TomTom GO 730 Review

The TomTom GO 730 brings their newest community-based navigation advancements together with plug and play ease of use, rock-solid navigation, and a sleek design. One of the greatest things about the company TomTom is that there are such wonderful navigation systems in place. Instead of relying on machine generated data actual users upload relevant information about traffic and route information.

TomTom GO 730 GPS Navigator

GPS Reception

Reception on the TomTom GO 730 is strong and users can enjoy steady signals in most areas. This TomTom GO model is a little bit different than the 930 model, however. It does not have the Enhanced Positioning Technology that the higher end model has. If you are in an area where the GPS signal drops out frequently you might want to go with the more expensive TomTom. If you live in an area where the signal is strong you will have no issues with the 730.

Travel

There is RDS-TMC included in the package if the number has a "T" after it. The box would be labeled "730T", for example. This is a receiver that collects traffic information if the user is a subscriber.

Each 730 purchase includes a free subscription good for one year. This includes up to date traffic information and delay estimates. It also tracks weather conditions and other things that might make driving in a certain area dangerous. One neat feature is that once a map is purchased for a new country the traffic features will update to include those areas as well.

Updated Maps

There are some GPS devices out there that contain outdated maps the moment it is purchased. These companies might make the customer pay a hefty fee to download the latest maps. TomTom does a great thing for its customers by making the latest maps available for free download at their website. This can potentially save the user a lot of money in the long run.

Routing Engine

The TomTom 730 has a great routing feature called IQ Routes. This system ensures that the user isn't using outdated maps. It uses what they call "historical road speed data" that is gathered from TomTom users. This gives accurate and intelligent information that can help people get to where they need to go faster. Sometimes the shortest route isn't the fastest route, and TomTom takes that into account with IQ Routes.

Users enjoy the routing system and say that it only takes a few seconds for the machine to determine the fastest route. This is important when it's essential to get somewhere as soon as possible. Once again, these routes are calculated based on actual user experiences that have been collected from many TomTom users.

Actual user review:
• "I had a Garmin 350 which I thought was great. But my father in law got himself a TomTom 730 and I was astonished. Though there are some things that Garmin does it better, the Tom Tom was so much better in everything else. Thanks to the huge community of fans that update frequently maps and POI online, it is so easy to keep maps and all other information up to date. Plus all the other features this thing has, from the MP3 player, radio transmitter so you can hear everything through your car stereo and bluetooth for your phone and the list goes on. The best is that you can communicate with it by speech! Yes, I can tell my Tom Tom where I want to go and it will take me there!" - G.Georgiadis (FL, USA)

Advanced Features

One excellent thing about the TomTom GO 730 is that it contains "Advanced Lane Guidance." There are certain times when people travel where it becomes difficult to navigate intersections and junctions to know where to turn. This GPS has the ability to display a 3D image of these intersections to make them much easier to navigate.

Another great feature is the "Send to GPS." It's easy to search on a computer via TomTom Home for new locations to go to. Once these locations are chosen they can be sent to the GPS device for instant directions and easy navigation.

Fun Features

Since many people like for there to be multiple functions within a single electronic device, users are happy with this TomTom. It is Bluetooth enabled, which allows for hands free phone calls. It also contains an FM transmitter and iPod control. These are innovative features that can work well for those who want a GPS device that does a little bit more than give directions.

Summary

TomTom GO 730 is a good option for those who live in areas where GPS strength is good. This is a less expensive version of the 930 with all of the same features otherwise. The features that are included make this a GPS to add to the top of the list. Smart features like user map, road name, and location updates make this GPS an excellent choice.

Average User Rating :

• "Like many on here I spent month's reading reviews from Amazon and many other consumer sites before selecting the TomTom 730 as my new GPS. I was replacing a 4 year old Garmin nuvi that stopped working. I was so confused on which GPS would fit my needs and received the most positive reviews. As with any GPS there will always be good and bad reviews. The TomTom 730 had all the features I wanted at a price I was willing to pay. Also the TomTom 730 came with the new reality view of the road signs ahead and shows you what the landscape or road ahead looks like and how many lanes and which lane you should be in. I also liked that the reality view shows me lakes, bodies of water as well as the name of the body of water. While traveling through the downtown area of a major city it showed some of the major buildings with the names of the buildings all while still speaking directions to me. This unit has more up to date maps and the directions then other GPS unites I have used. " - R.Rodriquez (MI,USA)

• "This is our second GPS system. The first was a Caliber and it did a great job of getting us where we wanted to go but there were too few updates and no bluetooth. We have used it for about 1 week now and so far has done a superior job with street names, guidance and finding the best route. The screen could be a bit brighter but you should be listening to it rather than watching the screen when driving anyway."