Web site lists TomTom iPhone mount for £99.00 ($168.50)

[AppleInsider]

A U.K Web site has made the TomTom cradle and accompanying software available for pre-order at a cost of 99 pounds, or about $168.50 U.S., though a company spokesman would not confirm that price.

The price on handtec.co.uk, discovered by Daniweb.com, is the first possible glimpse at the anticipated product's retail cost. On Amazon.com, the least expensive new TomTom sells for $129.99, while most sell for more than $200, making the iPhone model competitively priced (excluding the cost of the handset).

When reached by AppleInsider Wednesday morning, TomTom spokesman Kevin Carter said the company could not confirm the price.

"At this point we haven't publicly announced pricing," Carter said, "either in the U.K. or the U.S."

First unveiled by Apple at the WWDC keynote in June, the accessory kit will act as a basic suction-cup mount for the dashboard or windshield. Additionally, it will amplify the GPS signal, support both hands-free calling and music through the stereo system, and charge the iPhone from the car's 12-volt port. A release date is not currently available.

The application is said to take advantage of iPhone OS 3.0's support for true, turn-by-turn directions. The software will have both nation-specific and international maps from TomTom, will work in either landscape or portrait modes, and give voice directions.

The software will reportedly be available for separate purchase from the App Store, and would rely on the iPhone's internal GPS receiver. The hardware kit, however, comes with its own, separate GPS. It will be one of the first external accessories to take advantage of iPhone 3.0's capabilities.

The TomTom iPhone mount will boost the device's GPS reception.

The TomTom has already been beaten to market by a few competing options. The AT&T Navigator application hit the App Store in June. The software is free, but requires a $9.95 monthly service subscription, which the exclusive U.S. iPhone carrier plans to market alongside new iPhone sales at its retail and online stores as a bolt-on service. And the Navigon MobileNavigator application is priced at $99, but on sale for $69 through Aug. 15. It features NAVTEQ maps, lane assist, and day and night modes.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[irnchriz]

Oh well then. Wont be buying one of those considering you can get a TomTom for the same cost. Are TomTom stating that their base model is actually free then and all you are paying for when you buy that is the cradle to hold it and the software?

You can get Tom Tom 7 UK & Ireland for £39.99 plus VAT at the moment (on DVD) and Bluetooth GPS receivers for as little as £12 plus VAT

Just because people are used to paying a bit more for Apple kit doesn't mean that they are open to price gouging by third parties.

[nace33]

Wow, no thanks!

[iCarbon]

Originally Posted by irnchriz

Oh well then. Wont be buying one of those considering you can get a TomTom for the same cost. Are TomTom stating that their base model is actually free then and all you are paying for when you buy that is the cradle to hold it and the software?

Just because people are used to paying a bit more for Apple kit doesn't mean that they are open to price gouging by third parties.

Oh no, what you are paying for is the ability to lump your gps into the same device...

[John.B]

At that price, thieves will be breaking car windows just to steal the mounts.

[Tulkas]

The price on handtec.co.uk, discovered by Daniweb.com, is the first possible glimpse at the anticipated product's retail cost. On Amazon.com, the least expensive new TomTom sells for $129.99, while most sell for more than $200, making the iPhone model competitively priced (excluding the cost of the handset).

Ok. This made me laugh. Competitively priced, excluding the cost of the handset. So, Competitively priced, excluding usefulness.

No handset, means no display, no maps, no voice directions, no visual directions.

All in all, I was looking forward to the TomTom unit. Not anymore. Going to guess that they will also charge for the maps themselves. Maybe they can throw in a subscription fee to make it even less appealing.

[Aaargh!]

Originally Posted by irnchriz

Oh well then. Wont be buying one of those considering you can get a TomTom for the same cost. Are TomTom stating that their base model is actually free then and all you are paying for when you buy that is the cradle to hold it and the software?(...)

Maybe the cradle includes a iTunes code that lets you download the software for free ? That could be a way to sell the cradle relatively cheap while preventing people from just buying the cradle for the handsfree function and/or using it with competing software.

[cmf2]

If I recall correctly, that cradle actually has its own gps radio that they say is a lot stronger than the iPhones, which will allow for better performance. Keep that in mind when considering the price.

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by cmf2

If I recall correctly, that cradle actually has its own gps radio that they say is a lot stronger than the iPhones, which will allow for better performance. Keep that in mind when considering the price.

this is true.

[syklee26]

If Navigon software sells for $69.99 (or $99.99), then TomTom should not sell the whole thing for more than $99 or $129.

