TomTom Navigator 5
Manufacturer: TomTom Part number: 1H50.082
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- With great mapping features and advanced services, TomTom's latest navigation kit for PDAs and smart phones approaches GPS greatness.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
TomTom Navigator 5 price range: $99.99
- Reviewed by: Rick Broida
- Edited by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 09/07/2005
The good: Gorgeous maps, especially on high-res PDAs; free TomTom Plus service fetches traffic and map updates; many on-device tips and tutorials; plans routes for walkers and cyclists.
The bad: Limited smart-phone compatibility; some Bluetooth-related wrinkles; no AC adapter for charging GPS receiver; TomTom Plus requires smart phone; manual covers software only.
The bottom line: With great mapping features and advanced services, TomTom's latest navigation kit for PDAs and smart phones approaches GPS greatness.
For our tests, we used the Bluetooth version with a Dell Axim X50v. TomTom also offers a wired-GPS option that's compatible with a couple dozen Pocket PC models, mostly from Dell and HP. The Bluetooth version works with Pocket PCs and a handful of Palm OS devices, including the Palm Tungsten T5 and the Palm Treo 650. Inexplicably, it doesn't work with the megapopular Samsung SCH-i730; the only compatible Windows Mobile smart phones (for U.S. users, anyway) are the HP iPaq h6340 and the T-Mobile MDA. For a complete list of compatible devices, check TomTom's Web site.
About the size of a granola bar, the rubberized, nonslip Navigator 5 GPS receiver is powered by an included cigarette-lighter adapter, which also charges its battery. Alas, TomTom doesn't supply an AC adapter for pretrip charging--a potential problem if you need your cigarette lighter to power your PDA. Fortunately, the battery lasts for a healthy 5 hours of continuous use, which is impressive, considering the receiver's diminutive size.
After you install the Navigator software on your handheld, a TomTom logo appears on the Today screen, thereby enabling convenient one-tap access to the program. Next, you select the maps you want to install, either by state or by region. The latter option speeds and simplifies the selection process but results in large map files that take a long time to copy to your memory card. For example, the Midwest region requires about 155MB of storage space, and in our tests, it took more than an hour to transfer to our PDA's SD card. The process goes much more quickly if you use a card reader instead of your Pocket PC.
We had some initial problems getting our Dell Axim X50v to recognize the TomTom Navigator, but we attribute them to Windows Mobile's awkward Bluetooth pairing process and the total lack of instruction in TomTom's HTML-based manual; it covers Navigator operation in nicely illustrated detail but offers zero information on the GPS itself. What's more, whenever we turned off the Axim X50v and turned it back on, it was unable to reestablish a connection with the GPS until we exited and restarted Navigator.
However, once we'd successfully paired our PDA and GPS devices, we had smooth sailing. The receiver quickly locked on to the required satellites and kept up strong reception throughout. The Navigator interface relies on large, easy-to-read icons, though you often have to flip between several screens to find what you're looking for, especially when you venture into program settings. Navigation occurs on either 2D or 3D maps, both of which deliver some of the sharpest detail and smoothest scrolling we've ever seen on a GPS. The Axim's VGA screen gets much of the credit; most navigation systems operate at a much lower resolution.
Like any good GPS, Navigator can route you to an address, a point of interest from--according to TomTom--a database of millions, a zip code, a recent destination, or any designated Favorite. You can chart a route home with just two taps of the stylus and receive alerts (using any number of sound effects, including a bugle and a cow) when in close proximity to a selected POI.
We have two small complaints. First, you can't reprogram any of your Pocket PC's buttons to access commonly used features, which is surprising given the level of control you have over just about everything else (Navigator offers six screens of preferences). Second, you have to switch to Browse mode--a process that requires three screen taps--in order to view the details for any road, Favorite, POI, or other map element or just to scroll around the map.
If you're lucky enough to own a compatible smart phone, you can use TomTom's cool Plus service. With it, you can download real-time traffic and weather information, updated maps and POIs, and even new voices, including a humorous New York cabbie. TomTom Plus is free until the end of December 2005, but the company hasn't decided what pricing structure it will implement after that. Even without TomTom Plus, Navigator 5 ranks among the top PDA-based GPS systems available today. It combines beautiful-looking maps with easy operation and a wealth of desirable features.
