GPSReviewBlog.com

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Topo map trails.
The pre loaded topo map trails are not accurate, spicifically the Pacific Crest Trail in the southern Sierra Wilderness in southern California, in the Sierra Navada Mountains. Otherwise I love the unit.

3 Stars Great unit, bad battery situation.
I have a Garmin Vista. It goes 24 hours per battery set. This thing needs a set of batteries per day in the field. As you still need a paper map, I returned it.

4 Stars What to say that hasn’t been said…
I love this unit, it’s my first GPSu I’ve taken it snowshoeing and hiking, and forest road exploring, and saved some mountain bikers from a purgatory of unmarked forestry roads (they were already about 2 miles off course when we bumped into them and they didn’t even know it) and so far I can’t find a road in the city or in the hills that it doesn’t know about, with trail heads listed, I don’t have to say “I hope this is the right road” ever again, I use the word ROAD loosely.

The GPS status display is very informative, tracking on foot with good Sat coverage accuracy tends to hang out around 5-6 yards, In the car it’s usually around 10-15 yards, one thing to note is, turn it on before you start driving or while you’re at a stop, it doesn’t like to lock on while moving, but once it’s on and locked it will track at high speed just fine.

Battery life is as advertised! I’m using recargable NiMH and as long as I limit backlight usage I can easily get 12 hours out of one set.

The preloaded topo is fantastic! So much information and so many POI’s, parks,little dam’s, and peaks I’ve been past many times before without ever knowing. The city base map however is a tease, it has the streets listed so you can use it like a map and see where you are, but it doesn’t lock onto streets, it views them as a background, so without buying the city software, when you set a destination it makes a straight line from you to it, I guess this might work if you commute in a small aircraft though!

I’m very happy with the product, but for the price I think the city nav should have been included, that’s why I knocked off a star. On the other hand I can’t blame Garmin for their business model as everyone needs to make a living.

4 Stars Great performer but battery hungry
This is a great unit; very accurate and easy to use. Be prepared to spend a little while getting used to the menu layout as some items you might expect to appear under one menu appear under another menu entry. But apart from the small “learning curve” this is a very nice GPS unit. The roller-style control is very easy to use and the “tracks” feature is particularly well developed in this unit. The only real issue is that the battery life can be quite short. However, there are three tips which will help you get a good 14 to 15 hours of continuous use. First, don’t use the back-light unless absolutely necessary (fairly obvious, really). Second, select the auto record setting in the “tracks” function to “update least frequently”. This second expedient seems to double the battery life and the unit still seems to update every 5 seconds or so (how far can you walk in 5 seconds anyway??). Third, if you use nickel metal hydride batteries make sure they are REALLY fully charged. Don’t use a rapid charge cycle (charge instead over night using a standard charger) as this gets the batteries hot and the total charge is dramatically reduced. Without these measures, I could only get an hour or two of operation when I first received the unit. Not using the back light added another hour of use and minimizing the “tracks” update frequency added another 4 hours of use. Finally figuring out what was going on with my battery charger resulted in a good 14+ hours of continuous use.

5 Stars First One
This is my first handheld GPS device. I bought it to GeoCache. It works well and has many features I like. The only knock is that the learning curve (expecially how to use it with my computer) was longer that it needed to be if there was a better manual.

Clear and easy widescreen interface Enhanced POI information

Buy a TomTom device and it works straight out of the box: Just plug it in and a few taps of the touchscreen later, you’re on your way. TomTom’s easy-to-use interface has been extensively tested by by independent assessors in the field and at TomTom’s unique User Experience Labs. Widescreen View and FM Transmitter The 4.3-inch, extra-wide, touch-screen LCD display features anti-glare technology for easy viewing even in direct sunlight. Realistic and clear visual instructions are provided with high-quality 3D graphics, while spoken instructions tell you where you need to go in your own language. As an added convenience, text-to-speech functionality provides you with actual street names. The built-in FM Transmitter to play music and navigation instructions over the car stereo. Worldwide Maps Comes preinstalled with complete maps of the United States, Canada and Europe. Remote control An improved Bluetooth remote control enables drivers to operate the device safely from anywhere in the car without having to reach over to the device. Help When You Need It Extensive safety features including `Help Me’ menu, to give drivers direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance;

Icon-driven menu system Emergency menu gives you fast direct access to emergency numbers and direction to the nearest assistance

New – TomTom IQ Routes™

Did You Know? IQ Routes technology gives you a faster route in over 50% of all your journeys.

TomTom provides the fastest and most efficient routing possible. IQ Routes uses historical road-speed data from millions of TomTom users to calculate your optimal route for that specific time and day. Giving you local knowledge on a global scale.. We all know traffic is different during a Monday morning rush hour from a lazy Sunday afternoon. And we all want the best shortcuts to bring us to our destination in the fastest way possible. But heavy traffic, speed bumps, traffic lights, rotaries and even pedestrians or shopping crowds can slow you down. That handy shortcut you’re looking for changes depending on the time and day so the shortest route isn’t necessarily going to be the fastest all the time! Let’s take an example: The standard shortest route from Leominster, MA to the downtown Boston shopping district at a relatively quiet time, and without any hold-ups, should take an hour and 18 minutes (screen 1). Infographic IQ Routes: However, that same shortest route will typically take you 20 minutes longer during a busier period (reality) (screen 2) Using `local knowledge’ gained from the actual travel experiences of thousands of TomTom users on these very roads, IQ Routes™ instantly works out your optimal route from Leominster to Downtown Boston. It also calculates your realistic journey time, based on real speeds people are able to drive, not just speed limits. (screen 3) As you can see, in this case your route is now about 15 miles longer, but will save you 12 minutes (and a ton of stress!). Now that’s a shortcut! Twelve minutes may not sound much, but it’s over 20% off your journey time. Just consider for a moment how much time that will save you over a whole year… Exactly! And it’s not just urban driving. Whether its roundabouts, crossroads, schoolchildren or just good old-fashioned congestion. Anywhere the traffic flow can vary, IQ Routes can make a real difference. How it works Millions of TomTom users worldwide voluntarily provide us with anonymous historical speed-data from each of their journeys every time they connect their device to TomTom HOME. As a result, TomTom now has a huge database, containing billions of miles of real customer driving experience, collected over the years from more than 7 million TomTom users. Using this data, TomTom’s unique IQ Routes™ technology calculates your optimal route. This route is based on actual speed data driven on roads, not just maximum speed limits, taking into account any hold-ups that might slow you down (busy junctions, zebra crossings and even shopping crowds). This data enhances the quality of TomTom navigation across the board, but is particularly helpful in improving the quality of detailed routing we give you for the specific time of day and day of the week of your chosen trip. Drive like local So even if you drive through unfamiliar areas, you still can drive like a local by knowing the short cuts that are based on the collective driving experience of millions of TomTom users.

New – Advanced Lane Guidance

Extra clarity when you navigate difficult junctions. See clearly the lane you must follow at junctions, so you don’t miss your turn. At complex intersections, you also get a clear 3D image showing your route through the junction. Leaving you relaxed and safe. When you approach complex motorway intersections, you also get a still 3D image on your screen that clearly indicates the lane(s) you need to take. Advanced lane guidance keeps you relaxed and safe through even the most complex intersections and in even the heaviest traffic. Let’s take an example: You’re on the outskirts of Paris, driving on the `Autoroute du Soleil’ towards Lille, when a complex junction approaches (screen 1) You have your normal 3D navigation view up to 800 metres from the junction. (screen 2) From 800 meters until you’re through the junction, your TomTom device displays a clear image of the junction. This shows the relevant road signs with numbers and directions, and a blinking arrow that clearly shows which lane you must take. Your screen throughout this has the still image and your status bar remains updated with dynamic information. (screen 3) As soon as you’re through the junction, your screen reverts to the normal view.

New – Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest

Search for the location you want. Pick “Send to GPS”.

Itching to try out a new restaurant, or setting off on a road trip to locate the best donuts on the west coast? Now, it’s easy to search for locations on Google Maps or Mapquest, then transfer the addresses directly to your TomTom. Install TomTom HOME on your computer Hook up your TomTom to the computer via its USB port Search for the location you want. Click the Click the Send link in the info window for the address. That will bring up a popup “Send to” form. Pick GPS, then pick TomTom and hit the “Send” button. The address will instantly transfer to your TomTom device, The point will be saved as one of your favorites, and you can navigate to it or view it on a map just like with any other favorite.

TomTom HOME

HOME is TomTom’s free software program that gives you access to a huge array of services as well as the global community of TomTom users. It is the only tool you need to manage, update and personalize your TomTom to enjoy a premium navigation experience: buy and install maps, make back-ups, download free software updates, shop and much more. Stay up-to-date – always get the latest TomTom software and updates. Personalize – Add new points of Interest, routes, voices, colour schemes and more. Enhance – buy maps, subscribe to traffic and safety camera information services (optional).

QuickGPSfix

Starting up can seem like a slow business, particularly if you’re in a hurry, because the GPS receiver needs to know exactly where each GPS satellite is to calculate your location. But satellites only broadcast their positions once every 30 seconds. So if any of their signals are interrupted, for example by passing high buildings, the whole position-fixing process has to repeat itself again and again until the perfect fix is achieved. QuickGPSfix takes a smarter approach.

