TomTom GO 740 Live Review

Top manufacturers of GPS devices are aiming to push the basic models forward so that many drivers and travelers can get a GPS device for themselves. These GPS devices are more accessible than ever before the prices are very affordable these days. However, high-end devices still play a role in this competitive industry because GPS devices must have the best accuracy in tracking along with good features for an solid navigational experience that is more than a money’s worth. The TomTom Go 740 Live is one example of a device that aims to take in-car navigation one step ahead.

TomTom GO 740 Live

Overview

The TomTom GO 740 is one of the recent models in the TomTom lineup and a successor to the highly rated TomTom GO 730. Specs-wise, it has the same 4.3 inch widescreen and processing power as the older model, but it has a slimmer chassis and manages to squeeze in a few new extras that are better suited for high mileage drivers.

Notable Benefits and Features

One of the most significant changes is the SIM functionality that is built into the device which is known as HD traffic. Frequent GPS users will greatly benefit from this because the new SIM functionality grants enhanced and more complete live traffic information. This also improves the connection performance of the Vodafone GPRS network. Combined with the improved traffic information, traffic reports are frequently updated making it a lot more real-time than previous models and competitors.

The SIM also provides useful access to some services like Google Local Search so that people can find destinations without the need of memorizing postal code information. A fuel price search can also be used to find the cheapest diesel available or rare fuel alternatives.

To keep up with the competition in speech recognition, the Go 740 has shown some good improvements to their speech recognition tools. Now voice can be used to activate certain controls like the switching of map views and entering of addresses including street names and cities. The recognition for numbers still needs some improvement, but in general, voice recognition is significantly better.

The IQ routes feature also had some welcoming updates by determining the best route plan based on the time of day rather than the day of the week. This could be really useful for drivers that want to make a short trip during rush hours.

Other than those updates, the TomTom Go 740 Live embraces the success of the TomTom GO 730 by keeping the sat-nav capabilities up to par and maintaining its simple user-interface that should cater to new TomTom users. The maps are pretty clear just like the previous models and the voice instructions are loud enough. It also comes with a new windscreen mount giving it a new look in the car.

The only downside is the price costing roughly $60 more than the GO 730 and that doesn’t include the monthly fees of some of the services. Fortunately the first 3 months are free, but the added features are more recommended for frequent drivers who want to take advantage of the live features. Regular users should stick with the 730 model as the specs are virtually the same.

Product Features

Includes one year of free access to LIVE Services such as Traffic, Fuel Prices, Local Search powered by Google, Weather and Buddies
IQ Routes Technology gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds to calculate your trip time
Voice command and control--speak instructions to your GO 740 LIVE with over 130 commands; enjoy hands-free calling via Bluetooth
Instantly modify street names, street direction, road speeds, turn restrictions, and POIs on your own device and benefit from others' corrections with TomTom Map Share
Advanced Lane Guidance makes difficult junctions easy to navigate