMC. Questions of what, who and how much the TMC was were not satisfactorily answered.
So, as a satnav virgin unused to the jargon, can anyone tell me:
can the camera database be updated,
does it cost,
what's a TMC,
should I go for the European maps in the first instance or can I buy the maps later and, most importantly,
why I was stupid enough to expect a sensible answer from the sales representative.
Cheers, guys.
To address your points:
1: Yes, it can be updated - two ways to do so. Firstly, you can pay £20 either at the aforementioned retailer for a scratch card subscription, or you can pay £20ish to TomTom via the Home application for the same thing. Secondly you can choose to go to a third party provider like Pocket GPS World and download their cameras which are installed as customised points of interest. The end result is the same though so more a case of six of one, half dozen of the other. The PGPSW cameras do tend to be more wide ranging, however they do tend to have a lot of false positives.
2: See 1, but £20 for tomtom per year, £19 for PGPSW per year iirc. Other providers charges may vary.
3: TMC is an acronym for Traffic Message Channel, it's an FM broadcast data transmission that tells the unit about the location and estimated duration of traffic problems. The units can re-route around traffic problems using TMC but it is reliant on the info being accurate. The TomTom units also utilise the TomTom PLUS service which gives pseudo-TMC info via a mobile phone and assocated GPRS connection. (This isn't avaliable on the TomTom ONE v3 as it lacks the bluetooth chip, but is available on the XL models). This costs, the TMC doesn't (other than the intial price of the receiver). Costs on the PLUS service vary but iirc it's in the region of £25/30 per year (plus data charges from your mobile phone service provider).
4: Yes, basically - the euro maps are only about £30 more at the point of sale, or about £70/80 afterwards. Plus having them preloaded on the unit saves a load of hassle re-unlocking maps etc.
5: Obviously you managed to talk to a work experience or new starter. If you talk to someone who appears more senior, you'll probably get a better experience however everyone has to start somewhere. Most younger employees of *employer* do it for the sake of a few quid to go on the lash with once a month, likewise - most customers say "I'd like that one please" and leave it at that. Any training other than On-The-Job shadowing is something that is very rare in most retail sectors because of the reliance on the almighty GBP£.
Edited by Frederick on Wednesday 31st October 22:38
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