QuickGPSfix can speed up the time it takes to fix your GPS position by downloading the latest satellite data via an Internet connection. Just connect your TomTom device to your computer and TomTom HOME automatically downloads `QuickGPSfix’ – a special GPS data file that helps your TomTom fix your position quicker, even when the GPS signal is weak or partially blocked.

This unique free service helps you fix your position and get navigating faster than ever.

On the road or no access to TomTom HOME?
Get the same `QuickGPSfix’ data by simply connecting to any TomTom PLUS service, using a wireless data connection. As soon as a connection is established, the `QuickGPSfix’ data is automatically updated.

Note: QuickGPSfix data has limited validity. So to keep on getting a faster position-fix, re-connect your device at least once a week.

To minimise the amount of data sent over your wireless data connection, this automatic update is only carried out if the data on your device is over 5 days old. The associated data usage of this service is less than 10 Kb per connection. Please contact your mobile service provider to determine the exact costs. To disable this automatic update, just select `Disable Auto QuickGPSfix’ on your TomTom device.

Fun Extras to Personalize Your TomTom

New smart & fun extras to personalize users’ devices Recording driving instructions in your own voice Buy fun voices from TomTom Exchange files (of photos, songs, HTML documents, etc) between your TomTom and any other Bluetooth-enabled device (laptop, phone, other TomToms) Select a favorite car icon on the screen Load, store and preview photos from your digital camera. Enjoy music with the built-in MP3 player (earphones connector available via an optional SD card)

TomTom offers two distinctive ways of providing traffic information, the TomTom PLUS Traffic service and the TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver accessory. With both options, traffic information is fully integrated into the TomTom navigation experience. Both services are subscription based. The RDS-TMC receiver accessory comes with a 1-year free subscription to the TMC traffic service . Key features for both Traffic information options Real-time traffic information across the US, using the most accurate and up-to-date sources. Detailed incident reports, delay times estimated, alternative routes proposed and if enabled automatic rerouting. Accurate real-time warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead (fog, snow, ice and so on) anywhere in Europe, Australia and the US. (TomTom application version 6.0 or higher) Clear on-screen animated or spoken traffic alerts as and when you want them. Smart push technology which minimizes the amount of data needed to update traffic information on your device Smart subscription – when you buy new maps, the Traffic service automatically becomes available in those countries too.

TomTom Traffic Specifics With TomTom Traffic, you can avoid problems and check the road conditions and weather ahead at the same time. TomTom Traffic is delivered via GPRS signal and requires a compatible mobile phone with Bluetooth and a wireless data connection, such as GPRS, UMTS or CDMA, enable you to use PLUS Traffic information on any TomTom device. The advantages of TomTom Traffic are that it delivers information on road and weather conditions, and GPRS signals may be available for areas in which there is no FM radio signal to transmit TMC traffic information (although if there’s no radio, it’s questionable how much traffic there’s going to be). Important notes about TomTom Traffic: To use TomTom Traffic a compatible phone with a wireless data connection (e.g. GPRS) is required. Click here to check if your phone is compatible. Also note that your mobile service provider may charge you for using a wireless data connection. Click here to check the associated data usage of this service. Please contact your mobile service provider to determine the exact costs. TMC Traffic Specifics With an RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver accessory, you can get traffic information from the RDS-TMC Traffic service, which is delivered over unused FM radio channels. The RDS-TMC receiver accessory comes with a 1-year free subscription to the TMC traffic service With some TomTom models, an RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver is included in the box. This is indicated by the addition of “T” or “Traffic” to the model name. An example is “GO 930T”.

About TomTom

TomTom NV is the world’s largest navigation solution provider, developing products with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use and value. TomTom’s products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; including the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom ONE range and the TomTom RIDER (for motorcycles). TomTom also provides navigation software products which integrate with third party devices; the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDA’s and smartphones. TomTom WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise. TomTom’s products are sold through a network of leading retailers in 25 countries and online. TomTom was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars My TomTom Go 730T
I bought my TomTom GO 730T about 2 weeks ago. It works very well and it’s easy to work with. The TomTom Go 730T has alot of features and they are very useful for me. But I have been living in my neighborhood for 3 years, and when I apply my address in, it doesn’t have it in the map.(And that time I have already upgraded my maps on the computer.) So, I don’t know why it doesn’t have my address, but it has all the other new neighborhoods addresses. Yet, the TomTom Go 730T works extremely well and very useful.

4 Stars Great GPS but a tad technical
I bought this unit a few months ago as an upgrade from an older Garmin GPS that was 3-years ago.

Pros:

- IQ Routes – it’s amazing that it can reroute you depending on time of day and historical traffic data. the Arri vial Time is gives me is usually dead on.

- Great reception – I turned on the unit inside my house, and it still picked up 3 satellites almost instantly.

- Nice customization and able to hookup to your computer to download extras

Cons:

- Not as user friendly as Garmin’s – while I was able to figure it out, I wouldn’t suggest this product for those get easily confused or frustrated by technology.

- Bluetooth phone support – the GPS supports very few models of phones so you can use it as a hands free device. It didn’t matter much to me, but if it’s important to you, check the website for list of compatable phones.

-Traffic Receiver – the traffic receiver works well, and this isn’t TomTom’s fault, but there is very little coverage of accidents in my area. It looks like only main interstates are supported by ClearChannel traffic. Looking back, I would have saved my money and went from the 730 without the traffic reciever.

Overall it’s a very solid device and I’m very satisfied with my purchase.

4 Stars Superior POI adaptability trumps Garmin’s nice interface
Pros

Superior POI handling, especially in comparison to Garmin

Almost perfect self adjusting arrival time estimates

Neutral

It gives directions. I saw no difference between the TomTom and the Garmin I tested. Both sometimes gave perfect directions, both sometimes gave slightly bad. It’s a wash.

Have still not been able to test the traffic function (nor was I ever able to on the Garmin 7×5 series)

Cons

Interface not as nice as Garmin

Very slow to lock with satellite compared to Garmin

Lacks a fully integrated system for dash mounting which the Garmins have

I started with the Garmin 755T and quickly switched to the TomTom 730T because the Garmin didn’t do what it should have been able to right out of the box. The TomTom might not be as elegant as the Garmin, but it does the job and it didn’t require me to jump through hoops to customize the Points of Interest (POIs).

I first bought the Garmin 755T because of all the great reviews and because the interface looked pretty nice. And truthfully, Garmin’s are very nice. Their interface is generally easier and the screen colors just better to look at. But if you need the GPS to go beyond the basic – give you directions from point A to point B – and want to fully utilize the pre-installed POIs you are looking at a steep learning curve. To put it bluntly, Garmins do not work right out of the box in this regard. TomToms do.

I drive 30,000 miles a year, mostly for work, and decided it was time to get a GPS. Source after source pointed to the Garmin and specifically the new Garmin 7×5 series.

Another person who’s in the same line of business as me told me how he receives proximity alerts for specific POIs. He didn’t say which brand he used and I assumed that was a basic feature. It’s not.

These POIs are already programmed in the TomTom and the Garmin. Everything I need is right there. However, I could not program the Garmin to link proximity alerts with those preexisting POIs. I received this from Garmin customer service:

“This can only be done with Custom POI’s. You can set

a distance for the POI within the CSV file. You would just need to find

a database of xxxxx in a CSV format. I am sorry it is not possible

to do this with the POI’s currently in the unit.”

I could not find the custom POIs I needed and that was that. And why should I have to find them when Garmin already had the POIs I wanted already installed?!

So I ditched the Garmin and bought the TomTom 730T. I have used it for several months now without a problem. It has generally given me great directions. It’s POI alert system has been a stupendous addition to my work capability. I wish the TomTom had the Garmin’s interface and would connect with satellites faster. It takes up to 2 mins versus only about 30 seconds for the Garmin. But these are annoyances compared to the central task – give me directions and tell me where the POIs are. The TomTom 730T does this and does it far better than Garmin.

3 Stars Not bad…
Not a bad GPS, has alot of features. However if I had to pay full price I’d look for something else. Since I got it for a very good deal with Amazon Christmas sale it was a good choice but with all things being equal I would think you’d be better off with a Garmin. I bought an SD card to give me more space to store MP3’s and it doesn’t work correctly. It won’t play and it lists the songs as being there twice (which they are not), so who knows what’s up with that… Support line closes too early.

The software that comes with it which says you can send map info from Google maps doesn’t work and many of the advanced features just plain don’t work from my Mac, that’s a bit disappointing. All and all it seems to do a pretty good job although it doesn’t get anywhere near the supposed 5 hours battery life… more like 2.5 hours at best… but that’s generally good for around town… The pluses are it is very customizable so you can put your own car on there as your icon if you like and it has the traffic feature and you can talk hands-free w/ your cell although people tell me it’s hard to hear me…

all in all it’s ok but not great but from what I read almost none of these different GPS’s are perfect…

so I’m giving it 3 stars…

enjoy it if you get one.

1 Star Disappointed
First thing that went wrong was the language that came up was not English. Finally, through lots of trial an error, we were able to change the language to English. Then through more trial an error, and lots of challenges, we discovered that our unit was defective. We returned it and then purchased the Garmin nuvi 880 and have been so please with it.