Well, to respond to my own post, I have now had a chance to use the new version of IQ Routes with the newest maps for the last two weekends, driving each weekend from NYC to the east end of Long Island. I have the 730 set to find the fastest route and to update the route automatically based on traffic reports that it pulls off my phone via bluetooth. My net conclusion is that the routing (assuming you are using both IQ Routes and traffic is enabled) is interesting - but I'm not sure it's too effective. Here are my observations:
1. The typical routes from my apartment to the east end of LI are either (a) over the Triboro (now RFK) Bridge, and then on to the Grand Central Parkway to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) to Route 27, or (b) through the Queens Midtown Tunnel to the LIE to Route 27, or (c) over the Midtown Bridge, to the LIE to Route 27.
2. Last week, the Tomtom directed me to the 138th Street entrance to the FDR Drive, then up to the Bruckner, the Soundview, the Whitestone Bridge, the Cross Island Parkway and, ultimately, to the LIE to Route 27 - all, ostensibly, to avoid traffic Unfortunately, the traffic on the Brucker was bumper to bumper - as bad as anything I'm used to seeing on the GCP or the LIE. So I can't believe this somewhat more roundabout route saved much if any time.
3.. This week, the Tomtom directed me down Park Avenue (right into midtown rush hour traffic - a horrible mistake) to the Queens Midtown Bridge, then down Queens Boulevard (not exactly a highway - with traffic lights), then, ultimately, to the GCP. Then it took me not to the LIE (which would have been a logical choice) but to the Cross Island Parkway to the Southern State and, ultimately, Route 27. Assuming the traffic on the usual routes out of the city was a bad as I've ever seen it, this still would not represent much of an improvement.
4. Coming home this afternoon, the Tomtom took me over the Throgs Neck Bridge and then over the Triboro (RFK) Bridge. There was absolutely no traffic coming that way, but I don't think the traffic on the more conventional routes was bad either. The downside to Tomtom's routing was that it took me over two toll bridges (and extra $5 I'll never see again) and on a longer ride - all to avoid what I don't believe was severe traffic.
The problem, I think, is not so much IQ Routes, but Tomtom's traffic service - I have a feeling that if I'd just taken the IQ Routes and only allowed the Tomtom to change courses when the traffic delay is obvious, I would be better served - at least in and around NYC. On the other hand, since you never really know what the traffic is like on the path not taken, evaluating these devices is a hit-or-miss proposition.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.