Auto Navigation GPS

Car GPS units have evolved significantly over the last few years, and not just in their internal technologies. Enhanced navigation technologies are normally the best justification for upgrading, but design improvements can also enhance these devices. The popular GPS brands, including major brands like TomTom, realize this. They’re now producing the TomTom VIA 1535T GPS navigator with a 5-inch displays in order to keep up with the competition.

Although early GPS units had 3.5-inch screens, many consumers are now using devices with wide, 4.3-inch displays. You might think you need to spend a ton of money to upgrade to a GPS device with a 5-inch screen, but some TomTom GPS navigators, including the TomTom VIA 1505, deliver the usual benefits of a typical 5-inch GPS unit for an affordable price.

The Benefits of 5-Inch Displays on GPS Units

Although overall screen resolution is not affected by increasing the display size from 4.3 to 5 inches, the pixels appear bigger. That can be a significant benefit in a car’s GPS unit. These units are intended to be mounted on the dashboard or windshield of your car, and depending on your car’s interior design, the display might not be easily readable. The zoom feature can help, but you need to tap the unit’s zoom controls to activate it. A 5-inch display will stay readable on more zoom levels and the unit’s menus will also be easier to read because the overall size of the text is larger. TomTom VIA 5-inch models have slim profiles, and they are lightweight despite the larger screen size.

5-inch GPS Buying Guide

The most affordable TomTom VIA device which is the TomTom VIA 1535TM costs around $150 which is good if you are looking for the basic functions. Although the 1505 is basic compared to something like a TomTom GO device, it still has plenty of nice features including maps with detailed roads and lots of points of interest along with useful technologies like Advanced Lane Guidance, Eco Routes, and IQ Routes.

However, if you have a 4.3-inch GPS and you’re upgrading, you might be better off spending a little more and getting something like the mid-range TomTom VIA 1535T. In addition to getting the bigger display you’ll be upgrading your GPS functionality with features like voice recognition and Bluetooth. At one time restricted to high-end models, these helpful features are now available to ordinary consumers who are looking for additional convenience.

A TomTom GPS model with the TM suffix is even better because it will come with lifetime traffic and map updates. It will give you the best value and you won’t have any subscription fees. It’s important to be able to update your maps periodically so you’re aware of new routes, and real-time updates are essential for knowing the best route to take at a particular time. With a price below $200, a GPS like the TomTom VIA 1535TM would be an excellent purchase.

Due to the fact car and truck GPS units are actually so popular; numerous alternatives have appeared on the scene. This could certainly make it more challenging to find the best solution for your own car or truck. Opting for a premium quality system, including the TomTom XXL 540S is necessary. Nonetheless, you could want to know how to make a knowledgeable investment. Listed below are quite a few simple measures you can go along with to be able to make the ideal choice.

Step 1 – Make Your Mind Up on Your Budget

The first measure you should take is always to make a decision on your budget. Everybody has to work with a different financial situation. Figure out what you are able to genuinely afford to shell out regarding this unit first. After you are aware of precisely what your budget is, it helps you to reduce the many alternatives in line with selling price, reducing those you’ll want to choose between. Make absolutely certain that you really go along with that budget and it’s going to help make your choice less difficult.

Step #2 – Consider Features that are Important

Most likely, you currently have a few functions in mind you want to make sure your car GPS system has. You may want a good touch screen, vocal guidance whilst driving, Bluetooth, color screen, or perhaps some other features. Being aware of the actual features you want is definitely going to help you additionally cut down your choices. When you are aware of precisely what you would like when it comes to functions, you can start to look only at choices, such as the TomTom XXL 540M that provide you precisely what you would like.

Step 3 – Check out Several Suppliers

Countless suppliers promote car GPS systems nowadays and if you want to make a smart decision, it’s advisable to check with a number of vendors before making up your mind. Take a look at the readily available units that happen to be within your budget and also those which contain the capabilities that you might want. Compose a list of the various alternatives that contain the things you want. Using this method you have an understanding of the number of choices that could suite your requirements. You will discover solutions including the TomTom XXL 540S Navigator on the market, along with good quality units from several other major manufacturers like Garmin and Magellan.

Step 4 – Look for the Perfect Price

Once you’ve refined the options, you should ensure that you get the perfect price. By way of example, in case you have decided on the TomTom XXL 540S as the unit of choice, take the time to find where you can find the ideal bargain. With the net at your fingertips, this becomes effortless. Just compare costs at a variety of internet retailers to ascertain who can give very best selling price. Furthermore, hunt for any sort of sales that could be taking place or maybe coupon codes, which often can save you even more dollars on your car GPS unit.

