13 Jul
2010
The last couple of days I've been testing the TomTom iPhone SatNav app with traffic, looking for an alternative to the NeverFound devices I always end up with while traveling. Since I'm not traveling now, I've been playing with the app on my normal commute, and this morning, TomTom pulled a SatNav classic (one I was hoping it wouldn't do). While on my normal commute the traffic service said there were delays, yes it's rush hour in DC Metro. While on the freeway the app told me it had found a route that would be 6 minutes faster with traffic if i exited the freeway now. I was unfamiliar with where I could go from this exit, but considering i didn't have to be anywhere, I'd give it a try.
So how was TomTom going to save me 6 minutes? by getting right back on the freeway. Yes, the app pulled a classic get off and get right back on, but the "alternate" route didn't save me 6 minutes, it added about 10 due to the surface street congestion getting through three lights getting back on. Stupid SatNav!
Overall I'm a little under impressed with the TomTom app, it works like most standalone GPS units, but seems a bit more touchy than others. Will it be helpful while traveling to have everything in one device, yes (so long as i can keep it charged). The interesting thing I've found is that with the TomTom app running, my car kit (A griffin kit) is not able to keep up with the power draw of the iPhone so over a long road trip the app would actually drain my phone. Maybe I just need a different car kit, but still not the best.
