TomTom One 140/140S GPS: First Look

Premium features enhance these affordable, easy-to-use navigators

The TomTom One 140 and 140S are the latest additions to the One line, and continue the pattern of gradual, evolutionary development of this popular and user-friendly series. The 140 and 140S include TomTom's recent improvements, including the EasyPort mount first seen on the One 130. This clever design replaces the more common two-piece mount favored by most PND makers with a built-in design that folds flat when not in use for easy packing and storage. Software updates give these new models features such as reality view and lane assistance, helpful aids that were formerly found only on more-expensive models. Both navigators are easy to use and reasonably priced. The only difference between the two is that the 140S adds text to speech for spoken street names, adding a reasonable $20 premium.

We paid $150 for our TomTom 140 and $170 for our TomTom 140S.

Key features include:

• 3.5-inch screen
• Optional traffic information
• Historical traffic pattern information (IQ routes)
• Spoken street names (140S)
• Reality view and lane assist

Initial impressions

The 140 and 140S are very good, easy-to-use entry-level navigators. Various incarnations of the TomTom One have long been CR Best Buys, thanks to their logical interface, helpful features, and reasonable prices.

Like the 130 that they replace, the 140 and 140S have a 3.5-inch LCD display and sleek design. The compact EasyPort mount introduced on the 130 uses a rotating locking mechanism to ensure a tight suction-cup seal to the windshield. Previously tested TomTom models were sealed by simply pushing the suction cup against the windshield, which tended to make it more difficult to get a seal initially, make it harder to remove, or both. The EasyPort provides a better seal and increases portability, but it positions the unit closer to the windshield, where it can be harder to reach and see. It also is more difficult to remove than traditional GPS mounts that use the clamping lever style. And often when you are removing the GPS unit from the windshield, the unit will separate from the mount.

As we've seen on other devices from TomTom, the 140 models provide very good verbal directions and easy-to-read screens. New features to the One line include IQ routing, which factors in historical traffic information to choose the most-efficient route, reality view for displaying a realistic representation of highway intersections, and lane assistance to indicate the best lane to be in for an impending maneuver. Another new feature is a handy quick-touch menu that allows a user to choose up to six frequently used functions for quick access with one tap to the screen.

Broader map coverage now includes Mexico in addition to the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. An optional $60 receiver enables the 140 to receive RDS-TMC traffic updates, which require a $60 annual subscription.

CR's take

The TomTom One 140 is a good choice for a consumer looking for an entry-level navigator. It performs well, with an easy-to-use interface, some previously-premium features, and available text-to-speech (140S). The 140 is really pushing the envelope for affordable navigators by including higher-end features at one of the lowest price points in our Ratings. It does not include all of the high-end extras that distinguish premium models, such as Bluetooth connectivity, wide screen, or multimedia extras, but it has all of the core navigational features that most users want. It is a worthy competitor for the updated Garmin Nuvi 2x5 models.

Buyers should also consider the TomTom 340 and 340S. They will give similar performance with the added benefit of a wide-screen format, but at a higher price.

For more information on portable GPS navigation systems, see our special section with Ratings (available to subscribers) and buying advice. Discuss GPS with other shoppers and owners in the forums.