Sunday, November 13, 2011

Choosing A GPS Unit Can Be A Bit Tricky

By Yusef Naser


Choosing a GPS navigator can a bit tricky since there are plenty of products that boast all kinds of features that will make your smart phone look as if it is a very weak GPS device. Although smart phones can serve as useful GPS devices even when you are a driving, a dedicated GPS unit can provide a lot more features that can save time, frustration, and even gasoline depending on the model that you choose. TomTom is one of the top brands in the GPS industry at the moment so it should be a safe choice but you will still be faced with a number of TomTom devices to choose from. Each model belongs to a certain family and there is still a series number which can confuse you if you never purchased any TomTom GPS navigators before. Here is quick overview of the most common TomTom series that will help you choose the right GPS unit without overspending too much.

The TomTom VIA Family

TomTom's latest family of car GPS devices is called the TomTom VIA series. They're the newest TomTom units and should be considered over the older XL and XXL series. Even if you see some appealing deals on an XL or XXL, consider the TomTom VIA models. They'll give you more features without costing much more than the XL and XXL units. For example, all the TomTom VIA GPS units give you some extra help on the highways because they all have Advanced Lane Guidance. This useful feature will guide you to the correct lane so you won't miss your exit. VIA models also offer the Eco Route feature, which guides you on the most fuel-efficient route to maximize your fuel savings. If you want to reach your destination quickly, the IQ Routes feature is still at your fingertips.

VIA models come in 4.3-inch and 5-inch flavors and you can tell just by looking at the 2nd digit. If you want to get a nice budget device and don't mind the 4.3-inch display, consider getting the TomTom GPS Navigators because it has lifetime map updates that ensure you have the latest map content along with lifetime traffic updates so your planned routes will never have any sudden traffic interruptions.

TomTom GO Series

Although the TomTom GO series includes the company's premium GPS devices, it also includes less expensive units such as the TomTom VIA 1505TM. If you're comparing this particular model with the TomTom VIA 1435TM you'll need to be careful because their specifications and features look very similar. The glass capacitive touch screen used by the TomTom GO 2435TM is the main difference between those two units. The touch screen is useful if you check the map often because it permits multi-touch gestures.

But if you don't think you need the enhanced touch screen, you can save by going for the 1435TM model. Remember that both models have voice recognition and it can understand lots of natural commands. If you are willing to spend more than $250 on a GPS device you can get a TomTom GO device that has LIVE features so you can get updated weather reports, fuel prices, and other real-time data.




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