GPS Navigators Review

If you are looking for an entry-level GPS with all the basic features and some add-ons, the TomTom One 130S is one of the choices that you might want to consider. Just like any other TomTom device, this One 130S is definitely user-friendly and can be used straight out-of-the-box. With a price of not more than $150, this gadget will most likely end up in your final list of choices.

Compact Design

The TomTom One 130S is lighter and smaller than the earlier TomTom models. Even with the usual grayish-black exterior, it doesn’t look dull at all with its bubbly figure. Even the car mount is revamped and is now smaller than usual. Both the GPS and the mount can, in fact, fit inside a coat pocket given their sizes. Despite its size, the mount certainly holds the GPS securely and even on bumpy roads, it stays firmly in place.

Due to its small size, its viewing screen is relatively small, yet the text and the map are clear enough to see anyway. The onscreen keyboard is also quite cramped but the layout can easily be switched from alphabetical to the traditional QWERTY style. You might not even have to use the keyboard to type the full name of a state or street because the TomTom One 130S has predictive text entry feature, which allows you to type only the first few letters and it will give suggestions based on the entered letters. This is another reason why TomTom gadgets are very well known for their ease of use.

Other design features included in this GPS device is the availability of different color schemes. The One 130S can also automatically switch from day to night color themes to adapt to its surroundings. When you purchase a 130S, you will also get, together with the unit, the vehicle mount, USB cable, a car charger and a user manual.

Top-Notch Features

For an entry-level GPS device, the TomTom One 130S has superb features. The device can readily be used in the US and Canada as it comes preloaded with maps of these countries. Just enter the address, intersection or zip code and you can get the route to your destination. You can save routes to Favorites and it keeps a copy of recent destinations. There are also a number of ways that the One 130S calculates directions from one location to another. If you don’t want to go through toll roads or if you want the shortest route possible, this GPS model can give you the directions. It also allows planning trips to multiple destinations at once.

Another adorable feature of the One 130S is the 5 million POIs included in the unit with all the most common categories like gas stations, restaurants, lodging, ATM, etc. Also, unlike other entry-level GPS devices that give generic directions, like “turn left in 50 feet,” One 130S will really say the specific name of the street for directions.

Perhaps, the only drawback, but sadly a big one, is the low speaker volume on the TomTom One 130S. Even with the windows rolled up, radio turned off, and virtually no other noise, the GPS is still barely audible. This is one thing major consideration buyers need to think about. But if they can easily work around with this weakness of the GPS, then the One 130S is certainly recommended because of its great features.

Currently TomTom One 130S GPS is available for $123.53 at Amazon.