TomTom GO 740 Live Connected GPS Review (GPSmagazine.com)

Verdict: Just like previous TomTom GPS units, but with a $10/month subscription for Weather, Traffic, Google Search, & Fuel Prices

TomTom's GO LIVE 740 is the company's first Internet-connected GPS. Leveraging an internal GPRS receiver, the GO 740 boasts LIVE services like TomTom Traffic, Weather, Local Search powered by Google, and Fuel Prices.

Built-in connectivity is nice, and the LIVE services are handy. But at $10 per month, most users will have a hard time justifying the ongoing subscription cost. Apart from the LIVE services, the GO 740 is essentially identical to previous TomTom GPS units. I've long complained that TomTom's basic interface needs an overhaul, and that's still true with the GO 740.

Foreword

Conclusion / recommendation / ratings are based on the opinion of the author. I recommend that you read the entire review before making any decision.

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1. What's In The Box

Figure 1: TomTom GO 740 Live, Retail Box

The TomTom GO 740 includes the following items in the box:

TomTom GO 740 device
Windshield mount
Car charger (12-24V)
Desk dock for charging and computer connection
Adhesive disk for mount
TomTom HOME software
Documentation pack

Figure 2: TomTom GO 740, Front

Physically, the GO 740 looks and feels similar to previous TomTom GPS units. The 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen is framed by a black plastic casing, decorated with an elegant looking silver colored plastic trim.

Measuring 3.4 x 5 x 0.9 inches, the GO 740 LIVE is only slightly larger than the non-connected TomTom 930, which measures 3.3” x 4.7” x 1.0”.

Figure 3: TomTom GO 740, Front

Microphone - Used when using the GO 740 as a hands free speakerphone, and for issuing voice commands to the GPS
Light Sensor - The GO 740 can be configured to automatically adjust brightness and/or map colors based on ambient light conditions

Figure 4: TomTom GO 740, Left Side

Even with the addition of an internal GPRS receiver, the GO 740 remains slim, measuring less than an inch thick.

Figure 5: TomTom GO 740, Rear

A single, rear facing speaker is located on the back of the GPS. Speaker volume was above average, producing loud, crisp, distortion-free sound.

Figure 6: TomTom GO 740 LIVE, Right Side

Figure 7: TomTom GO 740 LIVE, Bottom

Docking Cradle Grooves
Micro SD Memory Card Slot - Not required. Micro SD data cards can be purchased and used to store additional photos and/or music.

Figure 8: TomTom GO 740 LIVE, Top

The On/Off button is located on the top of the GPS.

Figure 9: Windshield Mount

The GO 740 includes a newly designed, and much improved, active powered windshield mount.

The rubber grip at the base of the windshield mount rotates to secure the mount to the windshield, and the ball and socket style joint lets the docking cradle be articulated into the desired viewing angle without having to turn any knobs or levers.

Figure 10: Windshield Mount

The included vehicle power adapter connects to the rear of the windshield mount, which in turn provides power to the GPS once it's docked. That means once the windshield mount is installed in a vehicle, you won't need to connect or disconnect any cables when mounting or un mounting the GPS - just click the 740 LIVE into the dock and you're ready to navigate.

Figure 11: TomTom GO 740, Docked on the Windshield Mount

TomTom's new windshield mount is excellent. Easy to use, convenient, and highly effective, this is the best windshield mount the company has produced to date.

Figure 12: Home dock

The home dock is used for charging the GO 740 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 930T directly to your computer.

Figure 13: TomTom GO &40, Docked

12v Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
Figure 14: Vehicle Power Adapter

Figure 15: Adhesive Mounting Disc

An adhesive mounting disc is included for those who wish to mount the GPS on the dashboard instead of using a windshield mount. I don't recommend this, since the mounting disc can be difficult to remove later, but TomTom includes one just in case.

Figure 16: Documentation & Software Packet

The GO 740 includes a printed user guide, LIVE Service and Accessories guide, Voice Recognition Commands quick reference card, and CD-ROM with TomTom's HOME software and pdf versions of the printed manuals.