I have owned a TomTom since I bought the very first Go, about 15 or so years ago.  I have had at least three of them, each better than the last and I recently upgraded to the newest version to Go 510.  So you understand your options available, this is an incremental upgrade on last year’s 500, incremental but significantly better.  The 5 refers to the screen size of 5”, so you can also buy the 610 which is an inch bigger, but most feel this is a little too big.  There is also the 5100 & 6100 which are the models with a built in sim for data, rather than relying on your phone’s data connection.  I chose the 510 as I don’t use it every day and don’t take it abroad often.  The only downside is you have to ensure you have bluetooth tethering enabled on your phone to enable it to connect to the device.  You use this connection for searching the net and getting traffic updates.  You can use it as a basic GPS with no connection.

I didn’t buy last year’s 500 model because it didn’t allow you to upload your own POI (Points of Interest) files, which I used to upload things like speed cameras.  You can upload them on the 510, but you no longer have the ability to have the TomTom warn you when you are approaching them so for my purpose this isn’t a big improvement.  The new range of satnav has had a radical overhaul of its interface.  I knew the old one inside out, and used most of it.  They have stripped away options than most folks didn’t use and streamlined the whole thing.  They have removed the ability to pair your phone and use the TomTom as an in-car bluetooth.  I didn’t need this, so I’m not fussed.

Initially I was a bit flummoxed at how to make it work, it really is different.  However, once I twigged it, I started to see the benefit.  The on-screen interface is much clearer.  You have much more and better information about what is coming up.  On a recent journey up the M1, it told us just how long the 50mph restriction would last, what our average speed in the average-speed camera controlled zone was, and when we would encounter the next one.  It managed my expectations beautifully, just like a good management consultant. 

The other key part of this deal which made it irresistible for me was that now instead of getting a free year of traffic data, which is invaluable and accurate, then having to pay £40 pa, you get free, lifetime traffic information, plus, instead of just covering Europe you get the world version, maps are updated free for the lifetime of the device and free traffic cameras (which used to be £20 or more).  I paid £40 to upgrade my maps after 3 years use so these represent real savings, and over the life time of the device, mean the upgrade is almost zero for me. 

It genuinely changes the way I drive and is, in my opinion, hands down the best you can buy, and only £169.  I traded in a very old one at Halfords and got an amazing 20% off.  I also have no doubt it suits me much better than using my phone even with the TomTom app on it.

Handy Hint:  In order to link with your phone you have to enable a mobile hotspot and bluetooth tethering.  In order to avoid having to do this each time you get into the car, use the app Trigger.  I have set it up so that as soon as it connects with the car bluetooth system, the tethering is turned on and then off when it is disconnected.