TomTom offers free, custom printing on GPS devices

Consumer Reports News: October 15, 2010 11:48 AM

A leading portable GPS maker, TomTom has distinguished itself by offering a high-level of customization. Previously, such customization was focused on personalizing the software, with custom voices and graphics. Now, TomTom enables online customers to apply graphics to the exterior of the device, giving the casing a unique appearance—for free.

With a launch well-timed for holiday shoppers, "My Custom" provides numerous designs to choose from, as well as allow for users to upload custom graphics. Graphics are then permanently applied to the device casing by CafePress, at no charge, before the navigator is shipped to your home. Clearly, there is much room for creativity here, from basic color backgrounds to photographs. The images can be scaled, positioned, and rotated once uploaded to ensure a desired look framing the screen and surround the mount. Users can also add text, possibly to give the device a name or have it show yours. (See our GPS buying advice and ratings.)

My Custom is limited to TomTom EASE (black or white), XL 350 TM, XL 340 S, XXL 550 TM, and XL 540 S.

With TomTom rolling out various traffic and map update packages, sold together at a discount with GPS units, the eligible model list is a bit limiting. Another consideration, the purchases have to be made through TomTom.com, so while the skinning is free, customers can't cross shop online retailers.

Official voices can be purchased at the same time, such as Darth Vader and Homer Simpson, though these are not factory installed. Instead, the device will come with a gift card that you can redeem by connecting to the TomTom Home service via a computer.

TomTom is definitely taking customization to new levels with this fun, new offering.

What would you put on your GPS?

—Jeff Bartlett