TomTom XL 340S Live 4.3-Inch Portable Internet Connected GPS Navigator

Reviews

1. TOM TOM 340

   by David KG

   Replaced my old tom tom with this new one which had two great features free map updates for life and traffic. Wow what can I say it worked perfectly and a very nice improvement. The mounting system is much easier to use and the display is bigger and easy to read. The traffic feature really does work and offers a way around it to avoid the traffic that too worked and think it’s amazing.
   
   All in all a wonderful unit, I think Tom Tom gps units are the way to go!
   

2. Best GPS

   by W. Bradley

   I couldn’t be more satisfied with a GPS. Customer support is the best, no hassles anytime. I am so glad I have the lifetime subscription for traffic and maps. It makes it all worth while.

3. Excellent TOM TOM

   by Jair

   Excellent item, I was looking for this kind of gps with all the maps that i need from US and MExico, this is the best choice

4. Very happy with this purchase!

   by Susanmarie

   I feel as though I got a very good deal! Apparently, there have been problems in the past with updating this device, but TOMTOM must have finally dedicated some time to fixing the problem. (For the record, I bought the TomTom XL 340TM unit in mid-June 2010 and updated it right away.)

   I made this purchase after reading reviews on many products and decided to be brave and try this one! : ) I am glad I did.

   I am not a techie and I decided *not* to delete anything from the product before going through the update process, with the belief that if I followed instructions and did run into trouble, that it would be easier for Customer Services to help me. I am happy to report that no help was needed!

   I was skeptical when I saw that the update wanted to install over 1300 mb of data when I knew that only 32 mb were available, but the software DID uninstall what it needed to before installing the updates.

   After the update, I had over 100 mb available and that was after I added about five additional voices.

   FYI — I installed the Homer Simpson voice and I am glad I did. Not only is it fun, it is very distinctive. I like to listen to talk radio while driving and there was no mistaking when the TomTom was talking to me because Homer demands to be noticed! : )

   I used this unit to navigate in Chicagoland. There were several traffic delays and the unit always re-routed me appropriately when I decided to go off the suggested track. This baby is going to save my sanity when I venture into new territory in my attempts to steer clear of traffic jams!

5. horrible GPS system

   by photoguy

   I bought this GPS unit to replace my garmain. Overall I am very disappointed overall with this GPS unit. It takes 2-3x longer to acquire satellite reception than my old garmain. The mountain bracket for the window is a good idea but was not fully developed, there are flaws which make it almost useless. The GPS software is not intuitive and sometimes very difficult to use, especially when trying to add destinations along a route. Another annoying utility is the volume it does not stay at a constant loudness level. For example, even though the volume is at 80% it will sound like it is at 100% sometimes and at 50% other times. I can go on and on with the flaws this unit has but the bottom line is that if you plan on purchasing a GPS in this price range I would not hesitate to choose a different unit.

6. I wanted a road avoidance feature and got it!

   by ddlall

   When considering my second gps unit I looked for a specific feature which my first one lacked. Quite simply, it is the ability to step through the destination route and avoid a specific road. This is NOT like the generic “avoid highways”, “avoid toll roads” or the “detour” selection on my Garmin unit which has caused me so much frustration, that I have come dangerously close to pitching it out the window, while the calm computerized voice tries to drag me back to the original route after a quick sidestep. After researching, I purchased this TomTom unit which has and performs road avoidance very well. I rarely write reviews but wanted to make this functionality known for those who are unaware of it.

7. Irritation plus

   by Michael G. Fischer

   If you enjoy being frustrated and irritated you’ll love this device. Its biggest problem results from the mounting system. This unit wouldn’t stick to the windshield if you nailed it to it. It falls off repeatedly and when it falls, even a few inches to the dashboard, it sends the device into operations that can’t be stopped unless you turn it off and restart it. Once it’s restarted you need to reprogram everything from the preferred language to the sound level. When it is operating it doesn’t give accurate reporting of the roads you’re on. For example I frequently travel the 405 Freeway in southern California which it repeatedly call 4 West, 5 South. Pity the stranger who doesn’t know the difference.

8. Works fine after fixing the map problem

   by XXL

   It’s a great device at the paid price. At first, I read the reviews and followed the instructions for the free map update by cleaning up some space in the device. The latest map was downloaded but it failed to update the device and destroyed the original map. If I tried to update again, it always failed with “not enough space” until I manually deleted the map content in the device thru Windows Explorer. Finally, the last attemp of map update finished without error.