[dagamer34]

Well, the REAL question is what kind of TomTom will the iPhone version be comparable to? I mean, if the iPhone app has all the bells and whistles, then $200 additional really isn't that much to ask when the price for a high end GPS can easily reach $400+. I doubt with the amount of money they are asking from people, TomTom is going to skimp on features.

One thing I do wish would happen is for Apple to automatically increase the brightness to max when the phone is on AC power. When I stick the phone in my car, I always have to change the brightness because otherwise it's not easily visible when driving.

[bigmc6000]

Originally Posted by cmf2

If I recall correctly, that cradle actually has its own gps radio that they say is a lot stronger than the iPhones, which will allow for better performance. Keep that in mind when considering the price.

Right but without the iPhone it's completely useless. $129 total (cradle and software included) is my absolute max price and with that enhanced GPS functionality it better work with my 2G iPhone since that's the one I plan on using so my 3Gs is still available for talking and such.

[mebbert]

Originally Posted by bigmc6000

...it better work with my 2G iPhone...

This is my question. I want to know if it works with the 2G.

I will be very interested in this since it will also handle both music and phone over the radio. Anyone know how it will be able to do both? I had the impression that Apple did not allow the phone to function through the dock connection.

[anonymouse]

Originally Posted by cmf2

If I recall correctly, that cradle actually has its own gps radio that they say is a lot stronger than the iPhones, which will allow for better performance. Keep that in mind when considering the price.

Actually, I thought it only provided an external antenna, not a complete GPS receiver. But, even if it does include that, those chips are pretty much dirt cheap, so hardly justify the cost. If that's the real price, I think it will be a complete flop. The only reason to buy their GPS app and one of these, as opposed to a dedicated unit, is to save significant money, not so you can gush, "OMG! I have TomTom on my iPhone! OMG!"

I mean, what happens when you get an important call just as a critical turn is coming up.

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by mebbert

I will be very interested in this since it will also handle both music and phone over the radio. Anyone know how it will be able to do both? I had the impression that Apple did not allow the phone to function through the dock connection.

It should be pretty simple for them to do. iPods have been able to do it for years (output music over the dock connector), so why not iPhones. I don't recall Apple preventing it on the iphones or if it was just a limitation of not have Dock Connector Accessory support, prior to OSX 3.0.

[eh270]

So for LESS money you can get a dedicated unit... wait, can someone define 'competitive' for me?

[eAi]

Perhaps most interesting is the implication that the software is bundled with the cradle - not through the App Store - how will that work?

The iPhone dock connector does output audio (from the iPod/quicktime) and always has. I'm not sure about it supporting the phone etc.

[floccus]

Um, can we all keep in mind that that is NOT an official price? I seriously can't see TomTom trying to sell the base for 99 (dollars or pounds, I expect it would be the same numbers regardless of currency) and then expect you to buy the app from the Appstore (they could give it away for free but that would hinder sales of the base unit). The hardware is the primary cost component, and Apple has already taken care of that. Yes, there's a stronger GPS receiver in the base, but those don't cost much more than $10 max on the scale they'd be buying them.

I expect TomTom to release the whole deal at $99, thats a fair price for both the base and the app and will put them in the lead with iPhone users.

[cmf2]

Originally Posted by anonymouse

Actually, I thought it only provided an external antenna, not a complete GPS receiver. But, even if it does include that, those chips are pretty much dirt cheap, so hardly justify the cost. If that's the real price, I think it will be a complete flop. The only reason to buy their GPS app and one of these, as opposed to a dedicated unit, is to save significant money, not so you can gush, "OMG! I have TomTom on my iPhone! OMG!"

I mean, what happens when you get an important call just as a critical turn is coming up.

You could be right, I don't even remember where I saw it now, all I know is that it is more than just a cradle. Compared to other turn by turn apps on the app store, I think the stand (which includes the app right?) is competitive. Although I would consider the current turn by turn apps to be price gouging as well. Google maps is good enough for me anyway.

[Trajectory]

Pricey. What happens if you want to use the app when walking around, without the cradle? Will it still work without the GPS enhancer in the cradle, and how well will it work? Also, not sure how well it will work without a built-in compass, which only the 3GS phones have.

[chwilliam]

I'm guessing it's £99.00 for the base and a promo code to get the software. Also keep in mind that, in terms of pricing, the USD price roughly matches the GBP price, so it's probably $99, not $168.

