TomTom GO 510 Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers say the TomTom GO 510 has a good interface and many extra features, including Bluetooth for hands-free calling, itinerary planning, an iPod connector, an SD card slot, and an impressive points-of-interest database. It also has a widescreen display. Like other TomTom models, it uses the well-regarded SiRFstar III chipset.

What the reviewers don’t like:
TomTom models use Tele Atlas maps, and GPS Magazine.com demonstrates in multiple tests that competing NAVTEQ maps (used mainly in Garmin auto GPS units) enable more accurate routing in North America. Reviewers say the GO 510’s refresh rate is slow. This model does not offer a text-to-speech function.

TomTom GO 510 review highlights

The TomTom GO 510 auto GPS falls between the TomTom ONE (*est. $200) and the TomTom GO 720 (*est. $450) in TomTom’s product line. All three units use the highly regarded SiRFstar III chip set. The GO 510 has more features than the ONE, but most of them – such as Bluetooth – are unrelated to car navigation. You have to step up to the GO 720 to get text-to-speech capability -- a feature that many experts consider a must-have.. In this price range, we found better reviews overall for the Garmin nuvi 350 (*est. $300).

We found no full professional review of the TomTom GO 510 auto GPS from any mainstream or specialty U.S. sources. GPS Review.net provides a good overview and U.K. magazine Personal Computer World has a generic review that is considerably more valid in England than in the U.S. An Associated Content review offers the most description, but it isn’t complete. User reviews are somewhat revealing.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. GPSReview.net
TomTom GO 510 Review
Tim Flight
Mar. 1, 2006

GPS Review.net provides an overview of the TomTom GO 510, rather than a full review. The article is short and strongly implies no testing. Instead, it evaluates the specifications and features. The comparisons with other TomTom models and the Garmin StreetPilot c530 are useful. Answers to a slew of reader questions are also helpful. Many buyers have problems with the mount.

2. Personal Computer World
Review: TomTom Go 510 satellite navigation device
Paul Lester
12-Jul-06

TomTom always receives its most favorable reviews from U.K. sources, and this is no exception. Tele Atlas maps of Europe are regarded as much better than its maps of the U.S. This review only covers features and ease of use, but the summary addresses routing accuracy. Paul Lester doesn’t offer specific comparisons or reasons to consider other models.

3. AssociatedContent.com
Magellan 3000t Versus TomTom Go 510
Phil Weiss
Sept. 08, 2006

The title of this amateur review sounds very promising, but the anticipated direct comparison never comes. Instead, the two models are reviewed sequentially and the conclusion mentions one feature and one hardware difference between the models. Routing accuracy isn’t addressed with either unit.

4. CNet.com
TomTom GO 510 Reviews
Contributors to CNet.com

At CNet.com, about three dozen owners have reviewed the TomTom GO 510. CNet editors have not reviewed this model. The average rating indicates a majority of happy customers, but those who are unhappy either complain about incompetent routing or have hardware problems. Reliability appears to be a significant issue with the TomTom GO 510.

5. Amazon.com
TomTom Go 510 Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

More than 75 TomTom Go 510 owners have posted comments on Amazon.com, giving this auto GPS a fairly high average rating. Most owner-reviewers find the Go 510 easy to use. There are scattered complaints of malfunctioning units, and more of poor customer service. The maps and points-of-interest database draw considerable criticism.

Also see full report: Auto GPS

TomTom GO 510 Review