TomTom GO 930, GO 730 make their debut

(Credit: TomTom)

Today, TomTom added two new models to its GO series of portable navigation systems: the TomTom GO 930 and the TomTom GO 730. Both GPS devices feature enhanced user interfaces with new icons and a technology called Alfa Blending that claims to deliver smoother graphics. Beyond the aesthetics, the GO 930 and 730 offer more navigation functions to help drivers get to their destination faster and safely.

First, there's TomTom IQ Routes, which provides more "intelligent" routing based on the historical average speeds of a road during the weekday and weekends. In other words, it gives you a more accurate idea of driving and arrival time, and it also gives you the opportunity to find an alternate route--perhaps a little rush hour relief? Both GPS devices also have advanced lane guidance functions, more specifically lane separation and 3D renderings of complex junctions. Lane separation displays onscreen the number of lanes and which lane you should be in for your upcoming turn, among other things. And for particularly complicated intersections, you'll get a 3D image of what the area looks like as well as sign post information to give you a better idea of what's ahead. Having tested some portable navigation systems that just tell you to "Take the next exit" on a multiexit highway, this is a welcome and useful addition (though not new, see Navigon 7100 review) in my opinion.

Other highlights of the TomTom GO 930 and 730 are voice command functionality, including address entry, text-to-speech directions, integrated Bluetooth, and TomTom Map Share. The difference between the two models is the GO 930 comes preloaded with maps of North America and Europe, while the GO 730 is North America only. The expected ship date of the devices is April 29, but pricing was not available at press time.

[Dreldragon]

A new technology named "Alfa Blending"?

Is that when you stick a Alfa Romeo in a Blendtec[tm] blender and hit frappe?<br /><br />I think what you meant was "alpha blending", and it's a technique that's been around since, well, a long time (at least in computer terms). Pretty much all real transparency effects on a computer rely on alpha blending.

[Dreldragon]

A new technology named "Alfa Blending"?

Is that when you stick a Alfa Romeo in a Blendtec[tm] blender and hit frappe?<br /><br />I think what you meant was "alpha blending", and it's a technique that's been around since, well, a long time (at least in computer terms). Pretty much all real transparency effects on a computer rely on alpha blending.

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

Whoa! Alpha blending. Never heard of it

Poor Bonnie, she must be embarrassed. I can't imagine how hard it must be hard when your readers dis you. Look on the bright side I often get a good laugh with some of the articles passing something old as groundbreaking. Keep writing, you'll do better next time because of this.

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

Whoa! Alpha blending. Never heard of it

Poor Bonnie, she must be embarrassed. I can't imagine how hard it must be hard when your readers dis you. Look on the bright side I often get a good laugh with some of the articles passing something old as groundbreaking. Keep writing, you'll do better next time because of this.

[RubiJeeper]

The TT GO 730 hardware works OK but the suction cup attachment is inadequate and don't buy a refurbished TomTom. When they say factory refurbished, they mean it was returned to the factory to fix the broken HARDWARE but they DID NOT UPDATE the original dated map software (mine was 18 months old when I received it). It will cost more to purchase the map update than if purchased new with current maps. The other disadvantage with a refurbed TT is that you only get half the warranty. This is precisely the situation with my purchase. This is my second TT and when I wrote the company about the price disconnect between buying new vs. refurbed, they blew me off three times. Bottom Line: If this is how they treat loyal repeat customers, it is the last they will see of me--next time I will buy a Garmin. <br />Remember: Refurbished means HARDWARE ONLY, software will be old/outdated and the warranty will be reduced as well.