Widescreen GPS

Size does matter: Actual size comparison of a standard 3.5-inch GPS Screen to a 4.3-inch Widescreen GPS.

A lot of people are asking about the wave of Widescreen GPS units and are they worth the extra real estate. The classic argument is, “I am traveling straight ahead. Why do I need the widescreen? I need a taller screen to see where I am going better.”

I say, don’t knock them until you try them.

The typical screen on a standard width GPS is 3.5 inches diagonally, while a widescreen is 4.3 inches diagonally, which adds up to a lot of real estate difference, not only in width but in height too. The image here is a composite of actual screen shots from a standard width Garmin (SP550) and a widescreen (Nuvi 660) Garmin. This should give you an idea of really how much extra space you are getting, not only in width but in added height. In terms of area, the widescreen is 70% larger than the standard 3.5-inch screen units.

The best way I can describe it is that the widescreen is like having better peripheral vision that allows you to not only see what’s ahead of you right now, but also what’s going on around you. Let’s face it, not all roads are straight, and having the widescreen offers you a lot more information as you travel.

Furthermore, when you have the widescreen, you don’t really feel like you need to be on top of the unit, and you feel like you can kick back a bit and relax with this great widescreen hanging out there guiding you. It's a pretty luxurious feeling.

Finally, the widescreen GPS units offer more space to navigate the unit's interface with; more buttons, easier navigation and typing on the unit. It's just a better experience.

The TomTom ONE lists right now for $249, and the TomTom ONE XL is $100 more. I think that the extra money is worth it. When moving from the Garmin Nuvi 350 to the Nuvi 650, the price difference is a bit more, but overall I still think that it’s a better choice if it’s in your price range.

Popular Widescreen Models are: