TomTom One 130

The TomTom One 130 is easy to mount on the windshield, easy to carry, easy to use and easy on the pocketbook, reviews say. It cuts out most extra features, including two that experts say are really useful: a wide screen and spoken street names (e.g. "Turn left on Elm Street in 100 feet" rather than just "Turn left in 100 feet.") Some reviews recommend stepping up to the TomTom One 130S (*Est. $130) for spoken street names, or to the widescreen TomTom XL 330 (*Est. $160). None of these models offers IQ routes -- available on more expensive models, such as the TomTom Go 730 (*Est. $265) -- which critics say can generate faster routes, although the feature doesn't work in all areas. Overall, reviews are more likely to recommend Garmin's more full-featured budget models, such as the Garmin nuvi 265T (*Est. $185), which includes free traffic information for the life of the unit.

ConsumerReports.org's tests are thorough, expert, and they rank dozens of GPS models -- including the TomTom One 130 -- from best to worst, but only subscribers can read the reports. GPSLodge.com's test is just as thorough, and it gives clear buying advice. GPSTracklog.com conducts extremely detailed tests as well, but in this case reviewer Rich Owings does not test the One 130 itself (he tests a similar unit). User reviews at Amazon.com and CircuitCity.com are very helpful, as they point out some flaws with the One 130 that the experts overlook.