TomTom newbie help please?!

So I've just been given my first-ever Satnav gizmo for Xmas - a TomTom
910. Really don't know much about these things having only used one
once before, on a hire car.

Anyway, it's up and running, I've installed TomTom home on my PC, set up
a MyTomTom account online, downloaded all the updates to the TomTom, and
have successfully got it blue-toothing with my mobile - so far so good.

What I'm not clear about, from having browsing around tomtom.com, is
what 'ongoing' costs are associated with using it. I'm aware there are
plenty of bits and services to spend money on, but what's *necessary*?

Mine has maps for UK, Europe and N America - certainly all I need - but
do I have to pay to get these continually updated, or does that just
happen gratis when I connect to tomtom.com? What about traffic info -
is that different again?

At one point the tomtom seemed to be downloading from my mobile phone
for a goodly long time - what's going on there? Is that downloading
stuff which is better (and freely) done at home online rather than by
GPRS? or is this 'up-to-the-minute' information?

IIRC a trial of something activated automatically when I first logged in
to tomtom.com, but am not sure what!!

I'm sure all this looks like really stupid questions, but for this
newbie, I'm afraid it isn't...

Thanks
David

Good stuff, its a easy unit to set up. Have a play with all the features and
you'll be even more impressed.


Possibly if you subcribe to say there speed camera warnings etc theres a
few. I only use mine very occasionally now and have forgotten the bits and
bobs about it tbh. They have a useful FAQ on there website (not mean't in a
rude way) I found it helpful when I was getting started using it.


You have to pay tomtom firs map updates :-(

I believe the traffic updates are charged aswell after the free trial
period. (be aware it will go on your mobile bill when using GPRS)


Hmm sounds ok, not to sure about that one tbh.


That I think is the traffic updates.


I know exactly where your coming from, can be a bit daunting at first but
once you get the hang of it you'll be away and flying with it.


No problem. Hope this has been of help.

I'd also point you to uk.rec.gps which is a terrific newsgroup full of info
and helpful people. Also check out http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/ they have
goof forums and also do a downloadable database for speed (safety) cameras
;-) at a small cost.

Good luck.

When the free trial expires, it's expired. If you want to renew it, you buy
it online. They can't bill you via GPRS for traffic updates.

--

- Tony Sutton
- http://www.fordst170.co.uk

Doh I just realised you posted it to here aswell. :)

wrote:


Nothing more is necessary. The device uses a small amount of power
(=vehicle fuel) and makes use of the free access made available to the US
GPS satellites. In some parts of the world where new roads are being
built or traffic flow systems changed it will be useful to buy map updates
from time to time, but that will not be true for many other places.

Tony