TomTom Go 730

The 730 sports a 4.3″ touch screen, maps of the U.S. and Canada, along with text-to-speech. The latter feature provides users with voice prompt directions and it comes with a built-in FM transmitter and TomTom’s Map Share technology, which allows users to make some map corrections and share them with others. The device also features millions of POIs, comes with a one-year subscription to TMC traffic to the basic 730’s features plus maps of Europe, a remote control and Enhanced Positioning Technology for continued tracking when satellite signals are lost. The device also allows users to customize which (if any) POI categories to show on the map, POI proximity warnings, create custom POIs and POI categories on the device, custom fields on the status bar, custom quick menu (accessible by touching the green arrow on the left of the screen below), custom speed / speeding warning display and ABCD, QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard choice. The device also allows users to access the volume controls by touching the lower left corner of the map screen, comes with TomTom HOME software which is a desktop application that allows users to receive firmware and map updates, send and receive Map Share corrections, and more. It also features Map Share technology that allows users to make certain map corrections on the device, IQ Routes™ for more efficient routes calculation, multi-destination routing and the ability to avoid specific streets on individual routes, adding custom POIs on the go without the need for a POI manager, proximity warning, Advanced Lane Guidance, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity that allows users to connect compatible mobile phone for hands free calls, as well as allow users to access their phone book, make and answer calls with the GPS device’s touch keypad. The TomTom GO 730 also features voice command, speed limit indicator which is enabled under Status Bar Preferences and Help Me! feature which allows users to locate nearby emergency services.

Specifications
Display and physical attributes
The Tomtom GO 730 is a GPS device with a 4.3 inch touch-sensitive widescreen 16:9 format LCD WQVGA touchscreen with 480 x 272 pixels resolution. It measures 4.65 x 3.27 x 0.94 inches and weighs 7.75 oz. / 0.49 lbs. The unit is powered by a lithium-polymer battery that provides up to 5 hours of operation time.

Processor and Memory
The 730 is powered by a 400 MHz, 64MB RAM processor and is supported by a 2 GB internal flash memory with removable memory capability via an SD card slot that is compatible with SD and MMC cards (cards not included).

Other features
The TomTom GO 730 also has high sensitivity GPS receiver with an integrated FM transmitter. It allows users to enter location on the touchscreen or use voice address entry and start driving anywhere with guided by turn-by-turn spoken instructions, including street names. The device also has IQ Routes Technology that gives users the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on route to calculate trip rather than only posted speed limits. It also has Advanced Lane Guidance that uses photorealistic images for clarity to multi-lane exits; TomTom Map Share technology that allows users to modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on the device; Bluetooth® hands-free calling (compatible mobile phone required) and added safety features for accessing local emergency providers. The 730 also features MP3 playback, an FM transmitter, text-to-speech and Bluetooth handsfree call function.

The device also features built-in microphones, built-in speakers,

What’s in the box
The TomTom GO 730 comes bundled with a windshield mount, desk dock for connection of the device to a PC or Mac and charging the unit at home or hotel; USB cable, car charger with a 12 – 24 V cigarette lighter adapter that can also be used in trucks, a CD that contains TomTom HOME software and manual, and a Quick Start guide, accessory/services leaflet.

Reviews:

“A year ago when we reviewed its predecessor, the Go 720, we lauded its lovely design and then cried a salty ocean of tears because the high price meant that its buggy feature set were unforgivable. This year, though, we’ve been able to turn off the water works for the most part: the price is sane and the features debugged. The only thing holding the Go 730 back from greatness is that godforsaken windshield mount.”- (CNET Australia, 2008)

“The TomTom GO 730 is a good choice for someone who wants a feature-rich GPS that they can customize. It is not appropriate for people who get lost in menus or just want a simple, easy to operate device.” – (GPS Tracklog, 2008)

“More than ‘just’ a satnav, the TomTom GO 730 is a great gadget for your car.” – (PC Advisor UK, 2008)