   After fixing the map problem, it works great. I like the way it allows the user to customize the images, colors, and voices, but its TTS is not as good as Garmin’s. The pronounciation of street and highway names is not very clear. Anything else seems good, especially great for the senstivity of the gps chip. This is the only GPS that could lock the satellites in my house. Its processor is not as fast as the one in TomTomGo 740 Live on which I never experienced any map/software update issue. Garmin is a better GPS but Tomtom is cheaper, built better, and fun to use.

9. Error even TomTom couldn’t fix.

   by Grandpa

   I’ve been using GPS units for at least twenty-five years, first on my various boats, then for my cars. I currently own a two-year old Garmin 660. It has been a good unit, but the map was getting old so I looked at my options. I decided that I could either update my Garmin with unlimited maps and unlimited traffic, or, for for an extra $15 I could purchase the TomTom 340TM that included both features, and keep my Garmin in the other car.

   Great idea, lousy execution. The unit arrived and I hooked it up to my computer. The TomTom Home software loaded, connected to the GPS and downloaded several software and small map updates. So far, so good. I then put it in my car and went for a short trip to try it out. The bar on the side that shows that the Traffic Receiver is active showed up, but it had a warning flag at the top. I pressed the bar (I had already read the user guide cover-to-cover before my first trip) and received a red screen with the following message, “Your RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver cannot be used in combination with the current map.”

   I immediately called technical support, and we worked on the unit for about three hours. They then asked me to send them my purchase invoice because they were “going to bounce this one upstairs” as they could not fix it.

   A day later, via e-mail, I received an RMA number and shipping label. I dutifully sent the unit to TomTom, expecting they would determine the problem and either correct it or send me a new unit. Twelve agonizing days later I received a box with a GPS in it. There was no note inside. I turned it on, plugged it into my computer and this time it needed to download the entire USA/Canada?Mexico map – all 1.8 gigabytes of it. That took seven hours with my DSL line. It also downloaded a few other software updates. Finally everything was set and I went back to my car. Same bar came up, same error flag showed, and same message when I pressed the bar.

   I immediately gave tech support a call to see if they knew anything additional about this error. I waited, on hold, a total of 60 minutes before I hung up in disgust and immediately initiated a return to Amazon. Looks like I have a Garmin in my future.

   Additional Observations:

   We had both the Garmin and the TomTom hooked up and running side-by side for a 600 mile trip from North Carolina to Connecticut with a stop in New Jersey. The Garmin was definitely brighter. I had to remove my sunglasses before I could read the TomTom whereas I could read the Garmin just fine with my sunglasses on. Also, when recalculating, the Garmin was significantly faster coming up with a solution. The solutions were usually identical.

   On the other hand, the TomTom is noticeably louder. We always have the Garmin at max volume and it’s OK, but we had to turn the TomTom down to 70% to be at the same level as the Garmin.

   I also like the flexibility of the Garmin when compared to the TomTom – more settings to adjust to fine tune the device to my liking – or yours.

10. Outstanding product, support, and value. A+

    by sunshine lover

    Don’t be misled. This is an excellent device; packed with high-end features and outstanding utility — the text-to-voice capability enhances the safety and utility of this automotive GPS.

    Customer support via the toll-free number is among the best I have ever encountered with any product.

    Needless to say (I would think) is that instructions for downloading to this GPS must be followed carefully. Reports of downloads converting the GPS into a “brick” are probably the result of user ignorance. Impatience is not rewarded by this highly efficient software, and intentional or unintentional disconnect of the USB line during download will certainly crash the unit. If you are unsure, confused, drunk, or impaired, I would suggest that you contact customer service for a live walk-through.

    Performance has been exceptional up to trans-sonic speeds; exhibiting the slightest progressive longitudinal vibratory harmonics in high-g pull-outs only.

    Blessings.

11. Takes you where you want to go…

    by EVB

    I’m very pleased with this GPS, I used it during my vacation travel and I’m impressed of how accurate it is.
    
    Great customer service, they pick up the phone right away and friendly. To update to the Latest Map you’ll need to first backup your existing Map, delete it then download the new map (it takes 3 hours to download). the only downside is I had to get rid of the extra voices that came with the system to get more space but that’s ok because I only need one or two voices. The Advanced Lane guide feature works great and directions are easy to follow. This a great GPS. Great Price too.
    

