Google maps on the Go !

I chose the Tom Tom One XL for several reasons, but the number one reason was price. At around $250 it had many features of the more expensive units.

The most important reason for buying a GPS is for directions and The Tom Tom functions superbly. The maps seem to be well updated. There was a recent development in my neighborhood (2005) that turned a dead end into a through road. While a friends Garmin did not have the updated info, my Tom Tom knew of the change. As for the routes chosen, I rarely disagree with its choices. It has yet to steer me wrong in about 6 months of use. You can set the unit to calculate routes based on shortest distance or quickest time.

The touch screen and easy menus are very intuitive, making this unit a snap to use. The Tom Tom also recalculates routes very quickly (about 20 seconds) if you alter your course or miss a turn.

The Tom Tom includes several features that I like. The points of interest can be updated via the website and also seems to be very accurate. These listings also include phone numbers, so you can find a nearby restaurant and call for takeout without having to call 411.

This unit is also compatible with the Tom Tom live Traffic update system (fee service) which can guide you on the quickest route around traffic problems.

The unit is very quick to turn on and typically only takes about 30 seconds to find the satellites. I have experienced the unit getting "confused" and taking up to 10 minutes to find a signal on about 5 occasions. Luckily, I was not depending on the unit at the time as this could be very frustrating.

I have also noticed lately that the USB plug is loosening up and sometimes needs a bump to make good contact and charge the unit. After only about 6 months of use, I am a little worried about this. This is probably due to the number of times I remove the unit from the car, but I can't leave it in the garage overnight until the weather warms up or I risk killing the battery.

The one feature that the Tom Tom lacks is text to voice. This means the unit will provide verbal directions but does not speak street names. i.e "Turn right in 25 yards." as opposed to "Turn right onto Jones Street in 25 yards." I was willing to forgo this for the extra $200 that I would have to pay at the time.

Overall, a great product that will get you where you are going with no hassles.