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caddesign

May 6, 2012, 7:50 AM

Post #1 of 147 (20747 views)

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Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Pros and Cons using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

While traveling 3000 miles from my home in Mexico, my old and trusted friend
TomTom One XL GPS unit, broke beyond repair.
This forced me to make a quick purchase of a cheap GPS unit at local walmart to continue my journey.

List of TomTom Via 1500TM features
Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates US, Canada and Mexico
5.0" Touch screen - for better visibility
Intuitive user interface - For first time users
IQ Routes - Directs you to the quickest, most efficient route
Advanced Lane Guidance - Use the best lane to get to your destination
Integrated Mount - for mounting unit to window or car dashboard
Memory card slot - for future map updates
4GB of internal memory.
　
Pros
1. Using “MyTomTom” software makes updating both operating system
and maps flawless.
2. User interface new design improved for first time users.
3. 5.0” Touch screen for me is a must have for long trips.

Cons
1. “MyTomTom” software current version has only limits features.
2. Integrated mount must be remove before placing GPS unit in carrying case.
3. Partial coverage of Mexico 74.4% and detailed coverage of 70 cities.
4. Mount GPS unit to car dashboard for better visibility.
5. Advanced Lane Guidance not yet available in Mexico.
6. Traffic alerts not yet available in Mexico.
7. Mandatory software update before using this GPS unit.
After two map updates and many months of using this GPS unit it has now
earn my respect. the more I use it the more I trust it. the 1500TM is a workhorse.
It does what it is supposed to do. It functions very well after updating the software and map.

Note:
There is NO (current) way to manipulate/cracking/patch/copy/clone or otherwise modify this v11.037 navcores.

caddesign

May 6, 2012, 7:52 AM

Post #2 of 147 (20733 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Removing and re-attaching an integrated mount, TomTom Via 1500TM

Watch Video
http://uk.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/13480/~/removing-and-re-attaching-an-integrated-mount

caddesign

May 6, 2012, 7:53 AM

Post #3 of 147 (20732 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Mandatory software update to restore GPS signal, TomTom Via 1500TM

http://us.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6964/related/1/session/L2F2LzEvc2lkL3ZMVWVReVdr

caddesign

May 6, 2012, 11:13 AM

Post #4 of 147 (20705 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Is it possible to become lost while using a GPS in Mexico? Yes
This has happen to me four times in the same big city of Monterrey
(NL)

1st 2006-My copilot turned volume off on GPS unit, so I can better listen to her talk.
I was surprised to find myself driving in rush hour traffic in the center of Monterrey.

2nd 2007-My copilot discovered a shortcut road around Monterrey while looking at a paper map of Mexico. This shortcut cost me an extra tank of gas.

3rd 2010-My copilot discovered she could save $50 by drive the free road around Monterrey. This free road cost me four new tires for the car.

4th 2012-My copilot discovered a new toll road around Monterrey. Took both Garmin and TomTom one extra hour to find and exit out of the downtown Monterrey.

Please notice, I was careful not to use the word wife while writing this article.

chinagringo

May 6, 2012, 11:29 AM

Post #5 of 147 (20702 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Maybe it is time for a software update of the copilot? My model of copilot hates maps, makes no claim to being able to understand maps and main priority is finding new places to shop. If I make a wrong turn, get lost(never) or make a poor routing decision, it is on me and either our Garmin or Guia Roji. Certainly keeps the stress to a minimum!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

caddesign

May 6, 2012, 1:21 PM

Post #6 of 147 (20697 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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On recent long distance trips to US, we used three different routs (2012).

Rout-A
1. Guadalajara (Jal), Need extra money for toll roads
2. Aguascalientes (AGS), Use the anillo periferico around the city
3. Zacatecas (COAH), Fill up gas tank before continuing
4. Saltillo (COAH), New toll road around the city, not yet on GPS maps
5. Monterrey (NL), Stay far away from new toll road
6. Reynosa (TM), Good hotels, before crossing the border

Rout-B
1. Guadalajara (Jal), Try to avoid rush hour traffic
2. Lagos De Moreno (Jal), New toll road, wait for new road signs to be installed.
3. Ojuelos De Jalisco (Jal), Use toll road around city
4. San Luis Potosi (SLP), Save some time use toll road around city
5. Matehuala (SLP), If tired spend the night
6. Monterrey (NL), Use old toll road around city, avoid getting lost
7. Reynosa (TM), Food and gas

Rout-C
1. Guadalajara (Jal), Try to avoid driving at dark
2. Lagos De Moreno (Jal), New toll road not yet on GPS maps
3. Ojuelos De Jalisco (Jal), Food and gas
4. San Luis Potosi (SLP), New shortcut toll road to Ciudad Victoria, not yet on GPS maps
5. Ciudad Victoria (TAMP), Use the anillo periferico around the city
6. Reynosa (TM), Cross bridge to Pharr (TX)
7. Pharr (TX), New Costco opened in April
　
Notes:
Rout to Ciudad Victoria has the best views, but we will not drive this road in the winter or rainy season.

