PDA

View Full Version : Tomtom RIDER review and Tomtom company


jithrae
08-30-2007, 01:44 AM
Hi,

Someone purchased the TomTom RIDER
for me as a birthday present. I was
psyched to get it as I was going to be
going on a trip to New Mexico, and was
looking forward to exploring something
other than the boring boring Interstate.
Most of the reviews I read were
favorable (though later I found a few
forums that told the real story,
especially with charging problems, more
on this later).


First, as you know, I have problems charging it. That said, the
battery life is about 4-5 hours when "daylight colors" are enabled and
about 5-6.5 hours when "night colors" are enabled. That's actually
quite a bit better than I expected. Combine that with the ability to
charge to 90% in about 45 minutes, and you get a GPS that can be used
indefinitely on the road (e.g. charge at a truck stop during a meal,
which is precisely what I did). Nevertheless, I have serious
reservations about the charing problems. The TomTom RIDER2 is
supposed to fix many of them.

In any case, the RIDER is pretty good in terms of usability. I wish it
had a mapping estimator (e.g. go from point A to point B, like Google
Maps can do) and the touch screen is a bit obnoxious for scrolling
around and browsing the map. One of the really nice touches the RIDER
has, is that it loathes telling you to turn around and is _very fast_
at updating your route. Those things combined make it pretty easy to go
another, more preferred route without actually hassling with the UI.
For instance, when I was on I-40 in Arizona (not as boring as you
might think) I was getting a little tired of the Interstate, and so I
turned off onto a frontage-road. Instead of telling me to turn-around
it just routed me through to the next convenient freeway entrace
(about 15 miles up the road) so I got to see a little more of route 66
without having known it was even there. It is missing a few nice
features such as "avoid highways as much as is practical" and "find
twisty roads that will be fun" and "avoid traffic", though that latter
is promised at some undisclosed date.

Finally, this looks very promising:

http://opentom.org/Main_Page

And has already been confirmed to work on the RIDER, at least somewhat.

Now, all that being said, there are problems with the design of the charging plate and much much more serious (IMHO) problems with TomTom customer service (see the below case history).

The long story short version of the charing problem is that the charging plate for mounting on the bike is crappy and deforms easily, this causes the contact plates to miss the pins and therefore you get no charge, or intermittent charge.

Here are some other forums about the same problem and/or reviews I found useful and fair:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/tomtom-rider/

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4865108



Charging problem
Discussion Thread
Customer (XXX) 08/30/2007 03:16 AM
So, let's see, over a month ago you said it would take 7-14 days to get a replacement mailed to me and... what's that, it never came? I'm so utterly unsurprised by your lack of consideration that I even made a bet with the poor person who unsuspectingly gave this useless piece of junk you call a GPS to me as a gift. She feels really bad for EVER buying anything from your company. I hope you people are satisfied at having disenfranchised another customer FOREVER.

Score:

Tomtom: -5
Garmin: +10
Any other competitor: +5
Customers: 0

Response (Support 2) 07/28/2007 10:00 AM
Dear X,

We truly apologize for the delay in getting back to you in regard to your Rider mount not providing a proper charge to your unit. We would like to get this issue resolved for you.

We have ordered you a Rider mount replacement part, docking shoe part # 4K00.003. Your replacement part should arrive in 10-14 business days. Again, we do apologize for any inconvenience.

If you have any further questions or comments, please email or call us at 866-486-6866 Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM until 7:00 PM EST. Thanks again for writing. At TomTom we believe in showing you the way the easy way.

With Best Regards,

Kayla
The TomTom Customer Support Team

Customer (XXX) 07/26/2007 12:33 AM
Any update on this?

Customer (XXX) 07/21/2007 10:26 AM
Hello,

Please stop giving me generic answers and ACTUALLY READ WHAT I WROTE. There is no problem with the TOMTOM RIDER, there is a problem with the charging plate because of the terrible design YOU PEOPLE built it with. The charging plate that mounts on the MOTORCYCLE doesn't WORK because after going over any kind of rough road it deforms and the pins no longer contact the plates for power charge.

