One of the best car GPS options from a leader in the industry, the TomTom VIA 1515M is an affordable option with both the features you really need plus a few extras. It comes with functions which add value to the system, such as lifetime traffic alerts and Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s also a top choice when it comes to entry-level automotive GPS navigation systems due to the number of preloaded points of interest.
The VIA 1515M has a 5-inch screen, and if you want to go slightly smaller, you can opt for the VIA 1415M, which has a 4-inch screen. The TomTom VIA 1515M gps is simple to use and comes with a car mount that takes just moments to set up. The lifetime maps which come with the device cover the United States, Canada and Mexico – perfect for those who plan on taking long road trips. The device also stands out due to its IQ Routes and split-screen junction view. There is even a convenient Map Share feature to help with frequent road changes.
Overview
It’s safe to say that the TomTom VIA 1515M is a navigation system which provides the best value for those who don’t want to spend too much money. This entry-level unit comes with a 5-inch screen – not too big, but not too small either. The touch screen is less responsive than those seen with higher-end systems, but it remains responsive enough to get the job done. The screen has a 480 x 272-pixel resolution, which is an average display for entry-level GPS systems. The unit itself has 8 GB of internal memory and there is a microSD slot that lets you expand this storage. There is support for 28 languages to be loaded with the user interface and spoken instructions.
Navigation
The TomTom VIA 1515M has millions of different points of interest preloaded for ease of use right out of the box. It also comes preloaded with maps. When you first turn it on, you will notice maps of each of the states in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. There are 10 million points of interest already there; you’ll struggle to find this many elsewhere. The GPS also comes with free lifetime updates. These not only include the United States but Canada and Mexico as well.
When using the TomTom VIA 1515M, you’ll find all the information you would expect from an automotive GPS navigation system. Not only will you see upcoming turns, you’ll receive a warning so you can get in the right lane ahead of time. The device also tracks your current speed and compares it to the speed limit set in the area.
The default display is a split screen with one side showing an overview of the route. The other side features additional details, such as the distance until your next turn, the exit you need (including the name and number), and the lane to be in. If you prefer, you can also set up the VIA 1515M to show landmarks on screen.
The IQ Routes are a nice feature from TomTom that adds value to this GPS unit. This feature calculates the route that will get you to your destination most quickly. The unique part of this feature is that the calculations depend on the current speed of traffic, not average speed limits like most competitors would use.
Additional features
Pricing and warranty
The VIA 1515M from TomTom is highly affordable, typically priced between $200 and $270. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options you will find when you compare GPS systems. The price is great value for money when considering features such as the free lifetime updates to maps. Additionally, the TomTom VIA 1515M comes with a one-year warranty, which is the average for the industry. Furthermore, if you have any issues with this device, you can contact support via email or phone.
The TomTom VIA 1515M is one of the best choices available if you want an entry-level GPS system. It offers all the basic features you need, plus a few extras that will surprise you considering its price bracket.
Setting up this TomTom model is simple, thanks to the inclusion of a car charger, USB cable and reversible integrated mount. The screen is just five inches, which is a typical size, but the battery life is capable of lasting a full three hours. This is better than many other models on the market, even those which cost more.
Those who want the freedom to travel anywhere will find this model to be one of the best GPS navigation systems for a car thanks to its preloaded maps for the entire United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While some competitors offer lifetime map updates for the United States, this TomTom does one better by also including this feature for Mexico and Canada. To top it off, there are 10 million points of interest already loaded onto the device.
The split-screen functionality of the VIA 1515M is a feature that drivers will appreciate, as it lets you get both an overhead and a detailed view at the same time. It even includes lane guidance so you do not have to suddenly change lanes to reach a turn.
The TomTom VIA 1515M is best suited to those who regularly take road trips or like to explore. It will also do well on local commutes and errands, but the up-to-date maps across three countries make it a real winner for international road trips.