A copilot is always helpful when navigating the roads of Mexico. Yes this sometimes is a wife.

While driving in Mexico, I always use both TomTom and Garmin GPS units with updated maps.

caddesign

May 6, 2012, 4:14 PM

Post #7 of 147 (20685 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Can I continue using a GPS with outdated maps? Yes

Video proof that you can.
https://www.youtube.com/...&feature=related

(This post was edited by caddesign on May 6, 2012, 4:15 PM)

caddesign

May 10, 2012, 5:45 AM

Post #8 of 147 (20614 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Garmin released
City Navigator North America NT 2013.10 includes Canada, US & Mexico
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=253&pID=1456

http://www8.garmin.com/cgi-bin/mapgen/webmap.cgi?p=172359681&u=1&v=0&cp=4F8EAFF2EA60CF70&z=2&x=240&y=180&w=480&h=360&d=0&rz=0&k=1&sc=1

caddesign

May 10, 2012, 5:49 AM

Post #9 of 147 (20611 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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What States, Provinces, and other areas are included in each of the regions listed during the map update?
Garmin

When running a map update, you may be informed that your device doesn't have enough internal memory to load the full coverage of North America. When this occurs, you may be able to load the map update directly to an SD card if you're updating a device that supports this process.

If your device doesn't support this process, you will instead be presented with a list of reduced coverage regions from which you may choose the area that you would like to have installed directly to the device.

https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={80e6d330-f2e0-11dd-f45b-000000000000}

(This post was edited by caddesign on May 10, 2012, 6:22 AM)

caddesign

May 10, 2012, 5:52 AM

Post #10 of 147 (20609 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Can I load maps directly to an SD card during a map update?

The most recent versions of the Garmin Map Updater for Onetime updates and the Garmin Lifetime Updater now offer the ability to install mapping to an SD card if your device does not have enough space to fit the maps in the internal memory.

The SD card installation option will only appear when you are updating a compatible device that does not have sufficient internal space for the selected map region. When notified that the device doesn't have sufficient space, you may either install mapping to an SD card or view additional installation options. At this point the application will indicate how much free space will be required to install the selected region on an SD card.

https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={0b087770-5dba-11e1-dd60-000000000000}

(This post was edited by caddesign on May 10, 2012, 6:20 AM)

caddesign

May 10, 2012, 5:55 AM

Post #11 of 147 (20606 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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How do I install detailed mapping to the computer using the Lifetime Map Updater?

To see detailed mapping in Garmin applications, the Garmin Lifetime Updater can install a copy of the mapping detail to the computer. Please follow the instructions below to allow the Garmin Lifetime Updater to install detailed mapping to the computer.
PC
1. Click on Start/Windows Icon
2. Click on Programs/All Programs
3. Click on the Garmin folder
4. Click the Garmin Lifetime Updater
5. Click Settings or Preferences
6. Click Installation
7. Choose the desired installation option
8. Click Done or Close
9. Click Check for Map Updates
10. Click Reinstall Maps
The updater will now install per this setting. This setting can be changed in the future; however, it cannot be changed while an installation is in progress.

https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={b2117ae0-202e-11e1-73d0-000000000000}

(This post was edited by caddesign on May 10, 2012, 6:18 AM)

caddesign

May 10, 2012, 5:59 AM

Post #12 of 147 (20604 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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How do I install mapping to my device with MapInstall?

There are many situations where it may be desirable to install additional mapping to a Garmin GPS. One of the most common programs used to transfer mapping to a device is MapInstall. This software is available for both Windows and Mac OS X, and can be downloaded for free from the Mapping Software page of the Garmin web site.

https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId={5af8a260-fd05-11dc-ec92-000000000000}
http://www8.garmin.com/support/mappingsw.jsp

(This post was edited by caddesign on May 10, 2012, 6:15 AM)

caddesign

May 10, 2012, 6:01 AM

Post #13 of 147 (20602 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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BaseCamp 3.3.3 has been released.
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4435

This is a maintenance release, meaning it's mainly bug fixes.
https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?t=27430

