Customer Reviews

TomTom GO 730T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Receiver

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I have the 720. The 730 has only minor improvements once you update the 720...so I thought I would tell about one feature that is a problem... Maybe TomTom will fix this if they see that it drives away (no pun intended) potential customers.

The features and operation of the TomTom Go series are amazing... I think they are much better than Garmin or my built in volvo navtek system EXCEPT FOR ONE IMPORTANT FEATURE:

You can't search with a street address (and state) only. You MUST have the town name or you won't get a result. This is a problem in suburbs where every mile or so, there is a different town name...names that even the people that live there don't know because they go by the Metro area name. If you don't know the name of that small suburb, you are stuck. All the other makers allow you to put in the state and street name and then let you pick from a list of results from each jurisdiction.

They need to fix this. I cannot fathom why they would leave you out in the cold like this. If you use this, make sure you know in advance the town name or zip code or you are stuck.

TOMTOM... fix this problem!

I think the other reviews are being unfair. One because they didn't get it with the correct map and another for voice features. As for the defective one, I think its just that. I haven't had this product for long but, all in all, it wroks great.

Finds POI's quick and reroutes you even quicker. I was taken wrong turns on purpose and within a second the 730 would find another way. The bluetoothe works pretty good, I can hear the caller perfect but the caller claims to hear me "a little distant". The window mount is decent but short. It still has yet to fall (it has been a few days), I am uprading to a gooseneck because of the length.

I love the FM transmitter, WOW, no more CD's, Ipod's or radio. I am using a Sandisk SD card 2GB so I have enough music for any roadtrip. When the 730 is about to give a direction, the music automatically mutes so you can hear the unit loud and clear, I think its a great feature.

As for the 730(T), T for traffic, I think it is totally worthless unless you live in a big city like NY or LA, plus you need to upgrade your cell phone plan to include unlimited Data otherwise you'll be charge through the roof. The 730T will keep your phone busy getting up to the minute info. The only reason why I got it was because the 730 and 730T where the same price, so I though - "what the heck, something for free"

For now I highly recommend the GO730, otherwise I would not have taken the time to write such a long review. If I do start having problems, I will definately update this review.

UPDATE: After a year of use and a few trips with directions that were way off... not to mention this crazy thing can't even set it's own clock?
You would think with advanced as it is it would be able to do that or at least know when you change into a new time zone and automatically adjust the time but No it doesn't...
The software used with your computer gets this thing so messed up I've spent many hours resetting this thing after it sits unused for a couple of months. I really cannot go into just how much I now hate this thing...
This TomTom is the worst. I hate this worthless paperweight.
Sucks... I would never ever recommend a TOmTom. Stay away...


my earlier review from lst year:

Not a bad GPS, has alot of features. However if I had to pay full price I'd look for something else. Since I got it for a very good deal with Amazon Christmas sale it was a good choice but with all things being equal I would think you'd be better off with a Garmin. I bought an SD card to give me more space to store MP3's and it doesn't work correctly. It won't play and it lists the songs as being there twice (which they are not), so who knows what's up with that... Support line closes too early.
The software that comes with it which says you can send map info from Google maps doesn't work and many of the advanced features just plain don't work from my Mac, that's a bit disappointing. All and all it seems to do a pretty good job although it doesn't get anywhere near the supposed 5 hours battery life... more like 2.5 hours at best... but that's generally good for around town... The pluses are it is very customizable so you can put your own car on there as your icon if you like and it has the traffic feature and you can talk hands-free w/ your cell although people tell me it's hard to hear me...
all in all it's ok but not great but from what I read almost none of these different GPS's are perfect...
so I'm giving it 3 stars...
enjoy it if you get one.

I bought this unit a few months ago as an upgrade from an older Garmin GPS that was 3-years ago.

Pros:
- IQ Routes - it's amazing that it can reroute you depending on time of day and historical traffic data. the Arri vial Time is gives me is usually dead on.
- Great reception - I turned on the unit inside my house, and it still picked up 3 satellites almost instantly.
- Nice customization and able to hookup to your computer to download extras

Cons:
- Not as user friendly as Garmin's - while I was able to figure it out, I wouldn't suggest this product for those get easily confused or frustrated by technology.
- Bluetooth phone support - the GPS supports very few models of phones so you can use it as a hands free device. It didn't matter much to me, but if it's important to you, check the website for list of compatable phones.
-Traffic Receiver - the traffic receiver works well, and this isn't TomTom's fault, but there is very little coverage of accidents in my area. It looks like only main interstates are supported by ClearChannel traffic. Looking back, I would have saved my money and went from the 730 without the traffic reciever.

