TomTom Via 280 (page 3 of 4)

My VIA 280 CAN NOT find gps signals, if it does they cut in and out. I down load updates every two days, QUICKFIX is a waste of time . Also if the weather is slightly warm the unit shutsdown .Will never buy tom tom again will go for GARMAN . hAS BEEN A COMPLETE WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME

Purchased in June 2013 and I raved about how good “Tim” our Tom Tom has performed. I enjoyed the features that the Via 280 possessed from the finding an address, saving a new location (being able to enter the name) and importantly it worked every time. I accepted the change to the online MY DRIVE. Importantly I was successfully able to download a New Zealand map for our trip in September 2014 across the ditch and use our dual map loaded reliably whilst touring both North and South Islands.
On returning to the West Island aka Australia, Tim ...

GPS stopped 1 week after warranty. Will not turn on or do anything. Has always been slow in bringing up home screen but now nothing.

works well enough but will not update maps after 2 yrs purchased with life time maps,this unit still available in stores. not happy

I have had this unit for about 6 months. It is Useless. It cannot find a GPS Signal. I drive for 20 minutes (25 kms), then back again and it will not find a signal.
You have to connect it to the internet via your PC every 4 days to download the latest Quickfix. Without it you will not find a Signal.
If you find a signal, it will lose it constantly while driving. Saying you are on the other side of the motorway, down a side street. Then after 4 days, no signal again.
My old TomTom XL works well, but its maps are 5 years out of date.
New T...

Great for a basic navigation without any additional bell and whistle. Safety Camera alert for fix cameras works just well with feature to report additional camera. Bluetooth connection is not required for me but it does work well, voice recognition is not the greatest but does work with a bit of patience. Overall great unit for basic with ability to customise the content.

The product is Ok except for the problem it has with warning you that you are exceeding the road speed limit. The GPS underestimates the speed that you are travelling at, but when it does finally see that you are exceeding the road speed limit, (and you can see this by looking at the Tom Tom screen, it displays your speed and the actual speed limit), it only warns you when you have exceeded the speed limit by 10% for 8 seconds. In Australia you will be booked for this, and the device is next to useless for saving you from fines.

They ...

Great product. Have been a very happy TomTom user for many years. Previous model was GO750. When the screen suction cap broke I needed to replace it or buy a new TomTom asap as I use it daily for my work. I looked at the flagship 600 reviews, disappointed it didn't have bluetooth phone operation. Why? So I settled on the smaller cheaperVia 280. So far very happy. New features are handy and I continue to be happy with TomTom, the new MyDrive and free map updates.

I received this model for a gift as an upgrade to the Tom Tom Go which I have had for around 6 years. Initially it felt like it was a big improvement but once I started using it I realised it's basically the same with just some minor tweaks. It gets you were you need to go no question but I'll give you my experience so far:

1. Model is not compatible with the 'Tom Tom Home' Software (for Tom Tom Go). The device packaging requests that you setup an account with 'MyTomTom' which now has been superseded by 'My Drive'. Initially very confusing....

up date my tom tom 280 wow good it saved me last week i was on a freeway going to sydney low on fuel i was thinking ill just fill up when i get to sydney now after few kms hit traffic it went for long time fuel was going to empty fast,,, now im going to run out i dont know where i am,,,ok voice activate drive to petrol station, got of freeway,,,,only was a few minits away,,,,yes it saved me,,,latest map poi,,,,

This unit goes for days without finding a GPS signal, finds one and loses it within seconds. The voice including the telephone hands free has stopped working. It has been very unreliable from the start. I have been saved by the 'maps' on my mobile phone many times, when the Tom Tom Via 280 has let me down. I don't agree when others say that "you get what you pay for". If its on the device it should work properly, it should not be there at all if it is not going to work or if its inferior. I expected all features that were explained to me at...

The Tomtom Via 280 mostly does a good job. I may have been lucky but I haven't had any of the problems others have mentioned. Good unobtrusive communication from the navigator, clear screen, easy solid mounting to windscreen, basic registration and updates on internet. I have used it on various work cars for about 6 months and have to take it on and off every day so it can handle a bit of abuse. It does tend to have trouble navigating certain areas at times (Eg. The Story Bridge in Brisbane!) but generally is very reliable. 4 1/2 stars.
Easy to use, clear directions, reliable

I bought this GPS last week and used it on the weekend. Instructions told me to download and install Tomtom Home, which frustratingly did not work, until I tried using Tomtom MyDrive. I was able to update my GPS after the 5th attempt. Very easy to use! It was struggling to function when I was driving around Hickson Rd, Sydney (City). Other than a few places in the city, the GPS wells A-OK!

