TomTom Go 2535 M Live
Manufacturer: TomTom Part number: 1CT5.019.04
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- With its connected services and HD Traffic, the TomTom Go 2535 M Live performs well as a GPS navigator, whether you like to plan ahead or set destinations with voice command while you're on the road.
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CNET editors' review
TomTom Go 2535 M Live price range: $199.99 - $299.99
- Reviewed by: Antuan Goodwin
- Reviewed on: 07/11/2011
The good: TomTom's Live Services provide top-notch HD Traffic reporting and other useful services in a safe manner. The glass capacitive touch screen of the TomTom Go 2535 M Live is extremely responsive and does a good job of showing off the updated interface's crisp graphics. Bluetooth hands-free calling, free traffic and map updates, and voice command for control and address entry round out a strong feature set.
The bad: While TomTom's updated interface is much easier to use than the old version, it can still be a bit confusing at first.
The bottom line: With its connected services and HD Traffic, the TomTom Go 2535 M Live performs well as a GPS navigator, whether you like to plan ahead or set destinations with voice command while you're on the road.
The TomTom Go series models have the standard touch-screen-and-suction-cup design. The TomTom Go 2535 M Live features a 5-inch glass capacitive touch screen that is quite glossy, which could mean too much glare in certain situations, but the screen is bright enough to remain readable during the daytime hours. At the top-left corner of the unit is a stealthy power button that doubles as a charging status light. Around back is an attractive asymmetrical rear panel that hides the Go's loudspeaker behind a grille.
Finally, along the bottom edge of the Go chassis is a proprietary connection point for its 12-volt power cable. The power cable uses a 20-pin connection and locks into the Go's chassis with a pair of small magnets. Unlike, say, the power cable of the Go 2405 TM, the Go 2535 M Live's cable does not feature an in-line traffic antenna. In this case, the device's GSM data receiver is located within the chassis. A removable SIM card is hidden beneath the FCC identifying sticker on the base of the unit, but don't mess with it as it could cause problems with data connectivity. An internal data receiver means that you can access TomTom's Live Services while the device is operating on battery power, which makes it easy to check travel times and traffic status before you enter the vehicle.
The power cable now terminates in a removable 12-volt-to-USB power adapter. The TomTom Go still lacks an SD or microSD card slot, and the decision to go with the proprietary power cable took away the Mini-USB port that has typically been the standard power and syncing connection point. To connect to a PC to update maps and software, you must use a proprietary USB adapter--which is fine, but can be difficult to replace if misplaced.
The car cradle itself has a suction cup that locks into place on a vehicle's windshield with a twisting knob. A ball joint at the base of the cradle's neck is the single point of articulation. A strong magnet embedded in the face of the cradle holds onto the Go's metal rear plate. This neat feature, combined with the locked-on magnetic power cable, makes it easy to snap the Go 2535 M Live in and out of the cradle with one hand when entering or exiting the vehicle.
Software
The Go 2535 M Live features the same updated WebKit-based operating system that we've seen in the rest of the current Go models.
The main menu is dominated by two large icons in the top two-thirds of the screen for "Navigate to..." and "View map." These lead to the TomTom's two destination selection methods. The former is menu- and search-based, and the latter is visual and map-based.
The lower third is home to a collection of smaller icons for "Plan route," Live Services, Settings, Help, and Done. We'll cover "Plan route" and Live Services later in this review. Settings leads to the settings; Help leads to options for navigating to emergency services, relaying your current position, and accessing an electronic product manual; and Done returns you to the live map.
Speaking of map screens, the TomTom Go has two of them. The live map is the main screen used during navigation that updates in real time with the position of the vehicle and displays turn-by-turn directions. Touching anywhere on the live map takes you to the main menu, so it's not very interactive. The second map is the browsing map, accessed from the main menu's "View map" icon. The browsing map is used for searching for destinations and points of interest and can be used to initiate a new trip plan or modify the current trip plan. This map can be scrolled and zoomed by swiping and pinching, and displays user-selectable POI icons. At first we found the dual map setup a bit confusing. TomTom tells us that the live map is a low-distraction interface for use while the vehicle is in motion, whereas the browsing map is a more flexible, interactive screen that comes into play when the vehicle is stopped and drivers can devote their full attention to the unit. It does make some sense and, after spending time with the unit on the road, we've gotten the hang of the maps and their respective functions and limitations. However, we can't help but note that other manufacturers manage this juggling act with only one map screen.
The menu and map screen interfaces are fairly flexible. You can adjust the color of the map and the amount of data displayed in the status bar along the bottom edge of the map, or move the status bar to a vertical orientation along the right edge of the screen. There's also an option called "Make your own menu" that lets you select custom shortcuts to be displayed on the live map screen--for example, shortcuts can be set pointing to the phone menu, voice command for the system or address entry, muting sound, contacting emergency services, or finding the nearest parking structure. If you choose one or two of these shortcuts they display directly on the map screen; selecting three or more creates a fly-out menu.
