
I bought this and returned the Navigon 7100 (see my review on the 7100, which was 4 star).
The reason I initially decided to try this unit was the ability to update the maps by connecting to my computer and then to their website. This of course is a great feature - it allows me to get map corrections on a regular basis, plus loading photos, music, and backing up everything to my computer (and downloading new voices, etc etc). What I did not expect was the software updates... WOW! New features suddenly appeared! Really nice ones.
Once I started playing around with the unit, it became clear that they had a much better user interface than the Navigon - one simple enough that you really didn't need a user's manual to use, with a few rare exceptions for uncommon functions I actually have never used (but played with). Bravo to TomTom for a great user interface!
For images, if you upload larger images, you can zoom in and drag the image around to look at the details. Somewhat like an iPhone, but for zooming, press the + in the upper right corner to zoom in, or - in the upper left corner to zoom out. Very nice!
I like the way the cell phone connection is automatic, and that you can transfer your contact list to select from on the touch-screen. However, what they don't allow at this time is to use the voice command function of the phone - i.e., you can't connect to the phone unless you provide a number to dial, either manually, or by selecting from the contact list. I hope they add this feature in the future.
I like the "quick menu" feature - access by a single touch to selected menu items. I like the graphic menu - a set of icons with text - very large, easy to see, no problem accidentally touching the wrong one. I like the compass display - you can configure it under settings in different ways. I like the "avoid" capability - where you can set it to avoid certain routes.
There are a number of features I can't use, which require a data connection in my phone. This includes weather and traffic updates, fuel prices, and buddies. I plan to purchase an iPhone, and hope it will work with that... if so, that will add to the functionality significantly.
The speed of acquiring GPS, and the 5-bar signal strength indicator are very helpful. This unit is sensitive enough to work even in some parking garages, and in most homes with wood construction.
The display brightness can be set to automatically adjust to the light level - very nice. You can browse the map, and view the map in 3D or 2D. You can make map corrections, which will get uploaded the next time you connect to your computer. You can download maps you need into the unit (such as a Europe map, if you plan to travel to Europe). Multiple language support as well (I only use English, but you can also have British and Austrailian voices if you wish - also male or female).
Overall, a great buy - highly recommended!Get more detail about TomTom GO 720 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator.


No comments:
Post a Comment