buy sunglasses TomTom 1505TM Navigator Lifetime Traffic
Large, bright screen and refreshed interface that will still be familiar to Tomtom XL users. Navigation has been perfect so far with a large lane-assist database. One of my favorite features is that it displays almost all information I could want by default including arrival time, time until arrival, miles until arrival, speed, speed limit, and current time. On my garmin, I could only choose 4 of these items to display on-screen. Overall, the VIA series is not necessarily worth the update from XL (unless you don't have lifetime map updates with your XL) as the interface is essentially the same but with a refreshed look. But if you are looking for a new GPS, look no further.
One huge advantage is that with the lifetime traffic version (which I did not get since I don't think it is accurate enough at this time), there are NO ADS. This is crucial. All garmins with lifetime traffic include on-screen advertisements that are displayed when the vehicle is not moving or has no GPS signal (such as in a tunnel). The time when a car is stopped at a red light or stop sign is the safest time to consult the GPS, but Garmin obscures the map with ads at this crucial time while Tomtom does not.
My only complaint is that lifetime map updates are not yet available as part of the MyTomtom software. One map update is available as part of the 6-month guarantee, but the lifetime maps should be added to the software sometime in the future (make sure to save the promotion code in the box for when it does become available). Once it is updated, free safety camera warnings will also be made available.
I guess since I got this unit a little later than some of the others whom have posted reviews, it worked well. Connected to the computer it downloaded the software and installed an update.
BalasHapusWhile the voice recog is a little limited, great for this price range.
While I have had one for around 1 month, I have been very happy with the unit.
This GPS is a true value for money in terms of price, features and performance. This is my second TomTom GPS after TomTom One XL-S. I have owned XL-S for 4 years and it still works fine but I upgraded it for new maps and better technology.
BalasHapusPros:
1. Wide 5" screen
2. Responsive touchscreen (much better than Garmins), excellent POIs ( I checked for a new SubWay that opened in my town about a month ago and I could find it)
3. Lifetime maps ( I was able to download and install the latest maps from My TomTom website. I am not sure why some other users ran into issues.
4. Lifetime traffic ( This is really a cool feature and it works beautifully. During the rush hour on my wayback home, showed me where exactly I-95S was backed up along the route and the time delays)
5. Superb information displayed (shows your driving speed and the max speed allowed for that road, lane guidance feature is very good)
6. Voice command is really easy to use and works fine.
7. Easy customization of settings for notifications, maps colors, voices.
8. Fast GPS signal acquisition.
9. Tried Bluetooth pairing it with my BlackBerry Bold and it worked seamlessly.
Cons:
1. In comparison to my XL-S 4.3", the screen has lower resolution, the colors are not that solid and in day time, you may get faded color effect.
All in all, a great GPS. You can't go wrong with this one.
I have only owned one other GPS unit prior to this Tom Tom Via 1505 GPS unit so my comparison is limited to a Garmin 850 Street Pilot GPS that I bought 5-6 years ago or longer.
BalasHapusThe difference was incredible. First the 7" color LCD is easy to read and crystal clear. The IQ route logic is what I had been missing on the old Garmin, it constantly searches (when you set it for the fastest route) for a faster route and alerts to any when found, giving you the option to change the route or stay with the previous route. This may not be as important to some users but to someone who lives on the road, being able to find faster routes, saving time and also having the ability to remain on the previous route are all important.
The information the Tom Tom Via 1505 provides is simply immense.
The support software (you need to install on a PC to check for map and software updates) is a large file that takes quite a bit of time and data time (for any using limited data download providers) but once it is done and installed, works wonderfully checking for map updates every time you restart and advising you if there are any updates ready and waiting for you.
Funny thing is the Garmin still works however I had the MSN traffic feed and MSN discontinued their service Jan 1, 2012 so I contacted Garmin to ask how do I get another traffic service, etc. they ignored me. I sent two follow up messages and all three were NEVER answerred. So I guess I got my answer, go to another brand.....I'm extremely satisfied that I chose to try Tom Tom!
As a long time Garmin user I was surprised how much easier Tomtom is to use. It is much less complicated and the interface looks fantastic. Also it comes with a manual, no advertising on traffic updates, and Tomtom's customer service is much better than Garmin's!
BalasHapusI have this TomTom on my dashboard along with a Garmin. Both cost about the same amount. The TomTom provides far more information! For trips it gives estimated time of arrival at the destination (very accurately!), miles to the next junction, Miles to the destination. Plus the time of day, speed limit and speed. The Garmin shows a map and speed and speed limit. Not much else.
BalasHapusMy one quibble is the voice I can understand is a man who does not say the names of streets. TomTom should know that older people like me cannot hear high-pitched voices well - we need a deep voice. Oh, for a deep computer-generated voice that would speak more information!
The TomTom VIA meets all of my expectations. The screen is large and easily readable and has several preference settings that are easy to set up. The directions work very well as expected. What I like about this TomTom's verbal instructions is that they occur quickly. Some GPS' have a delay before giving instructions that are quickly needed. This one gives the next instructions as soon as I make a turn or am coming off an expressway. It also precedes turns by indicating the lane I need to be in to prepare to turn. I found this helpful.
BalasHapusThe verbal commands work well. These include giving an address, a requested destination like gas, a restaurant, a prior address. The only mistake it made is the first time I commanded it to direct me to the nearest Chic-fil-a, it asked me if I said the nearest "Cheverolet." After repeating my instructions more clearly, it brought up directions to the nearest Chic-fil-a and began instructing me.
The GPS is really simple to us. Even the verbal commands are easy to learn and are prompted when needed.
I have accessed the traffic information; however, I have not had an incident where it advised of any accidents or traffic problems. I have noticed that when turning it on during a break in a trip it sometimes takes a while to locate a GPS signal. I haven't figured out why that happens sometimes.
This GPS quickly proves its worth over a $100 one.
Love my new Tom Tom! This is the first GPS that I have owned. I had no problems connecting to MyTomTom and activating the code for the unlimited map and traffic updates.
BalasHapusI tried it out this weekend on a trip to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area. The Via 1535TM worked perfectly. It initially found the satellite quickly and was quick to reroute my path whenever I decided to stop at a few unplanned locations along the way. The directions were spoken clearly and were accurate throughout the trip. This was a concern for me in this area, as the park service had noted on its website that GPS systems could sometimes be inaccurate in the park area.
While researching a GPS to purchase, I had read reviews about other Tom Tom models that did not stay mounted properly while driving. This model seems to have a locking device that helps the GPS stay mounted properly. It was easy for me to mount the GPS to my dashboard using the included mounting disc. The Via 1535 stayed securely mounted during my entire trip. However, I have not tried to mount the GPS to the windshield. The dash mount was the most convenient for me to use in my vehicle. I did remove it and remount it several times during the trip with no problems or difficulties.
I also inserted a 4 Gb Micro SD card into the Via 1535. I wanted to be sure that I had enough memory to accomodate future map updates. I had to look at the unit pretty closely, because the slot on the back of the unit is quite small and not at all obvious. The expandable memory was an important feature for me though. I had read reviews about other GPS units that did not have enough space to accomodate map updates. However, this should not be a problem with the Via 1535 once the micro SD card is in place.
I have not tried out the Bluetooth feature or the voice command. However, these features were not factors in my decision to purchase this product. I wanted a GPS with accurate navigation, easy to use features, adequate or expandable memory, 5" bright screen, clearly spoken street names, lifetime traffic and maps, and no pop up ads. Based on those features, I have been very happy with this GPS so far.