TomTom GO 730: Review

Posted to GPS 2010-09-19

TomTom GO 730 review:

If you are ready to upgrade your old GPS to a premium widescreen navigation system, then consider the TomTom GO 730 Portable GPS Navigator. Promoted as one of TomTom's "best-for-the-price" navigation models, this 4.3-inch GPS comes packed with advanced functions such as Advanced Lane Guidance, IQ Routes, hands-free calling, FM transmitter, and voice address input. Although it lacks the Lifetime Maps subscription, this device does include the popular MapShare technology, which allows you to receive map modifications even after the 30 days have expired.

Measuring 4.6 x 3.2 x 1 inch and weighing a comfortable 7.7 ounces, the TomTom GO 730 is a great upgrade for users who want to get more functionality and a larger screen than the 3.5-inch models currently offer. Not only does it feature 2GB internal memory, but it also includes a SD card slot so you can expand the device's capacity even further. Thanks to an updated lithium polymer battery, you can enjoy up to 5 hours navigational time. While the GO 730 is not the best GPS on the market as of today, it is certainly one of the best-valued for overall navigation and functionality.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Features

Although this particular model lacks the recently-popular LIVE services and Lifetime Subscription to TomTom Maps, it does come equipped with several advanced capabilities such as Bluetooth hands-free calling and Advanced Lane Guidance. As with nearly all TomTom GPS devices, this one also features MapShare technology, which allows for custom map corrections, as well as sharing and receiving modifications with others. Among the other enhancements is the IQ Routes Technology, which gives you the fastest route by using actual average speeds of travel to calculate your route. This is especially useful in urban settings, where traffic situations may affect travel times at different roadways. Finally, this model features a SD card slot for expandable memory capabilities, as well as direct voice input, which allows users to recite addresses rather than using the distracting touch screen.

Ergonomics

With the second-largest available touch screen, the TomTom GO 730 GPS is not exactly the most appropriate pocket navigator; however, it is crafted for the best-possible car navigation experience. If you plan to take trips that may require more attention to the road, then a smaller GPS is certainly not for you. Fortunately, the 4.3" widescreen on this model allows you to see your directions with ease. Some of the common complaints include minor annoyances such as the device hibernating or the screen washing-out in direct sunlight, so you should be prepared to encounter these. Other than that, there is not much to boast or complain about.

Summary

Overall, the TomTom GO 730 does not seem to quite match the description of the "perfect GPS," but it certainly does not fall into the category of "beginner's choice" either. This model is great for users who have experienced other, less-featured TomTom devices but want more out of their navigation system. Consumers who are comfortable with competitor GPS navigators will find it hard to get around the GO 730's minor flaws, but overall this device is all-around an excellent electronic accessory to keep close when venturing onto the road.

Pros

Communicate- voice-input addresses and hands-free Bluetooth calling
Navigate- IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance, and Map Share technology
Features- includes 2GB internal memory plus SD expansion slot
Durable- integrated lithium-polymer battery with 5-hour operation life

Cons

Valuable- not the best GPS, but overall a great value for the consumer