Overall it's a very solid device and I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

TomTom 730T (Traffic)

Short Recommendation
The TomTom GO 730T works very well. While not perfect, I can highly recommend it.

Mac users
As of March 11, 2009, the TomTom HOME software DOES now work correctly on the Mac. It's taken a while, but it seems fully functional now. This is why I initially gave it 4 stars, but now I would give it five stars.

Shipping and price
Arrived late for Christmas, because it was not shipped right away. Amazon's price was the best I found on the web. I got the GO 730T because it was only a few dollars more than the GO 730 at the time. The price at Amazon changes frequently, so it pays to shop around, but also to track Amazon's price.

Instructions
The TomTom Go 730T comes with brief printed instructions, the full instruction manuals (in many languages) are on the included CD.

Connecting to a computer
Instructions say to charge the battery for two hours before using. There is a charging light, but as far as I can tell, no indication of when a full charge has been reached (the light always shows green).

Before connecting to the computer, turn the GO on, select your language and enter your location. Otherwise you will find yourself in another language.

Tip: Don't unplug the TomTom from the cradle before putting it away on the computer, just like with any other connected device.

Software
TomTom HOME on the included CD was version 2.2.2.28, several versions old. Download TomTom HOME from the web, you will get an updated version. As of this writing, on the Mac it's version 2.5.2.58. On Windows, 2.5.2.60. Web site detects which OS you have, Mac or Windows.

Tip: After installing TomTom HOME, restart it for smoother operation.

Received the message, "Congratulations! You can download a new map." It took almost six (6!) hours on my 768k connection (the new map is 2 GB).

Other updates will also download and install.

Spoken directions
There is the ability to download more voices for free. I chose "Simon", which seemed very clear, slight British accent, but my wife likes "Susan" better.

The pronunciation of street names using the UK English voice is sometimes a bit strange, and there doesn't seem to be much space between the street name and the following "Rd" "Way" etc. which makes the names sometimes hard to understand. The USA English of "Susan" was more clear than the UK English of "Simon" for street names.

Points of Interest
There are an amazing number of Points of Interest which can be downloaded, from ice cream shops, to particular stores, to zoos, shops, and so on, most for free.

Problems with the software and Customer support
TomTom HOME is now finally able to operate the GO 730 from the computer as it should using the "Operate My GO" menu on the Mac. If you get an error message saying, "This function is not yet supported for your navigation device or operating system," make sure you have downloaded the most recent software, including the update to the GO 730. Then in HOME, click on "Operate My Go." You will get a message saying that you need to download a needed file. After this, it will function correctly.

Their support team is polite, but it seems you get different answers to questions depending who you talk with. As of March 11, 2009 "Operate My Go" now works as it should.

Audio out
The documentation says you can play the audio of road directions through your car radio using a built-in FM transmitter, but that option is not available. EDIT: The most recent update in May 2009 on the GO corrected this. Now the spoken directions CAN be played through your FM radio, as long as music is also playing (it can be a silent song). MP3's stored on the device are paused during the spoken directions and resume automatically. The FM transmitter is somewhat weak, so unless your car radio's antenna is very close, you might not receive any signal (some car antenna's are mounted on the rear of the car roof).

The GO's speaker seems loud enough, and automatically adjusts to noise. I find a setting of 70% is loud enough.

It's possible to download different voices, and even record your own, which is fun for a little while. I did add my own voice saying, "Slow down!" which triggers when going over a set speed.

Map correction
There is a feature to correct the map, make changes to the names of streets and even add streets which are not on the map, and share these changes with the TomTom community. I was able to correct a misnamed street and correct a no left turn, but the addition of missing streets which were not on the map have not shown up, and even though corrected.

Sensitivity to satellite signals
The GO seems to have no difficulties at all finding signals from satellites where I have used it, and even finds them when inside my home. It starts up quickly, seems to have great sensitivity, and finds satellites even when the GO is on the passenger seat or set in the middle console. (And it worked in a commercial airplane, telling me our speed was 598 mph.)

