TomTom ONE XL Review (Tom Tom 1)

TomTom recently released the TomTom ONE XL, a stylish new navigation device. The first thing you'll notice about the TomTom ONE XL is its relatively thin design. The market's thinnest GPS devices measure at less than 3/4" thick. The TomTom ONE XL measures at a little bit over an inch, so it's still relatively small. It is an upgrade from the older TomTom ONE model which featured a 3.5" LCD touchscreen display. The TomTom ONE XL features a 4.3" widescreen LCD that is significantly larger and much clearer as well as high contrasting.
Keep in mind that the unit is a very basic unit but it does feature Bluetooth connectivity that is optional with an additional subscription, as well as an SD Card reader that enables any user to update their map database. The TomTom ONE XL does not feature any playback of audio or video files, but it does receive FM radio-based traffic information that updates the displayed map. In addition, the unit could receive weather data of any user selected cities.
Also be advised that the Bluetooth technology is not designed for hands-free calling but only for addition TomTom Plus subscription. It picks up better traffic information through the Plus subscription. This portable GPS navigation device, however, features an SD Card reader that could read up to 2GB of map information.
On the one hand, the unit is a great basic unit that offers plenty of GPS functions; but on the other hand, there really is no other feature that would be attractive to more advanced users. The TomTom ONE XL features a SiRFStar III processor that runs at 266 MHz, which is unfortunately slower than most portable GPS navigation units today. However, there is truly only one function for this unit, which is navigation, so a 266 MHz processor would be adequate with most usage. If you're looking for a basic in-vehicle navigation system, the TomTom ONE XL could be the perfect easy-to-use navigation device for the basic user at under $250.

Valor NVG-670W Review

You, like many other millions of consumers worldwide, want a product that features plenty of options and functions with the lowest cost possible. It’s completely understandable because it is the typical consumer mindset. Double DIN navigation with 6.5” LCD monitor typically sell at around $750 to more than $1000 per unit. But look take a look at the Valor NVG-670W, a feature packed in-dash navigation with plenty of “bang” and a lot less bucks than more popular navigation units.

The first thing you’ll notice is the 6.5” LCD touchscreen display on the front panel. It is centered but bordered by a row of buttons on each side of the screen. This configuration does not make the unit appear to have an off-center installation like the Pioneer AVIC-D3. In addition, the DVD slot input is actually hidden behind the screen which gives it an even cleaner installation look.

The navigation unit is built-in but requires the included DVD media for it to function but still leaves the SD Card port and the USB input completely free for your audio or video uses. It is also capable of navigating in 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional course-plotting and features over 11 million points of interests (POI) and instructs drivers with vocal guidance.

Its multimedia features include the capability for it to play DVD±R/RW, CD-DA, SVCD, VCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, AVI, XviD, JPEG, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, MP3, and WMA in NTSC or PAL color format. Evidently, the Valor NVG-670W does not leave anything out and could play virtually any media format the world has to offer. The in dash receiver is also capable of dual zone audio output, giving the rear seat passengers the ability to listen to a different media than the front seat passengers. It also features a 24-Bit 192 kHz DAC with high and low pass crossover filters, which gives significant enhancement to the sound quality it puts out. You’ll also be able to expand with its front, rear, center, and subwoofer 2.5V preamp outputs, optional Sirius or XM Satellite Radio, and iPod capabilities. It even includes an iPod adapter and also built-in Bluetooth that will allow you to speak wirelessly through your existing car audio system, providing you with a safer way to communicate while on the road.

It is with no doubt that the Valor NVG-670W is a product to be reckoned with, especially true with its plethora of features and multimedia functions, built-in Bluetooth technology, integrated navigation unit, and a large 6.5” LCD touchscreen display. All this can be yours for less than $700!