The TomTom GO 700 is one of two models in TomTom’s car GPS navigation range to have a built-in HDD (hard disk drive) with the premium GO 900 model being the other. If you’ve looked at the entry level GO 900 and have wanted hands-free phone calls using a Bluetooth connection to your mobile (check TomTom website for compatibility) then this might be the model for you. Another standout feature of this model is the assisted Satellite Navigation (ASN) for uninterrupted GPS navigation in poor reception areas such as tunnels and urban canyons. For those who have problems operating gadgets the unit comes with TomToms easy to use, Linux based navigation software controlled with the touch screen. For GPS signal reception the GO 700 has a 12 channel integrated GPS receiver.

Operation

The GO 700 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 (TeleAtlas map database) are pre-installed on the 2.5 Gb HDD 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 700 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

Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cellular phones can be combined with the GO 700 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.

Accessories

The TomTom GO 700 doesn’t come with an AC adapter which may be worth considering.

The TomTom GO 700 has a black case with a silver a silver bezel surrounding. If you would like to match your GO 700 to your cars decor, its possible to buy three different color (blue, gold and black) interchangeable bezels.

Comparison with other TomTom GO GPS Units

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 some superior / additional features to the GO 700 including:

• a large 4.0 inch widescreen display (480×272 pixels)
• 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

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

TomTom GO 700 Portable GPS Navigation with Hands-Free Calling

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Further Reading

GPS Technology Reviews has recently reviewed the Lowrance iWay 500c Automotive GPS Navigator.

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Outdoor Navigation with GPS

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS Locator [DVD]

Technical Specification TomTom GO 700

• 400 Mhz ARM920T processor
• 64 MB RAM
• 2.5 GB hard disk 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

TomTom GO 700 Features

• Assisted Satellite Navigation (ASN): Provides uninterrupted navigation in areas where there is no GPS signal for a period of time (for example, tunnels and urban canyons).
• Ready out of the box: Just plug in, switch on & GO
• Itinerary Planning: Plan your trip by defining multiple waypoints and destinations
• Simple: Touch-screen operation
• Clear, accurate: turn-by-turn voice instructions
• A choice of routes: Quickest, shortest or avoiding toll roads
• Compact, portable design: Easy to take from car to car.
• Crystal-clear 3D graphics
• Built-in Bluetoothâ„¢ Connection: For use with your Bluetoothâ„¢-enabled device
• Door-to-door cross border planning: Find your way to any address across the USA and Canada, all pre-installed on a 2.5 GB hard drive.
• 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.
• View Route: Review and test the calculated route before you actually start driving.
• Hands-free calling via Bluetoothâ„¢: connection with mobile phone.
• 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
• Phone Control Support: Call a point of interest directly through the GO
• 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
• 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