Route Planning and directions
To try out my first route, I purposely followed a different route and ignored the TomTom's directions. The TomTom very quickly recalculated the route. And when I was "hopelessly gone astray" it politely suggested that I turn around as soon as possible.

It helpfully tells to "stay in the left lane" and gives directions nicely ahead of time for turns (I have experienced other GPS united which directed turns after the street had been passed!)

It can plan a route based on a future date and time, but this feature seems to work only in congested areas. It works fine for planning routes immediately, and also planning an itinerary with many stops.

The GO announces "You have reached your destination" a bit too early, you might be half a block away, and need to look around for the exact location. This seems to be a fault of the maps, and where they locate addresses.

The GO is able to tell if you are on the highway or on a frontage road next to the highway, it's road positioning seems very accurate, within maybe 10-12 feet.

Lane Images
One of the reasons I bought the 730 is that it shows images of the lane you need to be in on more complicated interchanges in major cities.

Mount
The device attaches to the mount very easily, which holds it firmly.

Brightness
I have read other reports which indicate the GO's brightness isn't bright enough, but I find the brightness is fine set at 80% for day, and 10% for night. The exception is if direct sunlight hits it, then it tends to wash out.

Traffic updates
The 730T (Traffic) comes with an antenna for traffic updates. When plugged in, it shows that it is able to receive road reports. While driving in Houston, TX, it reported a traffic problem 11 miles ahead with a delay of 7 minutes, which changed to a 3 minute delay as we got closer. The GO announced it did not find an alternate route. The 11 mile distance to the accident was right on, but traffic was completely stopped in all south bound lanes. The delay was much longer than 3 minutes, so we took the next exit, and let the GO figure out the changed route.

So far, I am very pleased with the TomTom 730T, and can highly recommend it.

I was very excited about the traffic info service that came with my Tomtom. However, after many phone calls to tech support (that's another story), I was told that the traffic info service is limited in some areas. The rep was short on his "some areas" statement. He redirected me to this web site [...]. The only areas where Tomtom traffic works are represented by red dots. In California, there are only six red dots. There are states with no dots at all. If you're planning to buy any Tomtom xxxT, better check that map first.

I have GPS built in to my car and use it often, especially for information such as services available at the next exit etc. My wife and I go scootering on Sundays and take all the back roads to our destination. I was printing directions from Google Maps but they are cumbersome to read on a scooter (pull it out, unfold, read next step, fold, put away). From the description, I thought I could plan the route on Google maps and upload it to the TomTom but it will only take the destination from Google and plan its' own route. I also liked the ability to choose the mode of travel and max speed, expecting it to select mostly back roads for a bicycle or 25mph but there is hardly a difference in the route when neither involves a highway. Planning a route turn-by-turn on the TomTom is too tedious. I take it with me now just in case we get lost. The quality of the unit is good but be careful...it seems many of these get returned and you are likely to get one already set for some foreign language. Mine was set to the Middle East somewhere and it took some time to reset everything.

I recently purchased the Tomtom Go 730t, thanks Amazon for the fast shipping.
So far the Tomtom Go 730t has been Excellent. I would of given it 5 stars but the battery power is absolutely horrible. On a full charge it didn't even last 2 hours. So if you leave home on Battery power, make sure you plug that thing in. That is my only beef with this product is it's astoundingly bad battery life. My iPhone 3GS on google maps gps driving around Portland would outlast the Tomtom.
Features wise: The Tomtom Go 730t Rocks
The downloads are excellent, no more basic boring green arrow. Or staring at my iPhone screen with only a blue line to follow. Now Im driving a hot yellow corvette. And that hot british girl with an accent is much better. Plenty of free downloads for this thing. Some have up to 100 plus pages of stuff, voices, arrow to cars to what ever for your screen. Now this 730t also came with the rds-traffic antenna which works pretty dam good in Portland and Washington area. It gives me plenty of notice when I need to get off on an exit, and tells me again when I am approaching the exit quickly. Excellent. I've tried to confuse it by purposely taking a wrong route. So far it re-routes pretty quickly, usually less than 10-20 seconds. I was suprised that my speed shows up in Red when I was going faster than the speed limit..LOL a nice little warning I guess but I like to drive fast. So far I haven't seen the Speed Trap icon pop up on the screen.
I have tried using the voice address input, didn't work so great. It only worked when it was dead silent and I had to almost hold it like my phone.
The Bluetooth feature works well with the iPhone 3GS, I had no problems pairing the two. And it shows up well on the screen who is calling, the option to ignore or answer is great. I haven't programed it through the speakers yet but Im sure that will work pretty good.
I bought a brand new macbook pro, Tomtom Home installed no problem from the site, for some reason the cd would not load on my pc or mac. I did have a magellan roadmate 1440 which was a pretty good product. But the Tomtom 730t has got it beat just on features alone. It actually allowed me to fix a POI on the map. So the edit feature is cool if something is off on the map.
So far a continuing excellent product all except that battery life. But that's why I have the adapter for the car.
I would recommend this product to anyone. And I will probably contact Tomtom about the battery life to see if this is normal.

