Review: TomTom for iPhone GPS Navigation App - Competent, but Disappointing

Price:$99.99 for U.S. & Canada version

Pros:

• Works in landscape or portrait screen modes.
• Good route preview and selection feature.

Cons:

• No text-to-speech directions.
• Lacks favorite TomTom features.
• Doesn't make good use of its Internet connectivity

Update: TomTom is set to offer an update to this app, including text-to-speech, a built-in iPod player control, TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance, a "help me" menu, and more. I will update this review and rating when the app update becomes available.

TomTom, a global leader in dedicated GPS navigation, enters the now-competitive marketplace for iPhone turn-by-turn navigation apps with TomTom for iPhone. The navigation app is available in 11 versions for different regions of the world, ranging in price from $89.99 to $139.99.

For this review, I tested the U.S. & Canada version, running on an iPhone 3GS, in urban, highway, and cross-state driving conditions.

TomTom has released a dedicated windshield mount that includes its own GPS chip, a power port charger, aux sound port, and other features.

The iPhone went without full-featured turn-by-turn navigation apps for so long that each of the new apps has been eagerly awaited, especially from a major player such as TomTom. TomTom's contender has its strengths, but also disappointments, reflected in its 2.5-star rating.

Notably absent from the TomTom for iPhone app is the text-to-speech feature, which announces actual street names, instead of simple left-and-right directions. The iPhone certainly has the processing power to offer this feature, and it is included on competing apps, such as the AT&T Navigator, so TomTom may have left it out to help preserve some distinction from its dedicated GPS hardware. Whatever the case, it's a big omission that I wouldn't be surprised to see corrected in a future software update.

TomTom enthusiasts will also miss Advanced Lane Guidance, which helps you select and preview the correct lane and exit on busy multi-lane highways, and TomTom Live services, such as traffic detection and avoidance, fuel prices, and local search powered by Google. This app doesn't use its Internet connectivity as much as it should.

On the plus side, relative to the competition, the TomTom app operates in landscape display mode as well as portrait. Also, TomTom is known for its outstanding route preview feature, and it carried that feature over into its iPhone app. After you select a route, a "route summary" screen appears showing a complete route overview, plus distance and projected travel time. If you don't like the route, you may select from a number of options, including adding en-route points, avoiding parts of a route, etc.

Though short on TomTom's distinctive features and connectivity options, on the road, the TomTom app performs well. I used the app mostly in landscape screen mode, mounted in an Arkon windshield mount. I consider some type of mount essential, by the way, since there's no other practical means of securing the iPhone and keeping it visible while you drive.

The display is bright, sharp, and clear, as you expect on an iPhone, with distance to destination and mph in the lower left, distance to turn in large numerals in the center, and time to destination on the right. You may zoom in or out on the 3D display, and one touch takes you back to the attractive and easy-to-use menu screen, including the standards such as navigate to, mute sound, night colors, POIs, etc.

The sound was surprisingly loud and clear on my iPhone 3GS, and I was easily able to hear directions over road noise and music. Incoming calls suspend navigation, but return to navigation and your current destination automatically on hang-up. Two pluses: You may call a points-of-interest destination directly from the menu, and you may call and navigate to contacts in your iPhone contacts database (if you have included the contact address) directly from the TomTom app.

Like all iPhone navigation apps, TomTom for iPhone burns through battery power relatively quickly; another reason for using it with a power port charger and windshield mount. I was able to conserve battery by clicking the iPhone into standby mode when I knew I wouldn't need its directions for a prolonged period.

Unlike some other navigation apps, which download maps on the fly, the TomTom comes with the full complement of maps for its region. This creates a large download - 1.2G in the case of the US & Canada version. Make sure you have enough room in iPhone memory before purchasing this app. Also, the best way to obtain the app is by downloading it via your personal computer and iTunes over a fast home Internet connection, then syncing it into your iPhone from your computer.

I consider TomTom's on-board maps to be a plus, if you have the memory available for them. When you need to download maps on the fly, you could end up without maps in a remote area that offers little or no cellular reception, and those areas do exist in most states.

Overall, TomTom for iPhone is a competent navigation app that doesn't include many of our favorite TomTom features, and lacks text-to-speech directions. I look forward to possible software upgrades, and the availability of the charging windshield mount.