» TomTom GO 720 and GO 520 Smart Car Navigation Devices Review

Barely released, the new slim design Tom Tom GO 720 has picked up a PC Pro Recommended Award and been placed on their A List. Citing genuinely brilliant innovations PC Pro nominated MapShare as the killer application. The TomTom GO 720 has a sibling model, the TomTom GO 520, which has exactly the same hardware specifications but, has pre-loaded maps covering Western European regions.

Some headline features (some new to GO range) for the TomTom GO 720 and GO 520 include:

• Latest Version 7 operating system;
• TomTom MapShare technology allowing users to 1) modify street names and direction 2) add, remove or rename POIs and 3) (un)block streets on their own device.
• Wide screen (4.3 inch), TFT, 64k color, LCD touchscreen (480 x 272 pixels)
• Hands-free calling for making and taking calls while keeping your eyes on the road
• Built-in FM transmitter for playing sound over the car stereo
• Help Me! menu for users to find the nearest police station, fire station, hospital or car repairer and supply their current location.
• Battery life extended to 5 hours.

TomTom’s New Map Share Technology

TomTom’s Map Share Technology brings the power of community input to correct and improve available maps. Using Map Share users can; 1) modify street names and direction 2) add, remove or rename POIs and 3) (un)block streets on their own device. Users can share their map improvements and benefit from all other users’ improvements easily via TomTom’s free desktop application, HOME. TomTom has a user community some 10 million in size to provide plenty of leverage.

Hands Free Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cellular phones can be combined with the GO 720 or GO 520 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.

Entertainment System

Both the TomTom GO 720 and GO 520 can be integrated with a car stereo system. Using the built-in FM transmitter enables navigation instructions and music to be heard through the car stereo. A nice feature is dual audio volume controls allowing the flexibility to set different base volume levels for navigation instructions and music. There is an integrated MP3 player and it is possible to connect your iPod to both devices and operate it using the touchscreen (iPod generation 3 and higher are supported - not the iPod Shuffle).

Docking Station

Many digital cameras have a docking station accessory and the GO 720 and GO 520 have one also. As well as providing recharging, the docking station allows USB connection with a PC for memory back-ups, updating software, Map Share or updating maps. The USB connection can also be used to transferring images and MP3 files. The navigation shows up as an extra drive in Windows explorer for drag-an-drop file transfers however TomTom’s free HOME interface software can also be used for data synchronization, file management and planning routes. Other TomTom PLUS services have been pre-installed including TomTom Weather and TomTom QuickGPSfix (for extra fast connection between the devices and GPS satellites)

Text-to-Speech

Both TomTom GO navigation devices have the latest text-to-speech functionality for reading text rather than playing pre-recorded words or phrases. This technology allows actual street names to be pronounced 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 (requires registration) worth investigating. It’s a service which combines instant messaging with navigation. There are numerous useful purposes for combining your messages with your location. 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.

Included in TomTom GO 720 and GO 520 Package

• TomTom GO 720 (520) car navigation device
• Windshield mount
• Adhesive mounting disk
• Home dock for charging and computer access via USB connection
• USB car charger
• TomTom HOME software
• Documentation pack

Price Comparisons and User Reviews

Amazon

TomTom GO 720 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Buy.com

TomTom GO 720 GPS Navigation System

Newegg.com

TomTom GO 720 4.3″ Automotive GPS Navigation

Resources for TomTom GO 720 and GO 520 Vehicle GPS Navigators

Compare TomTom GPS models with TomTom’s Product Comparison Chart.

You can also use TomTom’s Product Advisor to work out which TomTom model would suit you best.

Download TomTom GO Users Manual (multiple different language versions available)

RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver User Guide

Remote Control User Guide

There are forums covering lots of TomTom GO 520 and GO 720 topics at YourNav and TomTomForums.com.

Tom Tom GO 720 and GO 520 Specifications

• 4.3 inch full TFT color LCD touchscreen, 64k colors, 480 x 272 pixels
• Preloaded maps of the US and Canada on internal memory
• .

• High sensitivity GPS chipset. Support for active external antenna (not included)
• Built-in Bluetooth connection for handsfree calling, optional real-time traffic, weather and more
• USB connection for charging, updates and downloads
• Rechargeable internal 5 hour Lithium-polymer battery
• Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.3 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 7.8 ounces
• CPU: 400 MHz processor
• Memory: 2 GB internal
• SD slot for optional, additional content. (SD not included)
• Operating temperature: 14 F to 131 F

Technorati Tags: Tom Tom GO 720, TomTom GO 520, Wide screen, Hands-free calling, Bluetooth, MP3 player, Docking Station, data synchronization, file management, planning routes, Text-to-Speech, Buddies, instant messaging with navigation