Not sure, why people criticize it so much.
This is a sleek and solid performing piece of electronics.
GPS reception is fast, interface is by far better than Garmin's, so many cool features that really work!
FM transmitter, Bluetooth, Line out, traffic receiver YOU NAME IT.
I've tried the Mio, Garmin, TomTom One and now the GO 730T. it is by far one of the best.
If you like gadgets and clearer instructions with top-notch map update software go with TomTom.
For a simplistic, basic, super dull interface, overpriced unit with a myth of having a more accurate US driving directions go with Garmin.
If you like technology beyond the fact of getting from A to B, go with TomTom.

i would ask only for a couple of things:
1. Power-on/off should be triggered by the lighter charger (it's not!)
2. Clear route should be at the first screen, TomTom fix it already!
3. TMC traffic should have been built in without that silly antenna cable. (but if you have a supported phone with a data plan that should work)

Growing up as a sailboat racer, I've been using GPS systems since their inception and before in the LORAN days. Garmin has always been the big name in GPS, IMO. With that said, I've owned a few Garmin automobile GPS units, and purchased the Blackberry Storm Garmin software.

Garmin units lock onto satellites exceptionally quickly. Honestly, I think that they may have leave a bit of power to stay connected to the satellites since it is available to route immediately. Garmin routes in my opinion have been slightly better than TomTom routing. My wife has a TomTom unit, and on occasion we'll leave from a same location and each GPS takes us different ways, and I almost ALWAYS beat her home with the Garmin.

What I don't like about Garmin units:
1. No QWERTY keyboard, at least not on the models I've used/purchased.
2. Detours. This is my biggest complaint about Garmin. You cannot go into the menu and say Detour so far ahead into your route. It makes an immediate detour based on where you are currently located. This detour gets you around your current location only, and will not calculate an effective route around say for example, an accident! You have to just start driving in a direction away from the accident and eventually after listening to a lot of make U-Turn directions, it'll get to a point that it makes a new route. The Blackberry Garmin software didn't even allow detouring, only (auto) detour around where it had traffic coverage. Not sure how they handle this in a traffic enabled device.

This is a perfect segue into where the TomTom excels. TomTom's interface will allow you to detour around a given distance ahead in your planned route. Another alternative is to calculate an alternative route. With the TMC-RDC traffic updates, this should largely be handled automatically. However there are still occasions where incidents will have happened before it makes it to the traffic reports, or a localized road closure has a road closed.

I prefer the TomTom interface of entering an address where it presents the possibilities instead of you having to type in a full address like on the Garmin. I was quite surprised with how well the spoken address function worked with the TomTom. I can click on the Navigate to - Spoken address and speak my commands, and it has so far been 100% successful in understanding my speech, requiring no typing at all!

My TomTom gripes:
1. Mounting mechanism. My wife's older TomTom 510 always falls from the dash. In the few days that I've had this mounted, it has already fallen a couple times. I have an issue with a car that requires a dealer visit. After they complete the headliner removal, I will likely put in a different mounting system alleviating the falling issue.

2. Traffic cable. The Garmin units build this FM receiver into the power cable. The TomTom requires a separate cable run which is akin to an antennae. So I have this long cable suction cupped around my dashboard. Again when I take down the headliner, I'll be hiding this under there.

3. Cable connections into the device. All cables connect into the bottom of the device. However they don't give 90 degree angled cables, so there is a lot of space required at the base of the unit.