Apple lists TomTom Car Kit in Europe (?99.95), U.K. (£99.95)
TomTom's anticipated GPS Car Kit for the iPhone was briefly available for preorder via the online Apple Store in Europe Thursday, with a listing that suggested the software may not work with the iPod touch or first-generation iPhone.
Priced at ?99.95 ($147.52 U.S.) for Europe and £99.95 ($162.20 U.S.) for the U.K., the TomTom Car Kit preorder was listed as shipping in two to three weeks. The description also said the included TomTom application is only compatible with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
"Note: The Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, but the Car Kit app only works with iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G," the Apple Store U.K. said.
The price is roughly the same as the one first listed by a reseller months ago. The TomTom application was released in August. Maps for the U.S. and Canada are priced at $99.99 U.S., while maps of the U.K. and Ireland have a standalone price of £59.99. Those who buy the car kit, though, will have the software included in the bundle.
The software works with the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, which include an integrated GPS receiver. It was previously suggested that the software would also work with the first-generation iPhone and the iPod touch via the hardware kit, which includes an external GPS receiver.
The Apple Store page said the device offers volume control, portrait and landscape mode, windscreen and dashboard mounting, and iPhone charging via CLA. The system requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later, 1.2 GB of free memory, and iTunes on the desktop.
Apple listed the following features for the TomTom Car Kit:
Secure docking: TomTom's specially designed, award-winning EasyPort mount attaches your iPhone securely to your windscreen or dashboard?perfectly within reach. It lets you rotate the screen for widescreen route display. And it folds flat for easy moves from car to car.
Enhanced GPS performance: The TomTom car kit's built-in receiver increases the GPS performance of your iPhone to give you a truly reliable signal?even in high-rise urban areas.
Clear voice instructions: With the built-in volume controls and superior speaker, you'll hear every voice instruction loud and clear?so you'll never miss a thing.
Easy charging: Dock your iPhone 3GS in the mount to charge it as you drive, so it's always fully charged and ready to go.
Hands-free calling: Receive calls without taking your eyes off the road, using the built-in extra-sensitive microphone and speaker. And the app automatically starts navigating again as soon as the call ends.
Your music on the move: With the audio out connector you can play all your favourite songs through your car's audio system with the optional audio cable. It even fades music out when receiving calls and giving directions.
The TomTom Car Kit was originally due to be released over the summer, but was delayed until October. The company said it was taking the extra time "in order to deliver the highest quality on this innovative product."
The TomTom iPhone mount will boost the device's GPS reception.
Priced at ?99.95 ($147.52 U.S.) for Europe and £99.95 ($162.20 U.S.) for the U.K., the TomTom Car Kit preorder was listed as shipping in two to three weeks. The description also said the included TomTom application is only compatible with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
"Note: The Car Kit dock is compatible with all iPhone models, but the Car Kit app only works with iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G," the Apple Store U.K. said.
The price is roughly the same as the one first listed by a reseller months ago. The TomTom application was released in August. Maps for the U.S. and Canada are priced at $99.99 U.S., while maps of the U.K. and Ireland have a standalone price of £59.99. Those who buy the car kit, though, will have the software included in the bundle.
The software works with the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, which include an integrated GPS receiver. It was previously suggested that the software would also work with the first-generation iPhone and the iPod touch via the hardware kit, which includes an external GPS receiver.
The Apple Store page said the device offers volume control, portrait and landscape mode, windscreen and dashboard mounting, and iPhone charging via CLA. The system requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later, 1.2 GB of free memory, and iTunes on the desktop.
Apple listed the following features for the TomTom Car Kit:
Secure docking: TomTom's specially designed, award-winning EasyPort mount attaches your iPhone securely to your windscreen or dashboard?perfectly within reach. It lets you rotate the screen for widescreen route display. And it folds flat for easy moves from car to car.
Enhanced GPS performance: The TomTom car kit's built-in receiver increases the GPS performance of your iPhone to give you a truly reliable signal?even in high-rise urban areas.
Clear voice instructions: With the built-in volume controls and superior speaker, you'll hear every voice instruction loud and clear?so you'll never miss a thing.
Easy charging: Dock your iPhone 3GS in the mount to charge it as you drive, so it's always fully charged and ready to go.
Hands-free calling: Receive calls without taking your eyes off the road, using the built-in extra-sensitive microphone and speaker. And the app automatically starts navigating again as soon as the call ends.
