BIOS: Technology Means Business

TomTom’s Rider (£545) is the first all-in-one navigation solution designed specifically for drivers of motorcycles and scooters.

Complete with all the advanced and easy-to-use features of TomTom’s excellent ‘GO’ series of in-car sat-nav devices, the new TomTom Rider promises detailed street level maps for the entire US (Europe coming soon) and provides real-time access to traffic and weather information via wireless Bluetooth technology to help you get to your destination.

Completely plug and go, TomTom Rider is designed to be the perfect partner for anyone looking to explore and tour the open road or the urban jungle on their motorcycle or scooter. It comes with an integrated GPS receiver based on SiRF Star III (with 20-channel all-in-view tracking) in a tough weather-proof case, fixes to any motorbike or scooter and is easily transferable from one bike to another.

The gizmo features a colour touchscreen that has been designed to work even with gloves, as well as an anti-glare screen and integrated sun-visor. Perhaps its greatest feature is its portability, allowing you to put it in your bag and take it with you when you’re not on your bike. TomTom Rider also provides up to 5 hours of constant driving, powered by its built in Lithium-ion battery.

TomTom Rider includes detailed maps pre-installed on a weather-protected memory card. It also provides turn-by-turn spoken instructions in over 30 languages. A headset that fits in a helmet works wirelessly via Bluetooth to make sure the device’s vocal instructions are as clear as possible.

You can choose your preferred route type, for example avoiding highways, as well as the shortest, fastest, most scenic routes and more to get the most out of the motorcycle driving experience. TomTom Rider also offers TomTom PLUS information services through a suitable GPRS Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. TomTom PLUS is a bundle of services that provides real-time information on traffic congestions and weather conditions, and offers extra downloads such as detailed city maps, additional voices, points of interest and more.

[Best GPS Pricing UK]
[Best GPS Pricing US]