It's no real surprise after TomTom's
slip-up last month of course, but now it is completely official: TomTom has announced their newest navigational solution for motorcycles and scooters today: the TomTom RIDER 2.
First view
At first glance, the RIDER doesn't appear to be all that different from the first version which became available in November 2005. Both units feature an integrated sunshade and, judging from the first official photos, only some very small cosmetic changes with regards to colour and structure have been implemented.
TomTom has opted to keep the 3,5 inch screen format and this means the dimensions of both units differ only very slightly (was 115x92x58 mm; is now 113x96x53 mm). The weight of 310 grams is identical even ! What is new, is that the 'new' RIDER, compared to the 'old one', is now completely waterproof according to the IPX7 standard, which means the device should remain functional if it was immersed in water for 30 minutes upto a depth of one metre.
Also on the inside, a number of important items have not been modified: the RIDER 2 still uses a 380 MHz CPU, 32 MB of RAM, a SiRF Star III chipset and an SD card for map storage. The built-in li-ion battery should last for about 5 hours.
As opposed to what was shown in the leaked Flash animation,the RIDER 2 still uses TomTom navigation software version 6. This means that, for a first look at the eagerly awaited version 7, we'll have to remain patient for a while longer.
Mount
Big changes have been made with regards to the mount of the unit. It was this part of the package particularly, which received bucket loads of criticism, and this was no doubt the reason why TomTom took a completely different approach this time: with the first RIDER they developed the mount themselves, now they have chosen to ship a
RAM mount with the unit. Of course, we will determine in our upcoming practical test if this change actually means improvement or not.
Another novelty is the Bluetooth headset which ships with the RIDER 2. TomTom has opted to include a headset created by Cardo. This new headset is completely weather proof, specifically created for mounting into the helmet, and was given the very appropriate name 'Scala-rider'. This Cardo is generally considered to be a very good unit by motorcyclists, and costs about 150 Euro in retail shops.
The RIDER 2 is shipped with a home charger, a power lead for connection to the motorcycle's battery, a USB cable and a carrying bag. The new device will NOT support text-to-speech, MP3 playback or RDS/TMC functions. Users who insist on receiving traffic information, will have no other choice than to revert to TomTom PLUS.
The TomTom RIDER 2 is set for release by the end of this May, and will be available in two versions: one with regional NAVTEQ maps, and one with Western-European NAVTEQ maps. The RIDER regional will feature an introductory price of ¤ 499, and RIDER Europe will cost ¤ 599. Experiences from the past have taught us that the real selling prices of TomTom units are more or less the same as the introductory price, a few months after release.
Competition
The new RIDER's biggest competitor is of course Garmin's zūmo, which was also specifically created for motorcycle use. For a true comparison between these two, you'll have to wait a little while longer until we receive our TomTom review sample. But based on what we already know , we've already set both devices specifications head to head:
Can't quite work it out, but it looks like this means that those of us with intercom systems already fitted may have a problem. I guess that the Scala headset does the job of the original Rider Bluetooth adaptor, which means that you will need to use that headset as well as your intercom. If that is the case it is another case of Tomtom shooting themselves in the foot.
Iain
If the car mount has a speaker then the rider 2 has audio connection on the base plate.
The big question is does the new rider bike mount have the audio presented to it? If not how hard would it be to modify the mount in order to integrate the rider into an intercom system?
Having the excellent Cardo Scala Rider is a good move by TomTom. I've been using this headset with the TTR for almost 12 months and cannot fault it. Clarity at 'jail-term' speeds is amazing, both with the instructions and a mobile. I do wonder though if TomTom couldn't have really stolen a march on it's rivals by introducing voice controlled commands (using a magic phrase, just like a mobile). Perhaps the technology isn't quite up to it.
The big question though is whether the ram mount will stop the persistent re-setting problems. Having recently received my Rider back from TomTom with a clean bill of health, and a new repacement mount, only to fing it STILL resets, this is a major concern for me. If the ram mount has cured the problem, then TomTom will have overcome a major hurdle. But I dont expect those of us who have experienced the frustration of the re-setting problem to rush out and buy a new unit until it has been user-tested over a long period of time. I know I wont.
I'm with you Bluediver.. I've had my RIDER for about 15 months and even though overall it works well I've suffered with the drilled contacts and broken mount (where I found it dangling down by my fuel tank) so I can't really recommend that people buy it..
A nice gesture would be for TomTom to offer us RIDER1 owners some mod to use the next gen mount.... This would make us a lot more happy and probably ensure further custom from us in the future..
There does not seem to be alot different with the Rider2 other than the included Scala Rider, new mount for motorcycles & the car one having a speaker. The big change here is in the mounting which shows that TomTom KNOWS there are major issues with the mount on the current Rider. The question is does TomTom have the guts to admit there is a problem and fix it, or do they not care about their customers? I know I do not ever recommend the Rider to anyone which I originally did...and if there is not some goodwill placed before customers, I will only speak negatively about them and their products.
The only thing that they have done is provide a .25 cent lanyard to attach because of Riders falling out of their current mount...what is being done about these drilled contacts TomTom? Give us a darn answer if a fix is coming or not! Tell us if you are truly a customer orientated company or one that takes our money and runs!
Alt
16-05
April 11, 2007 - 09:00 h