[John.B]

Originally Posted by dagamer34

One thing I do wish would happen is for Apple to automatically increase the brightness to max when the phone is on AC power. When I stick the phone in my car, I always have to change the brightness because otherwise it's not easily visible when driving.

Maybe its so you'll keep your eyes on the road? Instead of on your iPhone? Just sayin'...

[bluedot]

Originally Posted by Trajectory

Pricey. What happens if you want to use the app when walking around, without the cradle? Will it still work without the GPS enhancer in the cradle, and how well will it work? Also, not sure how well it will work without a built-in compass, which only the 3GS phones have.

I believe that the software will work without the cradle since it's supposed to be available on its own as well. That said, how well... who knows? If TomTom tries to push people to buy the cradle they could possibly cripple the app when the cradle is not used. That would be dumb, but you never know.

As for not having a built-in compass, I have the Navigon GPS app on a 3G iPhone (i.e. no compass) and am very happy with it. It takes a while to get a lock on when starting up sometimes (like other GPS btw) but it's definitely more accurate than Google Maps. It's a release 1.0, so there are some things that will need fixing over time, but overall I was impressed and for the intro price of $69.99 it was a better deal for me regardless of what TomTom did since I already have a dock connector cradle in my car that integrates music.

[daratbastid]

Well all their other units that support real time traffic/rerouting require a separate data connection and also a monthly fee. If they include this in there at no charge (and there is no reason they cant considering its already in google maps), it is not that bad. I would pay 50 bucks to consolidate devices. No work yet how audio will bridge through receiver. I have an alpine headunit with dedicated ipod interface and using RF instead would suck

[razorpit]

Originally Posted by John.B

Maybe its so you'll keep your eyes on the road? Instead of on your iPhone? Just sayin'...

What if he's in the passenger seat?

[mdriftmeyer]

Originally Posted by bigmc6000

Right but without the iPhone it's completely useless. $129 total (cradle and software included) is my absolute max price and with that enhanced GPS functionality it better work with my 2G iPhone since that's the one I plan on using so my 3Gs is still available for talking and such.

You're paying for that enhanced GPS and the fact you are consolidating down into one device that integrates with iPhone OS and can be leveraged in other applications.

[Abster2core]

It is interesting here that so many jump to such ridiculous conclusion, ask such stupid questions and deem such idiotic predictions, that a little reading, i.e., following the links, would address most of their issues.

Oh, I forget, they are either dumber than doorknobs or just the usual Apple haters, non-iPhone owners or just like the feel of crapping out of their mouths.

IMO.

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by bluedot

I believe that the software will work without the cradle since it's supposed to be available on its own as well.

http://www.daniweb.com/blogs/entry4607.html

[bigmc6000]

Originally Posted by mdriftmeyer

You're paying for that enhanced GPS and the fact you are consolidating down into one device that integrates with iPhone OS and can be leveraged in other applications.

Point being? You think I should pay more than 129?

I know it nice to have it all in 1 package but I've gotta be honest here - I don't want a text or a call to mess with my directions - that'd just be annoying.

[bluedot]

Originally Posted by daratbastid

Well all their other units that support real time traffic/rerouting require a separate data connection and also a monthly fee. If they include this in there at no charge (and there is no reason they cant considering its already in google maps), it is not that bad. I would pay 50 bucks to consolidate devices. No work yet how audio will bridge through receiver. I have an alpine headunit with dedicated ipod interface and using RF instead would suck

If the TomTom app works anything like the Navigon one, you should be able to get audio via the headunit. I have a similar setup, the cradle with dock connector directly into my head unit is Dension (which may have made your Alpine one too) and its connected to a Sony headunit. I can change songs, FF and RW via the headunit without affecting the GPS app's functionality too. First bought it for an iPod photo back in the day, but it's worked with every version of iPod and now iPhone that I have tried to plug into it (and 2 different Sony headunits). Only caveat is that the power is Firewire spec since that's the way all iPods came back then instead of the newer USB spec power that modern iPods and all iPhones use, so I need a converter to get charge with an iPhone 3G.

[Porchland]

Originally Posted by John.B

At that price, thieves will be breaking car windows just to steal the mounts.

Reminds me of the joke about having two Vanderbilt football tickets on by dashboard. Someone broke the windshield and put two more right next to them. Ba-dum-pshh!

Seriously, there's no way this is the pricing for the TomTom mount. That's more than the cost of the TomTom that I use now.

[teckstud]

Oh no what's next - silicone cases reviews? We're reverting back to the iPhone Lounge again.
What exactlly does Apple have to do with this?

