iLounge

1

I understand the appeal, but the combined price of the app and the car kit make it more expensive than some of the Tom Tom off-the-shelf units. Other than the convenience of having it on your iPod or iPhone, why pay more? Tom Tom can do better with their pricing.

Posted by Steve on November 19, 2009 at 5:57 AM (PST)

2

Refurb tomtom standalones starting at $50.

Two other manufacturers announcing mounts with built in gps for less.

Google giving away free gps software, eventually on apple unless Cupertino decides to drag thier feet on this app too or play games with not approving it.

Sounds like too little too late & too much

these mounts will probably be in big lots by next Xmas time.

Posted by Xing on November 19, 2009 at 6:22 AM (PST)

3

Actually, we’re very happy with this ‘navigation on iPhone’ thingy.
I purchased 1 app, and installed it ‘legally’ on 3 iPhones (my wife’s, son’s and mine). Now we have 3 navigation systems in our cars for the price of one.

Heck, I’m even considering a TomTom car kit for my daughter’s iPod touch. Since you may legally install App store apps on 5 iPhones/iTouches: 4 nav’s and a car kit for just USD 200 is a steal .

Posted by Macspotter on November 19, 2009 at 6:31 AM (PST)

4

iLounge - are you going to do a full review of the car mount/app combo now that this update has been released? I would be very keen to see an update to your earlier review of the standalone app.

Posted by Sterling Zumbrunn on November 19, 2009 at 8:29 AM (PST)

5

um, then go buy a gps and a smart phone. I’ll just carry my iphone, and plop it in the tomtom car kit. Really now, it’s worth it to me.

Now only if tomtom will add realtime traffic…

Posted by brian on November 19, 2009 at 8:38 AM (PST)

6

Well, for those of us who can’t fill their homes with iPhones, TomTom car kits, and apps, this still isn’t worth anything. Navigon has consistently sold better, ceen cheaper and provided more options than TomTom. And, of course, Google may be on the verge of being released for free on iPhones. Any newer car has an auxillary input, meaning that, with some patience, you can have GPS and stereo out to your car for $5.

But, again, for those of your with hundreds and hundreds of dollars to throw down on stuff like this…good for you. I would probably consider you more in the minority than the vast, vast majority of people.

Posted by Dave on November 19, 2009 at 12:12 PM (PST)

7

Magellan & Dual electronics announced gps cradle for iPod / iPhone with more functionality tha tomtom & at least with the dual electronics version will come bundled with gps software - compatible with other gps software - a microphone built in

Posted by Xing on November 19, 2009 at 5:33 PM (PST)

8

I’ll be interested in these GPS kits for the iPhone/iPod Touch when I see some data on the impact on device life. If I were to use my iPhone in one of these kits on a cross-country road trip, how much do I shorten the life of the iPhone - in particular its battery and display? If the impact is significant, then there’s a case to be made for standalone GPS units after all.

Posted by Herr Doktor on November 20, 2009 at 7:57 AM (PST)