TomTom Go 550 Live

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TomTom Go 550 Live

With so many smartphones that are now including GPS function you might think that you don’t need a stand-alone unit, but the truth is that the smartphone GPS devices don’t offer the same reliability that you would get with a product like the TomTom Go 550 Live.

Although the TomTom Go 550 Live isn’t the top of the line when it comes to satellite navigation devices, it still has a lot to offer. One of the differences between the 550 and other TomTom models, such as the 750, is that you won’t get maps for other European countries; instead this unit comes with maps that cover the UK and Ireland.

Some of the features that come with the TomTom Go 550 Live include HD traffic, plus current fuel prices, and you get safety camera information, as well as the ability to do a local Google search. Another nice feature of this unit is its large, 4.3-inch touchscreen so it is easy to view maps. The unit also comes with 1 GB of built in memory, as well as a microSD slot so that you can expand the memory. With a microSD card you can either expand the map coverage of the 550, or use it to store photos that can be viewed right from your GPS device.

The built in Bluetooth is another great feature that comes included with the TomTom Go 550 Live; with Bluetooth you can connect to your mobile phone for hands free use. Although this unit does lack some of the extravagant features that come with some of the high-end TomTom models, you do get speech recognition so that you can control the unit by voice command.

One of the most useful features of the TomTom Go 550 Live is that you can now choose an Eco Route; the unit will automatically calculate the most fuel-efficient route to your destination. When you enter an address into the GPS unit, not only will it calculate your route but it will also provide you with information about that route, such as the number of safety cameras on that route, as well as fuel prices and a traffic report summary.

If all you need is a satnav system for the UK and Ireland, the TomTom Go 550 Live is one of the best available, though if you own a previous model there are probably not enough improvements with the 550 to justify an upgrade, though it’s a great option if you don’t already have a TomTom.