Dec 06/Jan 07

Lack of available units meant our reviewer was unable to include a TomTom unit when doing the research for this issue's group satnav test (see page 14). However, when a supplier dominates the market to the extent that TomTom does, we felt we really wanted to cover it somehow, so we managed to get hold of one of its products after the review was completed, and our solution is to feature here in our regular product evaluation slot.

Our impression

We've used the same criteria as in the group test, which should make it easier for you to compare this with the other units described there. We used our TomTom Go 710 on several trips in the UK, and even took it on a trip to Spain to check out the European mapping data.

The Go 710 is the middle unit in the three-model Go range. It has the advantage of including Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, but the remote control and audio cable (standard with the 910) are optional on this model.

 

Like all TomTom units, the 710 is a solidly built unit, with secure home and windscreen docks that incorporate the electrical and communications cables. The high-quality touch screen was easy to read even in very bright sunshine, and has brightness control and a night-use option. Voices can be computer-generated, or human. There was a choice of male or female voice instruction.

There is an impressive range of options to choose from. Apart from the usual journey preferences, you can personalise the unit by selecting, for example, exactly how much information is displayed on the screen at once, including the number of satellites in view (usually between three and five, in our experience). Of more practical use, perhaps, is real-time information on the estimated arrival time, distance still to go, and distance to the next navigation point. This last feature is useful on a long motorway journey, for example, when you might want to know the next point at which you might go wrong.

The unit is preloaded with safety camera alerts, and there is a countdown from 600 metres before the camera. One of the options you can subscribe to is for regular safety camera updates. Our device came with a free one-month trial of TomTom Traffic, a real-time traffic information service that also requires a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone with a GPRS or EDGE connection.

The screen shows road conditions clearly, with current speeds, and you can decide to be re-routed around any delay. All the map data is held on an SD memory card that slots in the bottom of the unit. The map data (supplied by TeleAtlas) was very good, with basic street names shown even in 3D format. Points of interest include parking, fuel stations and cash dispensers. These can be personalised and updated via the TomTom Web site.

The TomTom 710 also incorporates hands-free mobile calling facility. You simply establish a Bluetooth connection between the TomTom and up to five mobile phones. To make or receive a call you tap the mobile phone icon on the main menu. Because the TomTom is located in the windscreen, tapping the screen is actually less of a distraction from driving than using a conventional hands-free phone - no taking your eyes away from the screen to look at the mobile or to fiddle with the earpiece.

You receive calls by tapping the screen. The unit can be programmed to answer every call automatically after a certain time, using the phone preferences menu.

Our verdict

The Go 710 is a user-friendly satnav system with a wide choice of preferences. The key drawback is that you can't set the type of vehicle, so it won't exclude narrow roads or roads with low bridges that would be unsuitable even for medium-sized trucks. This is partly because truck-friendly navigation systems are only now being developed.

TomTom Go 710 Specification

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