TomTom’s iPhone car dock is now available from the U.S. Apple Store for $120 with a shipping time of 2 to 3 weeks. You’ll recall that the actual TomTom iPhone app runs for $100 on top of that.
Aside from secure windshield docking, the kit also includes a secondary built-in GPS chip for “a truly reliable signal – even in high-rise urban areas,” according to the product description. There’s also a built-in speaker and microphone for hands free calling and a 3.5mm audio out connector that allows you to feed it directly into your car stereo’s audio-in jack.
TomTom Car Kit for iPhone [Apple Store via SlashGear]
I am sure the profit margin is at least $100 on these. A four dollar chip, speaker and mic + plastic = Cheap, Cheap and Cheap. Do I hear a bird? I am curious to see someone tear one of these apart to see what they really have on the inside.
Thanks for sharing that! Nice post. I just glanced through it. TomTom GPS – Reviews & Cheap Price, Buy Car Navigation
Looks like a cheap plastic holder – no way is the speaker going to provide good audio no matter how the sales pitch it. No integration with bluetooth car kits, audio playback only via headphone socket? (not adapter so no remote control), windscreen only mounting. And if the support policy is the same as for the app then TomTom will defer all product support to Apple and I can not see Apple supporting this.
This is a really undercooked offering given the ease with which technology can be integrated. The only plus is the GPS reception enhancement but for that money and the product limitations a standalone Satnav is better value