Figure 2: TomTom GO 720, Opening the Box

Figure 3: TomTom GO 720, Front

TomTom's GO 720 is a great looking GPS, no question about it. It's obvious that TomTom has put a lot of attention to detail into the 720's design. Slimmer and more streamlined than previous TomTom's, the 720 feels very solid and is well-built.

The outer case is constructed of high-impact black plastic while the front faceplate sports three different types of metal finish: matt, brushed, and gray.

Figure 4: TomTom GO 720, Front

1. Internal Microphone (when paired with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, the GO 720 can be used as a hands-free speakerphone)
2. Light sensor - Automatically adjusts screen brightness based on the ambient light conditions, as automatically switches the GO 720 into Night/Day mode
3. Charging light

Figure 5: TomTom GO 720, Left Side

The GO 720 is just under an inch thick, making the 720 thinner than the ONE XL, and about the same thickness as Garmin's nuvi 660/680.

Figure 6: TomTom GO 720, Back

Part metal, part black plastic, the back of the GO 720 is as handsome as the front. The internal speaker and external antenna connector are located on the back of the GO 720.

Figure 7: TomTom GO 720's External Antenna Connector

Most people probably won't need to use an external GPS antenna, since the GO 720 already has a high sensitivity internal antenna. However, if you've got reason to use one, a small rubber cap can be easily removed to reveal the 720's external antenna connector, shown above in figure 7.

Another testament to TomTom's attention to design details, the protective rubber cap that conceals the external antenna connector is slightly angled so it sits flush with the 720's curved case.

Figure 8: TomTom GO 720, Bottom

The bottom of the GO 720 is home to several important connectors and adapters. Let's take a closer look at the 720's underside:

Figure 9: TomTom GO 720, Bottom

1. Audio out connector
2. TomTom Connector
3. Reset button
4. USB connector
5. Memory card slot

Figure 10: TomTom GO 720's Memory Card Slot

Unlike previous TomTom GPS units, the GO 720 stores its maps on the internal 2GB storage, and not on an SD memory card. That's good news, because it has freed up the memory card slot for user content, such as music and photos.

TomTom ships the GO 720 with a blank plastic insert in the memory card slot - a nice touch that both protects the card reader and improves the appearance of the GPS.

Figure 11: TomTom GO 720, Top

The top of the GO 720 is home to the On/off button, and is decorated with TomTom's logo in the center.

Figure 12: Home dock

The home dock is used for charging the GO 720 when it's not in the car, and for connecting the GO to a PC to use TomTom's HOME application (more on this later in the review).

Figure 13: Car Charger

TomTom's included car charger is fairly standard, featuring a small LED at the base of the adapter that visually indicates whether the charger is getting power.

Figure 14: TomTom GO 720's Windshield Mount

TomTom's included windshield mount is both simple and effective: once attached to the windshield, the mount forms a ball and socket style joint that allows the GO 720 to be articulated into the desired viewing angle.

Figure 15: Windshield Mount, Attached to the GO 720

The back of the GO 720 slides onto the tip of the mount.

Figure 16: Adhesive Mounting Disc

If mounting anything in the windshield is illegal in your area, you could use the included adhesive mounting disc instead -- although you're better off using a friction / bean-bag style mount instead, in my opinion.

3. Mounting the TomTom GO 720 in the Car

Figure 17: TomTom GO 720, Mounted in the Car

Mounting the GO 720 in the car is a simple process that requires no tools or professional installation.