Display Upgrades In Recent GPS Technology

Automotive GPS devices have evolved over the past few years and it isn't just the internals and technologies that power them. Although improved navigational technologies are usually the best reason to make the upgrade, some design improvements can make a device better too. TomTom is one of the popular GPS brands that are aware of this and they want to stay competitive by offering 5-inch GPS navigators just like some other big GPS manufacturers are doing.

Early GPS devices used 3.5-inch displays, but now people are accustomed to the 4.3-inch widescreen displays. Buying a unit with a 5-inch screen might seem like an expensive upgrade, but that doesn't need to be the case. TomTom offers a couple of inexpensive TomTom GPS Navigators with 5-inch screens. For example, the TomTom VIA 1505TM is affordable but gives you the same benefits as typical 5-inch devices.

Advantages of 5-inch GPS Devices

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.

Buying Guide for 5-Inch GPS Models

At a price of about $150, the TomTom Via 1505 is the most affordable of the TomTom VIA series of GPS devices. It's a good buy if you're just looking for basic GPS functionality. Compared to the TomTom GO series of GPS units, the 1505 is basic, but it still has plenty of useful features. In addition to navigation technologies such as IQ Routes, Eco Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance, the 1505 will give you maps with plenty of points of interest and other helpful details.

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.

It is even better if you go for a device with the TM suffix because you get lifetime traffic updates as well as lifetime map updates so you get the best value without worrying about subscription fees. Real-time updates are important when you want to take the best route at a certain time and it is also important to update your maps every now and then when new places surface. Therefore a device like the TomTom VIA 1535TM is an excellent purchase and it still costs less than $200.