TomTom Navigator 6 Updated Maps Review
By: Kris KeilhackJanuary 24, 2007
Ordering Process
It’s no huge secret that I was completely delighted with the added functionality and user friendliness of TomTom’s latest Navigator 6 software, as found in the Palm GPS Navigator Smartphone package (reviewed here). So it goes without saying that I thrilled to see the gigantic green advertisement last month on TomTom’s US website proclaiming “free” maps upgrades. I was even more thrilled when I saw that I was eligible for a free (well, after paying $6 for shipping) DVD containing the new USA & Canada maps. Despite being soured on the fact that TomTom’s online store only accepts PayPal, I placed my order, assuming I’d have to wait out the full 3-4 weeks for delivery as advised by TomTom’s confirmation screen.
One of the more pleasant surprises of late occurred when I opened my mailbox after a little over one week to find an envelope from TomTom! The single DVD comes packaged in a nicely printed foldout sleeve and its data is applicable to all current, updatable TomTom devices; GO, ONE, RIDER, and Navigator 6.
The documentation printed within the DVD folder is just a pictograph schematic with a modicum of information. I’d like to have seen a getting started guide of some kind for the novice users out there.
Installation
I inserted the TomTom DVD into my PC and installed the app. Being familiar with the previous version of the TomTom desktop software, I already had my SD card out of my Treo and in my PC’s card reader drive. I selected my regional maps and the program automatically knew which drive letter was my SD card. Installation was speedy and trouble-free. In fact, the whole process was painless until it came time to actually activate the new maps on the Treo. I had to go to www.ttcode.com and manually activate everything since TomTom’s automated system appears unable to process the newest product codes. I had this problem a few months ago when I was trying to activate my pre-release copy of Navigator 6. The automated system did work, however, when I purchased my own personal copy of the Palm GPS kit in December.
Initial Testing
My initial, localized testing of the new maps has shown them to be very up-to-date. As an example, my house’s street was initially built in 2004 and completed in 2005. It’s represented in full on these latest maps, as are several new restaurants, shops, a gas station that changed franchise affiliation a year or so ago, and some new area attractions. I have not yet had an opportunity to take the new maps on an out of town trip but the initial signs just from local usage are overwhelmingly positive. Having gone from the relatively ancient Navigator 5 maps, to the initial Navigator 6 release maps to these new 2006 maps in less than a year’s time has truly made me appreciate the value of keeping the map data up-to-date on my Treo. I can imagine that European users would not have as pressing of a need to upgrade maps on an annual basis as American Road Warriors who have to battle urban sprawl and a constant influx of new roads, businesses and attractions when traveling.
Pricing and Eligibility
It is my understanding that TomTom Navigator 6 users (any flavor) are eligible for the free map updates while owners of TomTom Navigator 5 can purchase the new maps for ~$50. Several members of the TreoCentral forums have actually reported that they just purchased the new maps to use with Navigator 5 but received the same DVD as I did. So an unexpected benefit of paying for the revised maps is a “quiet” upgrade to Navigator 6 in the process. I’m not sure if this is an official part of the upgrade or not, so your mileage may vary.
All owners of the recent Palm GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition as well as users of the map data found in the initial release of Navigator 6 should register for the free DVD post-haste. TomTom’s promotional pricing ends March 31st 2007.
Pros:
- Fast shipping from TomTom
- Map disc contains latest TomTom Navigator 6 Palm OS client software (6.01)
- Good packaging and the printed registration code card is a very nice touch
- Maps are VERY accurate and up-to-date.
Cons:
- Documentation, both printed and disc-based, could be much more comprehensive.
- TomTom accepts only PayPal as a payment method for their e-store upgrades.
- Still no sign of an updated Navigator 6 client for the newest Palm devices to add support for the Treo 680, 700wx and 750.
My Rating: 
4.5 / 5
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RE: Will this Run on a T3?
Supposedly the forthcoming 6.03 update will add support for the Treo 680, 700wx, and 750.
TomTom Navigator 5.21 was the last version to "officially" support Palm PDAs.
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P
RE: Will this Run on a T3?
Do you have to perform any hacks to get it to run on the T3?
