» TomTom GO 300 Car GPS Navigation Unit Review

The TomTom GO 300 is the least sophisticated of GO range however, it exemplifies TomTom’s marketing of a GPS navigation device which is simple to install and operate as you simply turn it on and GO. The unit has TomToms easy to use, Linux based navigation software controlled with the touch screen. For GPS signal reception the GO 300 has a 12 channel integrated GPS receiver.

Operation

The GO 300 display is a 3.5 inch TFT with a of 320 x 240 pixels resolution. Unfortunately, the antiglare coating on the display does darken it making reading it in direct sunlight more difficult.

Maps of the USA and Canada pre-installed on the 1 Gb SD card so the unit is ready for use out of the box. TomTom recommends that owners create an account on the TomTom Web site so that they can be notified to download map updates.

The TomTom GO 300 makes maximum use of the touch screen interface with the only button being for power - all other functions controlled through the touch screen menus. A nice feature is the speed-linked volume which varies the output volume in relation to the vehicles speed.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

The GO 300 is Bluetooth wireless technology enabled however, it is only for data connectivity with a PDA or for use with a GPRS or 3G enabled phone for accessing TomTom’s Plus service for traffic or weather reports. It does not have hands-free phone call capability.

Accessories

The TomTom GO 300 doesn’t come with an AC adapter which may be worth considering.

The TomTom GO 300 has a black case with a silver a silver bezel surrounding. If you would like to match your GO 300 to your cars decor, its possible to buy three different color (blue, gold and black) interchangeable bezels.

Comparison with other GO GPS Units

The TomTom GO 300 is the least sophisticated of TomTom’s GO range. Stand-out features available with other models include:

TomTom GO 910

The TomTom GO 910 is the premium model of the GO series and is an entertainment unit as well as a GPS navigation device. Features include:

• large 4.0 inch widescreen display (480×272 pixels)
• USA and European maps
• Integrated MP3 player
• 20GB hard drive for ample map and entertainment media storage.
• Hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth
• Text-to-speech functionality – recorded voice instead
• Slide show function
• Remote control
• Quick GPS fix proving quick position fix utilizing satellite positioning information from TomTom Plus services.

TomTom GO 510

The TomTom GO 510 is primarily a GPS navigation device with superior/additional features to the GO 300 including:

• large 4.0 inch widescreen display (480×272 pixels)
• 1GB SD card.
• Hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth
• Quick GPS fix proving quick position fix utilizing satellite positioning information from TomTom Plus services.

TomTom ONE

Some additional features available with the TomTom ONE are:

• Fast GPS signal fix
• Highly sensitive SiRFstar III GPS chipset
• Most compact size of the GO series - wallet size

TomTom GO 700

Some additional features available with the TomTom GO 700 are:

• 2.5 GB hard disk storage
• Assisted Satellite Navigation (ASN) for uninterrupted GPS navigation in poor reception areas such as tunnels and urban canyons.
• Hands-free phone calls using Bluetooth

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

TomTom GO 300 Portable GPS Navigator with Maps of US Pre-loaded on SDd

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TomTom GO 300 Specifications

• 200 Mhz ARM920T processor
• 32 MB RAM
• SD Card for map storage
• 320 x 240 x 4096 colors 3.5” TFT screen
• Internal Li-Ion battery
• 4.5″ x 3.6″ x 2.3″, 11 oz.
• 12 channel ‘All-in-View’ integrated GPS receiver
• Internal antenna and support for (not in package) active external antenna
• Quick GPS fix proving quick position fix utilizing satellite positioning information from TomTom Plus services.

TomTom GO 300 Features

• A choice of routes: Quickest, shortest or avoiding toll roads
• Itinerary Planning: Plan your trip by defining multiple waypoints and destinations
• Built-in Bluetoothâ„¢ Connection: For use with your Bluetoothâ„¢-enabled device
• Integrated GPS antenna
• Multi-lingual: Speaks more than 30 languages in over 50 voices
• User Interface: Now including 18 languages
• Millions of points of interest to explore
• Compass Mode: Displays a compass on screen for even more orientation while driving
• Car Speed Linked Volume: Volume of voice instructions will increase/decrease depending on speed of car
• Anti-Glare Screen: Always an optimal view, even in direct sunlight
• Improved on/off button: Prevents the device from turning off by accident
• View Route: Review and test the calculated route before you actually start driving.
• Ready out of the box: Just plug in, switch on & GO
• Simple: Touch-screen operation
• Clear, accurate: turn-by-turn voice instructions
• Compact, portable design: Easy to take from car to car.
• Crystal-clear 3D graphics
• Dynamic Status Bar: Improve readability by customizing the status bar.
• Tip Feature: Discover everything GO has to offer through useful onscreen tips.
• Extensive Guided Tour: Pick up the features even quicker and get the most out of your TomTom GO.
• Ready for TomTom PLUS services: Real time information on traffic congestions, weather conditions and extra downloads such as detailed city maps, additional voices, points of interest and much more
• USB 2.0: For faster data transfers