TomTom GO 720 Portable GPS Unit - Features
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Features
This device has a whole host of nice features, most of which you would expect to see in any other portable GPS device. However, it does have some cool new features not currently offered in comparable units, so I would like to focus on them.
One of the new features in the GO 720 is TomTom's exclusive Map Sharing technology, which should help keep maps more current with frequent updates of road closures, new roads, and construction. This new technology works by the user actually inputting this data into their own GO 720, and then the next time they connect to their PC/Mac, the information will be updated on the Map Sharing Network. Other TomTom users can then upload the most current information from other users and/or from TomTom to their own devices.
The immediate concern with this feature is of people putting false or inaccurate information into the system, and thus making other people's devices inaccurate. There is a solution to this dilemma, though, because the user can choose to not upload changes made by other users in the network. Each user can specify that they would like to only receive updates from TomTom, and thus updates to maps will be more reliable and accurate.
One of the other new features of the TomTom GO 720 is the "Help Me" button. When this button is pushed, the device will show you where the nearest police station, hospital, etc. is located. This can be a great feature to have in emergency situations.
The navigation features of the GO 720 are pretty standard. You get text-to-speech functionality, as well as the option of 2-D or 3-D maps. You get a variety of ways to search for destinations including by point of interest, address, or intersection. The map will display distance and estimated time of arrival on the screen along with the directions. The GO 720 will also recalculate your route if you accidentally take a wrong turn, although the new routes aren't always very accurate. This device will calculate a new route to bypass traffic or road closures as well.
This device does support Bluetooth for hands-free calling via the microphone on the front of the unit. When someone calls you, it will show up on the screen, and you can choose to accept the call or not answer it. The Bluetooth feature is only compatible with a select number of cell phones, so you should check the TomTom website to see whether or not yours is compatible. The Bluetooth feature may also be used to transmit the optional real-time traffic information and weather service through the device. The traffic kit must be purchased separately for $129.95, and there is also a yearly subscription fee of $24.95 for this service.
One of my favorite features of the GO 720 is the FM transmitter which allows the user to play music in the device through the car's speaker system. You can put a ton of music into the Go 720 thanks to the memory card slot, and the device will transmit it through an unused FM station. The route directions will continue while using the device as a music player.
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