Portable navigation device (PND) maker TomTom has made a bold move to provide an iPhone navigation application that approximates its traditional navigators, distinguishing it as the only company to do so. It will soon follow up the launch of its eponymous app with a dedicated mount. (See our TomTom iPhone app review.)
 
TomTom President Jocelyn Vigreux characterizes the mount as essentially a TomTom device, minus the screen. It is an innovative approach to the iPhone, promising to address key shortcomings inherent in the sleek, touchscreen cell phone: poor voice quality and GPS reception. However, these improvements will come at a significant cost: $119.95 suggested retail. Combined with the iPhone application, the price for this package will be about $220. For that money, you could buy a full-featured PND, but it wouldn’t have full-time connectivity at no extra charge.
 
The mount will be compatible with iPhone 3G and 3GS (the versions with a built-in GPS receiver) and also the iPhone 2G, opening up navigation to a wider audience. The high cost may be offset should it prove not only backwards compatible, but also forward compatible with the next-generation iPhone.
 
Vigreux explained that the goal with the TomTom application is to evolve rapidly with the features that will matter most to iPhone users, suggesting innovations may divert this product somewhat from the company’s traditional navigators.
 
With the ability for applications to be frequently updated, we expect to see much development for the iPhone the months ahead from all competitors. As we have seen with the first applications we have tested, the updates can come very quickly—sometimes even faster than we can test them! Clearly, this new approach is changing the automotive navigation paradigm, and this feature-rich mount that goes on sale this month is just one tangible sign.

While we have tested the initial TomTom application, we will evaluate the latest version once the mount becomes available.

See our full reviews of AT&T Navigator, iGo My Way, Navigon Mobile Navigator, Sygic Mobile Maps, TomTom iPhone application, and X Road G-Map.

For more information on portable automotive GPS navigation systems, see our Ratings, first looks, and buying advice and watch our video guide. Discuss GPS devices in the forums.

 
—Jeff Bartlett