I called CS and was able to got the issue resolved, accidentally.
The root cause is a proxy server issue. But the symptom was very difficult to pinpoint it in the right direction. Everything looks fine (unit shows up on the website, etc) except I just don't see any downloads. The CS had me configure a different port number in the tomtom app, and that's where I saw the proxy setting and changed it. Then it worked. So part of the app is not able to talk to the server, but there was no error msg.
Once that's resolved, I was able to update the app, get the voice, and even update the maps too. I noticed quite a few changes, and the unit was slightly less sluggish when entering data in the UI after the update. It's good to see that Tomtom's working on improving this.
I took the unit on a recent trip, together with a Garmin 1450 that I am also testing. I am having a hard time deciding which one to keep, if at all.
- I really like TomTom's dashboard. One key toggle between 2D and 3D, multiple data in one data tab field. Feels like it's targeted toward the more sophisticated user that appreciates all the data the GPS can offer.
- Map redraw on the TomTom is very fast (ie, no waiting..). Everything shows up immediately. UI interaction is a different story however, quite sluggish. This is my first TomTom so I don't know how other units compare. But the Garmin in comparison was extremely snappy.
- But map redraw on the Garmin is utterly slow. When I go on the highway, and the unit zooms out to .5 miles, sometimes it takes 5-7 seconds for the map to completely redraw. Sometimes I see half of the map rotating while the rest is just blank. This is utterly unacceptable.
- The garmin computes routes much faster than the Tomtom. It's not as noticeable on short routes, but a big difference on a 200 miles route of which most is highway.
- I really miss the 'elevation' data. Road trips are where I really start to use my GPS, and elevation data would make the GPS so much more enjoyable to look at. This is almost a deal breaker for me.. I am having a hard time understanding why such fundamental GPS data is not presented. I hope it's not because of some idiots may sue them for displaying inaccurate data.
- I would like to be able to tweak the auto-zoom upper limit in 2D mode. The default setting is too small, about 500-800ft (based on what the Garmin shows me), and not useful for looking at the map when driving on highway for long period of time. You generally want to be able to see more of your surroundings. The garmin defaults to a .5 mile zoom on highway speed, and when you zoom out further, the new setting is remembered. That's a good design. I wish the Tomtom would allow you to adjust it, or just remember the user setting.
- The tomtom's speaker is much better quality than the Garmins. I am referring to the speaker, not the actual voice. The garmin speaker produces a slight 'hiss' whenever it is on, and sometimes the voice would vibrate a bit. All signs of a poor quality speaker. The tomtom on the other hand is excellent. Loud, and clear. (and speed sensitive based on latest firmware...)
The Garmin has a 'more data' map view where 4 data fields are displayed on the right (along with elevation). I used it when I got into the mountains to see the elevation data, but the design is terrible. The fields are way too big and takes up too much map space. I much prefer Tomtom's more compact, efficient data display.
- For much of the trip, the 1535's traffic display is just a hourglass. It's not getting any data. It should've just hide it instead of showing me an hourglass for 3 hours.
Overall, the Garmin feels slightly more polished. The slow map redraw and silly data field layout in 'more data' mode is the main pain point for me. The tomtom has some good things going for it, I really enjoy the dashboard view. I can live with the sluggish UI, but if I can't change or tweak the upper auto zoom limit on highway, it's a deal breaker for me.
I guess there's no perfect GPS.
