Built-in car navigation

[sciamo]

If you are considering one of these, I would really suggest you consider something else.

1) TomTom rarely updates the device's software and the TomTom Home software sometimes says that there is an update but then this disappears and doesn't reappear for ages if you miss it.  There should be a device update feature.

2) No lane guidance and they can't/won't add it.  This should be included - I can't see why the processor can't handle a still image of which lane to get in! 

3) Touch screen is not responsive - either doesn't react or engages the wrong button.  TomTom should use capacitive touch-screens, not cheap resistive ones.

4) Cannot store music on the device's SD Card even though TomTom seems to think you are able to. This should be updated in the device's firmware.

5) Speed pulse was attached but volume remains unaffected with speed increases or decreases.  There should be a setup screen that lets you know if this is working or not and allows adjustments to how much the volume changes.

6) If playing iPod and nav 'speaks' it lowers the music volume, but if playing USB it TURNS THE MUSIC OFF.  This should be updated so that it does not occur.

7) Display glares BADLY - if the sun hits it you cannot see a thing.  TomTom should sell an anti-glare screen protector.

8) If you want FULL POST CODE search you have to install a patch yourself.  TomTom should make this easier.

9) If you want Bluetooth phone, SMS, and traffic - there are only a few phones the device is compatible with.  TomTom should work with manufacturers and get this working with MOST not a FEW.

10) This device does not have a traffic alert aerial nor does it allow for one - instead forcing you to have a bluetooth data connection (again only a few phones work) on your connected phone.  This should be changed so that an aerial works.

It almost feels like this was made with quality set aside... and most of the issues are with the TomTom portion of the device, not the Fujitsu portion.

[mvl]

The Eclipse II, while still sold in new cars, is based on old 2007 Tomtom technology.  It's a shame that Tomtom hasn't updated the software on it, as there are many new features Tomtom has built that are still missing on the Eclipse.

Currently, the only after-market radio with the latest 2010 Tomtom software is the Sony XNV

[bobsinger]

I can confirm the problems with the Eclipse II which was included in the 2011 Subaru I purchased recently. The more I use the TomTom, the more I like my three year old Garmin. The unit has many problems, the most glaring is a poorly thought out user interface. For instance:

-You can play music using a USB or iPod as the source. However, you cannot scroll through a list unless the car is in Park with the parking brake applied. Otherwise you can only access the first 5 or 6 items on the list. These 'safety' features should be able to be overridden as doesn't allow a passenger use the device without the necessity of stopping the car. 

-Screen background for the Radio, USB & iPod interface is white, making it hard to see in bright light and way too bright and distracting at night.

-Several features require an active pairing with a phone; traffic information, etc. The traffic info is available normally through FM radio signal and works fine on my Garmin.

- Phone pairing was 'unsuccessful', however on a subsequent car trip my phone rang through the TomTom. It works erratically, for instance, it prompted over and over again for the security pairing with my phone and never would connect successfully. At which point I removed the configuration from my phone. Now, the TomTom tells me every time it's powered on that the phone is not connected and no obvious place to remove this from the configuration from the device.

-The diving view is cluttered at the bottom. About 1/5 of the screen is taken up by an information bar. You can edit what appears here, but you can't eliminated the bar and get more map. Again, I like the Garmin interface better where the same info is in the corners and doesn't interfer with seeing the map.

-When you arrive at your destination, in order to cancel navigation you need to stop the car. The option to cancel navigation is hidden until you stop which is annoying and distracting when you're circling looking for parking.

-In general, the unit hides some options while the car is moving, and not in park with the parking brake on. However, some options I'd rather not see ever are available while driving. The complete list of what's available at drive time should be either completely configurable or not at all. The current list isn't logical.

If I had to do it again, I would have continued with my Garmin despite the TomTom's integration with the radio, USB, and iPod features.

Bob

[mvl]

I agree with most of the OP's complaints, however Tomtom hasn't made new software with Fujutsu for a long time, and it seems that all development had been orphaned.  If Fujutsu didn't own Subaru, I'm sure Subaru would have chosen another brand GPS (or at least a newer Tomtom).   Most of the features you mention (lane guidance, newer updates, anti-glare, capacitive screen, fm traffic, etc) are all avaialble on Tomtom's current PND lineup.

BobSinger,

Under settings, go to "show all settings".  This will permanently enable the clear route option.   Similarly, you'll get status bar settings which allows you to move the status bar vertically on the side.

Regarding disabling bluetooth, go to menu -> mobile phone.  There should be a "manage phones" option there where you can delete your phone from the Tomtom.  It may also require "show all settings"

The initial pairing occurs in two steps.  The first (handsfree) probably suceeded, and the second (traffic data) probably failed.  Or, on most phones you can set the Tomtom as "trusted" so you don't need to accept the pairing each time you start your car.  That is a standard step with any handsfree device paired to a phone.   For traffic data, post you phone model and phone carrier and we can see if there are custom settings to get it working.

[jbuidlit]

I have an iphone 4 and its paried for handsfree. However, when I attempt traffic I get a "This feature not supported". How can this be fixed? Is it really possible that there isnt an iPhone data connection?

[nonewname]

I am having the same problem (can pair bluetooth for calls, but not for wireless services).  I am using a Droid 2 Global on Verizons' network.  Neither the Droid 2 Global nor Verizon is even an option for setting up wireless services.  Is there firmware that I can update with or a comparable phone in the settings that I can use?   Also, my calibration is WAY WAY WAY off.  In fact, at first the touchscreen didn't work at all, then suddenly started working but is still way off calibration.  Can I calibrate the digitizer somehow?

[CDS47]

I agree with Sciamo, I had expected great things from TomTom, but do not see the quality I was expected.

I just purchasedd a new 2012 Raodtrek, class B motorhome< which included the Eclipse II. I have been attempting to learn how to use this device, and so far I am only getting more and more frustrated over the lack of information, and the lack of Intuitiveness in the use of this device. I have been using a computer based trip planning software with GPS capability on my computer (dating back to 2004) and a 2010 version of an automotive device, so I am no NOVICE to what these can do for you...but this TOM TOM pales in comparison to the above systems. I would not recommend this device to anyone. 

The "User Guide" isn't and the website so far has told me to go to certain places on a given page, only to find that there is nothing on that page that is even remotely related to the issue I am supposedly being guided to.

I plan to use my automotive device (with a much cheaper lifetime map plan) until it gives up the ghost, then buy a successor unit to the one I have.

CDS

[mick2222]

I bought the latest (at the time of sale), top-of-the-range, Toyota Corolla Ultima sedan, and was aghast, when I discovered that its TNS410 – Eclipse II device was (and still is) just a plodder, with its Neanderthal (originally v7.825, and now v7.826) firmware.

Sciamo is “right on the money,” with his extensive list of shortcomings; to which, I do hereby (with his permission?) append, “Item 11”:

11) “It is frustrating (to the nth degree), having to incessantly reset the listening preferences to “Shuffle Music,” upon each and every engine restart, when listening to music through the device’s USB port.”

mick2222