12. tomtomXL340S

    by D. Shelangoski

    Seems good in every way only once so far did it not turn me to the right location,don’t understand what was wrong.But it is easy to use and for the price I paid it is a great tool

13. Took out of the box, hit the road, loved it

    by Easily lost

    For a two-week business trip, my son and I had to drive nearly 3,000 miles, through Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. I decided we needed our first-ever GPS and chose this model for the IQ routing, plus the free three-month trial of the Live service.

    Only twice did “Susan” (the voice we selected) fail to guide us to our destination–in one instance, a hotel that the manager said “nobody’s GPS can find” and in the other, what was probably an incorrect address. Otherwise, we navigated from state to state and to numerous business locations, hotels and restaurants with amazing ease. At first, I double-checked the proposed routes against my MapQuest printouts and AAA TripTik, but eventually Susan won my trust.

    I especially appreciated the advance lane guidance (“Exit right, then stay in the left lane”) and the speed limit reporting. The unit was easy to program–a good thing, since the printed instructions were not thorough. We had no problems with brightness/readability, but the mounting system gave us trouble; Susan took a couple dives to the car floor.

    The live update saved us from at least one big traffic jam, though the alternate route went through sketchy territory. We decided that whenever the live update warned of a delay longer than 8 minutes, we’d take the alternate route, unless it was late at night. I don’t think we’ll pay for the live update when the free trial expires, because in day-to-day life we don’t travel that much, but it was good to have for this trip.

    Because I’d read about problems downloading new maps, I did not do so before our trip. We encountered only one clearly new interchange that wasn’t on the existing map. Now that we’re home, I’m nervous about attempting the update but will follow other reviewers’ suggestions.

    If we made this trip again, I would still bring printed maps, because twice we lost the GPS signal shortly before we had to make a crucial turn. We recovered the signal quickly, but it was good to have the paper reference ready.

    For $5, I also bought a recharger that can plug into a wall outlet. I used that only once and probably could have skipped it; we kept Susan plugged in to the cigarette lighter.

    Overall, I was extremely pleased and highly recommend this GPS, with the caveat about updating maps with care.

14. On first Map updating”software keep giving error”

    by Tirlok Dodeja

    Hello first time buyers
    
    I have been looking for my first GPS system bw 100$ to 170$ range for couple months, after reviewing feedbacks or reviews on different website I decided for TomTom XL 340M as I thought it may be one time money spent for the Map update and 340 is reasonable product. I got the shipment from seller in timely fashion.I was excited sync and update Map from TOM TOM home. Everything went fine until new map started copying in the device, took 2 hours without results? Based on some feedback on this website I presumed that 2gb memory might be not enough this and system is not built for automatic uninstalling and reinstalling simultaneously, therefore I tried to do this process after first deleting pre-installed Map but remain unsuccessful(encounter: writing error. Called TomTom customer services couple times, after explaining this problem he come up with the new thought: first update the IQ route Tech application before Map downloading as new maps are not compatible with the old version IQ route application. I tried in that way multiple times but did not fix this problem. I wasted my whole day on this without success and I was frustrated and sent back product to seller as it were only 5 days were passed from the date of purchase. It may be the simple problem for other person, but it was too complicated for me. It appears that this 340 series was manufactured 10 years ago and may not compatible to handle these new map updates other functions.I do not know how I conclude the feedback about this product to help other first time buyers but one thing I have learned from this experience is that Tom Tom customer service is suboptimal e.g prolong call waiting, Tech support are not efficient and little rude. Good luck with your GPS shopping

15. TomTom XL340S 4.3-Inch Portable GPS

    by Marvin Margulies

    the product is good, but does not explain everything cearly, like return
    
    to home,clearly. directions booklet should be more explacet. it’s easier
    
    then most GPS. I recommend this model at the price I bought it for.

16. TomTom XL 340 TM — too many problems

    by Noname

    I own the TomTom ONE 125 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator. I worked well for me, exceipt that it lacked spoken street names. When I saw TomTom 340XL with Lifetime Traffic and Maps, I couldn’t resist upgrading.

    Did I say upgrade? This has to be the most frustrating experience I’ve ever had with an electronic product. Out of the box, I got nothing but error messages trying to update my software and maps. It took time, but I finally got the activation code for lifetime map updates to work. It recognized the traffic cable, but only the first time I used the unit. It wouldn’t recognize any cables after that.