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P
RE: Will this Run on a T3?
Your not slipping on me are you. bHeap/Cache on a T3? I thot that was the wonderful offspring of the NVFS "upgraded" OS?
Glytch,
Are you really serious about it (TT6) running perfectly on the T3? I am using TT5.2 right now and it's cool except for lockups from time to time. It still have not gotten the software to completely sync up. The NaviAddressBook is there, but does not pass the address over to the NAVI, so I have to put them in manually. I'm sure there's a fix b/c it's designed specifically for the T3. But, I've not found it yet.
I'm using the T3 for NAVI, since I found the entire car mount kit and GPS receiver, software and maps new on eBAY for $115. That way my 680 can be used to just call for directions while TT searches for that final turn. :-)
Pat Horne
RE: Will this Run on a T3?
Handspring Visor -> m505 -> Zire71 -> Zire72 -> Treo650
Clarification
True, DBcache is a recent product of the NVFS-equipped Palm devices. A mild brain fart in nomenclature there on my part (T3/T5, TT5, TT6, bleh).
But the T3, as well as all earlier Palms, have always kept a chunk of the total memory aside for dynamic heap for executing and reading and writing space for apps. For example, the T3 has 64mb of physical memory but only ~52mb of it is available to the user for storage memory. The ~12mb difference between 64mb and 52mb is kept by the system as heap memory aka execution memory similar to system RAM on a regular PC.
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P
Bluetooth GPS receivers
http://vtbsd.net/winhelp/
RE: Bluetooth GPS receivers
Handspring Visor -> m505 -> Zire71 -> Zire72 -> Treo650
RE: Bluetooth GPS receivers
http://homepage.mac.com/gregjsmith
TomTom 6: compatibility with 680, shipping times
1. "fast shipping" - it took over over a month (5 weeks I believe) for me to receive my Tom Tom 6 (which I paid $50 for)
2. "Is still not supported for 680" - I spoke with a TomTom two days ago. TomTom 6 does work on the Treo 680. This is coming from a Tech Support Rep, (not just some Costumer Support Rep). The Tech rep said that after TomTom and Palm investigated the matter, it was determined that the problem was with the Treo 680 and not the TomTom software. He went on to say that the Palm has fixed that problem. He says that he has successfully put TomTom 6 on several Treo 680's himself and has also helped several people over the phone install the TomTom 6 on their Treo 680's. He said that the first 680's on the market did have a problem and will not run TomTom 6 but anyone who purchased a 680 recently, shouldn't have any problem with the TomTom 6 working on it. He told me that after I purchase a 680, if I have any problems installing it, I could call TomTom again and he would walk me threw it. But that it will work for sure.
For some reason a lot of people still have the misconception that TomTom 6 is not compatible with the 680. Even the first rep I got when I called TomTom thought that was the case. It wasn't until I was transferred to the Tech support department that I learned that Palm has quietly fixed the Treo 680. I think a lot of people will be happy to hear this.
RE: TomTom 6: compatibility with 680, shipping times
Then I can show you the printed receipt of my order confirmation from TomTom.
It came in ~8 days from the date of order. I don't know HOW or WHY but it DID.
Perhaps it's because I am on the East Coast. Perhaps someone at TomTom was just having a good day.
Either way, I *personally* received fast shipping. That is a fully correct, honest, and legitimate statement. I do not sugarcoat or make excuses for any product or company, ESPECIALLY when I review something I purchased with my own money to review.
I don't astroturf or wave pom-poms for anyone.
There are plenty of trustworthy TreoCentral users reporting issues with the Treo 680s. Our very own Tim Carrol (aka freakout) claims that TT6 gave him fits on his Treo 680 until he performed the hack.
http://www.palminfocenter.com/news/9169/fix-discovered-to-run-tomtom-navigator-6-on-treo-680/
I do not own a Treo 680 or have access to one so I cannot verify this myself. I'm just reporting for PIC what the TreoCentral crowd is reporting.
Furthermore, I find TomTom's claim that the Treo 680 is at fault hard to believe. Palm has issued, to date, a single Treo 680 update. That is the downloadable RAM fix (not ROM) for the camera/battery drain problem. Unless this patch quietly fixes something else, I don't see how "newer" 680s could be exempt from TomTom 6 problems.
