Question about Lifetime Traffic and Maps

[pinballwiz]

I currently have an old TT 740. I was thinking about updating the maps and subscribing to the traffic service. However, I see that newer TT 740's, specifically, the TT 740TM comes with lifetime traffic and maps.

I just have a few questions...

Are the maps truly lifetime?

As far as the traffic goes... Does it still receive the traffic thru the cell network, or does it use the RDS-TMC cable?

Does the Google search also work lifetime?

I can't seem to find these answers on TomTom's website, so I appreciate the help.

Rob

 

[mvl]

The lifetime traffic is FM-antenna traffic. The quality of data is similar to the earlier 730 bluetooth traffic, or any units that use an antenna.

Even on the 740TM, the LIVE (modem-based) traffic is not offered lifetime. Nor is google.

The maps are said to be "for the usable life of the unit". There's a legal opt-out in the language, but my expectation is that the 740 will be obsolete or break before Tomtom phases the lifetime maps out.

For $50-$100, you can "catch up" on your maps and add a year of service. And the lifetime antenna is here for $69.95 (whenever they end up selling it). So you could consider just adding those features instead of buying a new 740TM. But, my guess is that buying a new 740TM and selling your 740 on craigslist/ebay may be cheaper.

 

[pinballwiz]

Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.

So how different is the traffic data, getting it from the modem vs the RDS-TMC cable?

I could live without the Google, but traffic can be important to me. I live in the US, BTW.


Rob

 

[dhn]

Live traffic data (modem) is the most current and accurate as a rule, then comes Plus Traffic via Bluetooth (which is being phased out), finally, the rds-tmc traffic. It's better than nothing in my experience (We don't have Live traffic in Canada).......

 

[mvl]

I've found the LIVE traffic to be much more accurate than the antenna traffic.

Highways in Boston, MA: LIVE and antenna traffic picks up 100% of incidents

Highways in Orange Country, CA: LIVE traffic picks up 75% of incidents, antenna picks up 25% of incidents

Non-highways (Boston & Orange county): LIVE traffic picks up 50% of incidents, antenna traffic picks up 0%.

 

[pinballwiz]

So, if I wanted to use the Live traffic with the new TT 740TM, do I have the option of paying for it, once the initial subscription runs out? How long do they give you Live for now-a-days?

Rob

 

[mvl]

Yes, you can purchase it. The free trial is currently 3 months in the USA.

 

[pinballwiz]

So, since the modem traffic is superior, I'm thinking of just biting the bullet and buying the map subscription and traffic subscription I have to say, TT does not make it obvious that the lifetime traffic is done thru the cable, and is not as good.

Thanks for all the help, guys!

Rob