TomTom Car Kit for iPhone 3G/3GS + Commentary (First Look)

[jerryx2000]

does the GPS reception of the car kit only work when connected to the car charger? Or does it have a battery? Thanks

[bramcodoss1Pinguin]

WIll it work on Ipod touch 3g 3.1.3 mc model

[fedexsuprema]

can you use the iphone maps app???? can you use an itouch maps app????

[wetvelvet]

Unfortunately you spent more time talking about the marketing between APple and TomTom than actually reviewing. Your review consisted of spinning the device around and around. Nothing mentioned about the build quality, video camera access whilst harnessed to cradle, signal reception, window mount (practical?). You didn't mention that it has a GPS receiver built in which enhances the signal etc... Can it be used with a case? Swivel, robust? vibration from driving? etc

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

perhaps you should watch the final review.

[wetvelvet]

I shall do that. Although I just bought the TomTom Car Kit. Thanks for your reply.. I wasn't trying to be difficult but a little frustrated as i was keen to get something for the iphone without having to fork out the $159 (Australian) and finding out that it was useless. Let me check out your Final Review.. i really should have viewed that before commenting. Be interesting to see your thoughts against mine. Kind regards and thanks.

[Asoriaz]

Is it possible to use an USB-cable on the TTcarkit, and then connect it to the carstereo, in order to listen/organize music on the stereo (ie Pioneer DEH-6100BT)? Or is it only possible to charge the iPhone by connecting a USB cable?

[mossite]

No, unfortunately not possible. When you connect it to your USB it will only be charged. You cannot handle or listen to it via your stereo. You can only connect it to your Aux in.

[DPmp9]

does this work with the ipod touch?

[TopNotchApps]

Is this the best iPhone car kit mount that you've seen or heard about so far???

[alejandrocueva]

I was hoping the tomtom car kit had a transmitter for different radio stations instead of a cable conection to the stereo deck. I have the tomtom app on my ipod touch 2G and I'm looking for a transmiter, charger kit. If the tomtom car kit has the transmitter, I'll gladly get it. Do you think they might have that as an update in the futer?

[rturiuss]

Question:

Can one connect a usb cable from mini usb port on the kit to a car stereo deck (like alpine x305) which accepts usb conection to play and charge an iPod/iPhone through it?

An answer to this question would be greatly appreciated since there isn't any publicized info about this!

[dojitsu]

Well the carkit for iphone doesnt work for the ipod but tomtom also made a carkit for the ipod touch and first gen (its the same as the iphone3g/3gs version only its for the ipod touch)

[biglan25]

Will it also work with podcast & YouTube videos (build-in speaker)?

[biglan25]

Does the BT support hearing your music threw its build-in speaker or do you have to use the aux jack?

[at0m87]

this seems like a must have cradle for all iphone drivers. if i have a car i would get that. nice review. probably you could do a review on a good cradle for motorcycles too =)

[biglan25]

So have you taken the 1st Gen iPhone out for a drive using TT's kit to see how good it operates yet?

[biglan25]

WOW!!! That's really great news!! So navigation using the TomTom kit still works completely with iPhone in airplane mode?

[watchoutboy83]

Great review! But there is one mistake! The TomTom Car kit does not work with the iPod touch actually! But they work on a solution for it at the moment.

Greetz from Germany

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

Did I say it worked with the iPod? Sometimes iPhone and iPod Touch rolls off, but I know I mentioned I won't be testing with the iPod Touch as I don't have one.

Has it been verified it doesn't work with iPod Touch?

[cjuckett]

I am actually working with TomTom on this app, and the iPod car kit will be available shortly. You can already see it on the TomTom product page. Additionally, it will be $20 less than the iPhone car kit.

[jst4tim]

Great first look Mike. It looks like a great mount but I really wish it would work with a case. I also think for the price they should include the Aux cable.

[biglan25]

At this point I will really be interested to see if it works with the 1st Gen iPhone or any of the iPod Touch. Because of its build in GPS chip IMHO is where the true saling feature rest for older devices.

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

I haven't loaded TomTom yet, but the original iPhone does work with TomTom's free utility. It saw the the satellites.

[biglan25]

You can also get some great Solar Powered BT Devices for a solution. So let's see a mount, BT speakerphone, and PWR cable can all be had for under $120, or buy this thing from TomTom. So what I'm missing, oh the GPS chip (Apple has a Phone for that- smile).

[biglan25]

That's a great point Mike, so does the BT work outside of the phone being docked in the mount? If not, then there are FM transmitters that offer a better solution for a cheaper price.

[biglan25]

So you spend $120 on a device that can't do ANYTHING, but wait on you to be inconvenience even more by having you take your case off and sticking in your iPhone for it to work. As stated be that cat on 20/20, "Give Me A Break!"

I will now return you to your regular programming (smile). Thanks Mike for letting me sound off. Keep up the GREAT work.

