Tomtom model comparison

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KaroriPete

96 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#55662 7-Jan-2010 18:19

I'm looking to buy a Tomtom GPS for an upcoming roadtrip, but am having trouble deciding between the models.

I was looking at a GO 750 but just discovered that despite what it says in the generic Go User Manual, that it doesn't have FM or play mp3's.

This isn't the end of the world, but I see a few Go 730's are still available which have this function and are cheaper.

So some questions:
Does the FM transmitter actually work well with good quality sound?

The dock and mount on the 750 looks better than the 730 mount, but is the 730 one still OK?

Other features seem pretty similar between the two models (spoken street names, lane guidance, IQ routes etc) but if I went with the 730 would I be missing anything important that the 750 has?

If I decide the FM and Phone functions aren't that important, I could even just go with an XL340 as there seem to be some very good deals on these at the moment. Again from a navigation perspective would I lose any important features?

Finally, does anyone have any idea if traffic info will become available for Tomtom anytime soon? If so will it work with existing models, or will new models need to be released?

All advice appreciated,

Pete.

rpnz

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#291261 19-Jan-2010 18:06

Hi,
I got an TomTom XL340 for Christmas and have found it too be great.
Used it on holiday in Akl and Bay Of Islands and it was really useful.

I will give it a rating of 8.5/10.

The few grumblings I have are.

On gravel roads the device would sometimes come off its mount

It would take a while to find its position when first turned on, especially in an area where there are tall buildings

The speed it stated seemed to be lower than the car speedo (i drove in 2 cars)

Maps were out of date in regards to speed cameras, service stations

These are minor, and this unit got me through downtown akl in peak hour traffic. I do suggest if you are using it inner city to turn the sound On as it is helpful for lane selection guidance.

Hope this was helpful.

KaroriPete

96 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#291811 21-Jan-2010 11:30

Hi RPNZ - thanks for the comments.

I've taken the plunge and bought the GO750, and so far I think it's fantastic.

I really like the mount. The suction cup end is really firm and positive to lock onto the window, and it's nice to be able to sort that out first and then just click the GPS onto the cradle.

The Bluetooth mobile phone interface is quite good too, and I'm impressed that it actually reads out the contents of incoming text messages on my wifes Sony Ericsson mobile. It won't do that on my Blackberry, but the calling still works well, and pairing and phone selection seems really good too. (I've found some bluetooth devices to be really twitchy in this area.)

The only thing I would have liked is the FM feature for playing mp3's on the car stereo - it's a shame they dropped this feature. I looked hard at the GO730 for this reason as there still seem to be a few around, but their mount didn't seem to be as good.

I have no experience with other brands so they may be as good, but I really like the support for additional data and configration schemes that are available on the web, and the way that Tomtom have tried to make the system as open as possible. Being able to simply browse the device using Windows Explorer to make backups, add files etc . is a good feaure.

Anyway, I didn't really intend this to turn into a mini review but the info might be useful for others trying to decide what to buy.

Thanks again for your comments.

ZollyMonsta

3009 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 379

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#291824 21-Jan-2010 11:58

rpnz:

It would take a while to find its position when first turned on, especially in an area where there are tall buildings

Hope this was helpful.

Have you been reguarly connecting it to a PC and using the update software? There is a regular 'gpsquickfix' file which I believe speeds up the locking to the various GPS satellites.

Connecting it to your PC will also update POI's like Speed Cameras etc when they're updated.

We got a XL340 with free OZ maps in December and used it in Sydney (with me driving there for the first time). It made the entire experience of driving in a HUGE city totally stress free.

We've always found the XL340 to work well in both NZ and OZ.

Check out my LPFM Radio Station at www.thecheese.co.nz - Now on iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Radio Garden

As per the usual std disclaimer.. "All thoughts typed here are my own."

KaroriPete

96 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#291839 21-Jan-2010 12:21

Hi Zolly,

I've been connecting mine quite frequently to Tomtom Home to get the GPS ephemeris, and it seems to have picked up about 300 Mapshare corrections so far as well.

I also got the free Oz maps. It'll probably be a while before I'm likely to use it over there, but it'll be getting a good workout in Auckland (which I haven't really got a clue about driving wise) in the next few weeks.

Fingers crossed :)