A Guide To Entry-level GPS Navigators

Clearly, not everyone wants to own a GPS unit. Some people would rather spend their money on digital cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones or other gadgets. In fact, some smartphones have built-in GPS features, which might make having a dedicated GPS device seem like it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense. Companies like TomTom, however, are working to make the idea of GPS devices more attractive to drivers. Even basic GPS devices provide safer and more convenient driving. You might even think GPS devices are worth more than their price if you look at some entry-level units like the TomTom VIA 1405T.

Common TomTom GPS GPS Navigators Device Features

The most important feature of a GPS unit to new users is its interface. TomTom makes this part easy by giving all TomTom GPS navigators the same easy-to-use interface. A touchscreen makes route planning a snap, and accessing the unit's other features is easy with its menus.

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.

GPS units typically come with maps providing coverage of the United States, and some also include maps of Canada and Mexico. The maps are interactive in the sense that you're able to add points of interest for the locations you frequently visit. You're also able to zoom in and out. Even if you never add any points of interest of your own, you'll still have plenty of points of interest as soon as you turn on your GPS unit. The roads will also be mapped properly.

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.

Features like voice recognition and Bluetooth are available if you're willing to spend a bit more on devices such as the TomTom VIA 1435T. Voice recognition can make your driving even safer because you'll be able to give your GPS commands without needing to touch the screen. And after you link the Bluetooth feature, you'll be able to place and receive phone calls through your GPS unit.

For less than $170, the TomTom VIA series GPS units give you a lot of features.