TomTom XXL 540-S GPS Navigator Review

The TomTom XXL 540-S GPS Navigator has a large 5-inch screen along with a sleek and well designed integrated mount. Priced at $169.95 from the TomTom website, it may seem overpriced at first considering it lacks real-time traffic updating and an MP3 player. However, you can buy a refurbished model for half, if not less, than the direct price. Considering this, the 540-S is a solid device for the price, and a good start for someone looking to buy their first GPS navigator.

The TomTom XXL 540-S GPS Navigator measures in at 3.5 in./5.2in/.9 in. and weighs in at 8.9 ounces, but this includes the integrated mount. The unit itself is actually quite slim considering the large 5-inch screen, but it isn't a device that you're going to be lugging around in your pocket. Included in the box is a USB cable, a car USB charger, and an adhesive for mounting the unit on your car's dashboard.

The unit's 5-inch screen allows for greater touch-screen accuracy and easier reading, putting it ahead of it's competitors. The resolution is not disclosed by TomTom. The 540-S comes preloaded with 7 million Points of Interest and maps of all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the District of Colombia, and parts of Mexico. The first time you boot it up, you are asked to set the time, map color preferences, the voice you want to hear when given verbal commands, etc. You should connect your device to your computer and install the newest map update, the first of which is free within 30 days of your first use.

The 540-S lacks an MP3 Player, a memory card slot, and real time traffic updates. The former is available, but you need an optional traffic receiver to get updates from TomTom's Live traffic service.

Tapping the screen once brings you to the main menu where you can navigate to a specific location, find an alternative route, add a favorite address, and change various preferences. Additionally, there is a Help Me! icon, which has a variety of nifty features, such as finding the nearest hospitals, police stations, or car repair shops; directions for driving or walking to said places; a first aid guide; and finally, a compilation of various guides related to car repair/maintenance and other information.

You can navigate to a specific address, an intersection, city centers, or a zip code. The device uses TomTom's IQ routes, which use real life average speeds as well as speed limits, in order to find the quickest route. Every time you calculate a new route, it asks if you need to be at your destination by a certain time, which is a nice feature. As you are driving, the status bar(which can be customized to be either horizontally along the bottom or vertically along a side) shows your current speed, the speed limit, the estimated time of arrival and remaining distance to your destination, and the distance to the next driving maneuver. The next exit/street sign is shown in a box in the top right corner, and as you approach an exit or intersection, the Advanced Lane Guidance feature kicks in and shows you a detailed 3 dimensional view showing exactly which lane to take. The voice does a pretty good job at pronouncing street names and is clear(the volume is adjustable).

All-in-all, the TomTom XXL 540-S is a good device. I like the Advanced Lane Guidance system and the Help Me! is a nice, useful bonus. Although it lacks features that its competitors have, its 5 inch screen is unmatched for the price and makes the 540-S a great first time device, provided you don't pay the full price from the TomTom website.