TomTom offers navigation app for the iPad

At the Holiday Spectacular event this week in New York City, the Consumer Reports' GPS team was struck by an Apple iPad showcasing TomTom's navigation app. The large display was crisp, controls easy to use, and the unusual scale was striking. But do we really need a tablet-sized portable navigator?

The application had been unveiled overseas earlier this month, showcasing how the TomTom iPhone app had been optimized for use on the iPad. Current iPhone users can download the updated version for free to use on an iPad. In making the transition to the larger device, the iPad app has higher resolution and revised controls.

TomTom Managing Director Corinne Vigreux explained in a statement that this version was created "in response to strong customer demand."

Customers demand many things, and frankly, not all are good ideas. From TomTom's perspective, it was a relatively straightforward conversion from iPhone to iPad, so why not?

But, from a user perspective, this invites some dangerous behavior. While the iPad could be useful for reviewing maps or trip planning outside the car, it is use inside the car that concerns me. And there could be real temptation, as the TomTom app has many useful features, such as detailed traffic information, daily map updates, and multi-tasking ability.

We have seen car mounts for the iPad, ranging from a ridiculous steering-wheel hoax to dashboard kits that leave the tablet obscuring vents and center stack controls. Certainly, having an iPad above the dash would seriously compromise outward visibility. Positioning it lower creates other problems and invites the eyes to wander far from the road.

Given that the revised version with iPad compatibility is free for any iPhone owner already using the TomTom nav app, it would seem worth installing for Apple fans with both devices. The graphics look even more vivid on the larger screen, and it makes for an impressive sight either at a trade show or around the dinner table. But please, be smart about how you use it.

—Jeff Bartlett