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September 3, 2007

TomTom GO 720 Review

Verdict: Mo' Features, Mo' Problems

TomTom GO 720

The TomTom GO 720 is a feature-packed GPS that promises cutting edge technology in an elegant package.

The GO 720's feature list is impressive (4.3" touchscreen, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, Traffic, FM Transmitter, Map Share, and more), but TomTom's past products have been rushed to market before they were ready, and poor customer support turned many buyers off.

Has TomTom turned a new leaf and delivered the goods with the GO 720, or is it more of the same bugs, delays, poor usability, and poor customer support that ruined the GO 910? Read on.

Table of Contents

  1. Technical Specifications
  2. What's in the Box
  3. Mounting the TomTom GO 720 in the Car
  4. Turning on the GO 720 for the First Time
  5. Finding an Address
  6. Finding a Restaurant
  7. Navigating with the GO 720
  8. GPS Performance Testing
  9. Itinerary Planning (Multi-destination routing)
  10. Bluetooth
  11. Hands-free Calling
  12. TomTom PLUS Services
  13. Map Corrections & Map Share
  14. Installing TomTom HOME
  15. Routing Engine Performance
  16. FM Transmitter
  17. Enabling All Menu Options
  18. Using the Music Player & Photo Viewer
  19. Configuring Options
  20. Pros
  21. Cons
  22. Conclusion

1. Technical Specifications

  • 4.3" widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA: 480*272 pixels)
  • CPU 400 MHz, 64MB RAM
  • 2GB internal flash memory
  • Pre-loaded Tele Atlas maps of the US and Canada
  • 4.5 Million Points of Interest (POIs) Pre-loaded
  • Built-in light sensor for automatic brightness control plus automatic day/night view switching
  • SD card slot compatible with SD and MMC cards (cards not included)
  • High sensitivity GPS receiver
  • RDS-TMC traffic compatible
  • Integrated FM transmitter
  • Bluetooth
  • Text-to-speech for announcing street names, text messages, and traffic info
  • Battery lithium-polymer (up to 5 hours operation)
  • Optimized integrated microphones and speaker for high quality hands-free calling functionality
  • Dimensions: 4.65" x 3.27" x 0.94"
  • Weight: 7.75 oz./0.49 lbs.

2. What's in the Box

TomTom GO 720, Retail Box
Figure 1: TomTom GO 720, Retail Box

The TomTom GO 720 ships with the following items included in the box:

  • TomTom GO 720
  • Windshield mount
  • Desk dock
  • Car charger
  • Documentation
  • CD-ROM

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