8. Using Other TomTom Plus Services, Continued

Best Prices Tomtom Go 700 GPS (Vehicle, 3.5" LCD)

DealStopStores $105.00

Tech for Less Store $192.47

All this Plus services stuff is cute. But I want to know why TomTom doesn't offer map updates with its Internet-capable Go 700. Some GPS coordinate information is either incorrect or out of date. I've been instructed to turn the wrong way on a few streets due to incorrect data. Also, both the GPS and I were flummoxed by out of date data that didn't include new streets in ever-developing California. Perhaps in more static places in Europe or around the US this isn't a problem. But it concerns me so much that I'd be willing to pay a healthy chunk of cash for regularly updated maps, at least California maps.

Of course, I'm aware that TomTom doesn't generate map data. It comes from a few sources that update on their own schedules. So, hey map generators, please update dynamic geographic areas more frequently! And, TomTom and you other GPS manufacturers, please push your map vendors to update their maps more frequently.

One other concern I have about pretty much all GPS manufacturers is their European bias. I have nothing against Europe, but it makes me jealous to see things like traffic safety camera information available in European countries, but not in the US. Such data are collected in this country and companies such as TomTom should make it available to their US customers.