routes

LAS VEGAS--TomTom is attempting to lower the learning curve for the entry-level GPS buyer with its new Ease line of GPS navigation devices. The Ease is remarkably similar to the TomTom Start, which debuted in European markets last year, and may well be the same device but with North American maps.

For users unfamiliar with the Start, the Ease is a smallish device, built around a 3.5-inch color touch screen with either a black or white chassis. TomTom's EasyPort mount is recessed into the back of the device, resulting in a flat profile with none of the suction … Read more

When we last heard about Garmin's add-on to make its ecoRoutes software smarter, it was going under the name of ecoRoutes ESP and details were sparse. Now, as we approach CES 2010, Garmin has revealed new details surrounding the device on its corporate blog and a new name, ecoRoute HD. OK, so the name's not that different.

The big news here is the announcement of the expected availability date of March 2010 and the suggested retail price of $149.99.

The ecoRoutes HD system is built around two parts: the wireless OBD-II port dongle, which interfaces with your … Read more

I've always praised TomTom for its innovative features on its line of portable navigation devices (PNDs). But one thing about TomTom devices that has always stuck out at me like a sore thumb is the overly complex menu system. I've always preferred Garmin's simpler menu hierarchy. Those days of dissatisfaction may be behind me once I get my hands on the newest addition to TomTom's XL line of GPS navigators, the XL 335S.

According to TomTom, the 335S includes "TomTom's newest user menu with an elegant interface that features optimized icons for even easier … Read more

Don't you just love trickle-down? TomTom's Live connected service--which helped the GO 740 Live to win our coveted Editors' Choice award--is making its way down the product lineup to the XL series in the TomTom XL 340S Live.

We've already taken a look at the TomTom XL 340S (sans Live) and, as one might expect, all of the IQ Routes, TomTom MapShare, graphic lane guidance, and text-to-speech tech can still be found in the new model.

However, the addition of the Live connection brings fuel price updates, local Google Search, weather forecasts, and a feature called QuickGPS … Read more

So, you're looking at picking up one of those newfangled TomTom GPS what's-its, but the XL 340S' 4.3-inch color wide screen is just too small for you to read. Well, you're in luck because TomTom has just announced an even larger line of portable nav devices, the XXL series.

The new TomTom XXL 530S and 540S both feature a larger 5-inch touch screen, IQ Routes and TomTom MapShare technologies, US and Canadian maps, and TomTom's EasyPort integrated suction cup mount.

Drop an extra 30 bones on the 540S to add advanced lane guidance, as well … Read more

Researchers have come up with a new way to route Internet traffic that could save big Internet companies like Google millions on their electricity bills, according to an article published by MIT's Technology Review.

Researchers from MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, and the networking company Akamai recently published results from a study that suggest big Internet companies could save up to 40 percent on their electricity bills by using an algorithm to send Internet traffic to data centers where electricity is less expensive.

Data centers consume a lot of energy, which costs operators like Google and Amazon millions of dollars … Read more

I used to run without music. Then I started bringing along an MP3 player. And finally I caved in to strapping my iPhone to my arm.

Sure, it's a little unwieldy, but it's comforting to have a phone with you just in case you need a sag wagon.

And don't forget the apps. Your iPhone can double not only as an iPod, but also a GPS watch, a route map, and a personal trainer. Here's my list of must-have apps for new and seasoned runners alike.

Netpas Distance offers sea travelers an opportunity to gauge the distance between any ports on Earth. By distilling this complicated task into a surprisingly simple program, users will have an easier time navigating the world's waterways.

The program is blessed with a very simple interface that primarily focuses on a world map and the log of your travels. There are a few command buttons, but all do a great job of explaining themselves, which makes navigating this program fairly intuitive, even for landlubbers. However, if something is too technical, there is an excellent online Help file waiting to be … Read more

Talk about a race to the bottom: a week after I pondered which digital music distribution service was cheapest, WaTunes made the question irrelevant by offering digital distribution for free. That's right--for no money down and no cut of the royalties, WaTunes promises to distribute your digital downloads to iTunes, Amazon's MP3 store, Rhapsody, eMusic, and Rhapsody.

So how does the company expect to make money? The answer became clear this week when WaTunes launched its premium-priced service, WaTunes VIP. For $29.95 a year, artists and labels will get distribution to more stores (including the Zune Marketplace), … Read more