TomTom GO 740TM LIVE 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Over a period of about three months, we (my family and I) bought and used the following three GPS systems in various locations in Texas and under varying driving conditions:
1. Garmin nuvi 1690 nuLink
2. Garmin nuvi 3790T
3. TomTom Go 740TM Live
Here is what we observed:
1. The Garmin nuvi 1690 nuLink has the best POI/White Pages/Google search system and decent Traffic information (minus any I.Q. Route or nuRoute to take into consideration varying driving patterns by day of week or time of day). Menus are very easy to use. Includes paid cellular (nuLink) traffic capabilities.
2. The Garmin nuvi 3790T has a "Pretty Face". On looks alone, the 3790T will win any GPS beauty contest. However, over the course of about a month of driving, mostly in a high traffic metroplex locations, nothing stood out that would indicate that the nuRoute traffic feature was making any significant difference in routing. Searches are based on built-in POI only, no Google search, etc. No cellular traffic (nuLink) capability for traffic reporting in "off the beaten path" driving locations. Menus are very easy to use.
3. The TomTom Go 740TM Live is a real "Work horse" when it comes to traffic handling. Its I.Q. routes, combined with superior traffic handling software (what it can do with the traffic data it receives), make it stand out head and shoulders above the other GPS systems we tested. When it comes to "good looking" maps, the Garmin products have it beat, but not to the point of not letting you know exactly where you are at the moment, and where you are going next. Menus are a bit cumbersome, but the fine tuning capabilities that the system allows is superior to the other GPS systems we tested. Finally, the combined use of the "T" on the TomTom (free lifetime traffic) and the "Live" (paid cellular traffic) offers a very complete traffic coverage system. When one of the traffic systems (T or Live) loses its signal, the other takes over without missing a beat. None of the other GPS systems we tested (with nuLink or with T only) have this capability. The "M" on the TomTom (free lifetime Maps) is another plus.
We decided to keep the TomTom Go 740TM Live system. By the way, unlike the experiences reported by some, we compared the Customer Services of both TomTom and Garmin, and did not find any significant difference between the two. Thirty minute wait times on the phone were not uncommon on either, and usefulness of information seemed to depend on which agent answered the phone.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom GO 740TM LIVE 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition)

The TomTom GO 740·TM LIVE is ultimate widescreen navigation featuring Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates, and so much more. Real-time information saves you time, money and stress. The TomTom GO 740·TM LIVE automatically accesses live traffic feeds, updated fuel prices, Local Search powered by Google, Weather, and more--so you can stay in the know on the go. Real-time LIVE services work right out of the box via a built-in wireless data connection.* Three months of service included.


You'll always outsmart traffic with Lifetime Traffic Updates. Based on incoming traffic events, your device will suggest alternate routes to minimize delays. And, with Lifetime Map Updates you'll always drive with the latest and most accurate maps. On average, 15% of the road network changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With the GO 740·TM LIVE with Lifetime Traffic Updates and Maps, you'll always stay current.

Just enter your destination address with voice recognition or on the touchscreen and start driving anywhere in the US and Canada. The TomTom GO 740·TM LIVE guides you door to door with turn-by-turn spoken instructions, including street names.

Only TomTom has IQ Routes Technology which shaves time off even the shortest trips by calculating the fastest route based on the time of day you are traveling. You'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. Advanced Lane Guidance* uses photorealistic images to show you exactly which lane to take in complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.

With TomTom Map Share you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds and turn restrictions on your own device. The "Help Me!" menu lets you easily access local emergency providers. And, the GO 740·TM LIVE makes driving even safer with Bluetooth handsfree calling***.

The TomTom GO 740·TM LIVE is the ultimate connected car navigator.

LIVE Services (3 months included) Save time, money and stress with real-time information.

TomTom Traffic--View live, real-time traffic information on your TomTom GO.
Fuel Prices--Get the latest fuel prices on your route or in your area. Locate the lowest priced fuel and navigate directly to it.
Local Search powered by Google--Find countless shops and businesses wherever you are and navigate directly there.
Weather--Your TomTom GO receives local and five-day forecasts so you can make plans based on the latest weather.
Safety Camera Alerts--Know where safety cameras are located for safer, more relaxed driving.

Lifetime Traffic & Map Updates Enjoy a lifetime of easy driving with two great features from TomTom. LIFETIME Maps guarantees you receive four new editions of your TomTom map each year to ensure that you are always navigating with the industry's most up-to-date map. And, LIFETIME Traffic sends updates to your TomTom every three minutes, so you can always steer clear of traffic delays and take the fastest route possible to your destination.

Maps of US & Canada with TomTom Map Share Preloaded with maps of the US and Canada. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device and receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the US and Canada, worry free.

Voice Recognition Speak instructions to your GO 740 LIVE with over 130 commands.

Spoken Street Names Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names.

