4.2 TomTom Traffic

Figure 57: TomTom Traffic

Within a minute or two of powering on the GO 740, the built-in wireless receiver downloads TomTom Traffic data. TomTom Traffic combines information from several sources, and includes both incident alerts as well as historical traffic patterns. Combined with IQ Routes data (discussed later in this review), the GO 740 uses this information to adjust the planned route and estimated arrival time accordingly.

Note that you must have an active LIVE subscription and be in an area of GPRS cellular coverage in order to receive traffic updates.

Figure 58: Traffic Alert Displayed on Map Screen

Traffic information is updated at regular intervals. If an alert is received that will impact the planned route, the GO 740 displays an alert on the map screen, as shown above in figure 58. The vertical bar on the right of the map (circled in the figure above) represents the start and end of the trip. Figure 58 shows that the GO 740 has received a traffic alert 5.4 miles ahead on the planned route.

Tapping the alert icon will display more detailed information about the problem, and offer an option to re-route around the problem area

Figure 59: Traffic Delay Details

Traffic alerts include the distance from your current location to the problem, how far backed up traffic is, and an estimate of how long a delay the traffic will cause (2 minutes in this example).

Figure 60: Show Traffic On Route

It's also possible to display the traffic conditions along the planned route. This view provides an easy, visual way to see what kind of traffic can be expected on the route, and lets you scroll through each traffic alert, avoiding any road you'd prefer to route around instead of driving through. Note that the GO 740 will automatically offer an alternate route if a severe traffic alert is received.

Figure 61: TomTom LIVE Services do not Work Abroad or in an Area Without Coverage

If you lose cellular signal coverage, the GO 740 displays an alert notifying you that LIVE services do not work without cellular coverage.

Figure 62: Change Traffic Preferences

It's not enabled by default, but if you prefer to hear an audible alert whenever the a traffic alert is received that will impact your planned route, you can do so by checking the "Beep when traffic situation on route changes" checkbox in the Traffic preferences.

Figure 63: Replanning Preferences

You can adjust the GO 740's behavior when a traffic alert is received. The default setting is to display an alert and ask you what you want to do. You can also set the GO 740 to automatically switch to the better route, or to never change the planned route.

4.3 Fuel Prices

Figure 64: TomTom Services

Another handy TomTom LIVE service is Fuel Prices, available via the TomTom Services menu. Fuel Prices allows you to view local gas prices at the pump.

Figure 65: Choose Fuel Type

The first time you launch Fuel Prices, the GO 740 asks you to enter what type of fuel you'd like to see pricing information for. Choose whichever type of gas you normally purchase at the pump and tap Done.

Figure 66: Downloading Fuel Prices

Downloading Fuel Prices typically takes 5 to 10 seconds. Wait for the download to finish...

Figure 67: Fuel Prices

The Fuel Prices menu, shown above, displays the following options:

• Cheapest on Route - Only shown when navigating to a destination. The icon displays the dollar amount for the cheapest gasoline (premium, in this case since I chose to view premium gas prices) available on the current planned route
• Cheapest nearby - Finds the cheapest gas near your current location
• Cheapest in area - Finds the cheapest gas within a larger radius than the "nearby" option
• Find by distance - Lets you specify how far away from your current location you'd like to search for gas prices (i.e. 20 miles)
• Find by price - Lets you specify a maximum price you're willing to pay, and then search for gas stations that have gas at or below that price
• Change fuel type - Lets you change the selected fuel grade

Figure 68: Fuel Prices Search Results

Tap any gas station listed in the results to view additional details, and/or begin navigating there.