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

TomTom ONE XL Review (Tom Tom 1)

TomTom recently released the TomTom ONE XL, a stylish new navigation device. The first thing you'll notice about the TomTom ONE XL is its relatively thin design. The market's thinnest GPS devices measure at less than 3/4" thick. The TomTom ONE XL measures at a little bit over an inch, so it's still relatively small. It is an upgrade from the older TomTom ONE model which featured a 3.5" LCD touchscreen display. The TomTom ONE XL features a 4.3" widescreen LCD that is significantly larger and much clearer as well as high contrasting.
Keep in mind that the unit is a very basic unit but it does feature Bluetooth connectivity that is optional with an additional subscription, as well as an SD Card reader that enables any user to update their map database. The TomTom ONE XL does not feature any playback of audio or video files, but it does receive FM radio-based traffic information that updates the displayed map. In addition, the unit could receive weather data of any user selected cities.
Also be advised that the Bluetooth technology is not designed for hands-free calling but only for addition TomTom Plus subscription. It picks up better traffic information through the Plus subscription. This portable GPS navigation device, however, features an SD Card reader that could read up to 2GB of map information.
On the one hand, the unit is a great basic unit that offers plenty of GPS functions; but on the other hand, there really is no other feature that would be attractive to more advanced users. The TomTom ONE XL features a SiRFStar III processor that runs at 266 MHz, which is unfortunately slower than most portable GPS navigation units today. However, there is truly only one function for this unit, which is navigation, so a 266 MHz processor would be adequate with most usage. If you're looking for a basic in-vehicle navigation system, the TomTom ONE XL could be the perfect easy-to-use navigation device for the basic user at under $250.