The VIA 1605TM priced at $229.95 has the biggest screen that TomTom has used for a GPS unit. It is six inches wide and has an innovative design. To top it off, it performs incredible with precise routing and also has a newly improved interface for users. These features, together with inexpensive rates make it an excellent device for those on a budget. When it comes to higher end devices, a popular in the market is the Garmin GPS, one of TomTom's competitors.
The TomTom VIA 1605TM is made of a matte black plastic material with a brushed aluminum texture at the front. The screen resolution is now at 800x480 pixels, which is much higher than it used to be. Devices from TomTom are not popular for instinctive POI search. Although inputting addresses are very easy, extra subcategories are would help lots its current users.
With the big size and sharp screen resolution of the TomTom VIA 1605TM GPS unit the information bar actually looks sleek can organized, which is unlike other devices by TomTom. The information bar is quite useful, as it indicates the actual road speed, the limit, and a lot of trip data at any time. When making comparisons, Magellan and Garmin GPS units are not as informative when on the go.
The thing with the TomTom VIA 1605TM is that there isn't any HD traffic support. What it offers is the old service of real-time traffic used in TomTom's older models. Although it is not updated all the time, it works okay and is actually reliable when needed. The vertical traffic bar of these devices indicates areas with jams and the length, while heading to a destination.
The TM included in the name of the TomTom model stands for the traffic updates and lifetime map. In the VIA 1605TM, consumers receive 4 free map updates each year. That should be good since the maps are kept on the unit locally. The maps are refreshed when the device is synced to a computer. Battery life is about two hours of continuous use. That shouldn't be a problem though, since the GPS unit can easily be powered in a vehicle through a power jack. What this model lacks is a hands free mode for Bluetooth speakerphone. However, a separate device can easily be purchased in the event the vehicle does not have a built-in device.
Garmin GPS N?vi 3590LMT stays as the top end of the line when it comes to portable navigation units. Its features include 3D terrain mapping, easy POI search, and incredibly sharp map graphics. In addition, this device has granular traffic reporting. For those on a budget, there is a lower model, N?vi 2350LMT, which operates well and is user-friendly. However, in terms of budget GPS devices, the TomTom VIA 1605TM has more to offer.
Mike Moore is published on more than 300 websites. He writes recreational and commercial transport topics that cover topics from Fleet management and Commercial Trucking Equipment to Travel and Personal GPS Systems. He is published on various website including http://www.drivengps.com