By Sarah Falson
SYDNEY: European in-car navigation manufacturer, TomTom, has added a new entry-level system to its line-up – TomTom One – which already features various door-to-door, all-in-one navigation systems that allow users to navigate right out-of-the-box.
Various retailers are expected to stock the product including Harvey Norman, Bing Lee, David Jones, JB Hi-Fi, Super Cheap Auto, Dick Smith Electronics, Dick Smith PowerHouse, Clive Anthonys, Domayne, Myer and Wow Sight & Sound.
At $649, the TomTom One is slim and lightweight (174g) and comes with a suction-cupped windscreen-mount for attaching to the inside of the vehicle’s windscreen. It easily fits into a shirt pocket and can be transferred from car to car without hassle.
An external, LCD anti-glare touchscreen makes the controls easy-to-use, and ensures the navigation maps can be viewed in most light conditions. A combination of spoken instructions from the TomTom ONE’s built-in speaker, and 3D maps means drivers can keep their eyes on the road.
The device comes pre-installed with most Australian maps, including safety camera location databases.
“TomTom One has become one of the most popular consumer electronics goods across Australia, outselling most other portable navigation devices on the market in a very short time,” said TomTom Australia country manager, Remo Behdasht, in a statement released yesterday.
“The new TomTom One is TomTom’s most compelling entry level product, and demonstrates TomTom’s commitment to making navigation a reality for everyone.”
Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom NV (Navigation) provides personal navigation products and services. Its products are developed primarily for ease-of-use, but innovation, quality and value are also major development factors.
The company’s product line-up also includes the TomTom GO 910 ($1179) with advanced text-to-speech technology, a built-in 20GB hard-drive iPod control and a high definition picture viewer; the TomTom GO 710 ($969), which features an iPod control function and hands-free calling capability; and the TomTom RIDER ($999), which is the world’s first all-in-one navigational device designed specifically for motorcycles and scooters.
TomTom also manufactures navigation software packages which integrate with third party devices, like PDAs and smartphones.