TomTom RIDER 2 - Juiced up and Enhanced

TomTom announced a new enhanced TomTom RIDER2 that updates the unit with some of the best features of the other TomTom devices while adding to the cache of motorcycle driven features to bolster its appeal. The newly enhanced RIDER allows updates through MapShare, offers the latest Map guarantee, adds the Help Me! capability to the menu, trip stats features, and a nice itinerary planning and sharing ability to help people create and manage custom POI sets and itineraries.

Press release after the jump...

TomTom, the world's leading navigation solutions provider, today announces an enhanced RIDER 2nd Edition for motorcycles. New available features include TomTom Map Share(TM), Help Me!, Fuel Prices Service, TomTom Traffic with a 30-day free trial and new premium maps.

In addition, bikers now have easy access to dedicated trip statistics. This allows them to see average and maximum speeds per journey, total miles traveled and distance from home.

Customers who have previously purchased a RIDER 1st or RIDER 2nd Edition can now also benefit from the latest software features by updating their software free of charge via TomTom HOME. In addition, when purchasing a new premium map and a 2 GB SD card (SD card must be purchased separately), users will also have access to TomTom Map Share(TM). New maps are available now via TomTom HOME or http://www.tomtom.com/.

With TomTom's latest map guarantee, if a new map is released within 30 days from the time a customer starts using their device, they can download it for free.

The enhanced RIDER 2nd Edition comes preloaded with the latest Tele Atlas maps of the United States and Canada.

"We aim to provide all TomTom customers with the highest-quality navigation experience available," said TomTom Inc. president Jocelyn Vigreux. "Now, RIDER customers have the same innovative features as users of our automobile products, most notably TomTom Map Share(TM) and Help Me!. And, bikers who use the enhanced RIDER 2nd Edition can find the lowest fuel prices on their route and avoid heavy traffic areas -- services that can be particularly helpful as the summer travel season approaches."

Ease of use

The TomTom RIDER features a simple, easy-to-use touchscreen that is conveniently designed with extra large screen icons so that bikers can operate the device even easier while using gloves. It comes with a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that provides up to 5 hours of constant operation, or can be wired into a 12 volt motorcycle battery (with the included power cable) for a constant charge.

New and enhanced features

The updated TomTom RIDER for motorcycles enables users to benefit from the following features:

-- TomTom Map Share(TM) technology that enables users to make updates and
corrections to their own maps instantly and to benefit from
improvements made by other users, completely free of charge
-- Latest map guarantee so users always have free access to the latest
map available at time of purchase
-- Extensive safety features, including the 'Help Me' menu that gives
drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance
-- Fuel Prices, an optional subscription service for users to find the
nearest and lowest gas prices
-- Trip statistics so users can keep all the details from their trip on
their device
-- Itinerary planning and sharing to help users create and manage POI sets
and itineraries

In addition, the TomTom RIDER comes with all the award-winning features of the current TomTom RIDER pre-installed, including:

-- TomTom Traffic*, a subscription option for users to receive traffic
updates through a data network connection on their cell phone. A free
30-day trial is available.
-- Rugged "RAM" mount that fits on virtually all motorcycles, is easy to
mount, and can withstand rigorous vibration conditions common to riding
-- High-quality Cardo scala-rider(R) Bluetooth(R) headset for in-helmet
spoken instructions. The new headset fits open and closed helmets, and
has exceptional noise cancellation performance to ensure that bikers
can hear directions and phone calls with unparalleled clarity.
-- Waterproof (IPX-7 standards) to protect device from rain and fuel
splashes
-- Car kit accessory option with separate mount and built-in speaker for
car usage
-- Rugged and secure bike dock for single-handed mounting
-- Enhanced quality voice instructions
-- Easy to hear beep instructions as speed increases to replace voice
instructions
-- Bluetooth for hands-free calling

Pricing and Availability

The enhanced TomTom RIDER 2nd Edition is available at the same price of $649.95.

Technical Specifications

-- 3.5" 320 x 240 full TFT color LCD touchscreen (64k colors)
-- High sensitivity GPS chipset
-- Waterproof: IPX7
-- 2 GB external SD card with maps of US and Canada preloaded
-- Operating Temperature: 14 to 130° F
-- Bluetooth(TM)
-- Internal lithium-polymer battery (5 hours operation)
-- Power source: 12V DC battery, 110V AC charger
-- Dimensions: 4.46" x 3.79" x 2.08"
-- Weight: 11 ounces

(*) A compatible Bluetooth(TM)-enabled phone with a wireless data plan is
required to use TomTom Traffic. Please check www.tomtom.com/phones
for a compatibility list.

May 8, 2008

TomTom RIDER 2 - Juiced up and Enhanced