Despite the fact that this is not exactly the best possible period for the manufacturers of GPS personal navigation devices (mostly due to the fact that, with the demise of the auto industry, the demand for this particular range of products has also slightly decreased), these companies keep pumping out new models on the market, hoping that the improved technologies will keep customers coming.

And the latest firm to do so is TomTom, which has just introduced in the US four new models, namely the TomTom ONE 140/140S and the TomTom XL 340/340S. These PNDs come pre-loaded with TomTom’s IQ Routes Technology, which now incorporates historical speed profile data for both day of week and time of day to calculate the fastest route available based on when the user is actually driving to their destination.

The PNDs also incorporate TomTom’s Advanced Lane Guidance feature when navigating in the US. Advanced Lane Guidance provides users with realistic representations of complex highway junctions and lane-specific visual directions that take the stress out of navigating these otherwise challenging areas.

Now that we've seen what these things have in common, let's take a quick look at the features and specs that set them apart. First of all, the TomTom ONE 140/140S features a 3.5-inch screen, new look with a high-quality black finish and latest TomTom navigation software. TomTom XL 340/340S offers all key functionalities of the TomTom ONE on an extra large 4.3- inch touch screen for improved visibility of a driver’s surroundings.

“The new TomTom ONE and TomTom XL devices strengthen our mid-range product offering considerably through the combination of first-class navigation and competitive price points,” said Jocelyn Vigreux, president of TomTom Inc. “IQ Routes allows drivers to take those routes that only well-informed locals know. It takes away the stress of not knowing where to go and when you will arrive, as well as gives you a faster route in up to 35% of all cases. In addition, our Advanced Lane Guidance feature gives drivers the information they need to drive more safely and more confidently when dealing with complex road junctions.”

The fresh TomTom GPS navigators are slated to arrive in stores across the US over the course of April and will retail for $179.95 and $199.95 (the 140/ 140S) and $229.95, $249.95 (the TomTom XL 340/340S, respectively).


We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .