TomTom Go 5000 represents one of the newest models in the revamped TomTom range. Compared to older models (e.g. the TomTom Go 530) it’s a huge upgrade, from the interface to the time taken to calculate routes.
The new TomTom range all carry the same software, the difference is if the unit is always connected to TomTom’s traffic service or not and the screen size. The TomTom Go 5000 is the connected 5″ unit, meaning you don’t need to pair a mobile phone for traffic updates. If you’re happy to run the data connection through your mobile the 500 or 400 would be just as good, they would just require a little more setting up and wouldn’t be as easy a unit to share between friends/family.
If you're use to a previous generation TomTom then the TomTom Go 5000 interface will be totally unfamiliar to you, it's been massively redesigned compared to previous units and I think it's better for it; even after owning it for years I could never find what I wanted in menus of the 530. The new design means the options you're most likely to use most often are available far quicker than before.
Setup of the TomTom Go 5000 was very easy. After a couple of trips, both short and long, I liked:
- Automatic traffic updates
- Fast route calculation / recalculation if you make a wrong turn
- Pinch to zoom
- Stripped back interface
- Voice reads out names better than any other I've tried
- Quick and easy to find parking and petrol
Unfortunately it's not all brilliant:
- Search sometimes feels a bit slow to pull up results
- Can be slow in giving instructions sometimes, asking me to turn after I've passed the junction
- Even with the traffic information I've not actually been shown alternative routes on the small number of trips I've taken
- Updating took hours and the first time it failed (using Chrome) and wiped all maps from the unit, after looking online I installed Java and used Firefox and the unit was correctly updated
The TomTom Go 5000 comes with an always on connection so you don't need to worry about setting the time or getting traffic updates via your mobile. I opted for this as a few different (non technical) people will be using the unit and it makes it much easier than having to explain Bluetooth to each person. If you are interested in traffic updates but don't want to pay for the always on connection I'm sure you'll be happy with the 500 or 400 which come in much cheaper than the TomTom Go 5000.
The search function can take a bit of getting use to, rather than wading through menus to select streets/towns/postcodes/points of interest you now have a simple search box in which you type whatever information you have (e.g. house number and postcode or point of interest name). The results speed can feel a little slow and if you only enter limited information it's worth keeping in mind you can end up with search matches from Europe.
This is a good all round dedicated sat nav, throw in free life time map updates and traffic information and TomTom have suddenly made themselves relevant again to those drivers thinking about ditching a dedicated unit for a mobile app.