User reviews
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Product seems promising but QA and CS lacking
by tiongkiat on August 9, 2005
Pros: Small and portable
Cons: Documentation, quality assurance, and customer service are poor
Summary: I purchased the Navigator 5 Bluetooth to use with a Treo 650. Documentation is sparse and not particularly well written in English. They do, however, include instructions in many other ...
Summary: I purchased the Navigator 5 Bluetooth to use with a Treo 650. Documentation is sparse and not particularly well written in English. They do, however, include instructions in many other languages. Activation of the software must be done by obtaining a code from their website. The server was down the evening I received my unit, so I was unable to activate the software until the following morning when they apparently rebooted the license server. Their manufacturing could use better quality assurance. Either my first unit was defective in more than one way or coldstart times on the unit are fairly long, on the order of several minutes. It took much longer to acquire a first signal than my colleague's Magellan Roadmate 700. Unfortunately, the power button stopped working within a few days, and I had to ship the unit back to TomTom for replacement. 6 business days after they had received my defective unit, I had to call to check on the status of my RMA only to find that they had not sent out a replacement yet. I requested delivery within 3 days as I have a trip planned and was promised overnight shipping. I called the next day to find out that the replacement unit is not scheduled to arrive until after I am planning to leave town.
Updated
My replacement GPS unit arrived and has been working as I had expected from the beginning. Coldstart times feel appropriate now and the power button has functioned for a week. If I could revise my original score I would now rate the unit an 8.Updated
I'm not sure if the CNET reviewer has a newer version of the regional US maps than I have, but my Midwest map is missing the state of Indiana and has Idaho instead! It looks like Technical Support is swamped with questions, as it's been a week and a half since my inquiry without a response. Otherwise, the GPS has functioned as expected over the last few months.26 out of 29 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Consumer GPS Product Out There
by kevntrace on September 9, 2005
Pros: Excellent 3D Display
Cons: Bluetooth Pairing Can Be Tricky with Microsoft
Summary: Firstly let me state I don't use TomTom Navigator 5, but TomTom Mobile 5 which runs on Microsoft Smartphones (and some Symbian-based devices). My phone is an Audiovox SMT5600 ...
Summary: Firstly let me state I don't use TomTom Navigator 5, but TomTom Mobile 5 which runs on Microsoft Smartphones (and some Symbian-based devices). My phone is an Audiovox SMT5600 available through Cingular (excellent phone).
However, you should be aware that TomTom develops a core GPS engine then tweaks it for various different hardware devices. So TomTom Navigator 5, TomTom Mobile 5, and the TomTom software installed on the GO series are all practically identical. So my comments are applicable to all these platforms.
I use my own bluetooth GPS receiver (not the one provided by TomTom), so the software can be paired with any such device.
The TomTom software provides an excellent 3D view that for all practical purposes matches the exact road-layout you see in front of you as you drive. It provides road names on major roads as you approach them, allowing you to easily confirm where you are. And best of all, TomTom provides the best verbal instructions I've encountered in any GPS software, which gives you plenty of advanced warning on any upcoming maneuvers.
The software is very configurable, with a whole bunch of options you can tweak (display colors, spoken voice, spoken language etc etc).
After you enter a destination, TomTom gives you the choice of picking the shortest route, fastest route, avoiding tollways (if it determines there is one on your potential route), avoiding freeways etc etc.
There is a nice feature called advanced planning which, if you aren't yet sitting in your car ready to go, allows you to plug in the start and end destinations, and gives you a preview of the calculated route. You can look at the preview in the form of map instructions (just like Yahoo or MapQuest turn-by-turn directions) and it even lets you simulate taking the journey so you can see what it "looks" like, complete with spoken directions. This feature does not require the GPS receiver, so its very handy for showing off to your colleagues in the office.
There is a whole POI (point-of-interest) database provided which I must admit I don't use too much. Can be handy if you're running out of gas and want to be alerted to where the nearest gas station is. The POI shows up on the display, and an audible alert can be optionally configured.
I've seen one review which criticized TomTom for its POI implementation, because a user couldn't find his nearest bank. However I tend to use address type navigation. I can browse to my bank's web site on my phone, find the address of the nearest branch, plug that in to TomTom and I'm good to go.
