TomTom 130S GPS Navigation Review
TomTom is the biggest manufacturer of personal GPS navigation units. As such, TomTom has variety of models to choose from. TomTom 130S is an upgrade to the popular entry level model TomTom 130. The 130S adds text-to-speech feature on top of all the features present on the TomTom 130.
Screen
TomTom 130S features the same screen from the 130 model. The 3.5 inch touchscreen is smaller than most mainstream units. The screen size was intentionally reduced to make the unit as portable as possible. The crisp display makes up for the diminutive screen size. The screen is legible in any light and performs very well under bright sun light.
Ease of Use (User friendly)
As with other TomTom models, the 130S has extremely easy to use interface. The device is ready to use right out of the box. The user interface is very intuitive and requires few taps from start to finish. There's no need to run updates or installation as all the necessary maps and software comes pre-loaded. The fold out mount is extremely easy to set up. You can share this unit between vehicles as the fold out mount makes it possible to share the GPS unit.
Reliability
The route calculation is very accurate. It's easy to enter POI or address as destination. The text-to-speech is very clear and easy to understand. The route recalculation had no problem after missing an exit on highway. Also, missing a turn in street navigation gave good route recalculation. It did not just ask to make random U turns. The unit took less than 5 minute for initial satellite acquisition. I had no problem with signal loss.
Battery Life
TomTom rates the battery life at 3 hours. My unit average well below 3 hours. The actual battery life depends on the usage. You might get closer to 3 hours.
Features
The TomTom 130S comes with great many features. TomTom 130S features QuickGPSfix which allows the unit to acquire satellite faster. TomTom offers life traffic via optional TMC receiver. Also, TomTom offers latest map guarantee which allows for free map update if your map is not the latest version. The device also comes with TomTom Home software. TomTom home allows for customization of the maps and POI database. Also, you can send addresses from Google Maps or Mapquest to your TomTom device via your computer. As with other TomTom units, you can download custom voices
Expandability
TomTom continually updates their software and the map. The map upgrades and various other services cost extra money.
Pros
- Good screen clarity
- Text-to-speech
- Fast GPS fix
- Current map and POI
- TomTom Home software
- Friendly user interface
- "Help Me!" feature
- Traffic capable
- Accurate direction
- Good reroute recalculation
Cons
- Small screen size
- Low volume
- Optional costs
- Cost
Want to compare this model to models? Click here to download the spreadsheet.
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TomTom One 130S 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $64.95 Average Rating:   |
| Overall Rating | No Ratings |
| Ease of Use | No Ratings |
| Reliability | No Ratings |
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This site contains the personal opinions of various authors and contributors to this website. The opinions in these articles and reviews are offered in good faith, but also come with no guarantees or warranties.
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box. 
Preloaded Points of Interest--Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and more on your route. 
30-Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf. 
TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share. 
Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers, such as police, fire stations, and hospitals. 
TomTom HOME--Always up to date. 
Traffic Ready--Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays. 
Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less. 
Easy to Use 
Best Maps 
Best Routing 
Leader in Safety 
TomTom has its own mapping company! 
Excellent entry level GPS with text to speech
This is an outstanding GPS device if you want something that’s easy to operate without all the bells and whistles. I mean, who needs to view photos on their GPS?
Anyway, I’ve had this for almost one year. It hasn’t failed me and the software is decent. You can enter your trips over the computer when you are hooked up with the USB.
Sure, there are more advanced models. Yes, I may get one later. But this is a solid GPS for the money.
Worst Routing EVER
My first GPS was a Magellan 3200 which died an untimely death after my friend kept sitting on it (windshield mount was lost). So I decided to get a new gps. Nothing fancy, but it needed to have maps of Canada as I will be traveling there soon.
I went to a retail store so I wouldn’t have to wait for shipping and bought the Tom-Tom One 130. BIG MISTAKE! I used it the next day to drive to South Jersey to a house I have been to several times. I used my Magellan for all previous trips to this house so I was fairly certain of the route. I just used the GPS to check me. It always took me 1 hour and approximately 20-40 minutes to get to the house. Even mapquest says 1 hour 45 minutes.