"For some reason a lot of people still have the misconception that TomTom 6 is not compatible with the 680"
Well, Palm's product support page for the 680 doesn't list anything about TomTom6 compatibility. Palm's support page for the GPS Navigator Smartphone Edition that has TT6 bundled HAS been updated with a link to TomTom's free/discount 2006 maps offer but there's no word about Treo 680 compatibility. It still lists the same devices as the GPS kit's packaging lists. TomTom's underwhelming support site gives NO references whatsoever to the Treo 680, the 700wx or the Treo 750.
All we have from TomTom is the following vague FAQ item:
*****************************************
Question
Will updated versions of NAVIGATOR 6 be compatible with more devices?
Answer
We are constantly increasing the compatibility of our software, and will regularly release updates of NAVIGATOR 6 that are compatible with more products.
These updates will most probably include compatibility with newly introduced devices rather than older devices. The minimum system requirements for mobile devices running NAVIGATOR 6 mean that, in many cases, NAVIGATOR 6 is not compatible with older devices.
*****************************************
"will regularly release updates" is not the same thing as "have already released updates". I very clearly see why people are confused as to the status of the Treo 680 and TomTom Navigator 6. Someone from Palm, TomTom or, ideally, both companies should make a clear statement online about the support for these new devices.
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P
RE: TomTom 6: compatibility with 680, shipping times
Recently their was a posting about the upcoming Navigator Kit 3. In the article it states that TomTom 5 does not work with the 680 but the Navigator Kit 3 (using TomTom Navigator 6.03 software) will work with the Treo 680.
http://www.palminfocenter.com/news/9190/new-palm-gps-navigator-kit-3-forthcoming/
I called TomTom to enquire about this. The sales Rep said that he was told that TomTom 6 does not work with the Treo 680. I asked about the Navigator Kit 3, since it is also running TomTom 6. He said he didn't know anything about the new kit. He transferred me to Tech Support. Tech Support told the new Navigator Kit 3 does work with the Treo 680. He went on to say that the Navigator 6.03 software in the new Kit is the same software Navigator software that you can get right now. And it will work for the Treo 680s right now. I asked him about how everyone says it doesn't work with the 680, but that I read about a patch that could fix the problem. He said stopped me and said that he is aware of the patch that is posted on Palminfocenter. But that I don't have to worry about all of that. He said that when the 680 was released it didn't not work. Palm and TomTom got together to find where the problem is. He said that together they found the problem to be in the 680 itself. As a result Palm has been making new 680s out of the factory that do work with the TomTom 6. He went on to say that any 680 that has not been recently purchased, will not work at all. The patch that Palm has released has nothing to do with it's functionality with TomTom 6. All of this seems to make sense.
The bottom line is, if the Navigator Kit 3 works with the 680 and Navigator software in the kit is the same as the current Navigator 6, then why wouldn't the Navigator 6 software work with the 680 now.
The answer is: It does work with the 680 now.
(Palm quietly fixed the 680s, at the factory level, to be compatible. TomTom has made no changes on their side.)
If you still think my information is incorrect then how can you explain the compatibility of the Navigator Kit 3 with the 680?
I know a lot of people have stated that the 680 does not work with TomTom 6, but I would suspect that most of these people purchased the 680 soon after its release. I am curious to hear from anyone who has purchased the 680 recently; if they are also experiencing problems.
RE: TomTom 6: compatibility with 680, shipping times
Well, my version of TomTom navigator 6 is version 6.01. That is the version that was on the DVD they sent to me last week. I *THINK* the version that was on the earlier kit I reviews a few months back was 6.00.
So let's say that TomTom has a 6.03 version set to ship in the box with the GPS Navigator Kit 3. 6.03 adds "official" support for Treo 680, 700wx, and 750, in addition to MiniSD cards and maybe a few other small tweaks etc. Andrew over at TreoNauts spoke to Palm directly at CES and they confirmed these details.
So, in summary:
-The Palm GPS Navigator Kit 2 has been discontinued already and will be replaced very soon by the Navigator Kit 3.