The GPS software is very good at recalculating your route if you make a wrong turn. But this should be standard with any modern day GPS software. I have encountered one slightly incorrect location in all my use so far. The software calculated the destination was about 500 yds away from the actual location. Note this is an issue with the underlying map used by TomTom (which is supplied by a 3rd party), and not a direct fault of the TomTom software. I encountered the exact same error with a competitor's product (which used the same map provider).
All in all I highly recommend this software (on whichever platform you choose). There is a very large and active user community for TomTom products, more so than for any other consumer GPS device. And you can find a lot of information and extra goodies for TomTom products. Fancy spoken directions by Darth Vader? Its out there in the public domain. So is a speed camera database for the UK (very handy when I return on vacation to my homeland).
No other product has such a vibrant, informative, friendly and vocal user community.16 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not perfect, but close
by David W. Davidson on September 10, 2005
Pros: Maps are very well done
Cons: Cannot travel between geographic regions
Summary: There is only one flaw with this GPS mapping system, but it is a serious one. You cannot navigate between geographic regions. The maps are distributed by geographic regions and ...
Summary: There is only one flaw with this GPS mapping system, but it is a serious one. You cannot navigate between geographic regions. The maps are distributed by geographic regions and they cannot be merged. Consequently you cannot be routed between mapping regions. Other than that, this is a great navigational system.
8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I Love it!
by neilfox on October 11, 2005
Pros: Accurate, Excellent Software, Easy to use, Portable
Cons: GPS gets confused occasionally, map activation is a bit of a pain
Summary: This is just the exact product I've been waiting for. As a Treo 650 owner, I found the setup and usage quite easy and straightforward. While it takes a ...
Summary: This is just the exact product I've been waiting for. As a Treo 650 owner, I found the setup and usage quite easy and straightforward. While it takes a couple of minutes for the GPS to find a signal, it's worth the short wait for the accuracy and sensitivity of the unit. I carry my Treo everywhere so it's a snap to throw the GPS receiver in my briefcase and turn it on in an instant. The software is the best GPS navigation I've seen. Overall, I'm impressed.
If you have a Treo, buy a large SD card and pick this baby up.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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TomTom has it right. Great product..
by schneid on October 12, 2005
Pros: Slick and easy to use interface.
Cons: No seamless map of entire US but no big deal.
Summary: I run the software only (no TomTom receiver) on my iPaq 4355 with integrated hard keyboard. I use either an Arkon PDA mount receiver or a DeLorme Bluetooth. Both are ...
Summary: I run the software only (no TomTom receiver) on my iPaq 4355 with integrated hard keyboard. I use either an Arkon PDA mount receiver or a DeLorme Bluetooth. Both are compatible with the product.
TomTom Navigator 5 is a mature product. It is feature rich, the screen layout is attractive, and its predictive menuing is a dream.
You can Nav directly from you Outlook Contacts and the software can dial a Bluetooth phone if a POI has an associated number.
For those with phones or PDAs with hard keyboards there is an undocumented bonus. There are many hotkeys available making menu navigation even easier.
The only thing lacking is a seamless map of the entire US. You can only load individual regions. This isn't a big deal unless you continually drive coast to coast. If that is case, you can use the Major Roads of America map that covers the entire country. Once you leave a major route you will need to switch maps to get street level detail.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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NO MAP UPDATES AFTER 2005
by boxoman on March 3, 2008
Pros: Fast Software, good for the year 2005
Cons: No map updates...ever... do you need any more?
Summary: I am shocked that they are still selling this product even though the latest maps you can get are 2005. Buy Navigator 6
Summary: I am shocked that they are still selling this product even though the latest maps you can get are 2005. Buy Navigator 6
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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OBSOLETE - NO MAP UPDATES AFTER 2005!
by x_jimjim_x on May 21, 2007
Pros: this was a great product in 2005
Cons: TomTom not updating maps for Nav5!
Summary: TomTom has dropped support for PalmOS PDAs (except for the Treo phones) with their latest product, Navigator 6. If you have a PalmOS PDA that is supported by Navigator 5 (...