Live Services
Under the aforementioned Live Services icon in the Go 2535 M Live's main menu is a collection of connected services accessed via the device's always-on data connection.
The service that most people will use the most often, whether actively or passively, is TomTom's HD Traffic service. Unlike standard RDS-TMC traffic services, which rely primarily on highway road sensors and traffic reports, TomTom's HD Traffic uses positioning and speed data collected from third-party fleets, third-party incident data reporting, TomTom's established IQ Routes historical data reporting and algorithms, and anonymous position and speed data from every TomTom Live connected device on the road. Essentially, by using the service, TomTom users are actively making the system more accurate.
TomTom's data centers crunch this data and spit it back out to TomTom HD Traffic users every 2 minutes, whereas the RDS-TMC system has a refresh rate of every 10 to 15 minutes. HD Traffic also has the advantage of providing traffic data for surface roads, an area frequently neglected by basic traffic services.
Other Live Services include weather forecasts that are read aloud by the 2535's text-to-speech engine, safety camera data that is integrated into the map and sounds a chime when the car approaches a speed camera or red-light camera, fuel prices nearby, in a specific area, or along the current route, and Google Local Search, which uses Google's servers to dig up points of interest that aren't listed in the 2535's database. One year of live connectivity is included in the purchase price of the Go 2535 M Live, after which you can continue the service for a $9.99 monthly fee.
One thing that TomTom Go 2535 M Live owners should never have to pay for is map updates, which are included for the lifetime of the device.
On the road
Before we even got behind the wheel of our test vehicle, we were pleased to see that the Go 2535 M Live packs in a few features that helped us to plan our trips ahead of time. Firstly, there's a "Show home-work" traffic feature that gives expected delays between preset home and work addresses at the touch of a button, without the inconvenience of setting up a route or going outside to achieve GPS lock.
A "Plan route" button on the home screen enabled us to look ahead in time using TomTom's IQ Routes prediction algorithm to estimate how long a trip should take at a point in the near future. For example, we could estimate what time we'd need to leave the office to make it to a dinner reservation. On the Destination details screen, a tabbed information box enabled us to tweak departure times, check for safety cameras on the route, and find where the cheapest gasoline on the chosen route was and how much it would cost us. Interestingly, the Go 2535 doesn't seem to offer multiple-destination routing--you can only place a single via point.
Once behind the wheel, we appreciated the Go 2535's Bluetooth hands-free calling integration when paired with a compatible handset. We also liked the voice command system, which seems to have been updated since we tested the Go 2405, with a new information screen that lists suggested commands such as "Drive to an address." Voice address entry supports full spoken addresses, rather than separately prompting for street name, street number, and city.
For actual routing, the Go 2535 performs as well as the previously tested Go 2405. The presence of TomTom's Live Services gives access to a feature called QuickGPSfix, which greatly decreases the time to satellite lock and gives the unit a small measure of positioning accuracy (within a few blocks) when used indoors. It's difficult to measure how much time the TomTom system saved us on our commute, but using the system to hunt down reported traffic jams revealed that--at the very least--its traffic data appears to be accurate down to the surface-street level in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In sum
The TomTom Go 2535 M Live meets the expectations set by the previous generation of TomTom Go GPS models and exceeds them when you consider the extra functionality added by the Live Services, at least for the first year of use. Once the $9.99 monthly fee kicks in during the second year of ownership, the Go 2535 M Live will be less of a deal. However, users will still have access to TomTom's great suite of connected services.
User reviews
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People usually rate when they are mad, not happy...
by SOUTHEASTJAY on July 14, 2011
Pros: The live features including Traffic, impressively accurate and quick to update. Very responsive touch screen. Lots of features and benifits for the price. On sale for 279 this week, more features than you need!
Cons: Some of the normal customizations that are standard on older Tomtom units are not YET available for this unit. But unless your dieing for a Homer Simpson voice on your unit, who cares!
Summary: As i mentioned in a response to someone who was not happy with this unit, every massed produced product has a few faulty ones in the batch. However in response ...