(This post was edited by caddesign on May 10, 2012, 6:26 AM)

caddesign

May 13, 2012, 8:45 AM

Post #14 of 147 (20524 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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GPS Head Up Display
Head Up Displays (HUDs) are the favoured solution for fighter jets, and even some passenger aircraft, but their cost and complexity means their adoption in the automotive world has, until now, been the preserve of high end vehicles.
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/Head-Up-Display-5309.php

caddesign

May 13, 2012, 8:47 AM

Post #15 of 147 (20523 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Outdated GPS Maps
With lots of people recently purchasing GPS navigation systems for summer travel and outdoor activities, one of the most common questions/complaints we receive is Why are the maps outdated?. Let’s look at the normal flow of information starting with the people who map the roads and ending up at your GPS.
http://www.gpsreview.net/outdated-gps-maps/

newbie

May 14, 2012, 11:18 AM

Post #16 of 147 (20480 views)

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caddesign

May 15, 2012, 12:26 PM

Post #17 of 147 (20451 views)

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Re: [Swiss Garry] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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GPS Google Android forum
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=182

You can find more information at this forum.

caddesign

May 15, 2012, 12:36 PM

Post #18 of 147 (20447 views)

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Re: [Swiss Garry] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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The price of GPS units with lifetime maps continues to drop in 2012
Garmin nuvi 1100LM $60, US map only.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-nuvi-1100LM-3.5-GPS-w-Lifetime-Map-Updates/16401836

caddesign

May 15, 2012, 4:15 PM

Post #19 of 147 (20437 views)

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Re: [Swiss Garry] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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My list of must have feature on GPS unit.
1. LifeTime map updates, includes Canada, USA, and Mexico
2. Memory card slot for future map updates
3. 5” inch touch screen

caddesign

May 15, 2012, 4:17 PM

Post #20 of 147 (20436 views)

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Re: [Swiss Garry] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Map features I like most when traveling in Mexico.

TomTom map are excellent at navigating in large cities that have many bridges, tunnels, and overpasses. Also map background changes colors as you travel thru deserts, wetland, mountains, forests, this is nice to view while on a long trip.

Garmin map have a large number of (POIs) points of interests, in both large and small cities, this makes finding a hotel, a restaurant, or a small town road easier.

Mexico GPS Atlas map are best used when locating hard to find locations and places.

With all three maps, my copilot believes she has the perfect GPS unit for Mexico.

RickS

May 15, 2012, 5:49 PM

Post #21 of 147 (20429 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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I don't think that anyone has said this lately, but thanks for this information!

caddesign

May 16, 2012, 5:35 PM

Post #22 of 147 (20399 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Garmin released
CityXplorer North America 2013.10

With cityXplorer maps you can access all the information you need to get around the city you're visiting on foot or public transport .

If you're visiting a new city on holiday or business, a cityXplorer map downloaded to your nüvi helps you get around just like a local. The enhanced pedestrian mode gives you walking directions, including footpaths and shortcuts through parks, with landmarks indicated along the way. The public transport mode tells you where to catch trains, buses and tubes (where relevant) and how long it will take to reach your destination. cityXplorer public transport timetables ensure you arrive at the station on time and don't have to wait too long for your connection.

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/lang/en/cityxplorer

http://www.noeman.org/gsm/garmin-maps/263317-cityxplorer-north-america-2013-10-all-cityxplorers-one-file.html

caddesign

May 17, 2012, 12:55 PM

Post #23 of 147 (20360 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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Smartsense navigation system works where GPS won't - indoors

It's not that long ago that GPS capabilities in a mobile phone were considered a standout feature. Today, GPS navigation is standard for smartphones, and as a result, many of us have come to rely on them when it comes to getting from A to B. However, GPS technology isn't without its faults, and if A to B is located under a roof, out of sight of the orbiting GPS satellites, then you can end up falling back on the not always reliable sense of direction. To fix the problem, Fraunhofer Research is developing Smartsense, a smartphone sensor capable of providing accurate navigation indoors, without the aid of GPS.
http://www.gizmag.com/indoor-gps/22528/

caddesign

May 18, 2012, 8:52 AM

Post #24 of 147 (20329 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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TomTom launches an extra-large 6" screen on the new Start 60

Amsterdam, 9 May 2012 – Today sees the release of the TomTom Start 60, which features the biggest screen of all TomTom's portable navigation devices. The 6" sharp screen, big buttons and menus enhance the driving experience by making it easier and safer for users.
http://corporate.tomtom.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=671893

caddesign

May 23, 2012, 12:48 PM

Post #25 of 147 (20224 views)

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Re: [caddesign] Using TomTom Via 1500TM GPS in USA & Mexico

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TomTom released new update maps of Canada, US & Mexico,
Partial coverage of Mexico increase to 75%
https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/maps/

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