Difficulty in start up & getting a signal is very disappointing.

I bought this Via 1535TM because I already have a TomTom XL 340 S that I purchased in 2009, which had never had a map update. So instead of purchasing the map updates for $72 per year, I thought it would be better to put that $72 towards a new TomTom with lifetime maps. I did a few months of researching reviews of different TomTom models and decided this is the model that had the most features I wanted and in a price range I was willing to pay. In my search of reviews for this model, I did find several reviews that were less than appealing, usually due to difficulty in obtaining a GPS signal. However, being very anxious to get a new TomTom with lifetime maps and a larger screen than what I had, I tried to dismiss the negative comments. It was difficult to believe that these problems were so frequently noted when I was so happy with the TomTom I already had. Therefore, after a couple more months of watching Ebay, I made the purchase at a very reasonable price and from an outstanding vendor. This was factory new in factory wrapped package. Right from the start, I could not get it to obtain a GPS signal. I tried for a couple of weeks without any progress. Finally I got in touch with TomTom technical support. I talked to a very pleasant and patient tech support person for close to 2 hours in an attempt to get the TomTom to obtain a GPS signal, to no avail. I left it alone for a few days and then tried several attempts on my own to get it to start, and finally it picked up a signal. My hope was that now the problem is solved. Not so. Every time I want to start it up, I have to recalibrate it. This involves holding down the On/Off switch until you hear the TomTom drum sounds and then release the switch. The unit will then boot up and search for a signal. This process takes on average of about 2-3 minutes. Very inconvenient and frustrating. The unit also shuts down when you interrupt the power source, i.e. turning off the vehicle or unplugging it from the power source. I like the voice recognition and voice command feature, however, if you give a verbal command like "find the nearest Starbucks", it will only do so if you have a planned route in place at the time. You cannot be driving randomly with no planned destination and request it to locate a specific location other than "take me home". In general, the graphics are good but not any more special than my XL 340 S. I cannot compare this unit to other brands as I have never owned or operated other brands. Due to the difficulty in start up, I am disappointed with this unit. I would not buy another Via 1500 series and would not recommend it to a friend. Considering my satisfaction with my XL 340 S, I would buy another TomTom unit, but would give more serious consideration to reviews provided by other customers. I hope this is helpful to someone.

not the best tom tom ive owned

I too was looking for a larger screen and this tom tom unit had alot of features i wanted above and beyond my 3 other tom tom units which are out dated and need mapping updates so the lifetime maps was a big selling point for me.I did get a good deal on this unit and it was brand new.I also have an issue with it locating a signal which others complain about.Occationally it will pick up the signal but other times it does need to be recalibrated at start up to find satelite service.My next step is to try and see if I can download an update or something but in the interim i still use my old tom tom to get where i have to go.

OK but could be a lot better.

Not as good as my old TomTom 730. Processing time is slower. If I take a wrong ramp it doesn't seem to notice until I get a long way from the original road. The speed limit function does not work as well. On many secondary roads, such as when traveling through small towns, there is no speed limit displayed. This is when it is needed most. Maps are very good and up to date. I like the red light camera warnings. The traffic receiver works very well in warning of delays and giving options to choose another route. Display is bright even in sunlight.

frezen probleme not so good for me ...

I bought this item for my road ease cause I'm not good on knowing where I am going, but the GPS it's been acting weird from past 2 weeks after I bought it, when ever I lost the signal under a tunel after that it take a good half an hour to get back on the map makes me lost my self before I get where am i going I don't know what's the probleme but I'm still intouch with Tomtom company to get that resolve so after all great product I love it caus it got all the features that i like ....

so great!

I needed this GPS for my own use to get where i need to go since I've just started driving around and i want to get comfortable with the area i live in and other places outside. I love how easy it is to use and the voice navigation system is very clear for me to understand. what may be a small downside is you need to make sure it stays on the dashboard stand or else it might fall. this is my first time buying a system like this and I love how it works, it is easy with great features and compared to other prices i found, it was the best value by far.