TomTom GO 720: Review

Posted to GPS 2009-01-29

Review: TomTom GO 720

The TomTom GO 720 Portable GPS packs a lot of features into a sleek, pocket-sized package. It features a 4.3 in. color LCD touchscreen, spoken directions with text-to-speech for real street names, and Bluetooth capability for hands-free operation with your Bluetooth equipped cell phone. Features of the TomTom GO 720 compare favorably with the more expensive Magellan Maestro 4370.

The unit features real-time traffic and weather updates via TMC or TomTom Plus services. It includes an integrated MP3 player and FM transmitter so you can listen to your favorite music and hear spoken directions through your car's stereo system. The GO 720 has a 2GB internal memory and millions of POIs (Point Of Interest). The integrated touchscreen is coupled with an excellent menu system for easy navigation. And the anti-glare screen is bright and easy to read in sunlight.

Rating:

4.4 out of 5

Value

The GO 720 represents an excellent value because of the number of features it offers for the price. We've already mentioned the 4.3 in. color LCD touchscreen, text-to-speech capability, MP3 player, FM transmitter and excellent menu system. In addition, the unit features TomTom's exclusive MapShare technology, which lets you add to, customize and update your maps and share them with friends instantly. The unit comes with TomTom's award winning TomTom Home software, which works seamlessly with the unit.

Ergonomics

The TomTom GO 720 earns 5 stars in the ergonomics category because of its sleek, compact design and excellent user interface. It is probably one of the best walk around units available. The unit is only .9 in. thick and weighs less than 7.75 ounces. Yet the extra wide 4.3 in. touchscreen is roomy and easy to use. The styling gets high marks as well, with a sleek, aerodynamic design.

Summary

You probably won't find a better value in a mid-priced GPS unit than the TomTom GO 720 Portable GPS. It includes all of the currently most-wanted features in a GPS, and has some of the best companion computer software available. Apart from a few glitches in the menu system, such as not wanting to cancel a route, the unit performed flawlessly. And the mounting hardware that comes with the unit is above average, especially the windshield mount, which actually works. So if you're looking for a mid-range GPS unit, the GO 720 definitely deserves your attention.

Pros

4.3 in. color touchscreen
Text-to-speech capability
Built-in MP3 Player and FM transmitter
TomTom MapShare Technology
Sleek, compact design

Cons

There are no cons for this product