Your music on the move: With the audio out connector you can play all your favourite songs through your car's audio system with the optional audio cable. It even fades music out when receiving calls and giving directions.
The TomTom Car Kit was originally due to be released over the summer, but was delayed until October. The company said it was taking the extra time "in order to deliver the highest quality on this innovative product."
The TomTom iPhone mount will boost the device's GPS reception.
Comments
Plus retarded UK pricing strikes again:
Tomtom app for UK = £60
Tomtom app for W Europe = £80
UK kit + uk maps = £99
Europe Kit + Europe maps - ?99 = £89
TomTom's anticipated GPS Car Kit for the iPhone was briefly available for preorder via the online Apple Store in Europe Thursday, with a listing that suggested the software may not work with the iPod touch or first-generation iPhone.
Priced at €99.95 ($147.52 U.S.) for Europe and £99.95 ($162.20 U.S.) for the U.K., the TomTom Car Kit preorder was listed as shipping in two to three weeks. The description also said the included TomTom application is only compatible with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.
I see nothing about the software in this so am I to assume that TomTom + the Car Kit is gonna set us back approx $250 US - WOW that seems kinda high!
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised about the price since TomTom is not using iPhone GPS, speaker, mic etc. I wouldn't expect them to fly off the shelf.
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/TX529ZM/A
Phil
This seems a bit over priced. I recently bought a TomTom standalone navigation system for about $150. It has all the features and more that this app will. I don't see why they're charging more for just the navigation app and the added antenna. Like charging more for less. Or am I missing something?
Could you provide your model name/number?
Previously posts showed that a comparable TomTom unit was listed over $400 and doesn't have all the features, i.e., enhanced GPS performance, IQ Routes, etc.
The App Manual is available on line: http://download.tomtom.com/open/manu...-app-en-US.pdf
P.S. The TomTom GO 740 LIVE is priced at $399.95 US and it won't do a smidgen of what the iPhone/TomTom Car Kit is capable. http://www.tomtom.com/products/category.php?ID=0&Lid=4
Could you provide your model name/number?
Previously posts showed that a comparable TomTom unit was listed over $400 and doesn't have all the features, i.e., enhanced GPS performance, IQ Routes, etc.
The App Manual is available on line: http://download.tomtom.com/open/manu...-app-en-US.pdf
I'll have to look it up when I get home from work. I'll edit this post when I find out.
EDIT: Taking a closer look, my navigation does not have all the features the iPhone kit has. On another note, while navigation systems on TomTom.com will retail for $399.99, take a look at Amazon and you'll see they actually sell for much cheaper. For example, the $399 kit you mentioned can be had for $299.89.
I'll have to look it up when I get home from work. I'll edit this post when I find out.
Good enough.
Note the P.S. in my previous post, i.e., The TomTom GO 740 LIVE is priced at $399.95 US and it won't do a smidgen of what the iPhone/TomTom Car Kit is capable. http://www.tomtom.com/products/category.php?ID=0&Lid=4
Has anybody used their iPhone/GPS app internationally, i.e., while roaming? How much data did you use? How much did it cost? How well did it work in Airport Mode?
For those that have an iPhone/GPS app now and are using it locally, i.e., via their current wireless provider, how much does the combination draw in data usage in Airport mode and under normal connections via 3G?
Question
Has anybody used their iPhone/GPS app internationally, i.e., while roaming? How much data did you use? How much did it cost? How well did it work in Airport Mode?
For those that have an iPhone/GPS app now and are using it locally, i.e., via their current wireless provider, how much does the combination draw in data usage in Airport mode and under normal connections via 3G?
TomTom uses local maps loaded on the iPhone. Usage of data is nihil. I have used it in France without using any data transfer. (I am from Belgium and roaming in France is very expensive for us)
BTW TomTom application did work quite well.
So, really, it seems to be about a doubling of the price to get both kit and app.
So for over $200, you turn your iPhone into a sub-par GPS device?
I would have expected to get the software free if you buy the hardware or if you already own the software (which is already overpriced) get the hardware for <$50. That seems more reasonable pricing to me.
I think I'll stick with CoPilot and some gaffer tape for £130 less.
I am going to wait for the reviews. A couple are noted below. Would be interested in just how much more TomTom's Car Kit will improve the outcomes. More…