-TomTom Navigator 6.03 (bundled with Kit 3) will work with all Treo 680s, regarldess or production date.
-Newly-built Treo 680s have been quietly "fixed" from the factory to work with all version of Navigator 6, even 6.01 and earlier versions.
-At some point around the release of Palm's Navigator Kit 3, TomTom will release a downloadable update to Navigator 6.03 for existing users.
That all seems a bit odd and confusing to the average user. But then again, both Palm and TomTom have very sketchy past track records about communicating with their customers in an honest & upfront manner.
Anyone else who has further info on this please feel free to chime in!
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P
RE: TomTom 6: compatibility with 680, shipping times
I just called TomTom again to verify my information. The Tech Support Rep confirmed what I told you earlier. He said that anyone who buys a Treo 680 today (or has purchased one recently) will be able to use Navigator 6 with it. He went on to say that the only reason the website does not officially say it supports it, is because of the initial release of the 680s; which do not work with Navigator 6. He said that Palm worked closely with TomTom to figure out what the problem was. It turned out the Palm did not have some it's configure set correctly in the initial batch of 680s. He said that Palm has fixed the problem and all 680s made today will be able to run the Navigator 6 with no problem. He said that he knows of several people who have recently purchased 680s and it works perfectly. I asked if it makes a difference if I have Navigator 6.01 or Navigator 6.03. He said it makes absolutely no difference. He emphasised that TomTom made no chances it's software for it to work with 680. TomTom worked with Palm to make sure Palm had the correct setting configuations in the manufacturing of the 680 to allow the Navigator 6 to work on the 680's. TomTom told me that the first batch of 680s that were sold will not support Navigator 6. Palm has not released any patches to allow the first batch of 680s run Navigator 6. It sounds like from what the Rep. was saying, that they will never be able to run Navigator 6. If people out there are able to hack the first round of 680s to run Navigator 6, that's fantastic. But on the whole, the first round of people who purchased the 680 are simply out of luck. I forgot to ask if the 680 can also run Navigator 5.
I encourage you to clarify this for yourself. Here is the number to the TomTom Tech Support Line :
978-287-9555 (option 3, for Navigator for Palm)
Also I want to clarify a few things you said in your summary:
-The Palm GPS Navigator Kit 2 has been discontinued already and will be replaced very soon by the Navigator Kit 3.
(Yes this is True)
-TomTom Navigator 6.03 (bundled with Kit 3) will work with all Treo 680s, regardless or production date.
(No, the first round of 680s will never (without some kind of hack) be able to work with Navigator 6)
-Newly-built Treo 680s have been quietly "fixed" from the factory to work with all version of Navigator 6, even 6.01 and earlier versions.
(Yes, for all versions of Navigator 6. Earlier versions I am not sure about.
-At some point around the release of Palm's Navigator Kit 3, TomTom will release a downloadable update to Navigator 6.03 for existing users.
(I believe the rep I spoke with last week said that the downloadable update to 6.03 is available now. But you would only know if you have Navigator 6.01 on your computer. I was told that the update happens threw the Navigator app that is on your computer (new to Navigator 6); not from going to the TomTom webpage.
I forgot to confirm this with the Rep that I just spoke with. )
RE: TomTom 6: compatibility with 680, shipping times
One other thing. I think that your speedy delivery of Navigator 6 to your doorstep probably had something to do with living on the East Coast. As I stated earlier it took about 5 weeks for me to receive the Navigator 6 software. When Navigator 5 came out, I ordered it. They said it would be 3 to 4 weeks. It took about 5 weeks. I live in the Bay Area (California). I don't know why it would so much longer for someone living in California but I'm not surprised if it arrives quicker if you live in East Coast since TomTom is based in the East Coast. I would just say that I would be interested to hear from other people in the Bay Area or California, to see if they also have slow turn around time for delivery. I am hesitant to agree with your of easement of an overall Pro: "Fast shipping from TomTom", before I hear from the experiences of other people in the West Coast. In your defense, if I were reviewing it and it arrived in one weeks time, I would be thrill too. But after ordering two products from them and having both of them take about 5 weeks (where in both cases I ended up calling to find out what was going on with my order) I can't image I am the only person in California who has experienced this.
