TomTom GO 920T Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: Solid Performer. Voice Input Still Needs Work. A Better Bargain Than The GO 930.

TomTom's GO 920T costs about the same as the newer GO 930, but lacks the 930's IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance. However, unlike the 930, the 920T includes an RDS-TMC traffic receiver, giving you everything you need to receive live traffic information right out of the box. The GO 920T has Enhanced Positioning Technology (for maintaining tracking when driving through tunnels and such), voice address input, real-time traffic data, Bluetooth, an FM transmitter, a remote control, and TomTom's innovative Map Share & Map Corrections program.

The routing engine and map screen could be stronger, and the voice address input feature was a little disappointing, but overall the GO 920T is a solid performer. Given that the GO 930's "Advanced Lane Guidance" and "IQ Routes" are still in their infancy and aren't all that useful yet, the traffic enabled GO 920T is probably a better deal for most drivers.

Note: Some sections of this review are taken directly from the TomTom GO 930 review, as in most respects the GPS units are functionally identical.

1. Features

TomTom Map Share
Enhanced Positioning Technology (Maintains tracking without GPS signals, such as in tunnels, behind buildings, etc.)
Voice address input
Hands-free calling
Built-in FM transmitter
Traffic receiver
Bluetooth remote control
Bluetooth
QuickGPSfix high sensititivity GPS chipset

2. Specifications

4.3" widescreen 16:9 format LCD (WQVGA: 480*272 pixels)
Map Coverage: US, Canada, and Europe pre-installed
4GB internal flash memory
SD card slot compatible with SD and MMC cards (cards not included)
High sensitivity GPS receiver
RDS-TMC traffic receiver included
Integrated FM transmitter
Bluetooth®
Battery lithium-polymer (up to 5 hours operation)
Optimized integrated microphones and speaker for high quality hands-free calling functionality
CPU: 400Mhz
Dimensions: 3.3” x 4.6” x 0.9”
Weight: 7.8 oz./0.5 lbs.

3. What's in the Box?

Figure 1: What's included with the TomTom GO 920T

The TomTom GO 920T includes the following items in the box:

TomTom GO 920T device
RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver
Bluetooth Remote Control
Windshield mount
Adhesive mounting disk
Car charger (12-24V)
Home dock for charging and computer access via USB connection
TomTom HOME software
Documentation pack

Figure 2: TomTom GO 920T's Remote Control, Front

TomTom's GO 920T includes a Bluetooth enabled remote control.

Figure 3: TomTom GO 920T's Remote Control, Side

Once paired with the GO 920T, the remote can be used to control the GPS.

Figure 4: Remote Control, Battery Compartment

TomTom's remote is powered by two AAA batteries (included).

Figure 5: 12v Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter

The included 12v power adapter has a built-in LED indicator and fuse.

Figure 6: TomTom GO 920T, Front

The TomTom GO 920T shares the same good looks as the TomTom GO 730 and 930. The casing is constructed of high-impact matt gray plastic that doesn't easily pickup fingerprints, and has shiny silver trim around the 4.3-inch LCD display.

Except for the power button located on the top of the device, there are no physical controls on the GO 920T. All operations are performed via the touchscreen display, or the included remote control.

Measuring 3.3” x 4.6” x 0.9” and weighing about a half a pound (7.8 oz./0.5 lbs), the GO 920T feels well-built, and TomTom's attention to detail is obvious. TomTom makes gorgeous looking hardware, and the GO 920T is no exception.

An internal microphone (when paired with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, the GO 920T can be used as a hands-free speakerphone), ambient light sensor (Automatically adjusts screen brightness based on the ambient light conditions, and automatically switches the GO 920T into Night/Day mode), and charging indicator light are located on the front of the unit.

Figure 7: TomTom GO 920T, Side

The GO 920T has a tapered design, and is thinner at the edges, measuring just under an inch thick at the center, and about half that thickness at the left and right edges.

Figure 8: TomTom GO 920T, Rear

Part metal, part black plastic, the back of the GO 920T is almost as good looking as the front.

The built-in speaker as well as the external GPS antenna connector are located on the back of the GO 920T.

Figure 9: TomTom GO 920, Bottom

The bottom of the GO 930 is home to several important connectors and adapters. Let's take a closer look at the 930's underside:

Figure 10: TomTom GO 920T, Bottom

Audio out connector
TomTom Connector (used for the RDS-TMC Traffic antenna, or optional iPod control cable)
Reset pin
USB connector
SD Memory card slot

Figure 11: TomTom GO 920T, Top

The top of the GO 920T is home to the On/Off button, and is decorated with TomTom's logo in the center.

Figure 12: TomTom GO 920T

TomTom's GO 920T is an elegant, refined looking piece of hardware.

Figure 13: Home dock

The home dock is used for charging the GO 920T 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).

You can also choose not to use the docking cradle, and instead use a standard USB cable (not included) to connect the GO 920T directly to your computer.

Figure 14: RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver

The addition of "T" in the GO 920T's model number indicates that this unit is traffic enabled, and includes an RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver that works both in Europe and North America. One year of traffic service is included for free, after which you'll have to subscribe at a cost of $60 per year.

TomTom's own documentation and website is extremely confusing regarding traffic, and in particular regarding traffic service in the United States. TomTom makes traffic data available either via the included traffic receiver, or as a TomTom Service that uses a data connection to a Bluetooth cell phone to download traffic information from TomTom. TomTom claims the TomTom Service model provides the best traffic data possible, but it requires the addition of a compatible Bluetooth cell phone cellular signal reception, and an unlimited data plan. RDS-TMC information is broadcast over the FM spectrum, and requires the Traffic Receiver (included with the GO 920T).

Figure 15: RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver

TomTom's website isn't clear whether traffic data is supported in the United States, but I had no problem receiving traffic alerts using the 920T's included RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver. More details on which countries are supported and pricing is available on TomTom's website here.

In my own experience with TomTom's devices, finding a fully compatible Bluetooth cell phone is no easy task, and the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver is the easiest way to get traffic data on TomTom's GPS units. The downside to using the Traffic Receiver is the additional wire draped across your windshield.

Figure 16: TomTom GO 920T'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 920T to be articulated into the desired viewing angle.

Figure 17: Windshield Mount, Attached to the GO 920T

The back of the GO 920T slides onto the tip of the mount, locking into position. To remove the GPS from the windshield mount, simply slide the unit up.

Figure 18: Doc Pack

The GO 920T includes an abbreviated printed manual, Service & Accessories guide, and a CD-ROM that contains an unabridged instructions manual in PDF format as well as the TomTom HOME software installer.