Now stop messing around and send me a new charging dock for the motorcycle (i.e. the mount kit). If this isn't resolved promptly I'm sending the entire unit back and getting a refund (or disputing the charge if you won't refund it under warranty) and buying a Garmin Zumo which ACTUALLY WORKS.

"Hi,

Thank you for the generic answer. I have already successfully used the battery cable to power my TomTom RIDER and it was working originally, now it is not. I can charge the TomTom just fine from the AC adapter, however. Therefore, I believe the mounting plate is defective and needs to be replaced, please send me a new one:

XXXX
650.555.1212
123 My Real Address
Oakland, CA 94xxx

"Serial number is: C_No:myrealserial"

Thank you,
Chuck

Response (Support 1) 07/18/2007 09:09 AM
Greetings X,

Thank you for contacting us. We apologize about the inconveniences you're experiencing; I understand you’re having problems with your navigator’s stability.

What we'll suggest first is called a soft reset. Please attempt the reset procedure with a fully charged unit (1 to 2 hours), make sure that there is a green light on the device while you charge it. Then follow these steps:

• We suggest using a paper clip or a slim object to place into the reset.
• Turning your TomTom unit over, there should be a small socket labeled reset on your unit.
• Place the clip into the hole and press gently until you hear a slight click.
• Wait approximately one to two minutes and try turning on the TomTom. See if this makes a difference in the usage (you may want to attempt this reset more than once to initiate the software).

For a further visual of where the reset is located, follow this link: http://www.tomtom.com/4959 .

At this point, if you complete this procedure and the unit is still not working, we would recommend verifying if your desktop suite is the newest HOME version and perhaps checking if your device has the latest TomTom GO application update.

Additionally, the latest version of HOME can be downloaded and installed from http://www.tomtom.com/home . And perhaps you could use a link of where to upgrade your application: http://www.tomtom.com/downloads and choose your device's application update.

Away from the above matter, when your unit is locked (or to avoid this occurrence), we would recommend using the following tool, in order to clear your device's memory. The 'Clear Flash" Utility program can be found in the accompanying URL: http://www.tomtom.com/6221

Thanks for choosing TomTom as your portable navigation system, and don't hesitate to contact us for further assistance via e-mail or please call us at 1-866-486-6866 (Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm EST). At TomTom we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.

Kind Regards,
___________________________________
ßen and the TomTom Customer Support Team

Customer (XXX) 07/17/2007 11:01 PM
Serial number is: C_No:myrealserial

Response (Support 1) 07/17/2007 03:25 PM
Greetings X,

Thank you for contacting our Support department. We appreciate your recent inquire expressing your interest on the charging options for your TomTom; we'll be glad to be of assistance.

It's my pleasure informing you that we still need some information, since we’ll have to start the process of having your mount replaced. Thus said, in arranging to have the item delivered; please supply is with the following details (so that we may determine the warranty status of your device):

The serial number of the device (found on the barcode on the under side of your device)

Thanks for choosing TomTom as your portable navigation system, and don't hesitate to contact us for further assistance via e-mail or please call us at 1-866-486-6866 (Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm EST). At TomTom we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.

Kind Regards,
___________________________________
ßen and the TomTom Customer Support Team

Customer (XXXX) 07/16/2007 09:40 PM
Hi,

Thank you for the generic answer. I have already successfully used the battery cable to power my TomTom RIDER and it was working originally, now it is not. I can charge the TomTom just fine from the AC adapter, however. Therefore, I believe the mounting plate is defective and needs to be replaced, please send me a new one:

XXX
650.555.1212
123 My Real Address
Oakland, CA 94xxx

Response (Support 1) 07/16/2007 01:43 PM
Greetings X,

Thank you for contacting our Support department. We appreciate your recent inquire expressing your interest on the charging options for your TomTom; we'll be glad to be of assistance.

