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Review of the Tom-Tom ONE XL-S Portable GPS System


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As it stands right now, based on sales in not only the United States, but globally, Garmin has the lead in Global Positioning Systems (GPS). However, after taking a close look at the Tom-Tom One XL-S Portable GPS unit, the image in Garmin?s rear view mirror is no doubt growing larger by the minute. It isn?t any wonder considering this unit offers more features that Garmin?s Nuvi 200.

The One XL-S offers the consumer ease of use, excellent performance, and all at a very affordable price. Its 4.3 viewing screen provides the user with better ?readabilitiy? and yet its ease of use makes this unit an obvious choice for the ?newbie.? You get all the navigation capabilities with brutally accurate directions and the same consistent user-friendly interface as well.

The ?XL? in the name of the product is there for the purpose of describing the newer, larger screen — the original model was a 3.5 — which was appropriately named. The LCD screen shows off 64,000 colors using a pixel resolution of 480 x 272, so all text is easily readable, and maps are clear and sharp. Even in bright sunlight, there is no difficulty involved when reading the screen. You also have the ability to switch between daytime and nighttime screen visibility, and the option of 10 different color schemes.

Surprisingly, the One XL-S is amazingly lightweight, weighing in at just 7.4 ounces considering its overall dimensions (4.7 inches wide by 3.4 inches high by 1.2 inches deep). This justifies its portability factor even more.

Like its predecessor, the One XL-S has kept certain design features simple, such as the single power button mounted in the top of the unit. On the bottom side of the unit, you?ll find the mini-USB port, power connector, and the SD expansion slot. When you look at the back of the unit, you?ll notice that there is a jack which enables the user to attach an external antenna, as well as the unit?s speaker.

Additionally, the following come standard when purchasing the Tom-Tom One XL-S Portable GPS unit:

? a car charger
? a USB cable
? a vehicle mount for dash and windshield
? a Tom-Tom Home software CD
? Tom-Tom reference material

One of the other nice features are that maps of Canada, the United States and other points of interest are now loaded into the unit?s hard drive instead of onto an SD card like its predecessor. Other SD cards with pre-loaded regional maps (such as Europe) are available through Tom-Tom as well, so no matter where you travel, the One XL-S? portability and map inventory is sure to keep you on the right path. There are also numerous options for picking your destination as well as the capability for calculating the shortest distance or driving time.

The Tom-Tom One XL-S Portable GPS unit offers you pinpoint accuracy with directions, ease of use, and a larger screen, making this GPS unit a serious contender for front-runner in the industry with other comparable models.


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