I haven't had a problem with my via 280 so far and it has been a lifesaver for me with the job I have. I would never have the time to keep pulling over and checking the street directory - I love this navigator. The only update problems I've had are with the TomTom website constantly having technical problems. As for the red light notification that someone else mentioned in here, that has nothing to do with the 'colours of the traffic lights' it refers to the 'red light cameras' installed in some intersections (just in case you're considering running a red light it warns you that you will be photographed if you do and consequently fined)..LOL.
Easy to use
Would really like the real time traffic reports but you get what you pay for

I have never used a navigation system before. I brought a new TomTom. 3 weeks later it stops working. It takes over a week to get the information to return to TomTom for repairs. & 7 business days later they give a repaired machine that belonged to someone else that lives on the otherside of Australia. Not even the same system I brought. No instructions on how to use it. Had to pay postage to return machine. So much for buying on special. Now have to take a day of work to return the replacement.

Regret buying it.

Great unit via 280 BUT bad free lifetime backup with system asking for an update of Adobe flash player when I already have the latest, so I install it again with system highlighting it's connected and STILL not updating, would not suggest using there backup service as online update is not good at all. Please do your homework prior to buying one of these !!
Good unit

I have removed my review, and although over 5000 people read it, no one said thanks or said it would help them.
I have removed my review, and although over 5000 people read it, no one said thanks or said it would help them
I have removed my review, and although over 5000 people read it, no one said thanks or said it would help them
Sleek design, good colour on screen
Very poor product and service

Bought at HN 15% off at xmas, around $139. Only one could price low enough with bluetooth. Registered ok and thought it updated, but needed to login again later to get updates. (strange it didnt do it when initially).
Road trip recently down from central QLD, would not find established road names in Bundaburg in older suburbs?
Spoken name search not so good, very average. Used in Brisbane, and in the city was very good with road selection and lane choice, instructions and effective time for peak times. However a deviation sent us down a one w...

The device overheats rapidly and switches itself off. It won't restart until it cools and that won't happen unless it's removed from the windscreen of the car (if in daylight) and kept switched off in a cool place - maybe in an 'Esky' with a cold brick. Please do carry these items if you're using a Tom Tom Via 280!

I used my Via 280 on two trips only and it was quite useless. I took it back to The Good Guys in December (2013) and they sent it for repair under warranty. It was ready for pick-up today, a month later. (Yeah, I know, the Christ...

A week ago I bought a TomTom Via 280 in car GPS navigation unit to replace the TomTom One XL in car GPS unit I have used for the last 6 or 7 years. I have now used the Via 280 to navigate right across the Sydney metropolitan area and return, to navigate to the South Coast and return from Sydney, and Sydney to Canberra and return, and to navigate around Canberra over 3 days. It was excellent and operated flawlessly.. I was always happy with the One XL but I could see a lot of scope for improvement, and all of my needs have been met with the Via ...

Purchased at Dick Smith on special for $129, with free map upgrades for life. Great little unit, loads of features, reasonably quick to startup and to locate satellites. Clear bright LCD display, responsive touch screen. Accurate navigation - no issues so far in that department. Light and thin, good audio quality, wide variety of voices, bluetooth for hands free phone operation. For $129 is great value for money. No complaints at all..

After reading some of the reviews about this product I was a little reluctant in buying one. I bite the bullet and bought it any way. It is very easy to use and operate. There was a few times where the satellite but when you are cruising down a highway, you really can't go wrong. If I can drive through the heart of Sydney without getting divorced, then this unit was worth every cent. Don't always believe what you read. The unit is so good, my sister has one as well. Would recommend to anyone.
Cheap, reliable and very easy to use.
Tried to make me turn in places you couldn't but there were highway upgrades going on.

Purchased my TomTom Via 280 GPS from 'The Good Guys' in Ballarat and so far have found it impossible to register over the computer (most of the time a screen message informs me the site is inaccessible). Extremely frustrating. In use, I've found some indicated speed limits are either wrong or out of date - and this wrong information could end up being quite expensive for a driver relying on this facility. TomTom don't supply an owners manual with the GPS, however a manual is available in PDF form on the internet to download and print. Eventuall...

Bought this unit on recommendation from sales staff. Needed a reliable unit for interstate and country travel. It takes at least ten minutes for it to find a satellite. Loses satellite connection frequently. Whilst on route shows you as travelling in a field or stopped in middle of nowhere. Direction often given after point reached. Switches on/off at will. No help at all from Tom Tom after reporting problems.
Looks nice as an ornament in a vehicle.
Unreliable, useless.

Having owned the original Tom Tom for about 6 years with no worries, the 280 was a replacement and just kept dying, I kept having to plug it into my computer, it would not last more than 5 minutes in any car we used. Today I took it back to JB and they replaced it with a NAVMAN. The lady next to me had the same issues with the Tom Tom and was getting hers replaced as well. The salesman said the Tom Tom was once the leader however, they appear to have more problems with them which is sad, the original Tom tom was a great machine, the new 280 is a disaster.
light and big screen
would only last 5 minutes, had to keep charging it on the computer as it wouldnt charge through the cigarette lighter device.