TomTom 1EN5.019.03

VIA 1505TM 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator  8.5/10

By

TomTom 1EN5.019.03
A popular GPS navigator in competition with Garmin’s Nüvi series, the TomTom VIA is a 5-inch GPS device for just $115.92. It provides lifetime traffic and maps, and shows images clearly and in full color in the wide touchscreen. Preloaded with 7 million points of interest, the TomTom VIA helps you find your way using street names in the directions. We liked how it shows the street you’re currently on and the speed limit. Its IQ routes plots the fastest route based on the time of day and week. The GPS device is permanently attached to the car mount, which means you may need to remount it each time you get in the car rather than leave it sitting in plain sight. Overall, we were pleased with the design, even if the touchscreen is sometimes sluggish.

Strengths

Has large, easily recognizable icons

Uses full color, 3D maps and images

Includes street names in its turn-by-turn directions

Large, clear touchscreen

HelpMe! Emergency menu lets you find hospitals, police, and fire stations quickly

Provides lane guidance in complicated junctions

Provides real-time traffic information

Comes with 7 million points of interest

Weaknesses

Voice command feature won’t recognize every place name

Screen gets washed out in direct sunlight

Slow to pick up satellite signal

Is permanently attached to the suction cup mount

 

Steve Holdgren Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Prices