I bought this unit refurbished as indicated. I was worried about the possibility of it not coming with the most recent map updates (see the reviews for the TomTom ONE XL-S refurbished unit), but I went ahead and bought it anyway since I was being frugal. The GPS came packaged nicely and did not have any blemishes or anything on it. I used it for the first time on a several day trip to Phoenix, where I really got to experience the functionality of the device.
Some good points:
-- the 4.3" screen is nice, and I would recommend this screen size over the 3.5" models.
-- the set-up is relatively easy (which was great since the instruction manual is a joke!).
-- TomTom has a pretty cool website (TomTom HOME) for you to use to get necessary updates your GPS, download accessories, etc.
Some bad points"
-- the instruction manual is a joke. Thankfully, I had a vague sense of what to do because I'd used a GPS once before.
-- the car adapter plugs in to the bottom of the unit in a way that is a bit unwieldy and awkward.
-- you can only get the street names spoken with the computer-generated voice. If you chose any of the more human-sounding voices, the street name function will not work.
-- whenever you download a new map or map update, you lose your saved favorites. You have to manually re-enter them or save the file from before you updated.
-- it took forever for me to figure out how to cancel a destination once I was already en-route. Since there is no help in the instruction manual, I just had to start pressing areas of the screen to get the device to take me to the right menu screen!
-- AND VERY IMPORTANTLY: The unit I received came with a map that was 4 quarters (i.e., one year) old. This was a risk based on some other reviews, even though the product description said the device comes with the most updated map or comes with the latest map guarantee. So, I read up on the other TomTom refurb units that Amazon sells, and people were saying that it was relatively easy to get TomTom to give you an updated map. So, I called the customer service line and talked to a rep. He said that I needed the map guarantee certificate that came in the box, but I did not receive one. (FYI: some reviewers of the refurbished TomTom ONE XL-S unit said they got this in the box along with their GPS). Since I didn't have a certificate, the rep said it was unlikely I would get a new map. However, I was determined to get my update, so I pressed a bit further. The rep said maybe I could just send in my proof of purchase (Amazon receipt) and we'll see what happens. (You can fax it or send it as an attachment through a website.) I did that, and lo and behold, I got an email message the NEXT DAY saying that my map update had been uploaded to my TomTom HOME account. I downloaded it the next day without any problems. So, despite the reluctance of the customer service rep, I got my new map!
Overall, the unit works well, though the spoken street names can be bit hard to understand at times. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. TomTom XL 330S 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished)
bought this unit for the wide screen and street name instructions feature - have used for two vacation trips to unfamiliar areas and so far it is everything I expected. Very accurate, good instructions, good street name pronunciation and very quick rerouting if wrong turn taken.
First unit I received had out of date maps which tommtom would not update for free, but Amazon quickly shipped me a replacement unit that updated maps free at tomtom home with no problem. Amazon really stands behind the items I have purchased through them.
I've been trying to figure out which GPS device to buy for quite a while. Each manufacturer makes so many different versions, it is difficult to pick which one is best for you. This is a very good, middle of the road model that does almost everything that I want it to do. It's also refurbished, which I was concerned about. But it has worked perfectly, and I just returned from a 2,860 mile trip. This TomTom was a lifesaver, especially when driving through New York City. It is easy to use, it worked right out of the box, and now I can't imagine driving without it.
The only thing I wish I had considered was the SD memory slot. This model does not have one, and when I was downloading the updated maps, I realized that I would have to delete some other features that I downloaded because there was not enough memory. There is just enough memory to hold the map package, plus a few other things. But if you don't need or want some of the other bells and whistles (which you really don't need), and you just want to be able to get around, this is a great model. And it doesn't have all those other things like bluetooth or an mp3 player. But who needs those on your GPS when your phone or iPod has all of that?
All in all, I'm very happy with this TomTom, and very happy with the price of the refurbished model.
Urge no one buy this refurbished product if you really have to depend on it. No savings from "NEW" product, because:
1. Maps need to be updated at a substantial cost, exceeding the cost of a "NEW" product. If you don't depend on updated maps, then this would be perfect GPS for you.
2. Limited warranty of six (6) months vs normal warranty of one year.
3. Hasseling with the customer service to find out that unit does not come with updated maps. Amazon printed review by R.Ned on June 8, 2009 that said he got the update from TOM TOM Customer Service. Very misleading and appears to be boardering on unfair and deceptive sale practice in most states.
This is a great GPS, and very cost effective, but the map update is very spotty.
I bought both this one and the 130-S from Amazon, both refurbs.
The 130-S was [...] dollars cheaper, but this one is bigger and has a 3 hour battery life instead of 2 hour. I think it has a faster processor too, but cannot be 100% sure on this. You can decide whether this is worth the upgrade.
The GPS has 1.6 PointsOfInterest, downloadable POI for free online, map corrections, voices and car icons. One note about voices: ONLY the computerized ones are worth anything. The rest cannot do text-to-speech which makes them worthless. So you will have 1 male downloadable and 1 female built-in voice that is usable.
Features-wise, the latest GPSes have lots of junk that boosts the price tag. The main feature this has is text-to-speech (the -s on the end), which is WELL WORTH the [...] dollar price premium. This GPS is very good for getting where you need to go, which is why you are buying one. Not to play MP3s...
The biggest issue is getting the Latest Map Guarantee. If you are Lucky, you can plug it in and download the latest. This was the case with my first GPS. No worries.
If you are NOT lucky, it will have expired. In that case, you must call customer service. They will tell you that it is NOT honored for refurbs. You then have the choice of...
a) Whining bittery/begging/crying/whatever to get customer service to give you a free map update. (this worked for me)
a1) Keep calling back until you get a favorable response.
b) Return the unit. (Sure, it SAYS you can only return to TomTom, but its only a strip of paper.)
c) Keep it and use the 1 or 2 year old maps.
d) Pay [...] bucks and buy the updated map.
d1) Pay [...] bucks and get a 1 year subscription. (Companies love these because you forget to cancel) - Tomtom One Xl - Gps - Tomtom - Gps Comparison'
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