TomTom XXL 540

usability, performance, price, maps, screen

reliability, memory

74% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Large display, excellent interface, EasyPort mount, lane guidance, safety alerts, general navigation experience is pleasing

Traffic is optional (and expensive), no AC adapter included, no Australian text-to-speech voice

TomTom's XXL 540 GPS unit takes the XL 340 and adds an extra-large display, but the navigation experience is similar. Unless you're hell bent on getting a GPS with a big screen, we think most users will be better off saving some money and opting for...

As a rule, TomTom devices also offer informative displays during navigation, as well as accurate, adaptive routing thanks to TomTom's IQ Routes feature. POI search is a little clumsier than with Garmin units, though. We didn't review the XXL 540TM...

Large, easy-to-read 5-inch screen ; Generous database of 7 million POIs ; Sensible routes from TomTom's IQ Routes

Bluetooth interface not included ; Live traffic feature is an extra-cost option

The XXL 540S provides TomTom's usual impressive navigation features, and adds a roomy 5-inch screen.

Big 5-inch screen. Responsive interface. Fast boot-up and lock-in. Accurate directions. Easy POI searches.

No real-time traffic reporting. Dated map graphics.

More GPS Device Reviews:• Garmin DriveAssist 50LMT• Trax Play• Scout GPS (for iPhone)• InRoute (for iPhone)• Garmin U.S.A. (for iPhone)• more

Simple- great first-time GPS for beginnersWidespread- includes lifetime traffic updatesFeatured- Advanced Lane Guidance, IQ Routes, and moreInexpensive- overall great value for the price

Limited- short battery life and lacks fancier features

If you're looking for an affordable alternative to today's expensive...

Easy to use. Lane guidance almost everywhere. Map correction. Biiiiiiiig screen is easy to read.

...but can obscure road in small cars. Not exactly brimming with features. EasyPort mount requires skill to adjust. IQ Routes still smells of snake oil.

The extra X in the XXL 540 is there to denote the unit's large 5-inch touchscreen and if you're into size this GPS is definitely worth a look, just don't expect much sizzle.

The TomTom XXL 540 S has advanced features such as lane guidance and user-updated maps from TomTom Map Share. Its huge 5-inch touch screen is easy to read and to input addresses. Text-to-speech enhances the device's safety.

With a wide 5-inch screen and a thick EasyPort mount, pocketability goes out of the window. Routing from a moving vehicle is considerably slower than from a stationary one.

The TomTom XXL 540 S improves on the TomTom XL line by keeping the features we love while improving screen visibility; but the bigger size comes with compromised portability.

Here's what the World Traveler Edition offers in terms of European map coverage: