Need to replace my VIa 1605

[eglideic]

I've been a TomTom user for many, many years. A while back I upgraded to a VIA 1605 and I hate it. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. I finally decided I must get rid of it. What I hate most is the way it mounts with the small globe with the smile cut into it that must be lined up to mount the unit. And I hate the plug connector. It requires you to use that angled connector plug that is only available from TomTom.. I would rather be able to use a common mini USB plug available anywhere. Also the built in jack which the plug , plugs into is very shaky, shoddy, flimsy, and not solidly secured into the machine.
I like the old Start model that uses the snap on mounting ring and has a solidly mounted connector under the unit that will accept a mini USB cord available at most any store or gas station. The big problem is that TomTom no longer supports the Start model. Is there a TomTom that I would also like and that the Lifetime maps are still supported?

 

[Arno]

The GO 520/620 have, in my opinion, the best magnetic mount TomTom has ever supplied.
The suction cup is very good and has not come of ever in nearly two years. The device can be removed by tilting it off with thumb and forefinger yet, the magnet is strong enough not to let go in nightmare pot holes.
Anyone's USB cable can remain permanently connected to the bracket.
The device has a micro USB socket at the back so it can be charged via a PC or wall charger.
For updating it does not need to be connected as it uses WiFi for that.
Without any projection in the back it slips easily into a coat or jacket pocket.

 

[eglideic]

The GO 520/620 have, in my opinion, the best magnetic mount TomTom has ever supplied.
The suction cup is very good and has not come of ever in nearly two years. The device can be removed by tilting it off with thumb and forefinger yet, the magnet is strong enough not to let go in nightmare pot holes.
Anyone's USB cable can remain permanently connected to the bracket.
The device has a micro USB socket at the back so it can be charged via a PC or wall charger.
For updating it does not need to be connected as it uses WiFi for that.
Without any projection in the back it slips easily into a coat or jacket pocket.

Does it require a smart phone and wifi to use it and update it? I have neither.

 

[eglideic]

The GO 520/620 have, in my opinion, the best magnetic mount TomTom has ever supplied.
The suction cup is very good and has not come of ever in nearly two years. The device can be removed by tilting it off with thumb and forefinger yet, the magnet is strong enough not to let go in nightmare pot holes.
Anyone's USB cable can remain permanently connected to the bracket.
The device has a micro USB socket at the back so it can be charged via a PC or wall charger.
For updating it does not need to be connected as it uses WiFi for that.
Without any projection in the back it slips easily into a coat or jacket pocket.

Do you know anything about the GO 740 Live model? It is more in my price range. Does it have Lifetime Maps?

 

[canderson]

The GO 740 Live (I still own one) is a very dated unit that was originally being sold back in 2008. Mine did indeed have lifetime maps. If offered for sale, it will be used, not new, and hasn't seen a firmware update in many years. Moreover, it is now incapable of receiving traffic data since AT&T tore down their 2G network, which is how the 740 'Live' got its traffic information.

The 520/620 require a cell phone in order to obtain traffic data from TomTom, but the device can be updated either over its USB cable from your PC or over a WiFi connection. It doesn't necessarily require a 'smart' phone to get traffic. If your flip phone (or whatever else you have) is capable of acting as a WiFi hot spot (and some can), that will work, too.

 

[eglideic]

The GO 740 Live (I still own one) is a very dated unit that was originally being sold back in 2008. Mine did indeed have lifetime maps. If offered for sale, it will be used, not new, and hasn't seen a firmware update in many years. Moreover, it is now incapable of receiving traffic data since AT&T tore down their 2G network, which is how the 740 'Live' got its traffic information.

The 520/620 require a cell phone in order to obtain traffic data from TomTom, but the device can be updated either over its USB cable from your PC or over a WiFi connection. It doesn't necessarily require a 'smart' phone to get traffic. If your flip phone (or whatever else you have) is capable of acting as a WiFi hot spot (and some can), that will work, too.

The TomTom web site factory outlet store has the GO 740 on sale for $75. right now.
I have no use or need for traffic information. Just driving directions.

 

[canderson]

I'd be curious to see the web address for that site! That device hasn't been sold new in - give or take - 8 years.
Note that tomtom.factoryoutletstore.com isn't a TomTom site. If that's where you saw it, beware. Hard to imagine there's any truly new stock of this unit available anywhere, much less there.

Also, the 740 is 'end of life', which is to say you won't receive any updates or tech support (except from perhaps some helpful advice from this site) for this device.

It's a very nice little unit, but you'll find that the screen size is quite a bit smaller than your 1605. It's only a 4.3" diagonal screen. Apart from that, a good performer.

 

[eglideic]

I'd be curious to see the web address for that site! That device hasn't been sold new in - give or take - 8 years.
Note that tomtom.factoryoutletstore.com isn't a TomTom site. If that's where you saw it, beware. Hard to imagine there's any truly new stock of this unit available anywhere, much less there.

Also, the 740 is 'end of life', which is to say you won't receive any updates or tech support (except from perhaps some helpful advice from this site) for this device.

It's a very nice little unit, but you'll find that the screen size is quite a bit smaller than your 1605. It's only a 4.3" diagonal screen. Apart from that, a good performer.

I used the chat feature at the TomTom outlet store web site, and Ben recommended the GO 60 3d It has a flat plastic stick that it slides onto and the connector will take a common mini USB cord. I think I'll get one of those. There are new ones on Ebay for $83.
THANKS for the help.

 

[canderson]

Please identify the url (web address) for the "TomTom outlet store web site" that you used.

 

[eglideic]

Please identify the url (web address) for the "TomTom outlet store web site" that you used.

https://tomtom.factoryoutletstore.c...rk=o&msclkid=396b8f90dd101df2a7ebd348b6795ade

I used this site to chat to them, but bought the unit cheaper on Ebay.

 

[canderson]

That isn't a "TomTom outlet store web site", it's just a 3rd party site that sells all kinds of stuff, from Rogaine (in case you pulled out too much hair with your 1605!) to pet supplies, to ... whatever. Take a look at www.factoryoutletstore.com. So be careful of whatever advice you receive there.

What features are the most important to you on a GPS?

If you have already negotiated the deal on eBay and can't back out, be SURE SURE SURE that you get the email and password that the original owner used to register that unit, or you're going to have to deal with TomTom tech support to try to get that changed in order to update the device!

 

[eglideic]

That isn't a "TomTom outlet store web site", it's just a 3rd party site that sells all kinds of stuff, from Rogaine (in case you pulled out too much hair with your 1605!) to pet supplies, to ... whatever. Take a look at www.factoryoutletstore.com. So be careful of whatever advice you receive there.

What features are the most important to you on a GPS?

If you have already negotiated the deal on eBay and can't back out, be SURE SURE SURE that you get the email and password that the original owner used to register that unit, or you're going to have to deal with TomTom tech support to try to get that changed in order to update the device!

It was listed as Manufacturer Refurbished.

 

[Arno]