Global Positioning System Review

We recently acquired a TomTom New XL Europe 31 system to help us find our way around. What a great invention! Even in our home area it has shown us new routes to various locations we visit often...usually saving considerable mileage. It gives clear directions (in your choice of 30 or so languages) with plenty of time to prepare for and execute the required turns, merges, etc. We are SO pleased with the results that we use the system virtually every time we start the car. We can see that this device will save time, mileage and frayed nerves when traveling in unknown areas of France or throughout Europe.

We HIGHLY recommend the use of a GPS device to everyone. For those travelling alone, there is no need to refer to a map...a detailed view is given onscreen and you don't even need to look at the screen, because the voice (your choice of male or female, in your preferred language) tells you what's coming up and repeats the instruction at the proper time to make the maneuver. For those travelling with other people, it can save disagreements over which way to turn at a junction, which lane to be in for the next turn, or simply saving time by getting you to your destination on time and relaxed. And for those, like me, who not only find map reading confusing but also frustrating and difficult when you're driving...it could be a life saver!

You can purchase additional maps for the UK, USA, Eastern Europe, etc., at a reasonable price over the internet, as needed. And, since it is a portable device, you can use it in any vehicle at any time, whether you are the driver or a passenger. The TomTom also gives you the choice of being notified of a variety of points of interedt (POI) such as post offices, gas/petrol stations, town administrative offices, shopping centers, parks and many more. Further, if you need to arrive at a specific time, the Tom Tom calculates how much leeway time you have left, gives the current local time and your projected arrival time, which adjusts automatically whenever you speed up or slow down. A voice can be set to warn you to slow down if you are going more than a few kph/mph over the speed limit for the section of road on which you are travelling.

An added bonus with our system is that if you want to have the latest information about road closures, you can download updates via your computer whenever you like through 'TomTom Home'. Speed camera locations and current traffic information are options with our system requiring an annual subscription or the purchase of a small antena, respectively, both at a reasonable price. Speed camera information is updated online weekly, so you can keep up to date.

We have rediscovered the pleasure of travelling and enjoying each others' company again...with no more indecision over which exit to take or did we miss a turn somewhere!
HAPPY MOTORING!!

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