TomTom GO 630 Review

Regular drivers are finally welcoming the presence of GPS devices as they are all becoming more accurate enough to fully rely on them even if short trips are being planned. Some of the GPS devices are being used to fullest and these drivers are realizing that many improvements can be made and they are willing to spend more just to use these advanced features. With many GPS devices boasting advanced features costing over $300, the next choice may be difficult. TomTom which has long been a competitor in the GPS market has a fresh and affordable solution which is the TomTom GO 630.

TomTom GO 630 GPS Navigator

Design

The TomTom GO 630 is a very attractive GPS device and like the other TomTom devices, it has that curved top. What makes it a bit different is the curved elements making it nice looking and curvy at every angle. It isn't really the thinnest model available, but it is well constructed and has that luxurious look that fits in a pocket.

User Interface

The TomTom GO 630 is powerful and very usable with a unique way to feed data to the device. Rather than relying on its core touchscreen features that many of the other devices share, voice address input can be used so drivers can literally say their destination and the TomTom GO 630 will calculate the route as if the route was planned by hand.

Continuing the tradition of TomTom devices, the interface uses the 6 icon layout where it should be easy to customize a route or check out a specific feature straight out of the box. Location searching is much easier in this model because it allows different inputs to be made. If the street and house number are known, those can be used to start the search. If not, postal codes can be used instead and so on. The state/province switcher makes inputting even easier as it helps filter the names of the cities and areas that are located in within the country.

Another unique interface feature is the ability to customize the status bar. Advanced GPS users can simply leave all the things on the screen for maximum data while new users can hide certain items like the "Arrival Time" so more important data can be emphasized for easier readability. There is little need to use the manual in learning the device as there are on-screen tips to guide new users and a an extensive guided tour of the different features that the TomTom GO 630 offers. All of the main functions can be accessible directly from the navigation view.

Actual user review:
• "I purchased the Tom Tom Go 630 3 weeks ago. Used it where I live before a trip to the West Coast, just to get used to it. I found a few discrepencies, but nothing major. This GPS had all the features I wanted, and none of the stuff I wouldn't use. It is perfect for me. I am currently on my trip, used it to get to the Grand Canyon South, wich I had been to before, and to the Grand Canyon West wich I have never been to. This GPS never missed a beat. The Grand Canyon West is not as well known or commercialized. The GPS was right on. I am now using it to navigate known and unknown places in San Diego, its still right on. A few minor errors, nothing major. The GPS makes quick work of recalculations. The bluetooth works ok, like all hands free devices in my experience, it picks up background noise. The GPS acquires signal quickly, even when you've moved with it turned off. This is my first auto GPS, so I have no way of comparing it to others, but I had no problems figuring out the menus or how to work it. I would highly recommend it. For me it is just what I wanted." - Fonemant (Texas,USA)

Navigation Features

The TomTom GO 630 promises safety and accuracy as the IQ Routes technology calculates an optimal route based on the performance of other TomTom users that have driven the same route. Going through these routes can even be safer with the optional TomTom Traffic Receiver as it provides access to real-time traffic information. Alternative routes can be made to easily avoid these routes based on the illustrated traffic density.

Text-to-speech features give audio cues to the driver if focus is necessary. Unlike other text-to-speech capable models, road numbers can be dictated including weather information, traffic warnings, foreign street names, and other warnings. Looking at the GPS device for navigation is still rewarding as the points of interest are enhanced to show key information such as phone numbers, pictures, and extra descriptions. All of the data including the maps stay up-to-date and can optionally be shared using the TomTom Map Share technology which allows others to use the maps that are customized. The included TomTom HOME software keeps the whole device updated.

Some of the advanced features include advanced lane guidance which makes a nice graphical representation of the lanes adding clarity to the junctions making it easier to get the right lane before an important turn needs to be made. When the mobile phone rings, the TomTom GO 630 can automatically answer the call after a set amount of seconds to increase safety. Several other warning messages can be customized for even safer usage of the device. Extra features include a built-in document viewer, photo viewer, Bluetooth sharing, and access to plenty of online content when linked with a laptop.

Summary of Product Features

Get the ultimate driving experience - enter the address on the touchscreen or use voice address entry and start driving anywhere in the United States and Canada with guided by turn-by-turn spoken instructions, including street names
Makes driving even safer with Bluetooth hands-free calling (compatible mobile phone required) and added safety features for easily accessing local emergency providers
IQ Routes Technology gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip rather than only posted speed limits, so you'll always travel the smartest route
Advanced Lane Guidance uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road
With TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on your own device

Bottom Line

The TomTom GO 630 is one of the safest GPS models available and offer plenty of customization options. The accuracy is snappy and it is very easy to use making it well worth the $300 price tag.

More user reviews:

• "I bought this TOM TOM because I needed it for a trip to Atlanta. Not only did it arrive in lightning speed from Amazon but it was very easy to set up. I will name the things I like most about it:

1. Easy set up
2. You can plug it into your usb on your computer to charge it, I never used the wall charger yet.
3. I love the fact that you can sync it in with your phone and speak wirelessly through the TomTom. I love that it would ring instead of my phone and I had the option to tap yes or no on the TomTom to answer it.
4. I like the fact that when you find your point of interest on the device it gives you the address and Phone number and ask if you would like the TomTom to dial the number. Super cool when you are away and want take out from your favorite restaurant. When we found the address of the closest Red Lobster we called ahead through the TomTom and ordered, pulled up to the establishment and only got out of the car when we knew our food was ready.

The only thing I suggest is that perhaps they could make it lighter to carry and include a carrying case, other than that I was very satisfied!!" - D.Jackson (NY,USA)

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