TomTom Go 510 GPS Navigation System + 1GB SD Card

TomTom Go 510 GPS Navigation System + 1GB SD Card
 with a Pre-Loaded Detailed South African Map, Large 4" 16:9 LCD display, SD Card Slot w/ 1GB Card, Full Featured Audible Turn-by-turn Navigation, 400 MHhz Processor, 64MB RAM, 36 Language Choices, Hands-free Calling w/ Bluetooth Connectivity, Available Realtime Traffic + Weather and More!!

With an effective in-car navigation system at your side, you can say goodbye to the old days of pulling over, shuffling maps, and asking for directions. Yet designing an effective system -- one that brings together the right mix of speed, accuracy, and simplicity -- has been a long, hard road for many manufacturers, leading many folks to stick with the gas station attendant. The latest in-car GPS units deserve a serious look, though, especially by those who've dismissed them as too inaccurate, too complicated, or too expensive. The TomTom GO 510 embodies much of what's really great about the next generation of GPS systems, and in many ways it's successful at making drivers feel as if there's a helpful guide along for the ride.

Design
The heart of every GPS device is its receiver technology, and the TomTom GO 510 has the best in the business -- the highly sensitive SiRF Star 3 GPS chipset, which boasts fast satellite acquisition times, and extreme accuracy, even when you're driving through dense forests or tall buildings. Also under the hood is a 400 Mhz processor supported by 64 MB of RAM, which gives the GO 510's interface a zippy feel. The included 1 GB SD memory card is pre-loaded with maps and points of interest (POIs) for the South Africa, US (including Puerto Rico) and Canada. Pre-loaded maps and points of interest are a big plus, allowing you to get going right out of the box.Weighing in at 298g and measuring 107 x 79 x 64 mm. TomTom is known for keeping things simple, and that's the case here: there are no buttons or other doodads on the front of the device, only a big, bright widescreen (480 x 272 pixels) display that's controlled by touch. There's also a microphone for hands-free phone calls just above the display. A single button for power is placed on the top of the device, while a single speaker is placed on the bottom. There's a docking port here, too, which supplies power and data connectivity.

Installation
Installing the GO 510 couldn't be easier. A rotating suction cup mount attaches to the windshield and the GO 510 clips into it securely. Positioning the mount for easy viewing is a snap, and after some initial setup procedures you'll be up and running.The mount accommodates an array of connections, including power, an external GPS antenna, an optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver for FM radio-based traffic updates, audio out, and a microphone connector. In addition to a car power adapter, The GO 510 ships with an external microphone for Bluetooth hands-free calls.While the GO 510 does have an internal rechargeable battery, it should be treated as a backup in most cases. Battery life was relatively short during testing -- about 3 hours. The device also ships with a home USB docking cradle, as well as an AC wall charger. Using the included TomTom Home software on your PC, you can manage POIs, plan routes, purchase and manage additional TomTom services, and more.

Interface
The GO 510's easy-to-read display, logical menu and navigation functions, and excellent voice prompts bring the whole hardware and software package together nicely. You'll feel like you're using a tool intended for the job, not a piece of software cobbled together to run on generic hardware.The anti-glare widescreen display offers a clear 3D view of the road and maneuvers ahead. The screen uses a built-in sensor to adjust to changing light conditions. The navigation screen is split into three sections: The main map display, which shows a three dimensional view of the road and maneuvers ahead; a distance and turn indicator section, which lets you know how far you have to go until your next turn; and a trip computer with odometer, time, and GPS signal information. The bottom of the display also lets you know the name of the street you're on.

Extras
If you have wireless data service through your cellular carrier, the GO 510 takes full advantage of it with TomTom Plus services. These services, add real-time traffic, weather, and safety camera information. You can also download additional POIs, maps, and voices via the service. Another feature, TomTom Buddies, allows you to see and communicate with your connected friends as they travel. If you have wireless data service and a Bluetooth-capable phone, TomTom Plus is worth a look, even when it becomes subscription-based in 2007. This item has been factory refurbish by TOMTOM to new.