As soon as I put in the address the Tom Tom calculated 2 hours and 20 minutes to get there…. Why? Mapquest didn’t think it would take that long. Now mind, I had the Tom Tom set to fastest time.
It proceeded to take me off I195 East and dump me onto Route 9. This is by far the worst road to get on for a long distance. Trucks, pedestrians and school zones, etc. The magellan always took me through the pine barrens on 20-40 mile stretches of roads with a 55 mph limit. Route 9 fluctuates from 50 to 25 with most of it being 40. Why would the Tom Tom think that route 9 would be faster??? Because it is a BAD PRODUCT.
On the way home it estimated that it would take me 2.5 hours to get home (home at 630pm). I was home at 530pm. And yes, I speed, but not enough to make up for an hour of travel. The Tom Tom just takes you on really long routes that take you way out of your way.
The user interface is kind of annoying and you definitely can’t just start using it as easily as with a magellan. Sure, it’s got cool features like voice choices and color schemes, but the real reason for it, mapping, is terrible.
Also, it was consistently 15 yards off from all turns. I would say “turn right in 15 yards” on the screen when in reality I had already turned onto where it wanted me to turn. I think Tom Tom made this model awful so that people would spend the extra hundred for speaking street names.
Never buy a Tom Tom, especially this model. It’s awful.
Save an alternative route as favorite???
I would have given it a higher review but its driving me nuts that a) I can’t plan an itinerary using this model and b) I can’t figure out how or if I can save an alternative route as a favorite.
My first and last GPS from TomTom
Ok before you all think I’m just some angry customer that is quick to throw one stars at products, I actually have a valid reason. I received the TomTom ONE 130 last night, installed TomTom HOME and went about the regular routine of updates for the software and GPS. One of the first things that I downloaded was a map update for the USA and Canada maps. Once downloaded this is where everything went wrong, the GPS can’t seem to completely install the map for some reason. So now I have a GPS without maps. I’ve talked to tech support three times and neither of the representatives could resolve the issue. So I’m going to return this and buy a Garmin.
Great, inexpensive GPS
I’ve had my Tom Tom 130 for about 3 weeks, and love it so far. The EasyPort mount is very simple to use and, if used properly, is easy to secure and remove from the windshield (I think some of those who complain that the mount doesn’t work well may be suffering from “operator error”) — I love the fact that you can easily remove both the Tom Tom and the mount from the car, making it easy to transfer from one car to another, or just carry it in your purse or pocket (I recommend the case made by Case Logic).
Other customer reviews complain about the speaker volume but, again, I wonder if the problem is with the speaker or with the recorded voice — I downloaded one customer-created voice that had a very low volume compared to those provided by Tom Tom; when I switched back to a Tom Tom-provided voice, the volume was fine. I suspect that most people will find, as I have, that if you 1) have the device positioned so that the speaker is not right up against the mount, 2) use a voice provided by Tom Tom (not one of the customer-recorded ones, which may or may not be recorded at a good volume), and 3) use the software to adjust the volume, then there shouldn’t be a problem hearing the voice as you drive.
Tom Tom 130 makes it easy to create routes & does a nice job of recalculating on the fly. It has some really great features — besides the removable mount, I love the ability to download all kinds of voices and Points of Interest, as well as the Map Share feature (user-supplied map updates, such as roadwork). I also like the ability to create different kinds of routes (walking, biking, driving) and to send locations from Mapquest to my GPS. I think this is a great device for the price. I hope I never have to use the emergency help links, but it’s good to know that they are provided. If I ever find myself having to do a lot of city or freeway driving again, I’ll probably invest in the Traffic Updates add-on.
I have a fix for the poor speaker volume/muffled sound of the 130s! Once fixed, this is a great little unit!
Ok. First of all, here is the fix I posted to gpsreview:
http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?p=78980#78980
Second, after the fix is applied, this is a great little unit! I have background with just about every brand and model of GPS and even though the on-screen graphics are a bit “bland” and the processor is a bit pokey in this model, it still manages to keep up with the Garmin series nicely. Which is quite a feat!
