How do I get TomTom VIA 1405M 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime MapsCompetent device, but somewhat flawedBy Damodar ChettyThe 1405M does a lot of things right, but it still left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. What didn't work for me:################1. Small print. Zoom does not increase map icons.A GPS unit is used in the most adverse of conditions ... while driving, possibly in the dark, possibly in inclement weather, and possibly while traveling at speeds at which margins of error are narrow. As a result, I prefer that my GPS display be as readable as it can possibly get. Unfortunately, the 1405M uses smaller font sizes for street names, and teeny icons for highways that normally appear within logos (such as interstates, state highways, or county roads - e.g. Minnesota 61 or Interstate 35E). There's a zoom option available, but in a questionable design decision, it will increase everything else but the size of the text and icons. I often find myself having to focus on the unit while driving - with cursory glances not being an option. One saving grace is that the display quality is stellar, and the text and images are rendered well.2. No auto power on when the vehicle is started. I really want my GPS to turn on as soon as I start my engine. This is a major annoyance for me since even my 4 year old Garmin Nuvi does this automatically. 3. Powering on the device can be a pain.Even worse, the power switch is behind the unit on the lower left corner, and flush with the body, requiring me to find it my touch. Further, I have to press and hold for about 3 seconds before it will turn on! Would a simple click of a button on the front of the device, be asking too much?4. Other comments:a. The speed limit display works well ... except that its database seems to be very limited. My ancient Garmin Nuvi was the champ in this area, and it is truly amazing how much you miss this feature once you get used to it.b. The device does not power down when the engine is turned off. Fortunately, this can be configured using a setting option. Yay! The real issue here is that this wasn't the default option and I had to go looking for it.c. The suction mechanism didn't work well on my windshield (kept falling off), but it worked really well with the GPS disk. d. The "tips" that are displayed were pretty much useless to me. I couldn't wait to turn them off - another useful configuration setting.e. You can only define one via point. Other units let you set up a series of way points and to edit the sequence of your stops. This is useful on vacations where I set up our itinerary complete with attractions, tourist traps, and lunch stops. The 1405 only lets you pick one way point en route to the final destination.What worked well:############1. Nice generous screen.To me, the 4" screen size is about the minimum for a vehicle GPS, and the screen on this one is gorgeous. I've used it in varying light conditions and its held up better than others that I've used.2. Excellent voice prompts.The voice is clear, well articulated/enunciated, and loud enough to hear while driving. It amazes me how far this has come ... »» Read more about TomTom VIA 1405M 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps.
Price: $189.95 » Get Discount Price
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