Bluetooth Handsfree Calling Make and answer phone calls safely while driving, with your compatible Bluetooth mobile phone.

IQ Routes Technology TomTom IQ Routes Technology puts the driving experience of millions of TomTom users into your maps to shave time off even the shortest trips. Calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. IQ Routes saves you time, fuel and money.

Traffic isn't the same during Monday morning rush hour as it is on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heavy traffic, rotaries, traffic lights, and even pedestrians can slow you down. The route you need changes depending on the day and time, so the shortest route isn't necessarily going to be the fastest. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the fastest route.

Advanced Lane Guidance* TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make sudden, dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently.

*Feature only available in the US and Canada**Feature available in the US only***Compatible mobile phone required.

All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.

30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.

TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.

Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.

TomTom HOME--Always up to date.

Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

What's in the Box GO 740TM live device, windshield mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger with integrated traffic, and user guide with lifetime maps voucher

About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

We have our own mapping company! Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.

Why TomTom? At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.

Click here for more information about TomTom GO 740TM LIVE 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic & Maps Edition)

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TomTom GO 2405TM 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I liked this product a lot. The interface is smooth and it navigates very well to most destinations. I tested it driving around town for a couple of days and also included a longer trip. The only miscues I had were: (1) it thought a store I found through the POI was about a half mile further down the road than it was; and (2) from a parking lot, it wanted me to drive through the woods to reach a nearby highway (instead of driving out to the main road).
I have built in navigation systems in my wife's Honda Pilot and my BMW M3. This easily blows both of those systems out of the water. I see myself taking this with me when traveling to avoid using the rental car systems.
There were some unexpected pros to this:
- I loved the windshield mount and the way the cord attaches to the mount while the unit attaches through magnets - very clean and easy to take in and out of the car.
- the telephone bluetooth integration is perfect. It easily works with my blackberry 9700, downloaded my phonebook and easily routed my calls. It also will read emails and text messages for me.
- the speaker is very loud and the voices are easy to understand
- the battery lasts (nearly) forever - I would easily consider taking a weekend trip only running on batteries.
Some cons:
- the traffic integration is terrible. It only works when connected through the DC cord (not on battery - it seems the transceiver is part of the cord), and it takes forever to locate a Clear Channel traffic signal (I live outside NYC, with tons of high power Clear Channel signals nearby). The unit also seems to include downloaded traffic, but that appears limited to ongoing construction and known congestion (the kind that is always there) - not an accident on the highway.
- the screen is beautiful under ideal conditions, but is highly reflective and not good at an angle. It found myself constantly adjusting it when driving down the highway in bright sunlight.
- I couldn't figure out how to keep it zoomed out. On long trips (a few hours), I like to keep my navigation zoomed out so you can really see your progress. This keeps automatically zooming in each time there is one of those "stay in the left lane to stay on the highway" directions.
A note for bikers - the unit includes the ability to navigate for walking or biking too. However, there is absolutely no way I could figure to mount this to a bike. There is nothing on the unit itself to attach a zip tie or anything, and I could not locate a bike mount that would work with the magnet attachment this requires.
Overall, this is a great unit and TomTom has done a great job with the interface and (most) routing. I deducted one star (would be one and a half if possible) for the traffic integration and the screen reflections.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom GO 2405TM 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps

The TomTom GO 2405TM offers Superior Driving Intelligence with Lifetime Traffic & Map Updates. Complete with premium maps of the US, Canada & Mexico, you can navigate to virtually any address – including over 7 million points of interest, like gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more. With TomTom maps, you have one million more miles of mapped road in the US than you would using other GPS brands – making TomTom maps the most accurate and dependable in the industry.

Click here for more information about TomTom GO 2405TM 4.3-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps

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TomTom GO 2535TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I like all the information that is displayed on screen, although I think it can be grouped a little bit better. I like being able to see the POI's on the screen.
Magnetic mount works good, traffic avoidance was great. The unit kept me up to date on whether I was taking the best route to avoid the traffic.
However, I very much disliked having to press a button to activate the voice control. The Garmin 2460LMT lets me say "Voice Command" and automatically comes on. As much as I would like to keep this, the Garmin voice control feature wins out.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom GO 2535TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps

