I drive a Ford EcoSport that has Ford SYNC compatibility. What this means is that I use Google Maps for navigation and the phone syncs up to my car automatically via Bluetooth. So my car tells me where to go and Google Maps does the rest. So do I really need a GPS device?
The short answer: probably not
That is the short answer. But there is a bit more thought that goes into this. TomTom sent me a TomTom GO 6200 GPS device with the idea being that I could try negotiate the insane Sandton traffic that surrounds my house daily. I had some reservations but went along with it.
This device is pretty rad.
It has a built in SIM card for real time updates but I didn’t use that. So I cannot comment. It also updates via WiFi. This is pretty rad because I remember with old navigation devices I used I’d have to plug them in to a PC to update and found the whole process rather annoying. Conveniently you can still access my WiFi in the car park next to my place so the device could update accordingly. It is also big, like 6″ screen big, which I like. Because sometimes listening to directions makes me nervous and it was easier glancing up at a device rather than down. There is also a TomTom MyDrive app which checks live traffic notifications to ensure the quickest route. It also saves your favourite destinations so you really can just get in and go.
It is compatible with IOS and Android devices and also compatible with Siri and Google Now. There is also the bonus of hands free calling and voice control. All rather rad BUT all something my car does already. Other than the 6″ screen I’ve got most of these features. Granted I don’t have live traffic notifications but I’m told that if I download Waze I’d be sorted in that department.
So truth be told?
The long answer might be no as well. The unit retails for just under R6000 at a few major stores and I’m just really not sure having a big screen to view funky maps is worth the price tag. Sorry TomTom, while it is fun to play with I just really don’t think the TomTom GO 6200 is worth the moola. I’m going to spend a couple of rand on data charges to get Waze and hope for the best.
Disclosure: I was sent a TomTom GO 6200 for review. The device goes on to another journalist now.