[sflocal]

I am not defending TomTom's pricing for this product. What folks are don't realize with these types of products is that it's not the price of the hardware that makes it expensive. The software in many cases is what gives it its value.

Since software is not necessarily something tangible that one can physically hold in their hand, they is no perceived to it. It's really unfortunate because in this particular case, the physical mount (with included GPS) is the cheap part. There is a huge amount of R&D and software development that goes into designing the interface.

The iPhone / Touch and $.99 App Store mentality has warped many folks into believe that if it costs more than a dollar (or if it's not free), then it is a rip-off.

Just because a stand-alone unit costs a bit less just tells me that the hardware is dirt-cheap and the software is what carries the price tag.

I will hold my judgement to see what TomTom comes up with on its iPhone / Touch implementation. It certainly means one less piece of hardware to carry around.

Many critics here just seem to place price alone above all else. That has been the basis for many other subjects on this forum for ages.

[libertyforall]

They're nuts at that price! It must be below $100, unless it also drives the car... ;-)

[Tulkas]

Originally Posted by sflocal

I am not defending TomTom's pricing for this product. What folks are don't realize with these types of products is that it's not the price of the hardware that makes it expensive. The software in many cases is what gives it its value.

Since software is not necessarily something tangible that one can physically hold in their hand, they is no perceived to it. It's really unfortunate because in this particular case, the physical mount (with included GPS) is the cheap part. There is a huge amount of R&D and software development that goes into designing the interface.

The iPhone / Touch and $.99 App Store mentality has warped many folks into believe that if it costs more than a dollar (or if it's not free), then it is a rip-off.

Just because a stand-alone unit costs a bit less just tells me that the hardware is dirt-cheap and the software is what carries the price tag.

I will hold my judgement to see what TomTom comes up with on its iPhone / Touch implementation. It certainly means one less piece of hardware to carry around.

Many critics here just seem to place price alone above all else. That has been the basis for many other subjects on this forum for ages.

Valid points. But their software for the iphone will not be radically different than their other software. Certainly, it is what will provide the value, but what makes the software so much more valuable on the iPhone?

Also, maybe wrong on this, but I recall reading when TomTom first announced this, that TomTom was going to produce the hardware and that it was actually Apple that was going to do the software for them, I think for free, as a showpiece of what was possible with OS3.0 and dock connector app integration.

[Trajectory]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Oh no what's next - silicone cases reviews? We're reverting back to the iPhone Lounge again.
What exactlly does Apple have to do with this?

It's an iPhone app. Duh.

[bigmc6000]

Originally Posted by sflocal

...Many critics here just seem to place price alone above all else. That has been the basis for many other subjects on this forum for ages.

But that is a value determination - I think all of us would agree that the extra price tag to get a Mac vs PC was worth it but for the overwhelming majority of us paying the same amount to turn our iPhones into GPS as just buying a GPS flat out (bigger screen perhaps) just doesn't make any sense. GPS still isn't present in every vehicle and it's not a necessity (especially given the google maps app) so we want something to pull us in and at those prices (I realize they are theoretical) the uptick from Google Maps to GPS just isn't worth it for most (myself included).

[jimerl]

i was stunned when i first saw the $170 but then again it is 'competitive. consider navigon's offering at $99 (once both are available) then the cradle would be the extra $70. it's not just a cradle but also a charger and hands free stereo/phone thingy too, with it's own gps antenna built in.

now i admit that i am a LOT less enthusiastic to buy one now than before i heard the price and will probably just use what comes-with. and att is insane to offer a subscription plan. check that. att is brilliant for offering a subscription plan that will appeal to the insane customers who will subscribe without realizing how far overpriced it will be if they use the iphone for even a year.

[godrifle]

Originally Posted by cmf2

If I recall correctly, that cradle actually has its own gps radio that they say is a lot stronger than the iPhones, which will allow for better performance. Keep that in mind when considering the price.

This has never made sense to me. The point of a all-in-one GPS device in my pocket is that I would use it in any car I drive. With this TomTom iPhone frankenstein, I now have to lug the mount/receiver from car to car.

No thanks.

[bigmc6000]

Originally Posted by godrifle

This has never made sense to me. The point of a all-in-one GPS device in my pocket is that I would use it in any car I drive. With this TomTom iPhone frankenstein, I now have to lug the mount/receiver from car to car.

No thanks.

It's an add-on, not a requirement. The app will work fine w/out the cradle but if you do have the cradle you'll get a faster and more accurate GPS fix.