Test Drive: TomTom Car Kit for iPhone GPS navigation

Portable navigation device (PND) maker TomTom leapt into the iPhone app world as soon as Apple's OS 3.0 enabled turn-by-turn guidance. (See our TomTom iPhone app review.) The company faithfully reproduced its PND interface and experience, but the application proved limited by the iPhone itself. As we found through testing several iPhone navigation apps, the included GPS receiver is not as accurate as that used in dedicated devices and the small speaker makes hearing audio instructions challenging. TomTom has since come up with a solution with its Car Kit.
 
The $120 Car Kit looks like a mount, though it is much, much more. Think of it as a GPS device, minus the screen and software. This pricey mount includes a high-sensitivity receiver and a larger speaker, making up for the inherent iPhone shortcomings. It requires OS 3.0 or higher, and it is compatible with the iPhone, iPhone 3G, and 3G S. It was designed to support the popular TomTom iPhone app, though it also works with other navigation apps.
 
The mount is a quality design tailored to fit the iPhone's dimensions. Aside from providing a  snug fit, there is also a rubber cushioned backing to prevent scratching the phone. The mount fits a lot of function in the compact design, with a volume control, microphone, Bluetooth capability, docking connection, and USB port.
 
Beyond the added technology, the Car Kit mount resembles the mount included with a TomTom One 140. It uses a ball-in-socket design and a fold-out suction cup. It can be rotated 360 degrees, as well as adjusted for portrait and landscape display. The mount may be a bit short for some windshields, but the wide adjustment range makes it a good fit for most vehicles.
 
The Car Kit also addresses the iPhone's battery life limitations with the included car charger. Without plugging in, an iPhone will drain the battery in less time than a traditional PND, and this is a particular concern given that the phone may have other uses throughout the day.
 
Audio quality is much improved, with the built-in speaker able to overcome general road noise. And an output jack allows the Car Kit to route audio to the vehicle's auxiliary port, enabling directions and music to be played through the car stereo.

The Car Kit can be paired to the iPhone through a Bluetooth connection, enabling calls to be managed through the built-in speaker and microphone. However, phone calls cannot be played through its audio output.

This CarKit was developed with TomTom's application in mind, but it also works with other navigation applications, providing the added benefit of enabling music to be played and hands-free calling while driving.

Bottom line:

The TomTom CarKit is a quality product at a premium price. For most consumers, this product is a luxury, and comparable performance can be found for less money with the purchase of a PND, even in TomTom's own product line. However, this product is not marketed to all consumers, but to existing iPhone users.

For the dedicated iPhone owner, the TomTom Car Kit can definitely enhance their in-car navigation, music, and telephony experience, furthering the iPhone's capability as a "Do-it-all" convergence device.  

See our full reviews of AT&T Navigator, iGo My Way, Navigon Mobile Navigator, Sygic Mobile Maps, TomTom iPhone application, Waze, and X Road G-Map for iPhone. And our Motorola Droid navigation review.  

— Jeff Bartlett and Frank Spinelli