Happy New Year, everyone! As it’s 10:47 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2009 as I write this — I hope you haven’t broken any New Year’s resolutions yet!

As you may have read previously, I have a serious thing for my iPhone. One of its best qualities is its GPS functionality. In fact, I used it just a couple of days ago to help me and the family find the National Christmas Tree display near the White House in Washington, D.C. (a worthwhile trip, by the way, if you’re anywhere near D.C., or visiting near here, during the holidays. In addition to the National Tree, there are trees for each state and U.S.-goverened territory, with a group from each state or territory making decorations that go inside transparent globe ornaments.)

The iPhone’s GPS still isn’t up to the standards — yet — of most of the standalone GPS units made by Garmin, TomTom and others, however. Those companies are really pushing the envelope of the technology.

One of the latest and greatest GPS upgrades is available in the TomTom XL 330S.  It’s called Map Share, and allows you to make changes to your own maps. Say you’re taking your usual route to the office, and discover that construction has blocked a road. Simply input that change to your TomTom unit, and in the future, it will show up in your map as unavailable. Awesome, huh?

You can help out others with this information, too. Using the TomTom HOME software, you can link your GPS with your computer and upload the new data for others to download. Of course, you can get the same data from other TomTom users.

The 330S has a number of cool features, including a wide display, automatic rerouting around traffic congestion and quick pickup of GPS signals. If you’re looking for a GPS-only gadget, make sure the TomTom is on your list.

Now, get out there and go on that first run of the new year!