TomTom GO 730T Review (Tom Tom 730)

The TomTom GO 730T may be considered a more advanced GPS system. It is virtually identical to the TomTom Go 930, except that it does not feature the innovative accelerometer. They're essentially upgrades from the older TomTom Go 920 and 720, but it features a couple of new features. We'll start the review with the current features and end the review with the new features.

The TomTom Go 730T features a very nice 4.3" touchscreen LCD with 400 MHz processor that will definitely eliminate any laggy or sluggish navigation performance. In addition, whereas most GPS navigation devices today features a 16MB or 32MB internal RAM, the TomTom 730T features a larger 64MB RAM with 2GB internal flash memory. The combination of these features sets the TomTom Go 730T far above most navigation units with speed and fluid performance.
There is also an SD and MMC card reader, allowing users to play their favorite music on the TomTom 730T. There is also a built-in FM transmitter that will allow users to use their FM radio to receive music from the TomTom 730T. From experience, it is very difficult to get a clear signal on any FM transmitter built-in a GPS device. Most users will need to really park their car and find the right frequency to set the strongest signal. Don't expect the FM transmitter as the way to listen to your portable media!

A great feature of the TomTom 730T is the ability for it to interface wirelessly with Bluetooth capable devices. This will allow drivers to make hands free phone calls while displaying the caller ID and call status on the unit's 4.3" widescreen display. Don't forget that for Californians, it is mandated by law that drivers use hands-free kits when making phone calls; the law comes into effect July 1, 2008-- giving authorities the right to fine drivers $25 for the first offense and $50 per additional offense.

The TomTom 730T could interact with other TomTom "Buddies"; which are TomTom users capable of networking. Imagine going out and seeing your friends out there-- the unit will indicate where they are! In addition, it is capable of receiving local weather information, traffic condition, and other TomTom Plus add-ons and services.

This portable GPS navigation device is definitely one of the most high-performing GPS devices as of late. The high-tech key features of the TomTom 730T are its innovative Lane Guidance system that notify drivers of actual lane changes on the plotted path. This gives the high something worth buying for as it is virtually unheard of in the GPS world. If that doesn't gain your attention, the TomTom 730T features the unique ability to retrieve historical vehicle speeds within a path, instead of just posted speed limits. This gives the user a much more accurate reading of the fastest route. However, the unit is a bit pricey for the lack of 3.5mm headphone jack auxiliary output. But it does have a lot of fun features that keeps you connected with your TomTom friends, as well as hands free calling.

Note: TomTom 730 is the standard version without traffic services; the TomTom 730T features traffic services

Navigon 2100 MAX (2100MAX) Review

There are so many GPS products out there, it may be increasingly difficult to find which one is better and which is worse. We would argue that instead of finding the answer to the "Which is better?" question, try asking yourself, "What's an important feature for me?"

We say this to stress the point that technology is becoming very universal and with that universality comes universal quality. There isn't really one better than another because there are so many categories that comparison isn't possible unless it is something very objective, such as price and size.
With all that being said, let us introduce to you, the Navigon 2100 MAX. This model is an upgrade of the Navigon 2100. Where last model featured a 3.5" LCD screen this new piece from Navigon features a 4.3" LCD touchscreen display that features a high resolution, vivid colors, and very nice contrast. Of course, all these truly help drivers in seeing the screen while driving in direct sunlight. The Navigon 2100 MAX
features a very attractive design and the screen is encased in a very thin and compact black-gloss finished chassis.

Navigon never specified how many points of interest the unit holds. However, Navigon's unique FreshMaps allow users to update the map and point of interest database on a monthly basis. In this sense, the Navigon 2100 MAX would never be outdated; but we're a little skeptical at how many POIs it actually has.
The Navigon 2100 MAX features a unique Lane Assistant and Reality View that allow drivers a very detailed and up-close look of upcoming lane changes. For drivers in busy metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or New York, the Lane Assistant will definitely be a greatly appreciated feature that makes driving much safer and easier. It also has text-to-speech technology, that complements the Lane Assistant feature. It'll tell you exact street names and freeway names instead of the vague "Turn left ahead", which is incredibly difficult with 5 left lanes at an interchange for 3 freeway splits. In addition, the Navigon 2100 MAX also features a DirectHelp function that directs a driver to an emergency facility such as hospitals, police stations, or fire stations, with a push of a button.

This portable navigation unit also features the optional add-on that allows it to receive traffic information. It could display your speed (and warns you if you're over the speed limit) and you could also plan your trip before you go out and actually get on the road. Unfortunately the unit does not play any sort of media nor does it have any secondary audio outputs such as a headphone jack or FM transmitter.

For all these unique navigation features and its stylish design, the Navigon 2100 MAX is relatively inexpensive with an MSRP set at $299. The only thing we're concerned about is its inability to playback audio and video files and the unspecified POI, which usually means it does not have a whole lot. If you're looking for a straight-up navigation device, the Navigon 2100 MAX offers innovative and incredibly helpful guidance through the busiest interchange in North America.

TomTom GO 930 (Tom Tom 930) Review

TomTom will soon be releasing their new main battle tank, the Go 930. It will definitely be one of the coolest GPS navigation we've seen as of yet and its features will surely impress even the most novice GPS user.

The unit features a standard 4.3" LCD touchscreen display with an excellent color depth, contrast, and visibility. It's quite impressive how clear the navigation is and it truly complement its other features. This portable GPS unit is for the most part a slight upgrade from TomTom's previous release, the Go 920. However, the Go 930 features IQ Route technology which measures not posted speed limit, but what actual speed of vehicles travel at; and as a result, this will give drivers a much more accurate estimated time of arrival.

The TomTom Go 930 also features Advanced Lane Guidance technology that makes complex interchanges much easier to manage. This is a great feature to have if you live in busy metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, etc. The technology simulates the driver's point of view as the vehicle approaches an upcoming interchange. It will then indicate which lane to take, as well as the correct offramp/onramp.

Since the TomTom Go 930 is an upgrade from the TomTom Go 920, much of its features are identical, except the entire casing is black, high-gloss painted rather than the silver coat.

It does feature the same 400MHz processor, which will allow high-speed response rate while navigating. It also has 64MB RAM memory with 4GB of internal flash memory that is primarily used for navigation data. The SD/MMC Card reader could even expand the capabilities of the unit by allowing other media files to be played in the GPS unit. The GPS receiver is also a highly sensitive receiver that will unlikely to drop any GPS satellite signals. The TomTom Go 930 could pick up RDS-TMC traffic signal for up-to-date traffic information that could be displayed while navigating through traffic hot spots.

What's great about the TomTom 930 are its built-in FM transmitter as well as its integrated Bluetooth technology that allow users to do hands-free calling by using the on screen phonebook and dial pad.

The TomTom 930 has great features, but it also comes with a great price. Expect this newly released portable GPS unit will be priced at around $500.