Get a 'Homer Simpson' GPS for $89.99 shipped
Drop an extra $12.95 and this TomTom GPS will tell you where to go--as Homer Simpson.
(Credit: TomTom)Update: Sorry, folks, looks like Newegg sold out. That happens with many of the deals I post, so as always, if you see something you like, hurry before it's gone!
The best GPS deals these days fall in the $50-60 range, but sometimes it's worth paying a little extra. Case in point: Newegg has the refurbished TomTom One XL-S wide-screen GPS for $89.99 shipped.
So why is this model worth a few extra bucks? Two words: Homer Simpson. Like many TomTom nav systems, the XL-S lets you install (for a nominal charge) various celebrity voices.
The latest addition is "Simpsons" cast member Dan Castellaneta, who tells you where to go--as Homer.
Need I say more? Well, OK, I'll say more: The XL-S also offers a 4.3-inch touch screen, text-to-speech capabilities, Bluetooth, and an optional traffic-data receiver.
However, it's important to note that text-to-speech isn't available with the celebrity voices--only the built-in computer voice. Thus, Homer says things like, "At the end of the road, turn left," not, "Turn left on Evergreen Terrace."
Also, the Bluetooth capability doesn't afford hands-free calling like on some models. It does, however, allow you to download traffic data via your cell phone, without the need for the aforementioned receiver. (You still need a TomTom PLUS subscription, though.)
I particularly like TomTom's Map Share feature, which lets you make map changes and import changes made by other users. Also, the easy-to-use TomTom Home desktop software helps you update the device, install new voices, plan routes in advance, and so on.
The Homer voice costs $12.95, which I think is quite reasonable. It's optional, of course, and I'll admit the novelty does wear off--in about three years! Seriously, I so dig this that I'm selling the Sony GPS I bought a few months back and moving to the TomTom. You?
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 



A GPS is not an excuse to stop using your brain.
Check it out. Navtones does a load of celebrity voices. I just got Mr. T and Kim Cattrall. Love it.
I'm sure Homer will be good but I'd say Mr. T beats him. And KITT!
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4331481&CatId=358
I'm sure that there are thousands like me who can't remember to check the cheapskate page each weekday - because it's too low on the radar - but would do so if provided a link (path of least resistance).
It would be a good bet that you would have thousands of followers on twitter just for this.
http://www.1saleaday.com/
Yep, a 3.5" screen and no text-to-speech for street names, but a great deal!
Rick - If you plug in your GPS to your computer and load up TomTom Home, you can check how old your maps are....any chance we could get you to verify the above?
- by rickbroida June 29, 2009 1:17 PM PDT
- Well, even though the deal is gone, the Homer voice is available for many TomTom GPS models. And I have to say: I love it. You hear a lot of the same things over and over, but that's true of any GPS voice -- and this one never gets tiring. Even my couldn't-care-less-about-technology wife loved it.
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