Summary: As i mentioned in a response to someone who was not happy with this unit, every massed produced product has a few faulty ones in the batch. However in response to complaints on Traffic, it may be due to your area or lack of 3rd party fleets and sensors in your area only. In Jacksonville metro and surrounding, even to Orlando the traffic status has always been 100% accurate and fast. I literally watched an accident on I-95 south bound and within 30 seconds the southbound traffic lane on my Live Traffic lit up with a delay. It was truley impressive. I currently have 2 of these units and am OVER statisfied on the performace and the product in General. I suspect that people who had faulty units were the ones who came to cnet to post their experiances, but really think they are missing out assuming that Garmin is going to come to thier rescue and be perfect all of the time. I have yet to own a Garmin that was perfect or more accurate than any of my TomTom units. Also as i mentioned, i own 2 of these units and am very pleased. Yes when i purchased my first one back in April, i was a little frustrated because the new tomtom software was less than willing to update my maps, take my lifetime mapupdate codes or allow me to do anything for that matter. However, that has all been resolved. It now updates without issue, it took my lifetime map codes and are both running like charms. And right now its on sale at a big box electronic retailer for as little as 279! That is a steal when considering you get the lifetime map updates and a whole year of LIVE for free. Yes, i am a Tomtom fan, but that did not come easy. I purchased over the past years some very highend garmins to test along side my (at the time) TomTom 920T unit. And everytime, my tomtom out performed even the priciest Garmin. There are so many features on this 2535 that people dont take the time to find and figure them all out before dismissing this unit. I think over all this is a unit well worth the 349, but even more at 279. Buy it, you wont be dissapointed. And by the way, when i did call customer service, after an average hold time of 2-4 minutes i got an English Speaking rep who answered my call. Yes Englih speaking rep, I was shocked to but very pleased.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Many bugs, Live Services frequently unavailable
by omnikey on July 12, 2011
Pros: Nice magnetic mounting bracket
Cons: Staggering number of bugs. Live services are available only 25% of the time. Much of the Live Services data is inaccurrate.
Summary: I ignored the negative comments on the TomTom GO 2535 and am regretting it. This unit has so many bugs, its just staggering. Let me also say, I am an ...
Summary: I ignored the negative comments on the TomTom GO 2535 and am regretting it. This unit has so many bugs, its just staggering. Let me also say, I am an engineer who works as a software developer, so my technical ability is quite high.
I exchanged my GO 2535 M LIVE with a new unit at the suggestion of a sales assistant. I now believe that the first unit I had was defective. My second GO 2535 M LIVE works well and all of the broken features on my first unit are now working. The HD traffic works very well and is very accurate.
The live services work 50% of the time and are mostly inaccurate. Weather, gas prices, and traffic are very inaccurate. About 25% of red light cameras on not in the GPS.
The map data is often wrong. Some modern, paved roads are marked as "unpaved", speed limits are out of date. The GPS also indicates that a school is close, when no school is on my route.
This GPS does not save changes to user preferences. The map correction feature does not work.
I could go on and on with the problems with this unit, but I think you get the picture. Do yourself a favor, and DO NOT BUY the GO 2535.
Updated on Jul 16, 2011
TomTom needs to better support their products. When there is little or no response from them when users have questions or concerns, they appear to be selling untested "junk" and it aggravates users who depend on these products. This GPS costs as much as an iPhone, so its a major investment for most people. To be fair, I am not suggesting that Garmin or other GPS makers are any better.
With regards to comparisons to Garmin, I was a Garmin user before getting this TomTom. I agree that the TomTom overall experience is better, and for navigation, its much better.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Live services never work, man software bugs
by lyle_davis on July 12, 2011
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing metal case
Cons: Bugs in software, live services often don't work, unit locks up frequently
Summary: I purchased this GPS when it first came out, and quickly concluded the unit is still in BETA. Its menu system is not intuitive, and I have found that the ...
Summary: I purchased this GPS when it first came out, and quickly concluded the unit is still in BETA. Its menu system is not intuitive, and I have found that the customizations entered are often not saved.
The major feature of this GPS is the live services, and in this area, the 2535 is horrible. Much of the time the services are unreachable. The gas prices are inaccurate, and not very complete. The weather is always 10 degrees cooler than the real temps. Worst of all is the traffic. Most of the time it just can't be reached. As a result I can't really comment on its accuracy: I never get to use it.
I urge you NOT to consider this GPS. You'll just be frustrated in a short time, and wishing you had spent your hard earned $$$ on something else.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good device but lack of customization.
by kura1 on October 17, 2011
Pros: - Screen resolution
Cons: - My TomTom is very bad (it is a way to update the device). As a matter of fact, I hate it. Tomtom Home was bad but TomTom was able to created an even worse system. I waist more than 6 hours trying to make it works.
- This GPS is very expensive (>USD 3Summary: I do not recommended this model of GPS. I can't understand why such expensive model doesn't have futures that old and cheaper models had.
BUT I CANNOT UNDERSTAND ...Summary: I do not recommended this model of GPS. I can't understand why such expensive model doesn't have futures that old and cheaper models had.
BUT I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY GOOGLE DOESN'T LAUNCH THEIR OWN GPS WITH A CELLPHONE CARD. IT WOULD WILL KILL GARMING AND TOMTOM. -
No Mention of PC based Trip Planning Functionality?
by Frogg11 on July 31, 2011
Pros: Good Screen. Live HD Traffic good ...when it works.
Cons: Lack of Adequate PC Based Trip Planning.
