» More news» TomTom introduces European RIDER
17 May:» TomTom HOME available for download!
26 April:» Next week in the shops: TT GO 910!
20 April:» TT starts shipping new GO's in USA
10 April:» TomTom PLUS: free WC Football items
» Forum» yourTomTom forum
» News
CeBIT: TomTom introduces RIDER
Thursday March 10, 2005 - This summer there's good news from TomTom for all the bikers out there. Then they will introduce the RIDER; a navigational solution for the motorbike!
Many will agree that the only thing that was still lacking in TomTom's range of navigational solutions was a practical and weatherproof model for use on motorbikes. This gap will be filled in a few months, when TomTom introduces the RIDER.
At first glance, the RIDER is nothing more than a compact GO. We wouldn't be surprised at all if there were a lot of technical similarities between the two. Software wise, the RIDER seems more like a twin than a little brother because it has all the same possibilities and functionality as the "bigger" GO.
Still, there are differences, but those are fully intentional and meant to fascillitate this GO for use on a motorbike. Eg. the RIDER is smaller but very sturdy. It's also waterproof and uses a Bluetooth headset especially designed for use in a helmet.
The RIDER package standard ships with a lot of mounting solutions to be able to mount the unit on every type of handlebar out there. There will also be a mount for in-car use, but that one will be optional.
Just like all the other newly announced TomTom products, the RIDER also supports the new TomTom PLUS function. And just like it's bigger brothers, the GO 500 and 700, the possibility is also there to use the device as a handsfree phone kit, in combination with any Bluetooth compatible mobile phone.
On the bicycle?
You might ask yourself why TomTom positiones this product as a motobike and scooter device, and doesn't mention bicycles. Can't it be used for planning a route with your bicycle on a sunny sunday afternoon? Or doesn't it work with bicycles? Of course you can and of course it does, but here the RIDER has got one big problem: it doesn't contain maps with specific routes for cyclists. Positioning it as a the ultimate cyclist device would perhaps be a bit optimistical. Of course, things may change in the future, but there's no word on that yet. We'll keep you updated for sure!
I want one!
Sadly, you'll have to have a bit more patience if you want to buy this RIDER because it won't ship as quickly as the other newly announced GO units. It's set for release in the summer of this year, but no specific target date has been set. Also, prices are still unknown. But don't worry, once we'll know, you'll know!
» Pictures with this story