Summary: TomTom has dropped support for PalmOS PDAs (except for the Treo phones) with their latest product, Navigator 6. If you have a PalmOS PDA that is supported by Navigator 5 (Tungsten, Zire) but not by Navigator 6, you may be tempted to purchase this product. DON'T DO IT! If you do, you'll be stuck with maps from 2005 and no upgrade path. TomTom has no plans to release map updates compatible with Navigator 5, and my pleas with their support staff for some type of upgrade path have fallen on deaf ears.
This is an obsolete product that TomTom is still selling to unsuspecting consumers for US$200. Nowhere on their website do they indicate when the maps were last updated for this product (2005) or that there will be no future map updates. TomTom is pretty hot in the GPS navigation market right now, but don't use this product as your entry point. You'll be severely disappointed.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Product - does it all!
by Hesh13 on September 10, 2005
Pros: All US Maps fit on one Gig SD - Almost never wrong.
Cons: Could use some help signaling successful Bluetooth connection
Summary: I have used it several times on the road and it has only once failed to put me at the front door of the destination. Not too bad since the ...
Summary: I have used it several times on the road and it has only once failed to put me at the front door of the destination. Not too bad since the AVIS product went crazy and placed me "774 miles" from my destination - I used both at the same time to check them out.
Great product when used with the Parrot CK3300 Bluetooth Hands Free and GPS receiver!!Updated
I use it with my Treo 650. When I am in the car the Treo with the Navigator software and using my Parrot CK3300 Bluetooth car kit with its own GPS Bluetooth GPS receiver I have a full turn by teurn nav system. When ina rental or some one else's car, the GPS reveicer works great.
All in All FANTASTIC!Updated
I use it with my Treo 650. When I am in the car the Treo with the Navigator software and using my Parrot CK3300 Bluetooth car kit with its own GPS Bluetooth GPS receiver I have a full turn by turn nav system. When ina rental or some one else's car, the GPS reveicer works great.
All in All FANTASTIC!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great GPS Well worth the money!
by bharen on September 8, 2005
Pros: Easy to use. Easy to read maps. Intuitive Interface
Cons: Not able to download voices and POI's yet
Summary: This GPS device is amazing. I live in Hawaii and it flawlessly guides me to my destinations. My only complaint is the lack of ability to input LAT/LONG coordinates ...
Summary: This GPS device is amazing. I live in Hawaii and it flawlessly guides me to my destinations. My only complaint is the lack of ability to input LAT/LONG coordinates directing into the device. But again, this product was designed for road navigation and it performs superbly!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Navigation Tool for Treo 650
by tamerrashdan on July 22, 2005
Pros: Seamless integration with Treo 650 and its Contacts, very powerful GPS receiver, great software, great maps
Cons: No complete USA map, u have to change regional maps as u travel to different region
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: TomTom
- Part number: 1H50.082
- Description: TomTom NAVIGATOR 5 Bluetooth is your personal assistant on the road - in your car, in your bag, in your pocket. The TomTom Bluetooth Wireless GPS receiver uses Bluetooth technology to eliminate the need for connecting cables, and a high performance GPS antenna to ensure the best possible reception wherever you go. The GPS receiver has a high capacity battery that can be used all day on a single charge. The high performance GPS receiver is ideal for use in urban environments. On the road or walking around the city streets, it will make sure you find your way with ease.
General
- Product Type GPS kit
- Width 1.7 in
- Depth 3.5 in
- Height 0.6 in
- Weight 2.4 oz
Acquisition Times
- Cold acquisition times 60 sec
- Warm acquisition times 30 sec
- Hot acquisition times 10 sec
GPS System
- Product Type GPS kit
- Receiver 20 channel - Bluetooth GPS receiver
- Update Rate 1/second
- Interface NMEA 0183
- Antenna Built-in
- GPS Module Features Voice prompts
- Software Included TomTom Navigator 5 USA / Canada
GPS Compatibility
- Interface Bluetooth
Miscellaneous
- Included GPS accessories Car power adapter
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & support type 1 year warranty
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 14 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 140 °F
Manufacturer info
- TomTom
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse TomTom products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.tomtom.com/
- Address:
150 Baker Ave. Ext., Concord, CA 01742 - Phone: 978.287.9555
- Email: usainfo@tomtom.com
- Fax: 978.287.9522
