If you plan to take your TomTom around the globe, make sure you purchase a unit that uses worldwide maps. Most TomTom GPS devices come with access to maps for the US, Canada, and Mexico. You might prefer the largest screen possible for easy viewing, or you might prefer something smaller that takes up less dashboard space. In fact, some models are available in your choice of either a 5.0- or 6.0-inch screen. Most TomTom units have a display screen that is 4.3 inches, 5.0 inches, or 6.0 inches. Here’s a look at some of the other major factors to consider as you shop for a TomTom GPS system. You’ll want to take into account your personal needs when researching TomTom GPS systems: do you prefer to hear voice commands or look at maps as you drive? TomTom makes a wide range of units for drivers with either preference. As such, user-friendliness is the number one trait. Most people are looking for basic functionality in a TomTom GPS system. TomTom, based in the Netherlands, started as a joint venture with electronics giant Erickson in the 1990s. Read our shopping guide to learn about TomTom GPS systems and how to choose the best one for your needs, and check out a few of our favorites. TomTom makes that choice a thing of the past. What’s more, if a call comes in while you’re using a smartphone GPS system, you’re forced to choose between your call and the GPS instructions. Adding a GPS app to that mix can drain a smartphone battery in the blink of an eye.

Most phones have apps that run perpetually in the background, using precious battery life on long trips. One of the primary benefits of using a TomTom GPS system in the car is that it plugs directly into your vehicle’s power source without draining your smartphone’s battery. Consumers are returning in droves to external navigation devices, like those made by TomTom, to get them where they’re going. Using a smartphone for vehicle navigation has its benefits, but it comes with almost as many negatives. Just a few years ago, it was assumed that advances in smartphone GPS technology would render external GPS navigation devices obsolete.

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