TomTom ONE 130 3.5" Portable GPS Navigator (Box Version)

Comment:
PRO's: 1) The voice directions are loud and clear. The driver is told ahead of time when to expect changes in direction, and is reminded again just before the change is to take place (the distance to the turn or exit is also included in the announcement). 2) The graphics are clear and there is no doubt as to where the turn will take place. A previous reviewer mentioned the lines are not smooth, but I fail to see how this is important in any way. It is more important that the directions are crystal clear and that the roads and turns are properly displayed. 3) The TomTom comes with the option to view the maps in arial view (as you would view a paper map) or ground view. 4) Users can upload map corrections (if errors are encountered - it's rare, but it can happen due to new construction and such) to a database which is available for everyone to download. 5) Users can zoom in and out of the map by touching a small icon at the top of the map screen (I don't know why the previous reviewer had to leave the map and go to a different menu to do this). 6) The screen colors change to night mode as needed, making it easier to view the map in the dark/day. 7) It can be set to warn the driver ahead of time of upcoming rest areas and other important points of interest. 8) It can be used as a navigation tool even when a trip is not planned, since it shows upcoming street names long before they are visible to the naked eye. This is useful when navigating a congested area since you don't have to keep slowing down for every street sign to see what the name of it is, and thus, slowing traffic behind you. 9) Points of interests (restaurants, gas, ATM/ABM, hospitals, veterinarians, libraries, hotels, etc.) are displayed well ahead of time and can be added or subtracted as needed. CON's: 1) On initial power-up, it takes the TomTom as much as a minute to find the satellite. Once it finds it, it only takes a few seconds to find it again if it is turned off during the trip. None the less, it would be nice if the initial satellite search would be quicker. 2) The option to avoid toll charges should be given PRIOR to calculating the route, not after. It only takes a few seconds to calculate a route (even a cross country route), but still, it would be nice not to do it twice if toll charges are to be avoided. Overall, I am very pleased with the TomTom and recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to break the bank on something that has a lot of bells and whistles but does the same thing: gets you there.