As you know Garmin uses Navtech mapping data and TomTom uses TeleAtlas data. In the past, TeleAtlas has really been a letdown with its map updates and accuracy. Im happy to report, this is no more. There are roads on the current TA mapset that arent even on my Garmin nuvi 2255W! And both are updated with the latest offered maps!
I do, however, agree that one shouldnt have to open the GPS up just to get the speaker working properly. Apparently quality control was sleeping on this one, but it appears to be only affecting a certain batch(Mine was in that batch), as others report great sound straight out of the package. If you dont feel comfortable with opening up the device, you can try the “beat it” method. Just slap the speaker on the back(easy now) a couple of times to get the stuck speaker cone to unsitck.Some have reported fixing it by only using this method.
2 Bricks In 48 Hours…
I purchased a TOMTOM ONE 130 from a retail chain on Feb 27, 2009 while visiting family and friends in Upstate NY. The unit was easy to get up and running, and worked well enough. The manual implied that I could easily hook it up to my Mac and update the interface.
After installing the TOMTOM HOME software (directly from the TOMTOM itself) I was prompted by the system to update my software. Okey dokie.
With the new TOMTOM HOME software installed and running I was prompted to upgrade my GPS unit with the latest “version” of its’ operating system. I allowed it, and was rewarded with my actions with a TOMTOM ONE 130 that would not boot. It did, however, flash a menacing red “X” on its’ screen while the software on my Mac told me to unhook the thing and restart it.
I called the customer support line and was told that “these things happen”. I’m a pretty technical guy, and I know that you can sometimes get a bum steer. I asked him if I had purchased a $200 “brick” and the guy told me it sounded like my TOMTOM was beyond hope. No problem. The next morning I headed back to the retail store where I purchased the unit and I exchanged it for a duplicate.
This time I decided NOT to update my TOMTOM or let it get close to my computer until it had gotten me home. 13 hours and 920 miles later, the TOMTOM led me flawlessly to my doorstep, where I promptly booted up my computer, uninstalled all existing TOMTOM HOME applications, reinstalled a fresh version of TOMTOM HOME from the website, and plugged my GPS unit into my computer… looking forward all the while to downloading turn-by-turn instruction by good ‘ol Mr. T once my system was updated with the latest maps, POIs, and doodads.
Same thing happened. I was instructed to unplug the machine and restart it. When I did, I got a blinking “X” and no way to fix it.
Oh, sure… I went to the TOMTOM site and followed the step-by-step troubleshooting tips to wipe out the system and start fresh. And four hours later it was doing the same thing. A second call to tech support revealed that this was incredibly common, and my support analyst even tried to make me believe that it was MY fault that the unit bricked because I was the silly sap who tried to update the stinking thing in the first place.
What a waste! If the sole highlight of your product is its’ flexibility and ability to interface with your computer for updates and customization, then how can you justify such an unbelievably delicate framework that is so prone to critical errors?!
This was a fiasco. I couldn’t believe how I was treated by TOMTOM support and I couldn’t believe that the simple act of plugging the unit in and downloaded the recommended updates could destroy it so easily.
I returned the second faulty GPS unit to a local branch of the retail outlet and purchased a GARMIN NUVI for $50 less. Guess what? It updates flawlessly, tells me where I need to go without a problem (so far), and makes me feel like I spent my money on something worthwhile.
Average
Loses GPS signal frequently, and it stopped working for a while. I also tried to download the updated maps, and it told me there was not enough memory. However, I do like the text to speech component.
Works Well
I used the TomTom One this past weekend to navigate thru downtwn Atlanta,
it worked splendid. But the Home download to update took a considerable bit of time, plus it slowed down both of my PC’s to a snail’s pace.
Tip; You may want to download to external drive.
It’s OK…fell out of love with it very quickly
I’ve had my TomTom for about a year now, having been on several road trips, it’s been pretty good. This being my first GPS, I was very happy at first but alas, the honeymoon was over pretty quickly. Several complaints:
* It takes FOREVER to get a GPS signal. I live in the NYC metro area and take lots of road trips. It takes a long time if I’m in the city, suburbs or the middle of nowhere.