It's my pleasure informing you that there are several ways to charge your TomTom RIDER: 1) Using the battery cable & 2) Using the AC adaptor. If you do not have the ‘battery cable,’ or the AC adaptor; you can buy one from the TomTom online store. From the ‘TomTom online store’ just look for Chargers & Connect cables; it is the A/C Power charger.

Essentially, it takes about 2 hours to fully charge the RIDER’s battery. This power charger plugs straight into the wall, and comes with plug adapters that work in continental Europe, the UK and the USA so that the battery is fully charged before your journey.

The battery cable can optionally be used to power and charge your TomTom RIDER from your motorcycle battery. Just connect the battery cable connector to the power connector on the holder, once that’s done, connect the red battery cable to the switched positive 12 volt power supply on your motorcycle and the black battery cable to the ground supply on your motorcycle.
Make sure that the battery cable is secured safely to your motorcycle. It must not hang from the frame or interfere with the motorcycle in any way. Make sure that it is also not in contact with any areas of the motorcycle that become hot and may melt the cable.

When it comes to specifics on the Power charger’s Voltage. Requirements range from Input 100-240v (47-63hz) to Output +5v. Instead of purchasing an alternate Power Adapter, we would still recommend you to obtain a new TomTom's A/C Power charger.

At this point, if you complete this procedure and the unit is still not working, we’ll have to start the process of having your mount replaced. Thus said, in arranging to have the item delivered; please supply is with the following details (so that we may determine the warranty status of your device):

- Your full name.
- Daytime telephone number.
- Daytime mailing address.
- The serial number of the device (found on the barcode on the under side of your device)

Thanks for choosing TomTom as your portable navigation system, and don't hesitate to contact us for further assistance via e-mail or please call us at 1-866-486-6866 (Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm EST). At TomTom we believe in showing you the way, the easy way.

Kind Regards,
___________________________________
ßen and the TomTom Customer Support Team

Customer (XXXX) 07/13/2007 08:33 PM
Hi,

I have been enjoying my Tomtom RIDER for a few weeks now, and all has been well. Last week, though, the system stopped charging and I noticed a damaged fuse, which I replaced. Since then I have been having problems charging the RIDER.

Here's what I have tested:

1. Using a multimuter I tested Resistance and Voltage from the battery to the TomTom base plate (mounting block). All is well, there is .4 ohms of resistance on each of the wires to the mounting block, and it is delivering a full 12.78 volts of electricity.

2. Using a multimeter I tested voltage on the mounting block. When hooking the positive lead up to the first pin, and the negative up to a ground or the 3rd or 4th pins I get about 4.7 volts of power, consistently.

3. I tested that I can charge with the regular 5 volt DC adapter in my house.

This leads me to believe that there is something wrong either with the TomTom itself or the charging block. I noticed two things.. first, if I apply pressure on the TomTom when it is mounted it will sometimes get a charge; second, there is some deformation on the mounting block which has been there since the beginning.

What can I do? Should I replace the mounting block? If so, is this covered by warranty? Is there anything else I can test?

Auto-Response 07/13/2007 08:33 PM
Title: What is GPS?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=4043&p_created=1119876697

Title: Do I need the security strap for my TomTom RIDER and how do I get it?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=6220&p_created=1158096543

Title: How do I backup my TomTom device using HOME?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=5654&p_created=1153991818

Title: Where can I find my TomTom device's serial number?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=5629&p_created=1153237810

Title: How can I pair my Motorola phone with my GO 700/300/Rider?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=4710&p_created=1143530084

Title: How is TomTom PLUS delivered to my device?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=3083&p_created=1110396165

Title: Why is TomTom offering such Content and Services?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=3075&p_created=1110387602

Title: What is the coverage for safety cameras? How often are they updated?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=3081&p_created=1110393428

Title: In addition to the motorcycle-specific features, what are the main benefits of this solution?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=3055&p_created=1110200300

Title: I can download POIs for free from the Internet. Why should I pay for TomTom POIs?
Link: http://service.tomtom.com/cgi-bin/us.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=3074&p_created=1110387466
Scooter/Motor Model
Kawasaki Ninja 650 ER6F
Back to List of My Questions
Back to List of My Questions