» TomTom GO 930, GO 930T, GO730 and GO730T Portable Vehicle Navigators Review

TomTom’s new look flagship GO X30 series includes the TomTom GO 930 and GO 730. The specifications for the two models are identical apart from the GO 930 including;

• a larger 4 GB of internal flash memory compared to 2 GB for the GO 730,
• Enhanced Positioning Technology which uses a combination of movement and gravity sensors to determine position when a GPS signals are not available such as in tunnels or driving in an urban canyon between buildings
• maps of Europe as well as the maps of the United States and Canada on the GO 730

All the GO X30 models have 4.3 inch, WQVGA (480 x 272 pixels) LCD widescreens. GPS navigation is powered by a high sensitivity GPS receiver making for better GPS signal reception in low signal strength areas such as in urban canyons. There is an SD slot for loading digital data such as maps or music. The units are light enough (7.7 ounces) and of small enough form factor of 4.6 x 3.2 x 1 inches (118 x 83 x 24 mm) to be considered portable. The estimated 5 hours of operation from the lithium-polymer battery is a useful time period.

TomTom GO 930T and GO 730T models RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver

If a RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver is included in the box then the model takes on the T suffix becoming the GO 930T and GO 730T models. The new RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver provides purchasers with an alternative traffic option to TomTom Traffic which is a subscription based service that can be obtained via a GPRS wireless data connection (ie. you need a suitably equipped cell phone). The TomTom RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver works by using TMC (Traffic Message Channel) technology. The receiver acquires information through an FM radio signal broadcast by regional providers. The TomTom Traffic service is currently available for Austria, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. A one year free subscription to the TMC traffic service comes with the purchase of an RDS-TMC receiver accessory.

Headline features of the TomTom GO 930 and 730 highlighted by TomTom in their press releases are TomTom IQ Routes, Advanced Lane Guidance and TomTom Map Share.

Tom IQ Routes

The technical advance of TomTom’s new IQ Routes technology is the use of actual average speeds on roads, instead of posted speed limits for calculating the best route. The basis for the speed profile data for 6.2 billion miles of roads comes from anonymous historical speed profiles gathered from millions of TomTom users. It makes for more accurate/realistic estimations of travel times via different alternative routes. Data collection is ongoing so it can only become more accurate and extensive as well as reflective of changed road conditions.

There is an excellent illustrated, detailed description of TomTom’s IQ Routes on the TomTom website.

Advanced Lane Guidance

Using a more realistic view of highway junctions on the navigation screen combined lane indicating arrows and vocal instructions drivers are better able to navigate their way through lane changes required. TomTom’s site has an excellent illustrated guide to how TomTom Lane Guidance works. The video below gives a good idea of what to expect though.

TomTom HOME

TomTom HOME is TomTom’s free software for accessing a range of services and contacting TomTom’s global community of users. You can manage, update and personalize your TomTom as well as purchase and install maps, make back-ups and download software updates.

Latest Map Guarantee

If a new map is released within 30 days of purchase, TomTom guarantee you can download it for free using TomTom HOME. TomTom have just released new maps of the United States and Canada (TeleAtlas data) which will now come preloaded on new purchases. The new maps include; thousands of updated miles of road network, new and updated points of interest (POI), new road speed limit zones and updated toll roads.

TomTom preload each of their navigators with thousands of POI. A useful feature is being able to get alerts when a particular type of POI is within range. The POI database is being updated on an ongoing basis. You can also personalize your TomTom by adding your own POI.

Map Share

Map Share is not new to the TomTom GPS navigator range. It gives users the ability to personalize their maps and correct and improve available maps. With Map Share TomTom users can; 1) change street names and direction 2) add, remove or rename POIs and 3) (un)block streets on their own device. Using TomTom HOME users can share their map improvements for the benefit from the entire TomTom user community which now totals some 20 million.

Hands Free Bluetooth Wireless Technology

All the TomTom GO X30 models have Bluetooth wireless technology for connecting to enabled cellular for safer hands-free phone use.

Other Notable Features

• Voice address input allows addresses to be simply spoken. Like hands free calling, any lessening of the need to view the navigation screen improves usability and safety.
• Text-to-speech enables street names, places, traffic alerts and SMS messages to be read aloud as part of spoken instructions allowing confirmation that you are on track without checking the navigation display.
• The Help Me menu provides quick, direct access to emergency services and roadside assistance
• A built-in FM transmitter lets you play music and listen to navigation instructions over the car stereo
• Personalization options include recording your own driving instructions, and selecting a favourite car icon for onscreen display.
• Documents can be viewed on the display
• It’s possible to exchange positions via SMS and Bluetooth wireless technology

Resources

TomTom GO 930/730 User Guide (PDF 15MB)

RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver User Guide (PDF 360KB)

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Have a look at the following online retailers for competitive prices and user reviews.

TomTom GO 930 4.3-Inch Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigator

TomTom GO 930T 4.3-Inch Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Reciever

TomTom GO 730 4.3-inch Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigator with Bluetooth

TomTom GO 730T 4.3-Inch Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Receiver

Amazon have Service Plans for Personal Electronicsand Replacement Plans for Electronic Products.

TomTom GO 930

TomTom GO 730

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