* There seems to be a disconnect between avoiding “some” toll roads, versus avoiding ALL toll roads. If I try to get from NJ to NY without wanting to take the turnpike or garden state (two toll roads), it sends me on an 8 hour trip up through Albany. If it takes 3 tanks of gas and a third of my day to avoid a toll, then don’t bother.
* There also seems to be a lack of understanding what a highway is. If I ask it to avoid “highways” it still puts me on “freeways”, “expressways” and “parkways”. To me, a highway is a road without stoplights. Same as a freeway, same as an expressway, same as a parkway.
* My TomTom has a bad habit of what I call “floating off” the road, especially, and much to my dismay, during exits when I am confronted with 5-6 off ramps in front of me. The navigation arrow will just decide to float off the road into a river or field, leaving me in a state of panic as I try to figure out which ramp to take. (I once even threatened to throw it out the window for this very reason).
* My mount broke within about 3 months. Now granted, my brute of a boyfriend was trying to take the mount off, but still, I would have expected it to be a bit more resilient.
* The battery life on my TomTom is not really good. And if it’s kept off and unplugged for more than 2 days, it won’t even start on unless plugged in.
* The novelty of having different voices wears off very quickly. Who wants to listen to the slingblade guy for SIX HOURS straight on a road trip?
* I think this is just a feature of most GPS’s but, I don’t always know the name of the town. I may have a street name, and know it somewhere near a certain area of the state, but you cannot navigate ANYWHERE unless you have a town name. This is especially annoying in the suburbs, where certain streets run through several towns.
* The “Street Name” feature only works with 3 of the voices available. Of the 3, none of them seem to be able to pronounce well. Now granted, I wouldn’t expect a computerized voice to pronounce “Kosciuszko Bridge” very well but the word “Bridge” shouldn’t like “Brajze”. Just an annoyance.
So after nearly a year, I’ve come to use my TomTom as follows:
1. I use my Blackberry to access google maps because their trip routes are just soooooo much better.
2. I then use the TomTom to ensure that I am following the google maps directions correctly.
3. In ideal situations, my boyfriend drives, I turn off the sound on the GPS and read off the directions to him (the voices are just really annoying, not pleasant at all)
I originally wanted a Garmin, but ended up with the TomTom because I got a good price. I don’t know if the Garmin would actually be any better but the reviews are.
We Like our TomToms
TomTom ONE 130 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator
We bouught two TomToms. One for my wife and myself. I found them easy to set up and the software was easy to use. It was easy to show my non-technical/geographically challenged wife how to use it. She loves it. No more getting lost for her.
I like it because I can find points of interest in my area that I did not know even existed.
Two thumbs up from us.
TomTom One 130S
Works like advertised, but it is seriously overpriced.
My husband “had to have” this one because his first name is Tom.
And they say women make stupid purchases.
The only difference between this GPS and the lower priced one, is that this one tells you the name of the street to turn onto. The other one tells you to turn left or right in 500 yards. Obviously, Tom has a problem with judging distance. This GPS has all the bells and whistles but there are cheaper models that work just as well.
I would recommend this for the seriously directionally challenged individual that has to have street names to get from point A to point B.
tomtom 130
i have this GPS 2 years ago, at first i kinda like it for a beginner but as time goes by, i just realize that it doesn’t say the street that you’re turning..It just says ” right turn ahead ” and all you have to do is follow the arrow where it says make a right turn that’s why its so confusing where to make a right turn…Second, it took a long time to pick up a signal and it took 3-4 minutes or more to acquire GPS satellites.
non-comparable with GARMIN NUVI
I just bought this product from Amazon.com. Amazon has offered gold box deals on that one. But in this deal Amazon mentioned Tom Tom 130 Bluetooth enabled GPS. When O received it I complained to Amazon customer service about Bluetooth, coz this device is not Bluetooth compatible. They apolized for mishandling and say they will re-place the order. I got it back within a week but they sent me the same product. It has neither bluetooth option nor any function. I think Amazon team doesn’t review the product before they place in their list.
Even I read so many comments about the sound quality, its clear and loud. May be Tom Tom has corrected.
Second interesting features:
It has great satellite signal you would never found other such cheap devices.
