Spoken Street names – while I know that many GPS systems have moved toward this, I think it is important to note this option as I find it very useful.

Advanced Lane Guidance – I have come to like this feature on both the iPhone app as well as on the standalone GPS, basically it helps you know which lane to be in for exits which confronted with multiple lanes.

IQ Routes – calculates the fastest route based on the average of the speed limits on that route.

Again, granted that it is pretty much an entry-level GPS, it has features that are more than adequate for any person. Pre-loaded with millions of POIs – the nice thing about GPS systems these days is the fact that they come loaded with many points of interest (e.g., restaurants, gas stations, museums, landmarks, etc)īut with the basics aside, this is where the TomTom XL 340S differentiates itself from the pack.4.3″ TouchScreen – the screen is not huge but definitely quite adequate for viewing easily.US & Canada Maps – the TomTom comes preloaded with US and Canada Maps right out of the box.The XL 340S boasts quite a few nice feature some that are unique to the TomTom brand and others that are fairly commonplace for GPS’s: I tested the “entry level” TomTom which was more than adequate for my needs. It actually has siblings, the 340M, 340T and 340TM which give you lifetime maps or lifetime traffic and maps respectively. I think that dedicated GPS devices are better for longer roadtrips as well, however you can’t beat the immediacy and ease-of-use of having a GPS application on your phone.īut let’s take a look at the TomTom XL 340S GPS. There is the advantage of a dedicated device that easily mounts to a windshield as well as has a much larger screen to see as you drive. However, I do always carry a dedicated GPS with me in my cars. I think it must be more of a personal preference. Honestly, I’m a bit torn between recommending a stand-alone, single use GPS for a car, or simply using an iPhone or Android application for GPS navigation. I have also done reviews of the Magellan 1470 and currently am still testing out the iPhone app versions of TomTom and Navigon GPS applications. The TomTom 300 was definitely a step up from the hand-held Garmin. I had played with a handheld Garmin which was fun when it first came out but it was small and has a monochrome screen. This was not my first experience with a TomTom nor a GPS, in fact the first GPS that my family used in the car was a TomTom 300. That someone was more of a something, it was a TomTom XL 340S GPS, and I will cut to the chase, it got us to the Dude Ranch and back safe and sound (as did the driver). As part of the trip, we had a new traveler with us, someone who would guide us on our way, let us know when we were going to arrive and provide a source of tech for the driver (me) along the way. Earlier this summer, my family and I headed out on a week long family vacation up to a Dude Ranch in Northern California.

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