Summary: It astounds me that it is still incredibly difficult to plan a trip using mapping software on a PC and then download the planned route, including custom POI's etc ...
Summary: It astounds me that it is still incredibly difficult to plan a trip using mapping software on a PC and then download the planned route, including custom POI's etc to the GPS unit.
Why is it that the latest units from both Tomtom and Garmin have so much difficulty (bugs, downloaded maps not showing up on the GPS Unit etc) with such a fundamental feature?
Some of the older units from both manufacturers so it better than these new ones. Go figure. -
Great routing -- when it works
by brokengoose on July 12, 2011
Pros: Routes around traffic quickly and predicts arrival time very well.
The built-in speaker works well, even as a speakerphone.Cons: Live service (including traffic updating) frequently fails
Computer update software rarely works -- especially on a Mac
Support doesn't even know what the product is -- they recommended installing the wrong software.
Interface is not as intuitive as the GSummary: When the darned thing actually works, routing around traffic jams on my daily commute is awesome.
The problem is that it doesn't work that well. Traffic updates break. Map ...Summary: When the darned thing actually works, routing around traffic jams on my daily commute is awesome.
The problem is that it doesn't work that well. Traffic updates break. Map updates break. The software that you install on your computer crashes A LOT on both PC and Mac. Forget what they say about compatibility, though. A PC is required. The Mac version just doesn't work.
The Tomtom's also not the best choice for finding someting for the first time. The old Garmin unit that I was using tried to stick to major roads, and it tried to make sure that my destination was on the right (rather than the left) side of the road when I got there. The Tomtom sends you down one-lane alleys and twisting back roads that ARE faster if you're a local, but the routing choices would be terrifying if you were trying to find something for the first time.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: TomTom
- Part number: 1CT5.019.04
- Description: TomTom LIVE real-time information saves you time, money and stress. Your device will automatically access traffic feeds, updated fuel prices and local search via a built-in wireless data connection.
General
- Recommended Use Automotive
- Preloaded Maps USA ,
Canada ,
Mexico - Interface USB
- Traffic TomTom HD Traffic
- Voice Voice command recognition,
Street name announcement - Included Software TomTom HOME
- Antenna Built-in
- Internal Memory 4 GB Flash
- Features Local Search with Google,
IQ Routes technology,
LIVE Services,
Emergency Help,
TomTom QuickGPSfix,
Built-in microphone ,
Hands-free calling via Bluetooth ,
Preinstalled POIs,
Advanced Lane Guidance,
Built-in speaker Display
- Type LCD - Color - Yes
- Diagonal Size 5 in - Widescreen
- Resolution 480 x 272
- Display Illumination Yes
- Menu Language Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
Afrikaans,
Finnish,
Polish,
Portuguese,
Norwegian,
Italian,
French,
Dutch,
Spanish,
Danish,
Russian,
Catalan,
Latvian,
Lithuanian,
Estonian,
English,
German,
Brazilian Portuguese,
Flemish,
Greek,
Slovak,
Malay,
Slovenian,
Croatian,
Turkish - Features Anti-glare
Connections
- Connector Type USB
Battery
- Run Time (Up To) 3 hour(s)
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories USB car charger,
Magnetic mount,
USB cable Dimensions & Weight
- Width 5.6 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 3.5 in
- Weight 9.2 oz
Accessories
- Alpine PXA-H100 - audio signal processor (32957687)128.88 - 149.99
- Alpine TUA T550HD HD Radio tuner (32856715)99.99 - 199.97
- Atrend A182-10 Atrend Series 10-Inch Dual Down-Fire Subwoofer Boxes with Bed Liner Finish (33577436)135.43
- Alpine CDA-9857 (31732933)199.99
- Alpine CDE 126BT - radio / CD / MP3 player / digital player (34465942)196.50
- Alpine CDE-123 CD MP3/WMA Receiver (34714588)59.99 - 259.00
- Alpine SPS-600 - car speaker (32959223)64.15 - 120.00
- Alpine Type-R SPR-17C - car speaker (32399937)40.36 - 144.95
- Alpine Type-S SPS-517 - car speaker (34640912)60.98 - 129.95
- Garmin nüvi 2370LT - GPS receiver (34825549)246.99
- Garmin Nuvi 2595LMT GPS receiver (35056758)225.00 - 249.99
- Pioneer AppRadio SPH-DA01 (34668319)271.60
- Alpine MRP M1000 - amplifier (32853918)239.95
- Alpine MRP M500 - amplifier (32855748)146.00 - 319.99
- Alpine X-Power MRX-F30 - amplifier (34639577)169.00 - 299.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse TomTom products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:TomTom
- Address:
150 Baker Ave. Ext., Concord, CA 01742 - Phone: 978.287.9555
- Email: usainfo@tomtom.com
- Fax: 978.287.9522