    Award winning customer service (which I contacted or attempted to contact on four occasions), took forever and a day to get through. When I did finally get a live person, they were very friendly. Their diagnosis? I got a dud. Back it went.

    Today, I received my second unit. This one is worse than the first. It had no maps installed and none would update and the activation code never worked. I could not get any maps loaded onto the GPS at all. I have given up exchanging the unit and am going to return it for a full refund.

    It’s such a shame. I really wanted to like this TomTom.

17. I’ve returned my first unit…We’ll see about the replacement

    by E. Snyder

    I don’t write many reviews (the ones I have written, however, have been positive) however I must say I am very disappointed with this product. I had decided to “upgrade” my Garmin Nuvi 760 and had researched these units quite a bit and finally settled on the TT XL 340 Live (mainly for the continually updated maps and lifetime traffic).

    Problem 1: The lifetime maps/traffic code that was included with the unit DID NOT WORK. Several calls to tomtom customer service were required to finally get them to “approve” the code that was INCLUDED with the unit when purchased. I had to send photos of the receipt, the unit, and the documentation included with the unit. Took about 2.5 hours on the phone with them to sort all this out. Unfortunately, my case was not an isolated incident (which I found out later…many people with similar problems…)

    Problem 2 (which was the breaking point, and cause of return to Amazon): The unit continues to crash! I will be driving, when, randomly, the unit freezes and restarts. I then have to re-enter the destination address…Very bothersome. Spoke to TT tech support SIX times. I reinstalled the software so many time my head became numb. And, I hate to say it, I consider myself quite technically proficient, this was not a problem on the user’s end. Tech support was useless. They gave me the same run around every time I called (“let’s try the same thing again, maybe it will work this time…”)

    That being said, the unit looks nice (except when it’s bright outside), the traffic feature works well (albeit intermittently). The best (and most positive feature) is the map. Gorgeous. Very readable. Better than Garmin/Navigon hands down.

    I have requested a replacement, hopefully the new one will fix these issues.

18. Perfect, a great value

    by Jimmy Morelli

    I have nothing negative to say about this GPS. It was cheap, easy to set up, the voice can be set very load so it can be heard over the radio which is a big plus when your using it most of the day. The instructions are easy to follow and looking at the screen is really not needed as the voice guides you step by step. If you do need to look at the screen the size makes it very easy to follow the map and is spot on to about a few feet from its location.

    The on tip would be setting the voice to the computer setting as it will be able to speak the street names. A human voice which is not very different from the computer voice does not allow you to receive step by step instructions with street names. It is a pointless option in my opinion.

    I would highly recommend this as it was the cheapest GPS I found, and works perfectly. You couldn’t ask for anything better.

19. S…L…O…W and Cheaply Made

    by Bill Nelson

    I have owned two Garmin Nuvis and one (late) Dash Express, and bought this to replace the Dash Express for its traffic capabilities.

    Unfortunately, this is a barely-usable device, and I am returning it.

    1. The processor is so slow that by the time you wait for it to figure (and recalculate) a route, you won’t be any better off than if you just drove into a traffic jam. Is there a gerbil inside calculating routes by hand (paw)?

    2. At least on this unit, the screen sensitivity had some HUGE problems. You would tap on a letter, and nothing would appear. OK, then I would tap a second time, and the letter would be returned in triplicate! Fine, backspace. But now the backspace doesn’t work. Oh wait, now it backspaced over the entire word! You get the idea.

    3. The traffic icons are so huge that they pretty much bury the road network; it’s tough to see much, or make sense of anything.

    4. Want to pan the map? Good luck! See #2, above. Maybe it will pan, maybe it won’t, maybe you’ll end up in another state.

    5. Recalculating…recalculating…recalculating…recalculating…recalculating…recalculating…recalculating…recalculating…

    It’s too bad about all this; it would be nice if Garmin had some serious competition in the stand-alone GPS market.

20. Amazone, LLC

    by Maic Ferrera

    If you need it fast don’t Order. It’s a jocke. $163.xx for the Unit, search and get the same for less and faster shipping. My Bad that i have to wait 8 Days and pay hart dollar, lol I’m just to lazy to cancel, just thinking about how long it would take to refund my money so i can puy one in a local store and be done with it.
    
    Lesson learned.
    
    Sincerely, -Maic