[biglan25]

$120 for a mount, that's just INSANE!!! C'mon it's higher that any GPS in the app store, has no maps, no display, plays no music, and makes no calls. Oh I forgot, that's what the phone is for; well guess what, you can buy a iPhone for less then that! TomTom must be CRAZY charging this much for a mount with a GPS chip inside for enhancement only! It's my understanding that it can't be used with the iPod Touch or the 1st Gen iPhones either.

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

Just to be clear here, the GPS function is only one thing it does. Essentially it's a multifunction accessory for your iPhone. I'll try it with the original iPhone and see if it fits.

[rwese]

The biggest downer for me is the bluetooth peering it requires. :/

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

I don't see this as much of an issue. You may choose to use a BT headset instead of the cradle in the car, so this gives you that option. Otherwise, the pairing is pretty solid. Pop it in, and it pairs quickly. Not sure if the iPhone supports phone operations through the dock or not.

[ucsbalum96]

Hey Mike, great unboxing. have you seen the new Kensington sound amplified car cradle for iPhone? I just saw it in my local Apple Store. It looks like an interesting alternative to speaker mounts. Might make for a good test!!

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

Yeah, I've seen. I have a dash kit from them I'm going to review. After that, I may check that out. Thx.

[ucsbalum96]

Awesome, can't wait for the review! BTW, I've had the Navigon app and just bought the $20 in app traffic update and is working well for me so far. Quick question...have you ever tried to use Navigon app with iPhone data turned off or in Airplane mode? I tried to do this while traveling in Vancouver so I would avoid roaming charges and I couldn't get it to work. Navigon says it's suppose to work. thanks!

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

I'll have a review of the 1.3 update this week.

I would think airplane mode kills all radios. It seems to do it for me. But, guess what? iPhone on airplane mode in TomTom kit works....

[Tsunobi]

Looks like MagellanGPS is coming out with their own gps app and car kit. Their car kit has an adjustable clip!

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

It never ends! Interesting that their car kit seems similar to the TomTom, but sells for $130.

I put in a request.

[jordonstouchreviewz]

pretty cool

[Tsunobi]

they should of made the clip adjustable for iphones with a case =(

[junebugbaker]

The Magellan car kit will. You can see it on their website.

[mvakleko]

Good review. Can't wait to see your full review. Don't forget to include details of performance improvements in the GPS signal. Is it worth getting just for GPS enhancement feature.

[biglan25]

Very good 1st look! I'm really looking forward to your review. I also like your alternative view of having the device. I just can't get into the idea of having to take my case on and off each time I get in and out of the car.

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

Yeah, good point that if you already own a GPS app. I was kind of approaching this as if you don't own one. I get the feeling a lot of people were/are holding out on a GPS app purchase.

[thesavage042]

it looks like a good idea..but why spend $220 on the app + the car kit when you can buy a stand alone for $99. The fact that you have to use the iphone naked is a 100% deal breaker..no way im taking off my case and putting it back on everytime i enter and leave my car..

[NewYorkCityUSA7]

because it makes one less thing you have to carry in your car or when you get a rental car. instead of carrying your phone and the stand alone you just carry your phone. it's definitely worth it because the iphone gps isn't that great and the iphone speaker isn't loud enough at high speeds for listening to the instructions or hearining a phone call. BTW - mine arrives on Thurs and I can't wait to get it.

[thesavage042]

for me it is not worth it...i only have one car..and if i wanted to change cars stand alone GPS units are not big at all so it would not be a problem. gps on the iphone is a no go espescially when it is so expensive.

[TheCokeDrinker]

great first look mike! a little expensive but looks like a real legit product

[MacOsxOne]

Nice review but way to expensive. I think they should have included it as a bundle with the tom tom app for around $159 I think that it would have been much more intriguing.

[pimpyouriphone3g]

Hi,Yeh when i first saw this device i thought great,but when they anounced the total package i ran a mile,cos i wanted an affordable gps,the price was a considering factor when looking for a gps,and i found a standalone tomtom gps was far cheaper to get,I am disgusted thet tomtom and apple are charging so much for this solution,the price need's to come down alot in my opinion,Thank's for your very detailed first thought's,and will be looking forward to your final opinion in a few week's :-)

[TheMexicanNerd]

Way too expensive for me. I already spent $100 on the tomtom app, which doesn't really work well for me, and now $120 more. I don't think I'm getting it. Great product but too expensive.

[feltboardfavorites]

I like the way you describe and show interest in this product, good vid... will be watching for the follow up.

[AppleiStuff]

I've seen some reviews, there are some flaws about it. I'd rather purchase some other, cheaper GPS app, maybe with the Top Tom Kit. Although we already have one :)

Thanks for the video, Mike.

[wwwinsanelygreatmac]

What are you hearing?

[BDogbz]

Nice first look Mike!

[GarySoRocks]

FIRST~!