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Best4Reviews, New Reviews, GPS, Review, TomTom Go 720 Review
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| | TomTom Go 720 Review | Satnav units are becoming ubiquitous and TomTom’s Go 720 stands out with some clever technology and a great screen. But can it navigate its way through our Best4Reviews test?
By Doug Harman | 2/5/2008
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Manufacturer: TomTom
Price: 329
Key Features:
Design, TomTom MapShare Technology, Bluetooth connectivity, Enhanced Hands-free Kit, Multimedia options, Speech Recognition,
We Like:
MapShare, Web support, Screen, Design, HAnds-free cpaability, Traffic Ready RDS-TMC system.
We Don't Like:
Looks a tad pricey,
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The TomTom Go 720 is replete with clever kit that makes it stand out in the crowded satnav marketplace. For example, a 4.3-inch screen with a good, wide viewing angle makes Western Europe maps that come pre-installed very easy to view. Speed, map position, route and of course the final destination are all easy to read.
The screen colours used change according to the time of day - as governed by the on-board GPS clock - and are also eminently viewable even in bright, direct lighting.
Directions are given in plenty of time, turn by turn, and the audio is sufficiently clear and precise that you don’t need to take your eyes off the road. Voices can be customised. This includes the ability to sample your own voice if you wish or download new voices and other 'fun' items from the TomTom Go web site.
The 720 sits in a cradle that can connect directly to your PC via a spare USB port. This also charges the device at the same time. The 'Go' home page allows you to update maps via MapShare, but importantly imputing addresses is good, and even in France (where I also used the device during the test), place names and road names all appeared promptly.
In terms of more clever kit, as well as MapShare technology that allows you download maps updated by users or customise your maps for others to download, you get Bluetooth for direct mobile phone connection (depending on phone brand) and to use it as a hands free kit, so saving you money as well on additional in car equipment.
But a more advanced use of the mobile phone link is that the TomTom Go 720 allows you to call various points of interest you may pass, or be navigating to. These include museums, sports facilities or hotels which the 720 highlights en route.
Furthermore, the 720 allows you to define what’s represented on the screen (churches, schools, hotels etc) with audible warnings - if required - via the easy to use and comprehensive menu system. This is accessed via the touch sensitive screen.
An external memory card port allows you to expand the 2GB internal memory with additional SD/MMC cards, while a built-in FM transmitter means you can play music files stored on it on your car’s stereo system. It doesn't end there: you can even store and display digital images or run a slide show, add in iPod control (via an additional, accessory lead) and it means the Go 720 is a versatile multi-media system as well.
Finally, claimed battery life of around five hours sounds good, but I got an average of about four hours continuous use during my tests.
| | PRODUCT SHOTS |  |  |  |  |  The TomTom Go 720 comes with everything you need in box, barring the iPod cable and external SD/MMC memory. | The 720's curved design is slim and stylish. | The 720's screen is bright and clear even in bright conditions and has a great viewing angle too. | The TomTom Home web site allows you to update maps via MapShare Technology, operate the device and back it up online as well. |
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Verdict: | |
| The TomTom Go 720 is a very neat and versatile satnav system. When that's combined with the online support, expandable and updatable maps (free by the way, though there’s premium content you can buy), plus a very fair price, it begins to look like a very sound choice for anyone in the market for a new satnav system. |
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