Navigate from here to there with TomTom GO 510 GPS, $124.99 after rebate

(Credit: TomTom)

This GPS sold for a whopping $700 when it debuted just a couple years ago, but now you can scoop up a refurbished TomTom GO 510 for just $124.99 (plus shipping) after a $36 mail-in rebate. Unlike most models selling in this price range, the GO 510 serves up loads of advanced features.

For example, it sports a 4-inch widescreen display--way better than the 3.5-inch square screens you find on typical discount models. It also doubles as a speakerphone by pairing with your Bluetooth-equipped cell phone. That means you can make and take calls hands-free. Plus, it has a light sensor that'll automatically dim the screen when you're driving at night.

Finally, as noted in CNET's Quick Take, the GO 510 supports TomTom's optional traffic and weather services. They're subscription-based, but at least they're available if you want them.

These refurbished units come with a 90-day manufacturer's warranty. You may want to read some of the user comments on the aforementioned Quick Take page, as many users complained about hardware failures. But because these are refurb 510s, hopefully any such issues have been fixed. As always, there's some dice-rolling involved. The rebate offer (PDF) expires September 30.

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

I own one of these, got it refurbished with 1 year warranty. Shop around or wait a few weeks, you can get a better price than $125 (eCost tends to vary the price dramatically) . Most early problems like crashes have been solved with the latest updates. Also know that that traffic and weather are not available in the US (at least not last I checked). They do have gas prices available. You can get the free weather data service with an add-on antenna but I could not find any info on this aside from a little one line note on the available accessories. Lastly be aware that mapshare corrections available for this model depends on what version of the map it has loaded.

After all I have to say I love using it, it gives great directions. The major complaint I have is that the POIs are not always up to scratch and I had to go on the web to get some better collections to upload

[rickbroida]

I haven't found anything on TomTom's site to indicate that traffic and weather aren't available in the U.S. When was the last time you checked?

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

http://www.tomtom.com/plus/service.php?ID=3&Lid=1

"The TomTom Traffic service is currently available for Austria, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom."

[bonesbautista]

They're OK units. If you purchase one, make sure you update the maps or have the latest update of the maps.

Traffic is available in the US via a tethered cellular connection and by paying for the PLUS Traffic subscription (about 40-50 bucks per year).

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

"tethered" ? It supports Bluetooth and is actually doubles as a handsfree bluetooth speakerphone. It comes in handy when you look up a POI that has a registered phone number, you just punch the call button. Nice when you are traveling at 10PM at night and need to find out it a restaurant is still open.

BTW as I replied above the website says "The TomTom Traffic service is currently available for Austria, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom." Are you using the traffic service here in the states because this is news to me.