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TomTom GO 2505TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using TomTom Car Navigation products for several years now. This is my 4th unit. The last unit I possessed was the 'TomTom GO 740 Live'. So I was excited about the newest offering from this company. Having used this product for a few days, here's my 2 cents.. (please remember, this is being reviewed in relation to other TomTom products. I am not comparing this to units from other manufacturers)
The Good..
** This unit is sleeker and better looking than any of the previous models.
** The 5" screen makes a world of difference compared to the 4.3" inches on most other models. So if you can, opt for the 2505 and not the 2405.
** The screen is brighter than other models. Seems to hold well in bright sunlight.
** Very crisp and pleasing visuals. The text and graphics are sharper and more responsive.
** Extremely quick planning and re-planning of routes - that's the new Turbo Routing feature. Works pretty well.
** The car dock is very innovative. Sturdier and better mechanics. The magnetic process needs a little getting used to, especially when undocking.
** The automatic time zone setting for the Clock is a nice feature.
** Comes with Lifetime Map updates and Traffic.
The Bad...
** There is no docking station! You need to plug the USB cable manually for syncing/charging with the PC.
** For Traffic updates, the unit needs to be plugged into the car charger since the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver is integrated into the car charging cable.
** No LIVE services. So if you need Google service or latest gas prices, you are out of luck.
** No memory card slot. So if you run over the 4GB limit, better start deleting stuff.
** No FM transmitter. No option to play voice through the the radio.
** No music player.
** No compass option.
** Comes preloaded with only 1 English 'Computer' voice - 'Stephanie'. No options to download Voices!! Seriously, TomTom??!! (Update: TomTom says more will be available soon. No timeline yet).

The Ugly..
** As others have documented, no customization is possible - yet. Cannot update/download Voices, POIs, Maps, Color Schemes etc. You live with what comes pre-loaded. No timeline on when options would be available.
And a couple of irritants:
** The 'next street name' that displays at the top right hand corner is too small to read relative to everything else on the screen.
** When making a phone call using the unit's bluetooth, the call status bar at the top blocks the 'next street name'. And you can't get rid of that status bar until you hang up. That's pretty dumb.
In short, this is not quite a step up from the 740 as I had expected. The focus here seems to have been on the style, not much on the substance. Having used this for a couple of weeks now, I've grown to like it. Extremely efficient and accurate. If you're looking for a product that can accurately and efficiently get you from Point A to Point B, this is the one for you.
This seems like a product that was rushed into the US market without the proper support structure behind it. This is the US version of the TomTom 'Go LIVE 1005' launched recently in Europe. The customer service reps know very little about this product. There are no User Manuals online yet. The PC sync to the web-based MyTomTom is an utter joke.
Bottom line, if I had to do it all over again, I'd stick with the 740 until TomTom gets its act together on this one.



Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom GO 2505TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps

The TomTom GO 2505TM offers Superior Driving Intelligence with Lifetime Traffic & Map UpdatesΔ. Complete with premium maps of the US, Canada & Mexico, you can navigate to virtually any address – including over 7 million points of interest, like gas stations, restaurants, hotels and more. With TomTom maps, you have one million more miles of mapped road in the US than you would using other GPS brands – making TomTom maps the most accurate and dependable in the industry.Sleek New DesignThe GO 2505TM boasts a slim design, crisp, sharp graphics & intuitive user menus. And, using gestures on the 2505TM\'s sleek 5.0" glass touchscreen, you can easily swipe your finger to move from screen to screen, or pinch-to- zoom, for easy map viewing.Bluetooth and MoreMake and answer calls safely while driving with your compatible Bluetooth mobile phone, on your TomTom GO 2505TM. See incoming call information, make and answer calls and talk hands-free easily through your TomTom. Navigation functions will operate without interruption. And, with Voice Recognition, you can relax and let your hands stay on the wheel – TomTom responds to 130 different verbal commands, making navigation easier and safer than ever.Lifetime Traffic and Map Updates IncludedAlways outsmart delays with Lifetime Traffic. The TomTom 2505TM receives live traffic updates automatically to give you the most up-to-date traffic information available. As soon as a delay is found on your route, TomTom will alert you and, if you choose, will automatically re-route you to an alternative, faster route. And, only TomTom has IQ Routes, an exclusive technology that evaluates routes based on actual traffic speeds, rather than static, posted speed limits; TomTom will recommend the fastest route for the time of day, so you\'ll always be directed to the quickest, most-efficient route. TomTom is the only GPS with the technology to grow more intelligent each day. While other GPS devices remain static reporters of programmed information, TomTom devices are dynamic and ensure that your maps are always up to date. TomTom\'s Lifetime Map Updates let you start fresh every few months by downloading our latest full map edition, while TomTom Map Share On-Demand Updates lets you download verified updates from other drivers in between the full map releases, and as often as you wish. You\'ll never miss your exit with Advanced Lane Guidance; enhanced graphics show you exactly which lane to take in complex multi-lane situations. Secure your GO 2505TM to your windshield or dash, using the click & lock magnetic mount.What's in the BoxGO 2505TM PND with pre-loaded maps, Fold & Go EasyPort mount, USB cable, car charger with integrated traffic, adhesive disk, documentation, and redemption code for Lifetime Maps
All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.

30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.

TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.

Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.

TomTom HOME--Always up to date.

Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

We have our own mapping company! Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.

Why TomTom? At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.

Click here for more information about TomTom GO 2505TM 5-Inch Portable Bluetooth GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps

Read More...