TomTom has enviable brand name recognition for GPS navigation devices and being the premium model in its automotive navigation range, much is expected of the GO910. Some concrete evidence of the GO 910’s delivering on its heritage is its winning the LAPTOP Editor’s Choice award and the GPS Magazine Editor’s Choice Award. With its price and features, the GO 910 is up against offerings such as the Magellan’s RoadMate 860T and Garmin’s StreetPilot c550.

Some of the standout features of the GO 910 are:

• A 20 GB hard drive
• SiRFstar III GPS chipset and 400MHz processor
• Extensive map coverage including US, Canada and all Europe – all pre-loaded on the hard disc (TeleAtlas map database)
• Wider than most competition four inch widescreen WVGA (480 by 272 pixels) display
• Text-to-speech navigation instructions,
• MP3 player
• Hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth
• Excellent language support
• Four hour life lithium ion battery
• Remote control

SiRF Star III GPS Processor

The TomTom GO 910’s GPS functionality is provided by a SiRF Star III chipset. The SiRF Star III family has proved a watershed innovation GPS chip architecture by offering impressive performance improvements to the GPS receiver manufacturing industry. They have also been adopted by other major GPS manufacturers including Garmin and Magellan. The SiRF Star III offers faster fix times, higher signal locking, higher tracking sensitivity and lower power requirements.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cellular phones can be combined with the GO 910 for safer hands-free phone operation. There are both internal and external microphones (included). As with other systems, any other audio is automatically muted during phone calls. A handy convenience is being able to access phone numbers associated with the POI making it simple to call ahead.

The Bluetooth interface can also be used to connect with Bluetooth enabled external speakers.

Operation

The TomTom GO 910 has a touch screen interface and TomTom have made maximum use of it with the only button being for power and all other functions controlled through the touch screen menus.

An interesting display option with the GO 910 is the ability to have satellite images as map backgrounds like the hybrid mode of Google Maps.

TomTom recommends that owners create an account on the TomTom Web site so that they can be notified to download map updates.

Entertainment System

Following the trend of device convergence, the TomTom GO 910 is also an entertainment unit with a built-in MP3 player, audible audiobooks reader and photo display software (JPEG and BMP digital image formats). Although some of the 20GB hard disc is used to store map data, about 12GB are available media files. Music is muted for navigational prompts. If you have an iPod, its possible to connect it to the GO 910 and operate it using the touchscreen display. iPod generation 3 and higher are supported (not the iPod Shuffle).

Docking Station

Many digital cameras have a docking station accessory and the GO 910 has one also. Besides recharging, the docking station allows USB connection with a PC for backing up from the GO910’s memory, updating software or updating maps. The USB connection can also be used to transferring images and MP3 files. The GO 910 shows up as an extra drive in Windows explorer for drag-an-drop file transfers. However, to make things simpler TomTom supply the HOME interface software for data synchronization and file management. You can even plan routes on your PC.

Text-to-Speech

The TomTom GO 9 10 has the latest text-to-speech functionality meaning it actually reads the text rather than playing pre-recorded words. It allows the GO 910 to do things like pronounce actual street names rather than simply playing a recording of turn left or turn right. This feature gives confirmation that you are on the right track without needing to check the display to read the street names. Other examples of useful applications for text-to-speech are reading out the weather forecast or an incoming SMS text messages.

Buddies

Buddies is free TomTom PLUS service (just requires registration) worth noting. It is a service which brings instant messaging and navigation together. It only takes a short time to think how useful combining your messages with your location could be. How many times have you organized for a group of friends to meet at a particular location and then spent time locating each other? With buddies you could park next to each other with a minimum of fuss.

Key features of Buddies are:

• Invite your friends to become your TomTom Buddies.
• Send text messages and locations to each other.
• Show your buddies on the map.
• Navigate to your friends easily and quickly, wherever they are.

Accessories

The TomTom GO 910 comes with a generous range of included accessories including; the mentioned docking station, remote control and external microphone as well as a carrying case, USB cable, AC adapter, car charger, windshield mount, audio cables for car stereo connection and reference manuals.

Traffic Not Available

If you’re a serious traveler then one service that is likely to be valued is real-time traffic reports. They allow you to plan alternative routes around traffic jams and avoid dangerous traffic conditions. The service requires a traffic receiver which is unfortunately not included and not available as yet as an accessory for the GO910.

Comparing the GO 910 and the GO 510

The TomTom GO 910 has a lower specification sibling model, the GO 510, which does not have the following hardware/features of the GO 910;

• European maps
• Integrated MP3 player
• 20GB hard drive - SD memory card instead
• Text-to-speech functionality - recorded voice instead
• Slide show function
• Remote control

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

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TomTom GO 910 Specification

• 4.0″ widescreen WQVGA screen (480×272 pixels, 64,000 colors)
• CPU 400 MHz
• RAM 64MB
• Lithium-Ion battery (four hours of operation)
• 20Gb Hard disk
• Highly sensitive SirfIII GPS chipset
• Dimensions: 4.2″ x 3.1″ x 2.5″
• Weight: 12 oz.

TomTom GO 910 Features