RE: How about on a Palm TX
The general concensus is that it DOES run but it's pretty flaky and more sluggish than it is on the Treos.
Flushing the DBcache, running the maps & app from a smaller (1gb or so) SD card and keeping the TX's wi-fi radio turned off all seem to help the stability & performance of the app on the TX.
http://palminfocenter.com/news/8912/palm-gps-navigator-smartphone-edition-review/
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P
Updates in Europe
Yeah, better make them monthly, especially if the mayor of a well known capital city of a well known boot shaped nation doesn't stop changing the direction of one-way streets every other day, or whenever the terminal section of his digestive apparatus tells him so...
TomTom update problems with Kerio Firewall
You have to use the supplied TomTom HOME application (covers all TomTom devices)
to install the app and maps for the Palm or Treo.
With TomTom HOME you have to use a cardreader connected to your PC to install
the app and maps on the card. Installation via HotSync is not supported at all.
Initially I had large problems with TomTom HOME. It tries to log in at the TomTom
site when it starts and with Kerio Firewall installed the CPU goes 100% and nothing happens.
There is some incompatibility between Kerio and TomTom HOME. Installing a different
firewall solved this problem. There are plenty of threads on the internet on
this problem.
Some observations. TomTom 5 maps work fine with the TomTom 6 application.
TomTom6 works fine on my TX. I have WiFi off when using TomTom. The app is made
to communicate via the internet to get traffic and weather info and more.
With WiFi on TomTom in the car will try to use the WiFi connection
which usually will not work. Connecting via an other phone will not work on
the TX, since it only supports one BlueTooth connection (already used for the GPS reeiver)
I guess this is why TomTom does not officially support TomTom6 on any non
Treo Palm.
'New' Old Maps?
RE: 'New' Old Maps?
You reviewed the older version of the new version
RE: You reviewed the older version of the new version
Alsom, check your dates. My review was of the most *current* version at the time of the review's publication. The new GPS Navigator 3 kit was released on Feb 8th. I posted my review of the updated 2006 maps on January 24th (and they'd been out for a few weeks already at that point).
Also, as far as I know, the *ONLY* differences between the GPS 2 and GPS 3 kits from Palm are the following:
-Custom Treo mounting bracket in kit 3
-Maps & Navigator app are pre-loaded onto a 1gb miniSD in the 3 kit. A full-size SD adapter is also supplied.
-2006 maps and the latest (6.03?) version of TomTom Navigator for Palm OS are standard in the box of the GPS 3 version. Through the end of March, a free upgrade (what was reviewed here) is available for owners of the older bundle.
With the TomTom update on Palm's support site, the current "free" map update promotion from TomTom, and Palm.com's lower price and mail-in rebate offer on the GPS 2 package, I see no real reason to buy the new 3 package unless one must absolutely have the new Treo custom mount for their vehicle.
Palm really didn't NEED to bring this mildly revised package onto the market. I think it was just an excuse to create a new SKU and, possibly, pave the way for whatever new Treos are in store for 2007 that will almost certainly bear a miniSD slot.
Pilot 1000-->Pilot 5000-->PalmPilot Pro-->IIIe-->Vx-->m505-->T|T-->T|T2-->T|C-->T|T3-->T|T5-->TX-->Treo 700P
TomTom Navigator 6 Maps Update DVD on Mac?
But TomTom on Mac doesn't seem to recognize my Palm Treo 650
when connected to Mac.
(Palm supplied hot synch USB cable;
using MissingSync for Palm OS for general sync).
Solution?
Any alternative to downloading a lot of data over the Net--
and I'm even guessing that option might be available.
RE: TomTom Navigator 6 Maps Update DVD on Mac?
Insert into USB port of Mac via card reader--
Then TomTom will recognize "device."
After reading hint on web, then
graphic without words of CDRom
almost makes sense.
TomTom Navigator 6 on Zire 72?
beware! no updates
However, I can not recommend this product as tom tom has made it clear that they do not offer map updates.
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Will this Run on a T3?
Pat Horne