At overall Garmin is Garmin, if you planning to buy this device think again. I would suggest you spend 100 dollars more and buy Garmin 250/265/270.
Very, very useful!
I bought my daughter this TomTom for Christmas (it’s one of three TomTom’s in our family) so I feel that she should write this review-
I’ve only had the need to use this GPS once since I got it for Christmas, but it worked very well. The voice, which announces actual street names, is a nice feature so that you don’t have to try to watch the screen while you’re driving down the road. Considering that my sense of direction is severely challenged, this GPS is great to have and easy to use.
TomTom ONE 130 3.5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
I bought this product from Amazon’s Gold box deals at a very competitive price. while the maps are upto date and voice instructions are also there, I found that the system does not mention the street names. It says “exit ahead” or “right turn ahead”… it could be the 2nd f 3rd exit or 2nd or 3rd right turn. It does not specify which exit or street…. You need to see the map while driving to see the street name or the exit. If they had provided that too, then this product would have got a clear 5 stars.
Apart from that one glitch the product as such is sleak to be placed conveniently.
Can’t change car symbol
The description for this product says that you can change the car symbols. That is not true. For some reason, they took that feature away in this model (it was available in the 125). I am stuck with the default blue arrow. I’m disappointed since I upgraded from the 125 to get the text-to-speech feature (i.e. says the street names to turn on). For $100 more, it shouldn’t have LESS features.
it is okay
When I first got this TomTom I was in love with it. I downloaded free voices and thought they funny (especially the Sling Blade voice…ummmm hmmmm and the Austin Powers voice (give me a frigging break will ya!)). Some of the free voices are extremly low and hard to hear though.
I am no longer in love with my Tomtom. Here is why:
1- Sometimes it tells me to take a left when the screen clearly shows a right turn
2- Sometimes it shows me a wrong exit ie 179B- Durham hwy S. but when I look at the sign 179A is actually Durham Hwy S. and 179B is N. I am not sure why this happens (maybe the exits were changed?)
3- The free maps are not up to date. I have a friend who lives in a fairly new subdivision that was created in 2006. It still does not show up on the map. There are other areas where the road has been in place for a couple of years but they are still not showing up on my Tom Tom. When I travel on those roads it warms me I am on a dirt road when I am actually on a 6 lane hwy! I am guestimating the free maps are at least 4 years old. That is not good in a city with a lot of construction going on. The paid updates cost as much as the GPS unit!
4- The true up-to-date maps cost money. It was advertised as having free updates. I updated my maps and software with the free update 2 months ago and it is still not showing my friends subdivision that is over 2 years old.
5- I emailed TomTom to ask about this over 6 months ago and have still not received a response.
The things I like are that you can customize your splash screen, coming on and going off, and download famous voices. It does allow you to search for things by name such as Bank of America ATM’s, hotels, gas stations etc and interestingly enough the new ones show up even though the new roads don’t. I have not been able to find a Walmart or mall by name though. Not sure if you can do that with others but what is a map when you can’t got to a different city and find the nearest Walmart? I think that should be a given!
I brought my daughter a refurbished Navigon GPS and it is great. The free maps show the subdivisions that I found to be missing on my TomTom, it gives the correct exit information, a left is really a left, the hwy instructions are much clearer (true 3-D) and the sound is louder and clearer.
I was disappointed after I found all the quirks with this one. It does not have bluetooth but I was not expecting that for the $175 I paid for it. Also it dedicates a lot of memory to Canadian maps which you can not delete. Canadians maps have to be saved along with the US maps.
If you are looking for a USA GPS system with free map updates this is not the one for you. Trying to find one that fits what you are looking for is confusing, all you can do is read the reviews and narrow it down. I tried to be as clear about the pros and cons I found with this one and I hope that helps!
Great price
Bought this for my son -with less than one week before Christmas- after seeing that none of the local stores could offer a better price. Received as promised by Christmas Eve.
My son was thrilled and has had only praise for his Tomtom-no complaints. He especially likes being able to change the navigation voice.
outstanding service and product
outstanding product, item sent in 2 days, i rate amazon as trusted enterprise to do business with in future. i always have a good deal with them.