True.. TomTom Units have two maps. The smaller units (ONE, GO510, ONE XL) get a "USA_and_Canada" map. The units with HDs or larger flash memory (GO 720/GO 910/GO 920) get a "North_America" map. Technically, the maps are the same BUT the NA maps have more detail (such as more lakes/rivers and other landscaping details) than the USA_and_Canada map PLUS they get a lot more POIs and also cover Puerto Rico.

IOW, TomTom scaled down the USA_and_Canada map so that it'll fit in the 1GB units. TomTom uses TeleAtlas mapping for USA/Canada.

Also, their 2006 map (version 660) is up-to-date in some places. The restaurant in the next town over that opened last summer was on my TomTom when I bought it in November. Oddly enough, certain roads that were updated before 2006 did not show. So the updates are spotty.

 

And all this lack in coverage is sad since we have paper map atlases with near 100% coverage...ugh...I still keep my 10 buck paper copy. Just don't trust the technology...and I have seen it wrong many at time.

They do have pluses though and I do have to say it is nice to see a map in real time.

 

With all the development around here in the last 5 to 8 years, I doubt even a current printing of a paper map is anywhere near 100% accurate.

 

But note that the turn-over time from data collection to paper mapping is quicker than it is to digital maps.

Plus paper maps don't show POIs or phone numbers.

 

There is hybrid 7.1 nav disk available on torrent. I am using it for months and works fine, only downside is as it uses loading file from 5.1 disk I still have to press I agree button as in 5.1 On positive note you can unlock it for using while in motion. Just google for "TLF-SOFT-Toyota.Lexus.GPS.Navigation.DVD.V7.1-SHooTERS.iso" without quotes.

 

Does anyone know if there is a new version that will be available this Feb/March for the Camry Hybrid Nav system? My parts department told me that's when they normally receive updates - is 7.1 it or is there a newer one?

 

Version 8.1 has been available since about mid-November.

 

We got 8.1 on our TCH in November.
(Sorry. No, I won't share).

 

Any improvements over 7.1 besides map changes? (like firmware wise)

 

I don't know what was in the previous disk, so I can't compare.

However, you still can't imput a destination or much of the other stuff when moving.