Choosing a GPS navigator can a bit tricky since there are plenty of products that boast all kinds of features that will make your smartphone look as if it is a very weak GPS device. Although smartphones 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.
TomTom VIA Series
The TomTom VIA series are the newest members of the TomTom car navigation category and should be considered over the older XL and XXL devices. If you see any attractive XL and XXL deals, consider looking at the VIA ones first because although XL and XXL devices are cheaper, you get more from a VIA device without adding a significant amount. To start things off, all of these devices in this series have Advanced Lane Guidance so you get that extra assistance in the highway. The feature will guide you to the right lane so you won’t miss an exit. It also has the Eco Route feature which comes up with the most fuel efficient route to ensure maximum savings. The IQ Routes feature is still available if you want to reach a destination quickly.
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 VIA 1505TM 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 GO 2435TM. 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 touchscreen used by the TomTom GO 2435TM is the main difference between those two units. The touchscreen is useful if you check the map often because it permits multi-touch gestures.
But if you don’t think you need the enhanced touchscreen, 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.