Via 1605

[srphelps]

I'm thinking about getting a via 1605 and I'm wondering what you all think of them if they are a good buy or not. Thanks

 

[canderson]

Depends How much is being asked? The Via 1605 is certainly a great looking unit - IMHO, the best screen TomTom has ever put on a GPS in North America. The bigger question is what features are important to you. For example, if your driving habits would make a higher quality real-time traffic service worth the subscription, the Via series doesn't support that (only GO models, hence the GO1535). I also prefer a resistive screen for what I do, and the Via 1605 and GO 1535 both offer that. Again, you'll have to help us out a bit.

Just as a point of comparison (it's already being done in another thread here, but ...)

The Via1535 and Via1605 are basically identical with the exception of the bigger and higher resolution screen on the 1605. Beyond that, only price differentiates them. So let's have a look at what that means (and I'll use the TM traffic and lifetime map versions for both):

At Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-1605TM...YXOC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387688177&sr=8-1 $146 for the Via 1605TM
http://www.amazon.com/TomTom-Blueto...FTFQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387688244&sr=8-1 $140 for the Via 1535TM

No brainer. For the much nicer and easier to read screen, I'd pay the $6 in a heartbeat.

 

[redrock3]

It is probably worth noting that you can easily find a replacement screen for the Via 1500 series at a reasonable price, should one crack or stop reacting to tactile pressure. Finding a screen for a 1605 is a whole 'nother animal. If you can find them at all, you will pay upwards of $70 - $80 for one. Just the digitizer is $40. It is a factor to consider. I believe a 1535 traffic antenna would work in a 1605 to provide traffic updates as long as it has a micro usb plug.