This one will do the trick - but almost any of them would so I'd look out for the best bargins, although XL2 does have a wide screen which makes it easy to read.

I bought the xl2 iq for just that purpose larger screen .clear lane guidance on the motorways ,tells you what lanes you need to use when approaching the slip road and the exit on and off roundabouts .

I've had this one for over 2 weeks now, which was an upgrade for the OneXL, I travel up to 250 miles a day, using the motorway networks to get to the cities and towns, very good for short cuts/direct routes often missing known "busy" areas.

this is great for both

Any good one will offer this

go for the xl2

Don't buy a Tom Tom buy a Garmin

A LIVE product due to the HD traffic feature allowing the customer to avoid traffic jams more accurately than other devices.

Yes

Yes

Not found one yet but still learning how to use xl iq2 properly

Hi Caroz,
Yes is does have route preview and you can adjust the speed of the preview

Yes

yes

no it doesn't have route preview. According to TomTom the 'simplified' menu has removed the route preview.

Yes, they can be downloaded online.

Oh yes.
Brian Blessed is great!

nope not fun ones but it has a wide range to choose from

Yes

go on web tom tom

If you go to Tomtom HOME or onto their Website you will find loads of alternative Voices & Will be told if they are free or if you have to buy them, you will also be advised if they are available for the XL2

Yes, but you have to pay for them, on TomTom home.

Nope - yet anoth bad design on the XL 2.

I am not aware of a solution. It is just awkward

The power cable recessed is a bit tight small fingers do the job ,and when used a few times it does become a lot easier to insert .

It is a tight fit, but being tucked away stops the plug bending/ breaking when knocked.

In the end it was small hands and bright lights that made it possible

I leave my cable connected even when not in use so its easier, try not to disconnect as often

No it does not have this function.

You can chose fastest, shortes, avoid motorway. You can let it use IQ which will find the best route for the time of day and route.

Yes it does have an alternate route function.

You can ask it to find you an alternative route which it does quickly but it doesn't give a choice of 3

The XL2 does not let you choose a route of your choice it forces an alternative on you without giving you the chance to modify your route.
It will not allow you to avoid part of a route either and it is very difficult to browse the route as this feature has been removed - I just bought one and it is going on ebay if TOMTOM will not replace it or downgrad the software to the XL1
The features you want are available in all other TOMTOM devices except the start and the XL2
Buy either the XL1, XXL or an x50 series but avoid the XL2 like the plague

You can but you might need to store them on your computer and when in UK ensure you have downloaded the UK maps then when you pop over to France ensure you have downloaded the France maps - much will depend on what model you get and how big the memory is though - worth asking the man in the shop about memory size and the size of maps.

Yes you can add them as and when needed by downloading them from the tom tom website or purchase the xl2 iq with uk[roi and european maps installed .

you can by the upgraded version with the maps loaded already but it costs more

Yes

Yes, but always check manufacturers web page.

Check the website's return policy. I think you should be OK - i'd suggest not setting any preferences on it or even better don't turn it on.

Under distance selling regulations, you can return an item if you do not like it provided it is in an unused condition and in the original packaging

Email the company and ask what there returns policy is . Any reputable company will comply with this request.

most firms do not take back unless found to be faulty

I exchanged my Tom Tom for a Garmin (much better) after 24hrs, the manager did not like it but I was not leaving until he had.

yes via usb port

Yes it can it works through your usb port

Yes you can charge through the PC USB port.

Yes

Go for the IQ. XL2 is a disapointment compared to One XL.
Lane guidance, dont get excited, if you are about to leave a motorway it will show 3 lanes with a big arrow on the inside lane suggesting it's best to be in that lane to leave the motorway. This function only works on motorways so dont think it will help with lanes in the middle of LOndon or Birmingham.

the road names are a bit confusing as the b527 is read out b five hundred and twenty seven

XL 2 has Route Itinerary as well if by that you mean a list of streets, turns ect.
And yes the XL 2 offers advanced lane guidance with spoken names

Not sure about refund conditions, but it takes you through a simple step-by-step process to set up when you use it for the first time.

There is an activation code for the latest map guarantee, but one isn't required to start using the device.

There is no backup disk, it's suggested that you update/backup your device at the earliest opportunity.

all models come with so called factory settings.. i.e. choices are set to the most common setting. all of these can then be set to your own favourite settings...e.g. miles or Km..
at any time the navigator can be reset to the initial factory settings.

By connecting your navigator for the very first time using the provided USB cable and answering the on screen questions of identity; the serial nuber of your navigator is registered and the maps activated.
once activated you can then update your system.

no backup discs are provided.
When the navigator is connected to your computer via a USB cable it appears to your computer like an external hard drive. It is therefor easy to copy the content of the navigator as a backup onto say your c: drive...
you can access your map on line for a period of 12 months and download a copy onto your computer.
Additional maps can be bought and downloaded direct to your navigator, memory chip or to your computer for future use.

if you download it to your computer you can select all of the map or just part of it to load into the navigator at any time.