Some people would rather spend $100 or $200 dollars on devices like mobile phones, digital cameras or MP3 players than GPS units. In other words, some people don’t really want a GPS device. And some smartphones come with GPS features already built in, so it doesn’t seem like a dedicated GPS unit would really be necessary. However, TomTom and some other GPS manufacturers are making owning a dedicated GPS device much more appealing to drivers. Even the least expensive GPS units can deliver a safer, more convenient driving experience. Some of the entry-level GPS devices, like theTomTom VIA 1405T, for example, just might make you feel like they’re worth more than what you pay for them.

Common TomTom GPS GPS Navigators Device Features

The most important thing about introducing a GPS device to a new user is the interface and fortunately, all TomTom GPS navigators manage to all have that same friendly interface. The touchscreen interface makes it easy to do route planning or go through the menus to access other features.

Recent entry-level TomTom GPS Navigators units give you an appealing, colorful widescreen display with a compact, slim profile. The detailed maps and 3D views you’ll see on one of these displays will give you an improved perspective on your driving. A TomTom GPS device will let you get rid of all those atlases and maps you have in the back of the car.

Most GPS devices come with maps that cover the United States and may include Canada and Mexico maps too. These maps are highly interactive since you can zoom in and out and add points of interest in case you frequently visit a particular location. Even if you do not use that feature, you can still access lots of these points the moment you turn on the device and the roads are properly mapped as well.

These properly-mapped roads allow even entry-level TomTom GPS devices to use the IQ Routes technology effectively. IQ Routes is a navigation technology that shows you the fastest route to your destination by examining traffic conditions. If you don’t mind taking a slower route in order to save fuel, the ECO Routes function can help you out.

You’ll also find that car GPS devices such as the TomTom VIA, GO and One models come with a built-in text-to-speech feature because you need to look at the road instead of at the GPS unit. This feature calls out the turns you need to make, and even identifies them by street name in order to prevent confusion.

If you want to spend just a bit more on your GPS device, the TomTom VIA 1435T and certain other models will give you Bluetooth and voice recognition. The voice recognition feature can make you a safer driver because you’ll be able to tell your GPS what to do without touching the display. The Bluetooth feature, once it’s linked, will let you use your GPS unit to make and receive phone calls.

The TomTom VIA series devices provide plenty of features for less than $170.

Certainly you’ve heard commercials or read ads about navigation systems and why you should buy one of your very own. The Magellan RoadMate 1700 GPS is one that is hard to miss. Have you been shown one of these devices by a neighbor, friend, or family member who highly recommended purchasing a GPS device? There are those who feel there is excessive hype concerning these devices. But a quality navigation system for your vehicle can truly provide many important benefits and advantages. This is true whether you purchase a Magellan, Garmin, or a Tom Tom. Here are some specific examples of the benefits you can enjoy if you purchase and have a GPS device installed in your vehicle.

Benefit #1 – Easily Get Directions and Avoid Getting Lost

One of the more obvious benefits of a system like the Magellan RoadMate 9055 7-Inch Portable GPS Navigator happens to be the ability to easily get directions. With these devices, you can get directions with just a few touches of a button. If you get lost on a regular basis, this can definitely be a huge help to you. It’s easy to pre-program this device before a trip to make it easier to get there without a problem. Many devices even offer voice directions so you don’t have to keep looking at the device as you drive.

Benefit #2 – Safer Driving

Knowing what’s ahead is a definite safety advantage. Having a GPS system of your own gives you that advantage. GPS devices like the Magellan RoadMate Portable GPS can give you information about traffic, construction, and road conditions. These are all things that can keep you safer when you drive.

Benefit #3 – Faster Traveling

GPS devices can let you know in advance if you need to divert from your original route, because they can detect things like traffic jams or construction zones that may slow you down. This will help you arrive at your destination in a timelier manner. One of the best features is that the device will help you to plan alternative directions to reach your destination. You are bound to get there quicker with GPS.

Benefit 4 – Identify Places of Interest

Some devices like the Magellan RoadMate Navigator will make travel easier by identifying places to buy gas, spend the night, or dine. If you are in a place that you are not familiar with, a lot of the devices have built in links for local hotels, restaurants, gas stations and other destinations. So, if you are hungry or need gas in an unfamiliar area then just use the device to find the nearest favorite restaurant or gas station.

These are just a few of the great benefits you can enjoy when you purchase a GPS device for your vehicle. If you don’t have a navigation system, it may be time to make this investment. Investing in a device like the Magellan RoadMate Portable GPS Navigator is sure to pay off in the long run.